Project delivers free in-home support for over 100 local older people in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot

Over 100 local people over the age of 50 have received free in-home support this year thanks to a project run by Age Cymru West Glamorgan.

Age Cymru West Glamorgan’s Practical Assistance Project, launched in January of this year, has delivered over 500 hours of free in-home support to 131 clients and their carers in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

The project, funded by the WCVA, provided local people and their carers with up to four weeks of free in-home support, assisting with tasks like cleaning, admin, preparing and cooking meals, and providing companionship while carers were able to take a break. The project has been such a success that Age Cymru West Glamorgan have now launched a permanent Home Support Service which offers competitively priced in-home support from DBS checked, professionally trained staff. This is also a dementia friendly service. 

Connor James, Chief Officer at Age Cymru West Glamorgan, said: “I’m delighted with how successful this project has been, for us as an organisation and for older people in our communities. Funding for this project came at an important time, when many older people who were already struggling before the pandemic were facing even greater difficulties in maintaining their independence. I’m also proud of our team of Home Support Workers, who have been able to provide excellent support with kindness and compassion that has been complimented by our service users.

“Despite the project coming to an end, we’re delighted to be able to continue offering this much-needed support as a paid Home Support Service offering a range of services from cleaning, laundry and cooking meals to assisting with administrative tasks or offering a sitting service to give carers some respite. As an organisation, we’re adapting all of our services to help older people transition out of lockdown and reintegrate into their community, and the Home Support Service is just one way that we can help people stay independent in their own homes for longer.”

A recipient of the free support, who cannot be named for privacy reasons, said: “The free support that I received from Age Cymru West Glamorgan was so beneficial to me. My Home Support Worker was such a big help and the extra support she gave me has meant everything to me, so much so that I’ve continued with the paid service, which is really good value for money. I want to thank Age Cymru West Glamorgan for being there when I needed them.”

For more information about Age Cymru West Glamorgan’s Home Support Service, please call 01792 589654 or visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru/west-glamorgan/our-services/home-support-service/