Services for Older People in Kintyre 2025
Final Report
What was the purpose of the Survey?
To develop the type of services required by those over 60 in Kintyre we created the survey to find out both what is needed as well as the aspirations of the older generations.
While retirement age has been put back and the idea that 60 is no longer ‘old’, by many, it is recognised that some do need different services over time starting at 60.
Shopper-Aide was set up to help those over 60 to ensure that those with a declining health in particular at that age did not miss out when they needed help. We have very few under 65 but some are on the cusp and getting help can reduce social isolation in particular before further problems develop.
This survey will also consider resilience capability and development of services – not just for different age groups but health conditions. With a changing world and climate, we must consider how we can cope in different situations especially in a rural area. Thus it will look at the following matters.
• Health access (medical, dental, podiatry, et al)
• Help in the home, including access to shopping
It will also look at the aspirations of people as they age.
Introduction
With all of replies in, although not as many as hoped, what has been noted is emerging with some common ground and not all of it surprising. Some issues are ones that continue to show difficulties that older people in Kintyre have always highlighted but never seem to be addressed.
Shopper-Aide was set up to help address them and what is shown is that without them the situation would be even worse. This was also shown by the support received from the community over the last year when Shopper-Aide was in a situation whereby they could have folded.
The report will show in particular that transport is the biggest concern, access to health, especially dentistry, another and the need for support to combat loneliness.
While more are able and willing to use social media for information this does not mean that there is the ability to do so and the continued use by statutory and other organisations to point people to internet services can leave people without being side-lined.
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General Results
Age and Location
The survey included those of 50+ (4%) but the largest response came from the 70-79 age group followed very closely by 60-69 and then 80-89 with further response from those over 90.
49% came from the town, 24% from south of the town (Stewarton, Drumlemble, Southend, Machrihanish and Sound of Kintyre), 15% from East Kintyre and 12% from West Kintyre. Thus a fairly even split between Town and Rural.
Please note for some questions i.e. re health please note that villages nearer the town use GP/Nurse and Pharmacy thus their answers will reflect that – Southend and parts of West Kintyre are with the Kintyre Medical Group and parts of East Kintyre are with Carradale surgery.
Transport
The use of cars, either own or using help from someone, is the most used means of transport while local and rural bus use is very small. The Glasgow bus faring slightly better but this is also the rural bus for the West Road.
Issues regarding transport are highlighted in comments throughout the survey and include the following;
• Disability means unable to use public transport /struggle with transport due to disability
• Red Cross bus is sorely missed difficult to get to appointments
• Shopper-Aide Car – specifically mention 3 times
• Taxi – specifically mention 9 times
• At the moment can manage with own transport but if things change without help would be totally isolated
• Keeping an eye on the Pingo bus option for when I can drive/afford a car
• No bus stops near house
• Pingo no use including disability, times available, in the area (nothing for rural areas)
• Bus timetables not convenient including long waits between times
• Getting to health appointments especially out with the immediate area i.e. Glasgow, Oban
• Basically in our area to retain independence as we age, access to a car, be it your own or someone else’s is still pretty essential sadly.
• Worry about not being able to use my own car in the future as buses are adequate but not useful for older people
• Not able to use transport on my own
In fact, in the question later in the survey, ‘What do you think would improve services for older people in Kintyre’ – transport was mentioned the most- 18 of 37 responses alone.
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Communication
Keeping in touch with family and friends
Many older people are living alone and keeping in touch with people is not necessarily face to face as family may not be local anymore and while some are able to use social media it is not used by a good number of older people. Not everyone has an internet connection or mobile phone.
Landline, closely followed by mobile phone is the most common way then email. For some Telecare is a form of keeping in touch and a similar number use other social media to do so.
15 people specifically mentioned Social media, Facetime, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and What’s App in their comments.
Other comments include;
• very poor internet service and mobile coverage / intermittent
• most companies now say “Go online”
• I write lengthy letters to friends and family- inspite of the cost of stamps
• Communication by email becoming more difficult
• No close relatives, family too far away, no close neighbours so have to use social media
• Daughter can’t help me due to her own health issues e.g. lift me or do housework
• I have a telecare alarm as I live alone – to reassure my daughter who lives 90 miles away
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Who would you call first in an emergency?
This question was asked both here and under health- here to establish who they would feel comfortable to speak to if there was an emergency – mainly because of fears many have that they might be making a fuss but even so results were surprising.
