Agenda item

Recommendation:
To consider the content of the report and agree conclusions and recommendations for submission to the Executive.

The Chair presented the final draft report to the panel in respect to the review of Physical activity for older people (65+).

As discussed at the last meeting, the panel were aware that the draft report was due to be submitted for approval in March 2020 however due to the outbreak of Covid-19 all scrutiny meetings were suspended.

At the meeting on 16 September 2020, officers provided an update in light of Covid-19 and this information had been added to the report.

The Panel were asked to agree the conclusions as set out at paragraphs 123-136 and to approve the draft recommendations prior to the report being submitted to the Overview and scrutiny Board for approval.

During the meeting, a panel member asked whether a recommendation could be included within the final report where the Licensing department could provide councillors with a list of taxi providers who hire accessible taxis'.  The panel were in agreement and this recommendation would be included in the report to the Overview and Scrutiny Board.

AGREED-

1. That the final draft report be approved.

2. That the following recommendations be approved:

·        That local physical activity initiatives be developed to promote the health benefits for older people, e.g. ‘Month of Walking’. These should be publicised through a combination of on-and-off-line methods. Although the exact number of activities should be determined by the service area, the Panel recommends at least four per year (quarterly), with the first four being established by Spring/Summer 2021. Such initiatives should measure participation levels to ensure that they are fit for purpose.

·        That a resources guide be created for individuals and groups that shows walking routes and details planned walk schedules. This should be made available in Council buildings and on the Council’s website. This guide should be created and made available by Spring/Summer 2021. Creating this guide could encourage existing walking groups to adopt a joined-up approach to enhance the experience further for participants.

·        That a feasibility study be undertaken, with VCS organisations, into the creation of a single resource showing activities available to older people in Middlesbrough. If viable, the resource should be created and made available by the end of 2021.

·        That Everyone Active undertakes an analysis of its membership to determine the level of demand for gym use, and the feasibility of introducing a membership tier, for over 65s. This should be completed by Spring 2021.

·        That a feasibility study be undertaken to establish if transport could be provided to over 65s to increase participation in physical activities. The feasibility study should include all key stakeholders, such as licensed providers and voluntary agencies, and be completed by Summer/Autumn 2021.

·        That, regarding dementia awareness, a further (online) training session be arranged for Elected Members by March 2021. In addition, an online training session/module should be established and placed on Middlesbrough Learns by Autumn/Winter 2021.

·        That explorative analysis be undertaken by Spring/Summer 2021 to establish interest levels amongst older Carers for subsidised gym membership. Should the analysis show this to be popular, subsidised gym membership should be offered when developing care packages going forward.

·        That a forum be established that brings together the 26 care home Activities Coordinators, Adult Social Care and Public Health South Tees representatives to share best practice; and report back to the Director of Adult Social Care and Health Integration on a quarterly-basis. This Forum should be established by Spring/Summer 2021.

·        That, where possible, and with immediate effect, future contracts with care providers should incorporate best practice principles for physical activity for older people.

·        That a map of all toilet facilities in the town centre be created to assist older people in mapping out their shopping visits. This should be displayed prominently throughout the town centre. The map should be implemented by Spring/Summer 2021.

·        That, where possible, Adult Social Care and Public Health South Tees contribute to discussions and other initiatives regarding ‘whole system change’, to ensure that older people can participate in physical activity wherever possible.
 

3. That the draft final report be submitted to the Overview and Scrutiny Board for approval on 28 October 2020 and that an additional recommendation in relation to accessible taxis' be included.