Programme: Kildare
WHO Theme: Community Support and Health Services
Cost: 1000 – 5000
Status: Ongoing
Description
At the end of 2022, our Tenant Engagement team completed training in the ‘Age Friendly Business Recognition Programme’ provided by Age Friendly Ireland. This training is part of Tuath Housing’s dedication to residents aged over 60.
To involve our residents in shaping the programme, we created a survey with input from our Tenant Engagement and Research and Policy teams. Draft survey questions were discussed and approved by residents at coffee morning events. The finalized survey was then distributed to eight pilot schemes, covering 213 households, between July and August 2023. Residents were asked about their experiences with social engagement, communication preferences, outdoor accessibility, transportation, technology, health, and community support services.
Based on the survey results, we developed recommendations to meet our charter commitments for the Age Friendly Business Recognition Programme and improve services for our residents:
1. Establish an Age Friendly panel with residents and Tuath staff to implement survey recommendations and achieve the Age Friendly Business Recognition Charter.
2. Provide Age Friendly awareness training for Tuath Housing staff.
3. Develop clear and easy-to-understand communication methods for older persons.
4. Support and provide opportunities for older persons to participate in resident engagement.
5. Involve residents in discussions about their living circumstances with cross-departmental teams in Tuath Housing.
6. Create and maintain Age-Friendly outdoor areas with features like benches and gardens.
7. Provide training and resources for older persons to use technology for staying connected and accessing online services.
8. Promote social inclusion activities such as workshops and educational classes to prevent social isolation.
9. Apply for funding through the Tuath Community Fund and HSE Lottery Fund for outdoor furnishings and environmental equipment.
These recommendations lay the foundation for engagement within Clonmullion Retirement Villagae. Tuath is dedicated to being an Age Friendly Business, supporting older persons in active and healthy aging activities. Our efforts aim to prevent social isolation and promote community engagement. After the COVID-19 pandemic, we noticed some residents experienced loneliness and mental health issues. To address this, we arranged for a barber to visit the community centre every eight weeks, which gradually encouraged residents to socialize again.
Currently, through Slaintecare, our residents participate in the Healthy Eating Made Easy cooking program, offering nutrition education and budget-friendly recipes. Additionally, we provide fitness sessions like chair yoga to keep residents active while maintaining health and safety standards.
At Tuath, we’re not just building communities; we’re also helping residents connect with their neighbours and engage in the wider community through active and healthy aging activities to prevent social isolation. Clonmullion has come a long way since COVID-19. With Tuath’s support, residents have established a very active Residents Association. Through funding from Tuath and Kildare County Council, they organise activities such as arts and crafts classes, environmental projects, game sessions, and coffee mornings.
They show great care for their neighbours, buying Easter eggs or baskets for everyone in the village and donating Easter wreaths to the local nursing home. Tuath is incredibly proud of their achievements they are going from strength to strength. These efforts highlight Tuath’s commitment to fostering a supportive, connected, and active community for older residents, ensuring their well-being and reducing social isolation. We will continue to work on the recommendations of our survey findings with Clonmullion as well as our other Retirement Villages nationally.
Aim of Initiative
The aim of the Age Friendly Active and Healthy Ageing Initiatives in Clonmullion is to support older residents in leading active, healthy, and socially engaged lives. At Tuath strive support our residents to prevent social isolation, promote community involvement, and enhance the overall well-being of older persons through various programmes and activities. These include nutrition education, fitness sessions, and social inclusion activities, all designed to foster strong community connections and ensure a high quality of life for older residents.
Who is it aimed at
The Age Friendly Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative in Clonmullion is aimed at older residents, specifically those aged over 60. The initiative seeks to support these residents by providing opportunities for active living, healthy ageing, and social engagement.
3 Steps critical to success
- Community Engagement and Involvement
Encourage the residents to represent their neighbours on a National Age Friendly Panel supported by Tuath. Actively involve older residents in planning and decision-making processes to ensure their needs and preferences are met. This can be achieved through additional surveys, focus, informal discussions and regular community meetings with Residents Association. - Accessible and Inclusive Programmes
Develop and offer a variety of programs tailored to the interests and abilities of older persons. These will include physical activities, social events, educational workshops, and health initiatives, ensuring they are easily accessible and inclusive for all in clonmullion. - Community Engagement and Involvement
Actively involve older residents in planning and decision-making to ensure their needs and preferences are addressed. Encourage residents to represent their neighbors on a National Age Friendly Panel supported by Tuath. Achieve this through additional surveys, focus groups, informal discussions, and regular community meetings with the Residents Association.
3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery
- Enhanced Sense of Belonging and Empowerment can be challenging, ensuring consistent and active participation from older residents can be difficult, as some residents may feel hesitant or disinterested or motivated in community involvement.
- Truing to improve Physical and Mental Well-being can be challenging – trying to design and implement programmes that effectively cater to the diverse health, mobility, and interest levels of older residents can be complex.
- Sustained Community Support and Engagement can be challenging – trying to secure ongoing funding and resources to sustain supportive environments and services, such as inhouse activities, technology training, and health and well-being courses, can be challenging.
3 Outcomes / Benefits
- Enhanced Sense of Belonging and Empowerment
Through Community Engagement and Involvement – Older residents feel more connected and valued within their community, leading to increased participation and a stronger sense of belonging. - Improved Physical and Mental Well-being
Through Accessible and Inclusive Programs – Residents experience better physical health and mental well-being through regular participation in diverse, accessible programs tailored to their needs and interests - Sustained Community Support and Engagement
Supportive Environment and Resources – A supportive environment is maintained, providing ongoing resources and services that enable older residents to stay engaged, connected, and active in their community.
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