WHAT are the most important needs and priorities of older people in North East Lincolnshire?  The only way to find out, of course, is to ask them – which is what will be happening between now and early in the New Year.  A questionnaire is being posted out to 12 per cent of the people in the area aged 65 or over – some 3,400 in total.  The short, simple-to-complete document covers such subjects as:

•  Support needs

•  General health

•  Nutrition

• Retirement and retirement planning

• Community involvement

• Transport needs

• Social activities

• Communication, including use of computers 

It is possible there are also other requirements that are not fully met – or maybe not even fully recognised.  This important project is a joint initiative by the Public Health Directorate of North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus and North East Lincolnshire Council.  Its aim is to gather as much information as possible about the needs of older people who make a hugely important contribution to society in many different ways.

“We want to improve services for these valued members of our community and to make sure the right kind of help is there when they need it,” said Cynthia Manson-Siddle who is Grimsby-based Deputy Director of Public Health and Consultant in Public Health.

“Our population structure is changing – people are living longer and the proportion of those aged over 65 is increasing.

“By 2025 it is estimated that there will be an additional 10,000 people in this age group in North East Lincolnshire.”

Ms Manson-Siddle continued: “Expectations are also changing – older people anticipate remaining active longer.

“They expect to live these extra years in better health and to have a higher quality of life than their predecessors.

“But increased numbers of older people will place increased requirements on local services, not just health and social care but also  housing, transport, leisure and learning.”

“Completing the questionnaire will give older people the chance to make sure they get the help they really need,” said Ms Manson-Siddle who stresses that those who take part in the survey are guaranteed complete confidentiality. 

“We are asking anyone who receives one to take a little time to complete and return it in the postage paid envelope.

“Only by getting a large response can we make sure that views are representative.”

You can help NELC to improve it’s services for older people.  If you receive one of these questionnaires please try and spare a few minutes to complete it and return it to NELC in the prepaid envelope provided.