Grant scheme launched to help elderly live at home for longer (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Grant scheme launched to help elderly live at home for longer

11:38am Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in News

HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds has been set aside to help elderly people live independently at home for longer.

Parish councils, community groups and voluntary organisations will be able to bid for grants out of a £867,000 pot to set up activities and packages of support for needy people in their areas.

The scheme, funded by Cumbria County Council, will be administered by Cumbria Community Foundation over three years from next April.

It will encourage neighbourhood volunteers to help elderly people with their shopping, gardening and other household chores as required.

And grants will be awarded to ‘innovative schemes’ which help people retain their independence.

Coun Eddie Martin, Cumbria County Council leader, said: “Some people already act as good neighbours but in many of our communities there are still people who need extra help with some of the smaller chores that are part and parcel of everyday life.

“As communities change and friends and families move away, some people can be left feeling isolated and unable to cope with the little things at home such as shopping, mowing the lawn or changing light-bulbs.”

NHS Cumbria has backed the scheme, which includes assistance for people returning home from a stay in hospital.

Parish councils are being urged to identify people who could benefit from extra help and promote schemes in their area.

Coun Martin said he hoped parish councils would use their knowledge and understanding of communities as a ‘catalyst’ to deliver the right sort of care.

Workshops are planned to help groups and parish councils learn how to get involved.

Once established, a directory of the services on offer will be revealed.

To find out more about the scheme, contact Ellen Clements at Cumbria Community Foundation on 01900-825760.