45% said a relative with only a few mentioning 999 or emergency services and only 18% saying Telecare (however, not everyone has Telecare) but one comment did say they would use Telecare if a friend or relative wasn’t available. Another said would call Telecare and a neighbour.
One said they would call the appropriate emergency service/tradesman first depending on the emergency and also mention was that family are neighbours.
Another comment was that the person wasn’t sure who they would call as they had only recently moved here and that family and friends were miles away.
Regarding not mentioning 999 was surprising but also included as an option later in the survey with regard to health and even what would be considered an emergency and that had a poor response to calling emergency services. However, that may not be what actually happens.
Reliance on family and those close – friends and neighbours is very much in people’s minds when needing help.
Later, in the health access question, when then asked what they would consider to be an emergency – feeling unwell was the main reason followed by power cut and no water with 10% due to feeling scared and 7% due to feeling lonely.
Health Access – Getting there
As already established getting transport is an issue and to get to appointments has shown that this issue is difficult although some people also added that getting the actual appointment was an issue itself.
Figure 1
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Each of those listed gave an OK response. (options were Difficult OK Good)
The most difficult means of accessing a service was getting to appointments especially out with the local area and as with prescriptions but no service was really given a top rating – only just with GP-while dentistry, podiatry, physiotherapy and prescriptions the lowest ratings.
As already indicated transport is a real issue with actual comments like, however some answers added a wider meaning i.e. getting referrals as an example (see below) but comments do relate to transport mainly;
• I have come to look after a parent with dementia – can’t access local Dentist and can’t travel to my own Dentist
• Very difficult to collect prescriptions from Chemist
• I usually have to get a taxi
• Very difficult for Glasgow appointments involving planes, taxis etc
• Specialist difficult to access for various reasons and hospital departments do not realise how isolated Kintyre is with associated transport problems
• My Dentist is in Edinburgh
• I have to travel by bus to access a Dentist in Glasgow – my recent access to physio was easy but a car is really required – a regular bus service to the hospital and health centre would be beneficial
• Fortunate I still have a car and can drive to appointments but have to travel outwith the area for a Dentist
• I am lucky to be registered with the local Dentist but worried when he retires – it is ludicrous people are having to go private to the likes of Glasgow and Oban not to mention the cost of travel/time to go there
• Muasadale village needs a foot path from village to surgery
• Dentist in Lochgilphead, Tarbert
• Transport is an issue for appointments, not available before 8am.
• Transport can be improved
Travel/transport issues cover not only those within the town but for those in the outlying areas the reliance on access to their own transport from this section and the question on transport in general. Many older people are having to rely on friends and neighbours to help them get to appointments or do without – this is perhaps something that should be looked at as costs, both physical and economic will rise when health deteriorates.
Pharmacy problems should improve with the new opening service for those who have difficulty getting to collect prescriptions as I understand they will have a delivery service.
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Health Access – Local Appointments
While the survey just looked at the actual getting of an appointment with GP, Nurse and Dentist, it became obvious in the comments they were not the only service that causes concern.
Getting an appointment locally. (Figure 2)
Getting an appointment for a Dentist was the most difficult and seeing the nurse was the best.
• Overall Dentistry access was the most common complaint followed by Health centre appointments
• Getting through to the Health Centre to make an appointment was also mentioned several times
• Travel to get to local appointments was also mentioned.
• Various comments regarding long waiting times for Audiology were made
• Poor service from Chemist, very difficult to collect prescriptions from the chemist
• Need more Dentists, can’t get Dentist appointment, been here 25 years and still can’t get a local Dentist, cannot get a Dentist in Campbeltown, Dental provision is appalling
• With age – health changes and getting older is getting harder
• Hard to get appointments, hard to get through to the Health Centre, when I do get through to health centre can’t get an appointment with the person I need
• Hard to get through to GP on phone (press 1, press 2)
• Hard to get appointment when you get through / hard to get receptionist to give you an appointment
However, there were some positive comments;
• Get home visit for podiatry
• Been able to get appointment/treatment if and when necessary in good time
Social Interaction
In a comment from one respondent which illustrates how many older people feel
“With age/health changes and getting older, it’s getting harder”.
It is not just managing to get health appointments and transport to get there, it is about getting out, meeting people, connecting with others that can be more difficult and as the answers illustrate below more than a quarter of respondents say they do have difficulties getting out and about, whether they needed help and also preference as to times to go out.
1.Getting out and About – around one third of responses said they had difficulty getting out
Going out during the day was the preferred option regardless of whether they needed help even if sometimes help was needed. Very few indicated both and only 2 said at night.
