Minutes:
The Chairman reported an expected increase in Dover’s population over the next 20 years from 43,000 to 59,000 including an increase in the proportion of older people.
3.1 Derek Hall – KCC Planning Manager for East Kent Adult Social Services spoke about Kent’s Strategy for Later Life and responsibility for all older people in Kent which brought together all agencies in delivering services.
· this strategy provides over-arching framework for all others and provides means for public to hold service providers to account if not delivering in accordance with strategy;
· draft document being considered by editorial panel of older people and applications to serve on panel or be part of consultation should be made to debra.exall@kent.gov.uk
· final strategy to be ready by end of 2008, has 5 themes: value later life; planning for a secure old age; healthy communities; learning and independent living
· preparation needed for retirement; specific actions needed on dementia, sensory impairment, advocacy, support for carers, residential/nursing care when necessary.
· should there be a parliament for older people?
3.2 Ruth Ridley – Care Navigator with INVOKE project explained her role:
· since November 2007 has contacted 250 people in District 50% of which were over 70; she reaches into communities providing information, promoting services and collating evidence for viability;
· post is attached to Age Concern, funded by Dept. of Health and designed to help people address their own needs by explaining what help is available and helping to choose what is right for them;
· referrals dealt with occupational therapy, physio, mobility issues, allowance and benefit entitlement and cases in rural areas, with nearly 100% success rate for benefit claims; life changing impact from receipt of allowances.
· more volunteers needed to help with transport, befriending, etc.
3.3 Jane Meehan – Community Information & Liaison Assistant with INVOKE project:
· purpose of role to promote health and wellbeing and signpost people to resources available in District;
· undertaking pilot project to create an Information Directory of associations, activities, services, etc. to be available at specific hubs for all to access in addition to being on website;
· information needed from communities and Parish Councils to update directory regularly but distribution of directory limited by resources available to constantly update – at present only one person and low budget;
· confirmation recently received that project will continue for further year after March 2009;
· posters and leaflets available to be taken and distributed.
3.4 Chris Tough – Senior Citizens’ Forum:
· 100 members in 2 years with support from newsletters and meetings, is free to join;
· different areas visited to find out what is needed and encourage more volunteers;
· helping older people to use computers with free internet use for 3 months on a trial basis and IT support;
· asked permission to contact those attending the Forum with information.
3.5 Discussion points:
· Why is dementia increasing? Mainly due to more people living to greater age; more treatment needed for early onset dementia.
· Cost of older people staying in own home eats up limited savings whereas is free in Scotland.
· Evening classes now require students to take exams when older people may only want to learn something new in social setting; results in people giving up and losing out on interaction. Directory could be used to promote clubs and societies in District which accept all ages and provide opportunities for general chat and problem sharing.
· Referrals to Care Navigator: not only over 70s but also younger friends and relations, word is spreading through communities but request for visit must come from person concerned.
· Perception of young people, particularly in groups, is too often negative and stereotypical; more understanding required on both sides e.g. elderly people not wanting to be awake at 3.00am when young people are returning from night out. Fear of crime and anti-social behaviour may sometimes be greater than reality.
3.6 Action points:
· All Parish Councils to let Jane Meehan have details of activities, clubs, etc, in their area and contacts for village/parish/church magazines or newsletters.
· More volunteers needed for visiting, driving, befriending, etc.
· Tell Jane Meehan if village hall or other premises could be permanently staffed to allow people to use Directory.