New report shines spotlight on services and support for older people in Carmarthenshire

A new report which shines the spotlight on services and support for older people in Carmarthenshire has been published.
The Ageing Well Plan, produced by Carmarthenshire County Council, documents the council’s contribution to helping people to age well in their communities.
Five priorities form the basis of the report including age friendly communities, dementia supportive communities, falls prevention, opportunities for employment and new skills and tackling loneliness and isolation.
Commitments carried out in the last year include the development of extra care schemes at Cartref Cynnes and Ty Dyffryn, in partnership with the Family Housing Association. Some 61 self-contained flats in Carmarthen and 50 in Ammanford have been provided.
Also included is voluntary led scheme, Carmarthenshire Therapy Dogs. Owners and their pets regularly visit people in residential homes, in their own homes, as well as going into schools, hospices and hospitals. Organisations whose clients benefit from it include RSVP, Macmillian, Red Cross and the Alzheimer’s Society.
In the last year Carmarthenshire Fuel Clubs project, run by the council’s housing team, has helped over 2,000 people struggling to pay their energy bills by tenants buying in bulk and obtaining the cheapest possible prices.
More than 6,000 country cars journeys have been funded by the council for in the last year for those needing essential journeys and without access to public transport. Bwcabus continues to provide vital public transport to all communities in and around the rural areas of Newcastle Emlyn.
The first dementia friendly market in Wales was launched in Llanelli following growing numbers of the condition in the community. Stallholders and staff have signed up to a pledge to respect the needs of those presenting with dementia by wearing badges and displaying signs. Dementia awareness training has also been given to all ‘front line’ staff.
More than 1,000 referrals between the ages of 65-75 have been made under the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS). Some 2,400 members of the 50+ forum have received health and wellbeing advice.
Computer classes are being delivered by Carmarthenshire libraries digital team as well as helping users to access the libraries online services.
The council’s executive board member for social care and housing, Cllr Jane Tremlett said: “The report makes for pleasant reading and I’m delighted with the progress that’s been made with the majority of commitments having been delivered by us. As the number of older people in Carmarthenshire continues to increase it is so important that we continue to support independent living wherever possible and to help older people live and be involved in their communities.
The Ageing Well Plan will be reviewed every12 months.
The council’s executive board member for housing and older people’s champion, Cllr Linda Evans said: “The council has at its heart the commitment to support older people to maintain their independence and their quality life – after all life is for living whatever your age."