(L-R) Jenny Marshall (Executive Director Community), Agewell Partnership, Maureen Morrow (Trustee, Agewell Partnership), Mike Nesbitt (Minister for Health), Sarah McLaughlin (Executive Director Health, Agewell Partnership), William McCaughey (Chairperson Agewell Partnership), Stephen Slaine (Treasurer, Agewell Partnership)
IMPACTAgewell®, a community based preventative model of integrated care focussing on enhancing the lives of older adults has secured a two year extension from the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) within the Department of Health.
Designed and delivered by Older Person’s charity Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership, IMPACTAgewell® has proven this approach can improve the lives of Older People living at home while saving money for the health service.
The funding will enable IMPACTAgewell® to continue its vital work delivering integrated support and services for older individuals through their home visits, particularly those facing challenges with isolation, long term health conditions, or limited access to community resources.
Since its inception in 2017, IMPACTAgewell® has developed strong partnerships with all GP Practices in the Mid and East Antrim Area as well as PACT Community Pharmacies, and NHSCT Social Work colleagues while directing funding towards and helping to build capacity in local community groups, ensuring that older adults receive comprehensive, person-centred care that promotes independence, resilience, and quality of life.
“We are immensely grateful to the Department of Health and the SPPG for recognising the value of our work and for their continued funding of this innovative approach for older people," said Sarah McLaughlin, Executive Director for Health at Mid and East Antrim Agewell®.
"This extension will enable us to reach even more individuals in need, deepening our impact and advancing our mission to support older people across Mid and East Antrim in living healthier, happier lives within their communities, whilst also reducing costs for the health service by cutting unscheduled care expenses.
“The Department’s support highlights the critical role of the Community and Voluntary Sector in Northern Ireland as a key strategic partner in delivering improved health outcomes and addressing health inequalities.
“We look forward to further developing this approach with the Department over the coming two years, continuing to drive innovation in this vital area."
An evaluation of IMPACTAgewell®was able to show that for every £1 invested in the model of care, £2.38 was saved for the health service for e.g. in terms of less GP appointments, less admissions to Emergency Departments or less days spent in hospital.
By prioritising early intervention and preventive care, IMPACTAgewell®has proven that community-led initiatives can play a critical role in the larger healthcare landscape.
Over the next two years, IMPACTAgewell® plans to deepen its services, building on proven methods to support older individuals in managing their health and wellbeing proactively.
The extended funding will also enhance collaboration with GPs, community organisations, and other health and social care services, fostering a holistic approach that addresses not only physical health but also social, emotional, and practical needs
Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt said:
“I am delighted to see firsthand the great work the Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership are doing in the area.
“The funding extension that my department has secured will mean this impressive service IMPACTAgewell® can continue to support older people to improve their health and wellbeing outcomes. The community approach to delivering health and social care to our older people is an excellent example of what can be achieved when local services come together.”
“I see this as an example of best practice, which I would like to see rolled out across Northern Ireland, to become common practice in how we deliver healthcare and support to an ageing population.”