Better now - Well advised into old age

What happens if I need care? Who can I turn to if my home is not barrier-free? How can I stay fit and mobile?

The aim of the project is to actively support Beckum residents aged 75 and over in shaping their own future and dealing with issues such as housing, care and social participation at an early stage. The district of Warendorf offers individual counselling for this purpose.

At the launch event in the auditorium of the Antoniusschule, the head of the Warendorf district social services department, Kirsten Röttger, welcomed those present on behalf of the Warendorf district and explained how the project came about. Mayor Michael Gerdhenrich emphasised an example in his welcome address: "Many people want to grow old in their own home, for example. For this to succeed, the course must be set early on."

Over the past year, the town of Beckum has focussed intensively on the needs of senior citizens. The senior citizens' plan was updated. The guide for senior citizens has been updated and offers a wealth of information on all aspects of ageing in Beckum. Every six months, a calendar of events is published especially for the over-60s.

"We are now delighted to be able to build on this with the district project. Thanks to the close cooperation between the district administration, the city and social organisations in the project, older people receive comprehensive support that meets their needs," Gerdhenrich continues.

During the presentation of the project, topics such as age-appropriate housing, health prevention and social networking were discussed. The experts agreed that loneliness and poverty in old age are among the major challenges of ageing. In an entertaining presentation, Jürgen Ribbert-Elias, Chairman of the "Alter und Soziales e. V." association, explained the importance of preventative, outreach counselling for older people. The speaker made the audience smile, but also made them think, for example with his descriptions of the effects poverty can have on health and social participation.

The care and housing counsellors Nadine Schöppner and Anja Becklönnne then introduced themselves. They emphasised that the framework conditions for the counselling sessions are designed by the senior citizens themselves. Relatives and people they trust can of course take part in order to work out solutions together.

And what happens after the information evening?

Within the next year, all 4,000 Beckum residents over the age of 75 will receive a letter from the district of Warendorf. In addition to the letter, the senior citizens will receive a pre-paid reply card with which they can express their interest in a counselling appointment.