In looking at different social interactions what is most obvious is the importance of family and friends but comments also show how that can affect different situations
2.Who people see most often
While in the question about communication saw family as the highest answer, who people see most often shows that friends are higher. Friends is 10% more than family but that a family carer is seen as a different /as well as person
3.Why people go out – Shopping is top followed by meeting friends then a group/club followed by an event
Comments regarding going out, who people see most often and where with some positive responses but also show that many have difficulties whether through health, mobility or other disability, getting out can be a major issue;
• Feel panicked in social situations, need support
• Being deaf – need support to knowing what is said and a physical disability is a problem.
• I go to Shopper-Aide social group and out with my friends sometimes
• I like to go to clubs but getting there isn’t easy
• Not enough local amenities to have social interaction
• This is a very necessary organisation (Shopper-Aide) for those unable to get out and about both socially and physically
• Enjoy the unpaid carers coffee morning twice a month and the arts and crafts session, also Kintyre Writers Circle but rarely attend due to mobility, hearing and fatigue
• Go to Dochas unpaid carers group
• At 86 I do not have many social situations but go to a weekly Art Group
4.Who would you contact in and Emergency and what do you consider an emergency
Looking again at who you would contact in an emergency and what an emergency was has some differences from general communication.
This was an interesting response – family member is almost 40% with friend and Telecare almost the same but not all respondents have Telecare. Only 14.5% said they would contact 999. As was the responses regarding what people would consider to be an emergency.
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Feeling unwell was the major reason given as an emergency followed by no power and water but 21 people said if they felt either scared or lonely.
Some interesting comments about this section include;
• I am not well enough to look after my parent
• I wouldn’t consider any of the above as an emergency
• Feeling lonely I don’t usually bother about as it passes – the longer my situation continues that may change
• I get a bit lonely and find weekends very long
• Registered priority services(electricity) but would only consider it an emergency if prolonged and in very cold weather
• No family in the area – would contact a friend and carer or press telecare button for an emergency
• Poor communications during the power cut if not on social media
• An emergency when one falls and can’t get up
• Would also call a friend if an emergency and would only consider anything an emergency if lasting more than 24 hours
• I would phone a friend in an emergency but they aren’t local and would consider an emergency if an accident or serious health scare- getting to know locals since moving from Glasgow
• Depending on actual emergency would call 999
Therefore, is this resilience or not wanting to make a fuss. New people to the area who may not have family or know about local services and how do people know about what is happening when communications are not available due to power failures. *
*many of these responses were already done prior to the major power cuts in some parts of Kintyre recently.
Help needed due to age and/or health
The Survey then looked at more specific help for older people. Shopper-Aide and Launder-Aide was set up to help with these issue apart from Personal Care and this first graph shows three of the options have the biggest need
Help with specific tasks showed the most common can be provided by Shopper-Aide.
• Shopping (33%) was the most needed
• closely followed by housekeeping (32%)
• 6% said other (transport and tradesmen)
In drilling down each of the above the importance of family is noted; however, almost half of answers in each section ticked not applicable in each
Some general comments
• I am able to do everything myself but if that changes my family all live locally
• If I have to stop driving, I would probably start using Shopper-Aide or Pingo bus – hopefully these services can continue into the future
• If family wasn’t able to help I would be stuck
• Currently in good health and able to drive- but aware that this is likely to change over the next few years. Appreciated the help from Shopper-Aide during Covid years and would feel reassured if this support was available in the long term.
• I am relatively healthy and don’t need help
• Services such as Shopper-Aide and Mairi Semple should be provided by the local council, NHS etc. Finance for services should be channelled into care of people rather than arts and crafts and culture as a priority
• Quite sure a lot of elderly people like myself would struggle without your help (Shopper-Aide), Family members not always available
• For now, I don’t need help with anything but I think it is wonderful that such help is available for those who need it.
• Presently I personally do not need those aids at the moment but I am aware that statutory bodies i.e. social services are poor at the moment and Shopper-Aide and Launder-Aide are crucial for a lot of elderly people and valued tremendously.
Personal Care – Family (21%) the most common help with private and statutory care almost equal on 11% and 10% respectively with not applicable 57%.
