The Policy for Older People in Warwick District (POPWD) is a multi agency group involving older people and agencies working with or on behalf of older people. POPWD are not direct service providers. We are an umbrella organisation that aims to bring agencies that provide a service for the public together, to work in partnership with one another, to network and to ensure inclusion. This is done through sharing knowledge and information about changes and new developments in services for older people.

Thursday 13th December, 10:00am, Annexe, Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa.
Dr. Denise Tanner, Associate Professor at Warwick University’s School of Health and Social Studies will give a presentation on ‘Supporting Older People to live independently in the community’. The talk will be based on the findings of two research studies concerned with helping older people to live independently in the community. The first study looks at older people's strategies for managing 'unmet needs', that is, difficulties for which they were turned down for help by social services. The second study is an evaluation of a project that aims to promote the independence of older people over the age of 85 by referring them to appropriate 'low level' support services. The talk will highlight key messages from these two studies and consider what these mean for the design and delivery of preventive services.

Wednesday 30th January, 10:00am, Annexe, Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa.
Maureen Hirsch, Researcher and social policy academic with Warwick and Coventry Universities and a member of POPWD Strategy Group, will report on the findings of a local research initiative ‘Hospital Discharge and Beyond’. The research looks at the experiences of older people on leaving hospital in accessing appropriate care and help during their first weeks at home. It will also pick up some of the themes that were identified in Maureen Hirsch’s earlier research on Social Rehabilitation. The very local aspect of the research will make the presentation particularly significant and interesting.

POPWD hold regular multi agency meetings to ensure better coordination and support of the full range of public services for all older people. The meetings usually begin with a presentation given by a representative from an organisation within Warwick District about new services, changes to existing services, service reviews and future service planning. The latter part of the meeting provides an opportunity for representatives from agencies who work with and for older people to share their ideas and concerns and report on the work in progress. Here is an update of the November multi agency meeting:-

Presentation - Tim Willis, Strategic Commissioner for Project Lead, Warwickshire County Council, gave a presentation on ‘Market Development – Future of Care Accommodation in Warwickshire’. Please refer to the handout. If you would like more information then please contact Tim Willis on 01926 410410.

Future POPWD Multi Agency Meetings – The group were asked If there are any topics that they like to see presented at future meetings then please let us know so we can arrange this.

Dementia Care Report - Following on from Jane Pollards presentation on Dementia Care for Older People. Jane has sent POPWD a report titled ‘Review of Dementia Care for Older People in Warwickshire’ and has asked for any feedback on the report and in particular whether or not we support the recommendations being made. The multi agency group agreed to look at the report and forward their comments to POPWD before 23rd January 2008. These recommendations will then be sent to Jane Pollard on behalf of the POPWD multi agency group. A proposed action plan to respond to the recommendations of the dementia care review will be considered by the Committee on 13th February 2008. This is a public meeting which starts at 10am at Shire Hall, Warwick. The report can be accessed by going to www.warwickshire.gov.uk (consultation - overview and scrutiny – Adult and Community Services – Dementia Care for Older People) or alternatively contact POPWD.

Maureen Hirsch: Update on research into ‘Hospital Discharge and Beyond’ – Maureen has carried out all the interviews, and is now currently finishing the literature review for the report. Maureen plans on finishing the report towards the end of December, so that it will be ready to present in January.

Marion Grimwood – Marion is a member of the telecare commissioning board. The commissioning board had a meeting on Monday 19th November. Marion has suggested to the POPWD steering group that we have the project manger to talk about the telecare service at future meetings.

Amanda Burn, Warwickshire County Council – Amanda circulated some new Information and advice booklets to the multi agency group titled: ‘Looking Forward in Warwickshire: Information and Advice Booklet for People Over 50’. If you would like a copy of this booklet, please contact Amanda Burn on 01926 410410.

Lynn Webster, Warwickshire Welfare Rights Advice Service – Lynn stated that the take up work is still ongoing.

Ellen Hutt, Senior People’s Forum – Ellen pointed out that Netherfield Day Care Centre is closing down.

Terry Leather, Warwickshire PCT – Covering the whole of Warwickshire, Terry’s remit is around older people and public health and is working with colleagues who have a public health remit. He is currently prioritising his work around promoting healthier lifestyle, mental health etc.