The EasyCare model uses a 49-question assessment to identify and respond to the diverse needs of elderly people. It covers a rage of personal circumstances such as housing, safety, accommodation, finance and mental health.
Commissioned by Solihull CCG, Health Exchange’s Community Navigator service has been using this framework to formulate personalised action plans which meet the needs of each individual patient identified as ‘pre-frail’.
Last month, our Community Navigation Manager, Amy Davenport had the opportunity to attend two conferences in China which focussed on healthy and active aging.
In July 2015, as a result of Health Exchange’s new partnership with EASYCare and commitment to healthy and active ageing in the West Midlands, I was invited to attend two events in China, hosted by prominent partners and advocates in the field of healthy and active aging across the life course.
On 21st July in Shanghai, P.R China, the launch of the Nestle Skin Health Investigation, Education and Longevity Development Centre marked the launch of the second of twelve new innovation centres across the globe focused on the importance of skin health in the ageing process.
After a very late night flight across northern parts of eastern China, my next stop was Shenyang and the 2015 Summit on Healthy and Active Ageing.
I was invited by the Global Coalition on Aging, China Medical University and the Shenyang City Government to talk about my experiences in Solihull with EASYCare. Having this platform allowed me to discuss the merits of using EASYCare and how having a richer picture of our clients and the community we work in has allowed us to look more towards independence in our own health and wellbeing, rather than the statutory services many have come to depend on.
It was interesting listening to different stories and experiences that belong to a completely different culture, language, political system and history than we have in the UK. Having been able to speak to leading experts and contributors on this initiative I came to realise how critical the EasyCare model could be for China. In the face of its dramatic demographic shift, rapid industrial development and environmental changes as well as the substantial increase in urbanisation.
This information and understanding will feed into the conversations my team and I will have, not only with the patients we see in Solihull, but with colleagues and fellow EasyCare practitioners around the world.
If you would like to find out more about the EasyCare model and how you can get involved, contact Amy directly on Amy.Davenport@healthexchange.org.uk
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