Norfolk’s over-55s represent well over a third of the county’s total population, and they are the focus of two new studies.
Healthwatch Norfolk, which gathers the health and social care experiences of residents, is working with the county council on two different projects to see what services and support older residents need.
The first, which launches during Carers Week, aims to find out what help carers in the county need to look over 65s, while the second aims to find out how we are preparing for older age.
Carers survey
This is focused specifically on those who provide unpaid care for older adults, and asks how friends and family could be helped to provide more help to the main family carer.
The survey is aimed at anyone supporting someone over 65. It could be a parent, partner, relative or friend or anyone else who supports them, even if they do not think of themselves as a carer.
You can find out more and share your experiences at https://healthwatchnorfolk.co.uk/caring-for-over-65s/
If you do not have internet access, you can call Healthwatch Norfolk with your feedback on 01953 856029. The lines are open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
The survey wants to find out what makes it easier or harder for family or friends to be involved with care, and what support family and friends might need to help share caring responsibilities with you.
Preparing for later life
The second survey focuses on Norfolk’s over-55s and how they are preparing for later life.
It wants to discover what people would like to support them as they age as well as what would help people stay independent for as long as possible which experts believe can make a real difference to quality of life.
You can find out more and take part in the survey online at https://healthwatchnorfolk.co.uk/get-involved/preparing-for-older-age/
As with the other survey, you can also telephone Healthwatch Norfolk to take part on 01953 856029.
It will ask what steps you are currently taking (or are planning to take) to prepare for later life, the challenges you face in preparing, and what information would be useful.
Healthwatch Norfolk is particularly keen to hear from people who do not normally get support from social services such as carers visiting or living in a care home.
What happens with the feedback
All the feedback will be analysed and a report published with recommendations for Norfolk County Council.
Alex Stewart, chief executive of Healthwatch Norfolk, said: “The county has a higher proportion of over-55 compared to the national average and that number is only going to increase.
“These surveys will help those planning social care to look ahead and try to map what support and help is needed to help our communities in the year ahead.
“If you can spare a few minutes to share your thoughts, this information will help draw up a detailed picture of what would is needed to care for the county’s older population in the future.”