There were few actual comments on Personal Care
• I have a private carer and family member to help me
• Husband is a family member
• Re personal care – a family member after an operation
Housekeeping – Family again is important (21%) while private arrangement at 23% comes top and Shopper-Aide (10%) with neighbour/friend and other the least at 4% and 3% respectively. Not applicable 40%
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• I have put not applicable as we do it ourselves. Me when hubby is unwell
• Changing a bed is becoming a problem
• Housework I don’t usually bother about unless I have to
Shopping – Family, (21%) followed by Shopper-Aide (20%) Delivery (12%) and Neighbour/friend (6%). Not applicable 41%.
• Shopper-Aide is a fantastic help I don’t know what I would do without it
• Great service from Shopper-Aide
• I can do some things myself but get Shopper-Aide to help where I can
• Shopping, while not applicable at the moment probably will in the future
• Haven’t used Shopper-Aide but hear good reviews
Laundry – Launder-Aide/Shopper-Aide at 29%, Family (12%), Private (9%), neighbour/friend (3%) and other (4%), Not applicable 44%
• Laundry, currently I manage to do myself with frequent rests
• Also use Davaar laundrette to dry clothes
• I use Launder-Aide regularly for my heavy laundry as I have severe arthritis. It’s invaluable – I am lucky I can afford to use this at the moment
• Personally I find Launder-Aide great as I am not fit as I used to be
• Launder-Aide is brilliant
• Launder-Aide is excellent and very caring staff
• Launder-Aide is a much appreciated service- after a serious illness I was unable to use an ironing board but even with improved health I continue to use the laundry service
• Carer helps with washing- hangs it on the clothes horse
• Not using Launder-Aide at the moment but will do
Further comments made include
• The Monday Club at Carradale is very beneficial for my health and wellbeing also gives over and above support to me on a personal level. Shopping service is very useful
• Appreciated support from Shopper-Aide during the Covid years and would feel reassured if this support was available in the long term
• While not needing help at the moment maybe for gardening soon
• Need help with pet care and gardening/grass cutting
.General Questions
What do you think would improve services?
The most contentious issue here was transport where of the 37 submissions 18 were about the difficulties or lack of means of getting out and about including some specific comments about the Pingo service e.g. most said transport/better transport
• Better public transport that is advertised – expand Pingo
• Easier transport (getting in and out), transport that can come straight to your door
• More help with taxi if needed rather than Pingo bus. Taxi can come to your door
• Buses need to be better especially where they pick up locally
• Transport links and more volunteers to transport for social, recreation and appointments
• Better transport for rural areas
• Dedicated transport for visits to GP, hospital etc including Glasgow and Oban hospitals
• Better public transport – more frequent and later in the evenings
Other comments
• Make telephone care easier to use
• Make telephone care easier to access
• I personally feel we’re pretty lucky in Kintyre as there are quite a few options for us if we want to use them
• More social groups and events
• Easier help to appointments, more access to social groups and events
• Bring back help personally 1-2-1 in the shops
• Outings, different types of groups, musical afternoon, sing along, tapes or availability and piano
• More money/staff in care services
• More publicity about services and groups to join, I would like a book club
• Shopper-Aide & other organisations to be better funded
• A register of trusted local tradesmen. I have never known such an unprofessional bunch, with few exceptions. The only ones with any sense of offering a service are mainly incomers
• Stability for the care in the future
• I don’t use all the services we have at the moment but I hope they will still be here/ available for all who need them now and those of us who will in the future
• Chemist better organised
• Banks and businesses wrongly assume that everyone is skilled and has access to computers, mobile smart phones apps etc. Many elderly never use these and struggle especially if they don’t have younger family members to help nor do they bank online or through their phone and need access to banking safely or a bank counter. Having to use an app etc is discrimination against older people
• Meet up one day a month – a social day for lunch or even meeting people and catching up on news or go to the cinema once a month
• May not be easy to arrange but several folk have said (and I agree) but sometimes people would like / need to go into a shop themselves with assistance to view special offers/new products etc
• Probably a handy person to help elderly in their homes with somethings they struggle to do on their own. Many end up in hospital from falls. The other day I saw a man in his 80s up a ladder to fix the aerial on his roof
• Community care nursing care to be improved offering more holistic care. More statutory social service care. More podiatry care available, more CPN care, more hospital beds, more day care and support for elderly especially with dementia. Hopefully the opening of the new pharmacy will resolve the very concerning prescription problems
• Husband will be 93 this year and we are currently coping, probably better than people living on their own especially housebound people. I believe there is a befriending service with Dochas
Do you know about the different clubs and groups to join or take part in
We wanted to know what people knew of clubs and social groups there were and how they knew about them. For those going from work to retirement, new to the area or through ill health how they became aware and viewed this change for social interaction.
