Independence in older people

Independence in older people is a borough priority, as older people in Tower Hamlets have greater burden of disease and lower wellbeing, compared to regional and national averages.

Work we are doing locally to tackle this issue

Public health works to develop strategies and services to reduce isolation, identify ill-health and improve wellbeing through community support and partnership working.

Some of these include:

  • developing a multi-disciplinary Care Home Strategic Group
  • evaluating the Community Virtual Ward, which prevents unnecessary hospital admission
  • evaluating LinkAge Plus, a project that reduces isolation and promotes health and wellbeing
  • supporting the Older People’s Delivery Group, Older People’s Partnership Board, LinkAge Plus project and Community Virtual Ward.

Services

Tower Hamlets provides a range of services to help older people live independently in their own homes. Care in a residential or nursing home is available, if this best meets an individual's needs.

Age UK Tower Hamlets provides a range of projects and services for people aged 50+ across the borough: www.ageuk.org.uk/towerhamlets

Tower Hamlets Friends & Neighbours offers a range of befriending services, including home visits, telephone support, information provision, support with accessing health and social care services, advocacy, consultation, and activities inside and outside: www.thfn.org.uk

Useful external links

AgeUK: www.ageuk.org.uk
Laterlife: www.laterlife.com
Saga: www.saga.co.uk/magazine