Older People's Strategy - Newcastle City Council

67Newcastle is uniquely placed at the forefront of research intoageing through the Institute for Ageing and Health (NewcastleUniversity) (www.ncl.ac.uk/iah) and the University of Northumbria(www.unn.ac.uk).There are a number of examples of services which are beingpiloted to support older people to retain their health andindependence and demonstrate the shift towards preventionand early intervention:Walker Medical Group ‘Holistic 75+ Health Check’ – anassessment and screening service which includes a varietyof tests, such as blood pressure, vision and mobility, but alsoincludes a range of other issues such as benefit checks,housing issues, carer information and social care.Nail-cutting service: The Podiatry Department and SocialServices are working together to develop a nail-cutting servicefor older people who cannot manage the task themselves, butdo not require specialist podiatry services. Care managersand careworkers are being trained to do simple nail care forolder people, which can be incorporated into a care package.The STAR team has been piloting a package of intensive helpto older people over a short period (approximately six weeks)to help them to regain skills and retain their independence.The service can offer a range of support from accessingequipment (including telecare); signposting to other services;occupational therapy; physiotherapy; setting up exerciseregimes. It is proving particularly effective in helping olderpeople regain independence after a fall.