Staying Well Event July 23
Published on 27 July 2023 02:22 PM
Age UK Islington Staying Well event
In July we hosted the first in a series of our Staying Well events. We were joined by local services that help Islington residents keep independent at home for longer or to keep active and to get out and about.
Look out for details of the next Staying Well event planned for October when we’ll be focusing on Skills & Interests. There will be inspiring in-person talks and information about local opportunities to help revive a previous passion or your career, whatever your age or stage of life.
Helping you keep independent at home and get out & about
We would like to share information gathered from the event about Housing options, aids and sheltered housing, Support for sight and hearing loss, Accessible transport. Please see details below.
If you need any guidance about getting support – to do with keeping independent at home, getting out and about, or other practical or emotional support, please get in touch with Age UK Islington on their Helpline: 020 7281 6018, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm / gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk.
For examples of success stories where we've been able to help clients in need of support to help keep independent at home or get out and about, please see below.
Examples of success stories
Abi 40 years old, physical disabilities and housebound
Abi had disabilities following a stroke. She was able to use a wheelchair at home but not outside and was very reliant on carers for support, with no friendship network in the area where she lived.
Age UK Islington was able to provide her with access to IT equipment to initially join online activities. We were able to put support in place so she could get an electric wheelchair to get outside and also to find community connections and manage debts.
Jake 59 years old, living with multiple sclerosis, working at home
Jake had been living and working from home while managing his MS for some time. However, his mobility started to decline and stairs became a major difficulty for him. He had an incident where he was unable to move and get help which scared him.
Age UK Islington was able to help him to get information about different care options. They guided him how to get home adaptations and a floor lift with help from a grant. They also provided emotional support and regularly followed-up with him regarding progress.
Susan 83 years old, downsizing and falls prevention
Susan and her husband were living in a 4 storey, 5 bedroom council house and was in debt. She had also had multiple falls.
Age UK Islington was able to facilitate engagement with a social worker and to arrange for an assessment for sheltered accommodation. They also arranged for an Occupational Therapy assessment and as a result she had grab rails put in outside and a Falls Alarm put in place. She was also referred for specialist benefit support.
Housing options, aids and sheltered housing
LBI Housing provided information about Housing options, Aids and Sheltered Housing. This included:
Staying at home - How to get housing adaptations, telecare and other technology that can help, how to get support at home, income maximisation.
Other housing options – Sheltered housing, Seaside & Country Homes, Housing Swaps & Downsizing
Keep in mind - The housing stock in Islington is limited – this council housing leaflet puts options in context.
See the LBI Housing options, Aids and Sheltered Housing presentation for further details.
Support for sight & hearing loss
AbilityNet gave information about digital aids and support that are available for people with hearing, sight loss or who are struggling to use technology to keep connected in a digital world.
Find out about devices designed for older people, how to adapt existing devices and AbilityNet volunteers who can provide in-person support to use digital devices - go to the AbilityNet website.
LBI Sensory Team gave information about their support services.
The Sensory Team provides support services to people who are: blind and partially sighted, deaf and hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have a dual sensory loss.
Further information about their service is available on the Islington Council directory.
Guide Dogs gave information about their support services.
Whether you’re looking for yourself, a member of your family, or your child, their experts can help you find ways to live actively, independently and well with sight loss.
Further information is available on the Guide Dogs website.
Transport for London: Accessible transport
We were introduced to accessibility on London’s public transport network by one of their Travel Mentors.
Travel Mentors support people using public transport in and around London to become more confident and independent travellers. They can also help if you have a mobility requirement or a disability.
Transport for London provide a range of very useful resources to help make it easier to plan your journey on the tube and overground - from large print maps to guides about their services. Either use online, or order copies by post.
Dial-a-ride door-to-door transport - you must have a permanent or long-term disability which means you are unable to use public transport. Find out more about Dial-a-ride here.
Freedom passes – if you meet the age requirement or have an eligible disability you can apply for a pass. You can travel for free or get discounts on a range of transport services across London. Find out more about Freedom passes here.
Taxicards - if you have mobility impairments and have trouble using public transport, you may be able to get subsidised taxi and minicab travel in London. Find out more about Taxicards here.
Car drivers - Blue Badges help people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination. Find out more about Blue Badges here.
Keeping active in Islington
There are lots of ways to keep active in Islington.
Tai Chi - Michael Acton, Founder of the UK Wu Style Tai Ji Quan & Qi Gung Association provided a Tai Chi taster session. See the Wu Style website for details of classes in the Islington area.
Keeping Active - Healthy Generations Founder, Peter Crockett gave a talk about their programme of exercise classes to improve health and wellbeing. See the Healthy Generations website for details of classes in the Islington area.
Islington Libraries – Michelle Gannon, Assistant Head of Library and Cultural Services gave a talk about the resources that are available free in Islington libraries.
Highbury Roundhouse - Older People Service has a range of events and activities in Southeby Mews and at the new Highbury Roundhouse Community Centre, including lunches (£4 - pay on the day). For more information see their webpage.
Age UK Islington - has a range of Get Togethers in a range of Islington community venues from leisure centres to libraries, parks and theatres.
For more information and support
If you need any guidance about getting support – to do with keeping independent at home, getting out and about, or other practical or emotional support, please get in touch with Age UK Islington on their Helpline: 020 7281 6018, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm / gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk.
There is also a useful guide Housing Options from Age UK national which you might find useful.