We work with Age UK Wandsworth to deliver the Better At Home service for people aged 60 or over, or their carers.
They offer a range of services that can help promote independence, support people coming home from a hospital stay and provide help and advice. It is made up of:
Hospital Discharge Support Service
This service offers a range of support to patients on discharge from hospital who may need some extra low-level support, including:
- Meeting the patient on their arrival home from hospital and help them settle back into their normal routine
- Ensuring the home is safe and warm
- Obtaining any immediate shopping they may need
- Making a cup of tea and preparing a snack if required
- Light housekeeping including tidying and changing bed linen
- Assisting in the management of medications/picking up prescriptions
- Emotional support and a listening ear, supporting self-care confidence.
Voluntary Services Navigator
The Voluntary Services Navigator (VSN) works in partnership with
community health services in Wandsworth. The VSN can offer a range of support and services to patients including:
- Providing information on a range of topics to support health and well-being
- Supporting access to social activities and groups
- Accessing transport options
- Claiming benefits and grants
- Support to navigate health and social care systems
- Ordering equipment for independent living
- Facilitating direct referrals for patients to access services.
Online Shopping Service
This service provides support to patients who struggle with getting their grocery
shopping or are unable to carry larger grocery items. The service supports people aged over 60 years old. The service requires patients to:
- Have a debit or credit card
- Provide a shopping list over the phone to the coordinator
- Have a mobile phone
- Remember appointment and delivery times.
Handyperson service
The Handyperson service offers practical help with minor safety adaptions with
specialist equipment to the client’s home with a focus on reducing the risk of falling and supporting hospital discharges.
The service supports people over 60 years old and living in Wandsworth.
Be-a-Friend
This service offers befriending and social contact to patients who may be experiencing isolation and loneliness. The service provides a volunteer to contact the patient either by home visits or telephone.
The aim is to build relationships to help patients gain confidence and build self-esteem through companionship, a listening ear and sharing interests. The service supports people aged over 60 years old living alone or patients who are being cared for by an informal carer or an unpaid older carer.
Befriending Plus
This is a befriending project to which patients are referred to by a social worker.
This service is for those who may be experiencing social isolation and loneliness. Volunteers offer companionship and additional practical help and can help patients with administrative tasks, going out for walks or activities and helping patients complete light housekeeping tasks.
All services are for people who live in the Borough of Wandsworth and are provided free to the client except where stated.
Read these case studies showing the difference the programme has made to the lives of service users.