Of course for those who have no difficulties getting about, those who have always lived here and if no health worries their views and needs will change over time thus the different types of need can seem strange to some.
Getting to social groups, events, activities does have an influence as does what is available in each local area whether due to transport, time, the need for support, age and health all impacts on the results.
For many activities there is also a dependence on how each one is managed/run– does it need funds, rely on volunteers, places to meet, and many other costs including publicity, fees and rental costs.
There were 29 submissions in this section with a variety of clubs, groups, activities mentioned;
• Live Argyll Exercise classes, Tai Chi (online), Bowls, Golf, Pilates
• SWRI, Guild, Church groups, Senior Ladies, Rotary, Inner Wheel,
• Arts and craft clubs, Camera club, Art Group, Writers Circle
• Old Pals, Cinema, Silver Screen @ Cinema, Bridge Club, U3A
• Shopper-Aide Elderberries and Carradale SOS Club
• Parkinson Group, MS Group
• Dochas Carers Group, Link Club
Specific comments about socialisation– clubs and groups include;
• They are mostly advertised on Social media and as Campbeltown is a small place word of mouth
• I know about them, I don’t go to any, I am happy to craft at home and be with my family
• I do know of Elderberries and there was the U3A but don’t know if it’s still going
• Very few clubs on the West Coast and they are not well advertised
• I volunteer at local Sea Cadets
• There are loads advertised in shop windows
• No because there is none in Campbeltown apart from Elderberries
• None for my age apart from Elderberries
• Only Elderberries/ Just Elderberries don’t know of any other clubs
• Would like games and exercises that was offered through Shopper-Aide at my home
• I like music but find I can’t be in a social group
• Shopper-Aide Clubs/Shopper-Aide Social group etc
• I know there are a lot of clubs available and hope they will continue. I firmly believe services for older people to allow them to socialise and get out and about are very important.
• How do you become a member?
• Not a member of any clubs but see lots advertised (a lot on social media which many older people either do not use or have no access to it)
• Far too many to list – most are active on FB, Shopper-Aide could be more pro-active in approaching them and maintaining a register
• Member of Guild and Senior Ladies
• I know of the MS/Parkinson Group, Old Pals, U3A and Water of Life Café and will probably go along one of these days
• Kintyre Writers Circle, I have seen posters advertising other interesting groups. We are avid readers and library staff are always friendly and helpful
• I have a number of hobbies – knitting, sewing, dressmaking, Art, writing and growing my own vegetables, baking and flower pressing
• Shopper-Aide Art Group on a Tuesday
• I am aware of various clubs and groups but don’t always know when things are on in local areas – village hall etc
• Sometimes things are advertised on Facebook, sometimes not so much, village shop in Southend shut now so no posters about local things
• To find out about groups I have been going to has been word of mouth and invitation
• Main Street Club Campbeltown
• I am aware of the many available exercise classes, bingo, bowls, golf, musical groups (would be great to have more music for the elderly), church groups, art classes. There are many available in Campbeltown not sure how many cater for elderly
This is a very mixed group of answers – while there are many social activities there are people who either;
• Do not know of them – either not advertised enough or where people can find out about them
• Know of them but they are either not for them or not want to join at the moment or can’t get to them – due to lack of transport or need help to g.
In the last question some of these points are answered.
Anything you would like to add?
• Being able to pay for Shopper-Aide by card over the phone
• Transport is a constant source of concern whether I can get to my appointment.
• Would also like some additional private care to allow primary carer sometime of their own.
• Also it would be helpful if Council provided funding to Carr Gomm to have two response workers at all times. If you are deemed a person requiring two carers you cannot get assistance with personal care during the day as only one response team member is on duty from 7am till 11pm
• More days out with Elderberries, Cinema, picnic lunch. Trips away really enjoy going to Elderberries it gets me out speaking to people. I look forward to going. I hope you get more funding
• Elderberry days out, More days at Elderberries. I feel so relaxed at the Elderberry group. Wouldn’t want to go to another group. Need more funding for the group
• Want more Elderberries, more social events
• More groups like Elderberries, more outings cinema, picnics, lunch trips out, a way to find out what is going on to go out
• Thank you for all the services you provide
• There is a lack of social amenities and transportation
• You need a stronger presence online, either through your own FB page or local pages like the Wee Toon, Kintyre Forum etc. You’ve lost a lot of public awareness since moving out of the town centre and being difficult to access for non– drivers.
