Today’s IPPR report has highlighted some of the immense challenges we are faced with in making sure we can care for our elderly relatives both now and in the future.
Whilst those challenges are undoubtedly a daunting prospect, it is also hugely encouraging to see the report recognise Neighbourhood Networks as having a pivotal role in shaping the way older people should be supported to live safe, independent lives in their communities.
In Leeds, we have proudly watched our Neighbourhood Networks expand and flourish over the past 20 years.
Today, Leeds’s 37 Neighbourhood Networks support more than 21,900 older people across the city and have and have received in excess of 24,600 requests for assistance in the last 12 months alone.
People living in the communities where the Neighbourhood Networks are based also recognise the impact they are having, and are more and more keen to pitch in and get involved.
In fact, the number of volunteers working with the scheme has gone up by more than 200 over the last year, rising to 1,910 in total.
Integrating that community spirit and local involvement in older people’s care is not only massively beneficial to those areas, it’s also having a real, tangible impact on the healthcare sector.
The work done by the Neighbourhood Networks has prevented 1,450 older people from going into hospital and supported 617 being discharged from hospital this year.
Intensive support in the home is also currently being provided for 540 older people and 5,540 older people are being provided with one-to-one support.
That support includes befriending or escorting on shopping trips and outings- and that social element is another area where the Neighbourhood Networks are at their strongest.
The activities and services offered by the schemes are integral to our effort towards tackling social isolation and loneliness among older people living in Leeds.
To that end, the number of activities available has increased and diversified over the last 12 months and as a result the number of people attending them has also risen.
The activities are varied, and include Knit and Natter groups, stroke support sessions, art and poetry workshops, Nintendo Wii games and coffee mornings.
The schemes are also working really hard to engage with younger, more active older people as well, in an effort to continually attract new members and ideas.
As the report suggests, our Neighbourhood Networks are setting the standard nationally.
We’re proud to say they are a fundamental cornerstone of everything we want adult social care in Leeds to be and as they grow and evolve, we hope they can continue to point the way for others to follow.
Cllr Adam Ogilvie is Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care
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