Minimising the harm from Covid-19 on older people

Outcome/aim

To minimise the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on older people in Leeds, who have been disproportionately affected particularly in relation to severe illness and death but also across a range of other areas including employment, isolation and housing. A range of organisations in the Age Friendly Partnership mobilised to deliver a Covid-19 harm minimisation plan, focusing on the over-60s population reducing physical contact whilst promoting mental health.

Background
Leeds City Council has set out its ambition for Leeds to be the best city for people to grow old in. A third of people in Leeds are 50 and above, with the fastest growing age group being those over 80. Together with the impact of the pandemic, older people are also more likely to have multiple long-term health conditions with health inequalities disproportionately affecting the poorest in our city.

What has been delivered?
Leeds has taken a systemwide approach working towards the World Health Organisation’s Age Friendly Communities Programme, led by Public Health.

A range of organisations across the statutory, voluntary and private sectors previously came together as an Age Friendly Partnership. During the pandemic these partnerships have been invaluable in quickly mobilising the Covid-19 harm minimisation plan, by:

• Intelligently mapping the over-60s to target interventions and communications.
• Proactively engaging those most at risk, their carers and families.
• Increasing capacity within communities and partners, through funding and grants, to effectively prevent infection and provide support.
• Disseminating guidance to key staff, communities and organisations.
• Identifying issues and removing barriers to improve vaccination uptake.

What was the impact?

• Detailed data analysis completed to help target interventions/communications
• Groups of over-60s engaged through variety of channels, including additional editions of Shine Magazine, following development of communications plan.
• Additional funding allocated to third sector, and £85k awarded in Covid-19 grants to projects targeting deprived areas. Tailored mental health support offered, and isolated individuals reached though digital and befriending approaches.
• Series of webinars delivered for staff, and guidance documents produced.
• Age-friendly principles embedded within testing and vaccination and guidance for testing developed.
• Vaccination plan for over-60s and health inequalities developed including support and funding for transport.

Next Steps
Harm minimisation planning for the recovery phase to focus on mental health, ensuring take up of vaccination, financial security in later life, and primary care.