The project is pro-active, rather than reactive in identifying older people's needs. Currently many come to the attention of services, only when they reach a point of extreme need, such as having a fall, being burgled, or left vulnerable by the death of a carer. However, taking a preventative approach to tackling unmet needs, aims to enhance their quality of life considerably. For instance, social care provision for older people is under pressure and strategies to include better care at home, residential care and other housing options is essential to ensure older people have choices to help them maintain dignity in later life. Likewise, many people are unable to understand the complexities of the benefits system and are not receiving income that they are entitled. An average of £22 per pensioner of income support is unclaimed by pensioners every week. Many older people feel vulnerable in their homes and fear to venture out, particularly at night. They therefore miss out on social activities and become isolated. Health promotion activities will be developed to enable older people to participate in the mainstream of community life. This will be done by helping older people to self-assess their needs, identify relevant assistance and consequently support the older person through the necessary processes, which enable them to take more control over the factors that affect the quality of their lives. 
Pictured above: Fozia Bibi, Neighbourhood Link Worker | If you feel that you may benefit from the type of support offered by this programme, you can either: This service is managed by: Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, Adult & Community Services Directorate, Capacity Building Team, Unit 10, Whitney Court, Southlink Business Park, Oldham, OL4 1DB |
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