Reflections on Ageing Well by Cllr. Gillian Ford

Today is the start of a new series of articles from Councillor Gillian Ford, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, offering her insightful thoughts on various aspects of Havering. Gillian writes…

I am not sure there will be many that spent some childhood holidays in a care home. I did because my parents had friends who managed a care home and lived above it with their three children. I used to help out serving teas, singing and dancing for them and helping out with jumble sales etc.

When my own children were young I can remember seeing a group of young mothers at the school outdoor dance festival, moaning at the length of time an elderly group of invited guests took to get out of the minibus. I can recall saying, if you are lucky you may live to their age.

Having my own parents in care and my role as the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, brings my early learning in a complete circle. But ageing well may need some help and support and not everyone will need to go into a care home or nursing home.

With the right care and support in place there should be no reason why you cannot continue to live in your own home. This may require modifications to the home, with personal aids, personal alarms, suitable chairs, beds, washing facilities and technological aids etc. which will support independence if you do have to go into a care or nursing home, there is so much more that takes place now than the old image of people just sitting around the walls.

I have seen some amazing work taking place across the borough and know that the Carers Voice are working together to make Havering’s homes the best they can be. Yes there have been some challenges and things that have not worked as they should, but hopefully by actually going out to meet and talk with our providers and residents, we can iron out the glitches to get the best experience for our loved ones.

In reality the move to older age actually starts when we are young and middle-aged, I will visit this next time.

For more information about Havering Adult Social Care visit:

https://www.havering.gov.uk/info/20015/adult_social_care

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