Shifting from treatment to prevention – Ageing Well in Southwark
Ageing Well Southwark, a united alliance of primary, secondary and social care with the voluntary carer sector, are forging the way to better support older people in Southwark to age well. The programme involves improving proactive and preventative care for older people living with frailty. One key focus of this work is helping residents living with mild frailty to take action that will help them feel well and independent for longer.
As part of this work, Harriet Hardy House, an extra care housing facility in Walworth, hosted an Ageing Well Southwark event in September. Here, specialist doctors, an occupational therapist and social prescribing link workers were on hand to speak with residents about any concerns they had with regard to their health, wellbeing or wider needs. They were then able to offer advice and make onward referrals for clinical or non-clinical support, as well as liaise with residents’ GPs and others where necessary.
Angela Bevan from the Ageing Well team and the older adults’ Community Mental Health Team in Southwark commented: ‘These events help break down the invisible walls between people and services.’ Sen, Social Prescribing Link Worker commented: ‘It’s useful for people to come to multidisciplinary events such as these, as you can tick off a lot of boxes in one go, and speak to the appropriate person for your needs straight away. You get more than five minutes to talk about more than one problem.’
Residents in attendance were happy to have their concerns addressed by a range of medical and care professionals. Rose commented ‘my kids encouraged me to visit today to learn about what’s available for older people. It felt good to talk to someone and get advice about problems with my memory.’ Another attendee commented: ‘I was able to ask questions and get answers on exercise and going out in my local area.’
Southwark local Shirley commented: “I’d recommend you come down to have your views heard; to say I’m feeling this way and have it listened to and actioned. I feel respected.’
‘These outreach events help us to support vulnerable residents and offer personalised care to them and their local community.’ – Rish Baloch, Programme Lead, Partnership Southwark.
“By working as an alliance of many organisations as Ageing Well Southwark, we are bringing support together, helping residents to live longer and better. We are developing local ways to support our population to age with independence and dignity.” — Dr Tania Kalsi, Consultant Geriatrician & Senior Strategic Lead for Older People, Southwark & Lambeth
