Older People's Strategy - Newcastle City Council

73Mrs D is a 76-year-old fiercely independent lady who enjoyeda happy marriage and is proud of her two daughters. Shewas in the pub trade and took a keen interest in traditionalwholesome food. Sadly, following the death of her husbandtwo years ago, her world fell apart. She became depressed,isolating herself socially, neglecting her diet and rapidlylosing weight. Residential care was being considered. Hersister, who became the main carer, began to introduce Mrs Dto the new Bradbury Centre in Brunswick village, initially withthe view to eating in the restaurant. The friendship she builtup with the chef resulted in her volunteering to market thenew restaurant and assist in other ways. She met otherservice-users and began to join in activities such as musicand dancing and also benefited from using the gym. Oneyear on, Mrs D is no longer depressed, is gaining weight,has made several friends and is an active member of boththe Bradbury Centre and her local community.The Library Service provides a Home Delivery Service andmobile library and some branch libraries also organise olderpeople’s groups for which transport is provided.As it develops, Information NOW will provide comprehensiveinformation about local activities and services which can beused by individuals and service providers to signpost peopleto services.There are a number of new transport services (e.g. TaxiLink;LinkUp and group travel) being developed which offer thepotential for more flexible transport options for frailer olderpeople (see Outcome 4c).