Older People's Strategy - Newcastle City Council

46‘The Information NOW website is an excellent resource but itis important that older people can access someone to talk toabout topics that matter to them. This is often more reassuringthan a website.’ (Citylife consultation response)This is particularly important for older people whose firstlanguage is not English and who rely on word of mouth to findout about services and opportunities.The way in which services are delivered is constantly changingso that older people often do not know where to go forinformation, particularly when they are faced with makingimportant decisions about their future. This is particularlyimportant when older people and their carers may be facedwith making very significant decisions in a crisis e.g. a moveto residential or nursing care.The amount of information and support needed varies betweenindividuals. For some, it is sufficient to receive clear information,but others need support to think through decisions or tointerface with service providers.Well-informed front line staff can play a key role in helpingolder people to access timely information. This is particularlyimportant for people who are less able to get out and about.A network of advice and information services can providean excellent source of information about how the systemis working for older people, based around the nature of theenquiries they receive. This can be drawn upon to providevaluable information for service planning.