Agenda item

Stephanie Boyd, Integrated Commissioning Officer to present the attached presentation.

Stephanie Boyd, Integrated Commissioning Officer for Older People and Ageing Well and Jon Hobday, Director of Public Health gave a presentation on Aging Well in Bury.

It was explained that the population of people aged 50 and over is approximately 73,600 (around 38%) with this number expected to increase as people are living far longer than ever before.

By 2025 the number of people aged 90 and over in Bury is projected to increase by 56%.

But unfortunately, these extra years of life are not always spent in good health and we can expect greater numbers of:

• People living alone with increasing risk of social isolation, loneliness, and depression
• Unpaid carers, many of whom will be older people with their own care needs
• People with dementia, other long-term conditions and with multiple and complex needs

COVID 19 had a massive impact on some of the most vulnerable residents and older people in Bury, it affected the already stretched health and social care system, and exacerbated existing health inequalities, particularly for those who face racial inequalities and/or live in deprived areas. It also caused deconditioning for many of our vulnerable residents who are still experiencing the effects of the pandemic

.

Bury Council is working with partner agencies to better understand these inequalities so that we can tackle them together in a joined up and strategic way.

It was reported that there was a vast amount of work happening relating to older people and ageing well across the borough. Some of the key services for older people include: an Information and Advice Helpline, Befriending Service, Handy Person Service and Home from Hospital Service all delivered by Age UK Bury. We also have the Older People’s Staying Well Team, the Live Well Service and the Social Prescribing Service to name a few.  Commissioners are continuously working to ensure the right services are in place to meet the needs and aspirations of older residents in Bury.

Other specific pieces of work include (but are not limited to):

•      Winter Well Campaign

•      Ageing in Place Project

•      Frailty Programme

•      Joining the UK Network of Age Friendly Communities

It was explained that the Bury Older People’s Network is an engagement mechanism for older people to have their voices heard on things that matter to them and to influence the way that services are designed, commissioned and delivered.  The ultimate aim is to create better outcomes for the ageing population.

In order to monitor progress and change, the Network is developing an action plan; this will be a working document and have input from relevant lead persons. 

It was explained that winter well calendars had been produced offering advice the local warm spaces were being promoted.

An application to join the UK network of age friendly communities had been submitted and it was anticipated that this would be brought to the Health and Wellbeing Board to endorse the application.

The Older people’s Network Strategy was in the process of being produced and it would mirror the Greater Manchester Older People’s Strategy.

Those present were given the opportunity to ask questions or make comments and the following points were raised:-

Jon Hobday reported that the membership of the network was as inclusive as possible and include a good cross  section of different groups and communities to make the group as broad as possible.

It was agreed

1.    That the update be noted.

2.    That Stephanie be thanked for the presentation.