Issue - meetings

A report back from the review working group on the scope of the review on Adult and Older People Services in the borough.

The Committee discussed the draft scoping document for the review of loneliness and how to reduce it.

The Committee agreed the issue of loneliness and isolation affected many different groups within communities. It was suggested the issues were less prevalent in rural areas where there was a greater sense of community and the review could therefore focus on rural and urban areas as the needs were different.

It was suggested, with an ageing population there was already a considerable amount of support and activities for the elderly.

The Committee agreed the review needed to focus on identifying where there were gaps in provision for lonely and isolated people and that these people be included in deciding what was provided.

Sarah Robson, Community Partnership Manager, explained data was not being captured for those aged 80 plus, disabled people and older carers and suggested one of these areas could be the focus of the review.  Ms Robson also suggested there needed to be clarity of the definition of ‘loneliness’ and ‘isolation’ to help focus the review.

RESOLVED:

a)  That Jo Tonkin, Public Health Specialist, Kent Public Health be asked to provide a report on Loneliness and Isolation in Maidstone to the review Working Group prior to the meeting of 11 November 2014.  The report to identify the profile of lonely and isolated adults and older people in the Borough and what support was provided for them to help the review Working Group identify the focus for the review and the relevant witnesses to invite to the meeting of 11 November 2014.

b)  That the meeting of 11 November 2014 be used to interview Jo Tonkin and the relevant witnesses identified by the review Working Group.