Ageing well in the borough with the IMPACTAgewell Project

Older people receiving vital support from the IMPACTAgewellAE project

Now in its fourth year of operating, IMPACTAgewell continues to be a valuable source of support and connection to services in Mid and East Antrim and works with 15 GP surgeries across the borough funded by the Dunhill Medical Trust and the Health and Social Care Board.

Working collaboratively between the NHSCT, Pharmacy, GP surgeries and community groups, it has, in the words of one of the project users in Mid and East Antrim, “been a lifeline – it’s made isolating for Covid that bit more bearable”.

The project was designed to be delivered face to face to those people aged over 65, living with one long term health condition and who are registered at one of the 15 GP Practices.

Following Covid-19 restrictions it has been adapted to offer telephone-based support alongside the monthly doorstep visits. At these visits activity packs tailored to the needs of the people being supported are delivered.

The packs are designed to maintain and develop wellbeing – ranging from ‘Afternoon Tea’ and ‘Pamper packs’ to “Grow you own Herb kits” and water bottles to remind older people to keep hydrated.

Local couple, Sylvia and her husband John, heard about the project when Sylvia called MEEAP to find out how they could get groceries and medication delivered whilst shielding. John has dementia and mobility issues and Sylvia was struggling with not being able to get out and meet up with friends in the way they used to.

A volunteer was organised to help them get essentials but a quick screening process showed that Sylvia was eligible for more long term support with IMPACTAgewell, so a Project Officer made contact with her. The officer quickly identified that she hadn’t had a benefits check in years and a referral to MEACAS helped them successfully apply for attendance allowance. This meant that they had an additional £57.30 a week each coming in and were delighted.

She now receives fortnightly phone calls from the IMPACTAgewell Officer during the three-month support programme offered to help them look at different areas of their life and wellbeing to help them with to stay as happy and healthy at home.

If you think you or someone you know could benefit from the support offered by IMPACTAgewell Project, call Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership on 02825658604 or talk to your GP.

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