A ROADSHOW on helping people stay healthy and independent is heading for Redditch and Bromsgrove this summer.
Organised by Worcestershire County Council the aim is to encourage residents to think about their future wellbeing.
The cash-strapped local authority is expected to spend more than 40 per cent of its budget this year on the care of vulnerable adults with £139 million set aside for adult social care and health in its annual budget.
Adult social care is the single biggest expense on the county’s finances and it’s a cost that is continually growing.
“It is really important that people start thinking about their future and making decisions before they need care or support,” said Councillor Adrian Hardman, the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Adult Services.
“Obviously, most people aim to stay healthy and independent for as long as possible.
“Noticing little changes in your health and activity, like struggling to cut your own toenails, is really important.
“These can be signs of reducing mobility and linked to ageing, so it may be the time to start thinking and planning for the future.
“This summer, adult social care staff and I will be at locations throughout Worcestershire to talk to people about their care and encourage them to start thinking about how they plan to stay independent for as long as possible.”
Social care, unlike healthcare, is not a free service, and county officials say it is important to talk to relatives, family and friends about the issue.
This includes things like housing; staying in your own home or choosing to move into retirement living, decisions about care if you become ill, and difficult decisions around finance.
All roadshows are on Fridays from 10am to 2pm and they’ll be at Bromsgrove market on June 14 and June 21, and in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre on July 12 and at Tesco Extra in Coldfield Drive, Oakenshaw on July 26.
