Older People
If you need advice on services and support available for older people in west Hertfordshire contact Hertfordshire County Council
Some other services you might be interested in:
Meals on Wheels
Hertfordshire County Council provides a delivered meal service for vulnerable people, who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. The meals on wheels service in Hertsmere is provided by Hertfordshire Independent Living Service. Hot meals, frozen meals, and a range of ethnic and special dietary meals are available seven days a week.
If you think you may be eligible and would like more information about the service, including details of how to apply, please visit Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS) or contact Hertfordshire County Council Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 4042 and ask to speak to the Health and Community Services team.
Community Transport
Provide accessible, affordable door-to-door transport for people with mobility problems; helping promote better access to healthcare, greater community participation and increased social inclusion.
Day services and support to adults (DRUM)
Day services and support to adults (DRUM) is a small charity, based in Watford, providing day services and support to adults with physical and/or sensory disabilities and their carers. Herts residents are encouraged to use their services.
DRUM is open from 9am till 3pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Services include daily activities in art, creative crafts, ceramics, tai chi and yoga, regular social events, day trips and workshops in drama, music and creative writing. Visitors can either pay a small annual fee or pay for sessions as you go. Refreshments are provided and lunch is available. Transport may be arranged through DRUM or Hertfordshire Dial-a-ride, subject to availability.
Contact The Elderly
Contact the Elderly hold free monthly tea parties for small groups of people aged 75 and over, who live alone and need a hand getting out and about. It’s an ideal way to brighten up your Sunday. Volunteer drivers will take you to and from the party safely as well as enjoying the tea with you. At the volunteer host’s home you will receive a warm welcome and plenty of tea and sandwiches.
For more information about Contact the Elderly in your area call 0800 716 543
Active Together
It’s a known fact that the older we get the more our physical function declines. This is why physical activity and exercise is important for all older adults to prevent health problems from developing in later life such as diabetes, stroke and dementia.
The good news is that getting older does not mean its all doom and gloom! Regular exercise in later life can significantly reduce the risk of becoming unhealthy and losing your independence.
Active Together is a funded project by Hertfordshire County Councils Community Wellbeing Team. The project is coordinated by Herts Sports Partnership with support from many local partners such as Saracens Sport Foundation.
Active Together aims to:
- Improve the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of older people by increased participation in physical activity and exercise
- Improve local community cohesion by developing sustainable community exercise groups
Active Together provide local, low cost exercise and dance classes for older people across Hertfordshire.
Falls prevention
There are a number of ways you can reduce your chances of having a fall, including making simple changes to your home and doing special exercises.
If you have fallen in the past, making changes to reduce your chances of having a fall can also help you overcome any fear of falling:
Health in Herts provides six steps to preventing falls as well as variety of services which can help in Hertfordshire.
These videos also provide some advice and real life experiences on Getting up from a fall safely and Facing up to falls.
Happy Days
Happy Days is a roadshow of interactive, therapeutic and recreational wellbeing sessions for older people and carers taking place across Hertsmere. The first 6 sessions will take place in Borehamwood and have been carefully designed to promote engagement and meaningful activities that are personalised, energetic, educational and fun! Please contact Crossroads Care to find out when the next sessions will be running.
General information
Which? Elderly Care is a source of free and independent information and advice on care choices for older people across the UK.