Agenda item
Support for Over 55's Preventative Care
Minutes:
The order of business on the agenda was changed at the meeting. This item was discussed after item 4.2.
Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, presented a brief introduction on current commissioned services
for residents over 55, through Tower Hamlets Connect and Linkage Plus. Details on the plans for additional care homes in the borough, additional investment in community support and the major public health campaigns to raise awareness on these initiatives were also included.
Dr Somen Banerjee, Director of Public Health, informed Members that the borough has a lower number of residents aged 65 and over than other local authorities and is expected to rise in 5 to 10 years, at a predicted rate of 31% within the 50 - 64 year age range. This will increase the pressure on Adult Social Care (ASC) services, as this age group has the highest levels of income deprivation and health disparities.
Members were informed on the health trends and census data for over 55 year old residents and noted that self-reported health concerns in over 60 is worse than the rest of the country. 50% of over 65’s are the most health deprived than the most affluent boroughs. Details of inequalities for Bangladeshi and Black adults in the age range were also noted, including higher levels of stroke, diabetes and heart disease.
Warwick Tomsett, Joint Director of Integrated Commissioning, noted that ASC services are more likely used by older residents with long term health conditions, are or have been smokers and live alone. Larrisa Howells, the Director of Services, Age UK, then outlined the organisation, who are one of the lead providers for Tower Hamlets Connect.
Age UK supports older people to maintain their independence and promote health and wellbeing whilst tackling loneliness. Tower Hamlets Connect facilitates all referrals for initial assessments via a telephone hotline. The service assists residents to access the help and support required within the community. Ms Howells outlined the work of Information Officers, who advise residents on various issues such as receiving benefits, consumer concerns and general advocacy work. Although Age UK supports adults over 18, around 86% of calls received are from residents over the age of 55.
Members were informed that 73% of those who initially requested or had been referred for intervention by ASC assessments were able to receive assistance in a timely manner with assistance via the telephone hotline. The UK National average is 58% across all other adult social care services. The service assists in addressing all safeguarding concerns before initial assessments are conducted and support over 66% of those referrals in the Community. Ms Howell noted that Information Officers have identified around £3.3 million of unidentified entitlements for residents when assisting in welfare benefit concerns.
Emily Bird, Community Partnerships Manager at Linkage Plus, Toynbee Hall, outlined the service to the sub-committee. Like Age UK, this service aims to improve well-being, enhance social networks and tackle isolation, to improve health and well-being outcomes for older residents. Ms Bird discussed how Linkage Plus facilitates access to a range of services provided by the independent sector through outreach and referrals.
Residents can receive one to one support, attend social gatherings, can receive learning opportunities and intergenerational projects. They also offer assistance to residents with dementia and their careers. Men's mental health groups and projects led by ethnic minority communities are also available. The organisation collaborates with preventative health teams to raise awareness about conditions such as Parkinson's and diabetes. It also has active involvement in service users, enabling residents to shape what is delivered.
Further to questions from the sub-committee Larrisa Howells and Emily Bird;
· Explained that Age UK has a staff of 12 helpline advisors with health and social care backgrounds and are fluent in different languages to signpost residents support services.
· Clarified that discussions on future funding arrangements are currently underway. The contract ends March 2025, with the option for an extension.
· Noted that Age UK primarily support all adults over 18 and work in the poorest boroughs in the country, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Newham. More people aged 50 and over who begin to experience long term health conditions contact the service.
· Observed that the Linkage Plus demographic of residents tend to be around 70, however, sites in Tower Hamlets wards such as Banglatown and Spitalfields see residents younger at 66. There has been an increase in men under the age of 65 receiving support through the service, since the pandemic, primarily for welfare assistance advice.
· Explained that some of the major issues with residents over 55 are a variety of concurrent conditions, such as lung disease, diabetes, and heart disease. The challenge for health and social care professionals is to support and prevent those conditions, particularly when some residents live alone or are housebound.
· Clarified the various ways of engaging with residents to assist in designing future services. The Older Peoples Reference Group is available for residents to discuss any issues they have encountered. Linkage Plus has quarterly service user meetings across five hubs and regular feedback is received from service users.
· Noted that the Linkage Plus in person programme covers physical activity, has one to one and in group digital IT sessions, cultural events across the year and signposting for benefit concerns. The main concerns received relate to winter fuel payments.
· Confirmed that ASC's initial assessment team monitors the quality of the Tower Hamlets Connect portal, to ensure all risk assessments and case work completed is quality assured to continually improve the service. Monthly meetings with initial assessment staff take place.
· Explained that Tower Hamlets Connect manage the website. Resident feedback is welcomed, as this facilitates the development.
· Observed that collaboration with GPs, the Primary Care Network, care navigators and other social prescribers to promote the service and improve health outcomes is crucial.
· Observed that one of the major concerns is assisting housebound residents who often have complex needs. More skilled personnel who understand the needs of older people are required. There is also a lack of community transport to enable housebound residents to participate in social activities.
· Explained that a partnership approach is required to assist residents in sheltered housing.
The Health and Adults Sub-Committee RESOLVED;
1. That the presentation be noted.
Supporting documents:
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Over55s Paper, item 4.1
PDF 672 KB
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LinkAge Plus Presentation Nov 2024, item 4.1
PDF 1 MB
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THC Health Scrutiny NOV 24, item 4.1
PDF 433 KB