Celebrating Older People in Our Communities RCT Council rubbing salt in the wounds
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Labour councillors just voted against calls to reverse cuts to winter fuel payments, when will the public realise that Labour doesn’t care whether it is pensioners or kids? The Council want to decommission Ferndale House the excuse from the council because it doesn’t meet modern standards, if that is the problem modernise it and bring it up to standard not close it. Maesyffynnon Residential Care Home in Aberaman the care home, which was temporarily closed because of an ageing heating system never reopened,
Celebrating Older People in Our Communities is RCT Council rubbing salt in the wounds? RCT Labour vote against calls to reverse cuts to winter fuel payments
The Cae Glas proposal is to permanently decommission the existing residential care home that is located in Hawthorn.
Extra care accommodation in Rhondda Cynon Taf includes the following fees:
Rent: The cost of renting an apartment
Service charge: A fee for the upkeep of the building and facilities
Meals: A hot mid-day meal
Household costs: General household costs such as utility bills, telephone, and council tax
Care and support: Costs for care and support
Consultation on Ferndale House and Cae Glas residential care home proposals
Since 1991, the United Nations has observed October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons to promote the importance of older individuals in society. This year’s theme, Ageing with Dignity, is about recognising and celebrating the integral and invaluable contributions of our older friends and neighbours that help strengthen our communities. The day also aims to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges faced by ageing populations worldwide.
Despite the crucial role of older people in our society, their contributions are often overlooked. Older individuals can face significant challenges, including health issues, social isolation, and ageism, making it difficult for some to participate fully in community life and contribute to their overall wellbeing.
It is essential to recognise and address such challenges, ensuring that older individuals can continue to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our communities.
Cllr. Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care and Older People’s Champion, said: “Here at RCT Council, we are committed to creating an inclusive community where older people can thrive and continue to play an integral role.
“Our initiatives and support networks have been specifically designed to ensure that our older residents feel valued and supported, while being provided with opportunities to make meaningful contributions to society.
“Additionally, the Council’s membership to the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities in April 2024 is a clear demonstration of our commitment to our older residents.”
In RCT, we are proud to have several initiatives and provisions in place to support our older residents, including:
Investment in Extra Care: Extra Care Facilities in Aberdare and Pontypridd that provide essential support. Further Extra Care sites being developed in Porth and Mountain Ash, with a specialist dementia care facility in Ferndale.
Community Groups: Many of which are developed and delivered by older people including Pontypridd Men’s Shed, Fernhill & Glenboi over 60s, and Tonypandy OAPs.
Support Networks: The RCT Community Support Steering Group, Neighbourhood Networks, 50+ Forums, and the Older Persons Advisory Group (OPAG).
Dementia Support: Programmes like the Community Listening Campaign using local listeners to understand what dementia care and support looks like in our communities, the development of local Dementia Friendly Communities, and Dementia/Memory cafes, plus funding to support groups and organisations to develop risk reduction activities and raise awareness of dementia in local communities.
Organisations: Age Connects Morgannwg, Cwm Taf Care & Repair, Alzheimer’s Society, Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB, and Interlink RCT.
Volunteers and Discounts: Volunteers are heavily invested in age-friendly provisions, and various discounts are available for older residents.
Learn more about age-friendly initiatives within RCT here.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council was recognised as part of the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities earlier this year. This network was established in 2010, connecting cities, communities, and organisations globally. Members of the network commit to making their communities excellent places to grow old in through improvements to age-friendly environments, as well as promoting healthy ageing and a good quality of life for older residents.
You can find out more about the Council’s membership here: Working Towards an Age Friendly Community