• May need help with Shopping but manage at the moment
• May need help with Shopping in the future
• Shopper-Aide and Launder-Aide are very important part of the services for older people throughout Kintyre and I hope they can continue to be so
• Our close family are scattered in Brighton, Cornwall, Devon and New Zealand but we have made good friends and especially good neighbours who are there if we need help though we try to keep our independence while we can
• I think Shopper-Aide and Launder-Aide provide an invaluable service to the people of Campbeltown and Kintyre in many ways and that they are all to be recommended for the exemplary care, attention and protection you give to us all. Thank you.
• Do not currently use Shopper-Aide but hope it will still be there when I need it. Think we may have all got a bit complacent about it, would miss it greatly if it weren’t available and lots of older folk in the rural areas would be at a great disadvantage.
• Recently we had a power cut for 5 days that meant no Wifi connection or TV, no phone contact etc, I felt socially cut off but thanks to the community and the community hall help and support was provided for everyone. It also proved to be an opportunity to meet people from the village
• I have nothing but praise for our unique service of Shopper-Aide and Launder-Aide – thank you for all that you do. We are fortunate to have you.
Conclusion
Overall no surprises. When Shopper-Aide was set up in 2011 it was done to help mitigate difficulties older people had – it could not solve everything but has managed to provide services have made a difference and has brought in some new ones. The main aim was to provide help with shopping and some extra help when needed e.g. transport to local appointments, social interaction, a little help in the home e.g. tidy out a cupboard, make a bed if just out of hospital or unwell.
As a result of further requests we set up some social groups, including the Old Pals which was originally a weekly meeting for local men to reminisce about their lives. Then extra help became housekeeping and from that we had demands for help with laundry.
Social groups expanded to Elderberries in Campbeltown and Carradale and a group on Gigha. Others had started, Garry’s Gang (men only Group) and the Soup Group in Tayinloan. There were also outings for afternoon tea and lunch for individuals and small groups but Covid brought changes and costs rose which curtailed some activities.
However, this survey has shown that we are still very much needed but do have to provide some additional work to get back to full capacity. The major problem is both funding for staff and other costs and the need for more volunteers.
The other difficulties are not directly related to Shopper-Aide – the continual problem with transport is not a new issue but with an aging population is one that cannot be ignored. An organisation like ours does not have the capacity or means to solve the lack of services in general or the access issues for those less able.
Dentistry has also been highlighted and one that does not just apply here. While regarding access to other health related services does not show much in the way of improving but again not just a local issue.
It is also a transport issue to get to appointments – if you do not have access to a car or someone to take you, buses that are not easy to use – physically or availability or costs of a taxi. Getting into town from outlying areas or even in the town can prevent people accessing health related problems. As an example from Southend a bus leaves at 8.30am but the return leaves the town at noon, it does pass the hospital but there is still a hill to get up. From both east and west areas, the bus does not go near the hospital. Pingo buses are not always available or able to provide a connection and their times are limited on school days.
How people find out about services, social groups and events has always been a problem, regardless of how it is done but the growing use of pointing people to the internet is not, for this age group in particular much help.
Posters about events, meetings and groups are good but only if there are places to put them and if people are able to get to these places. The radio is an excellent place to advertise but is not able to be heard all over. This is perhaps a project to be explored but a costly one – and a paper copy of clubs/ groups and contacts can be out of date very quickly. With many outlying villages in particular have less amenities to allow people to find out about what is happening and lack of places to advertise there is more reliance on word of mouth and social media.
One place that used to allow people to find out about what was going on was in health related places – GP Surgeries and outpatients waiting rooms but this was reduced as a good place even prior to Covid.
Family connections is still very important but not all have family locally which can be a problem for older people. There are many comments which show that while people can manage at the moment there is concern about when they cannot and problems arise if that becomes sooner rather than later. Again transport and getting to places was shown as a fear by those who can do at the moment and particularly for those out with the town.
The overwhelming support for Shopper-Aide and Launder-Aide was welcome and was not just by those who already use the services but those who hope to in the future. While we had hoped that this survey would show we were still doing a valid job it has been a surprise at how much we have provided in the growing need in the area for help in an ever increasing age cohort.
Aspirations seem to be the continuation of Shopper-Aide and Launder-Aide, better transport and access to appointments, more social groups for different groups of people who do have difficulty getting out and more ways of finding out about what is going on in the area.
Web site: www.shopper-aide.org.uk
Email: office@shopper-aide.org.uk
Facebook: Shopper-Aide, Launder-Aide.
Download the report in PDF format here: Final Report 2025
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