Day care for older people
We provide day care for people aged 65 and over who are finding it difficult to manage in their own homes, because of frailty or ill health. Daytime support at a centre can often mean you can stay in your own home and within the community you know. Keeping you independent through supportive care is the aim of the service.
What happens in a day centre?
Day centres are busy places, based in the heart of the community, where a variety of activities take place. These are some of them:
- Personal care
- a hot meal (special diets can be catered for)
- arts and crafts
- a chance to meet and chat with others
- outings and special events
- gentle exercise.
Not everyone wants to join in, and we respect your wishes if you want to keep to yourself. We also take into account religious and cultural needs. By being with you in this way, we can also keep an eye on your physical health, and work with our colleagues in the health service. This is to maintain your health and well-being.
How do I get day care?
Through a social work assessment, where a social worker visits and asks questions and listens to you, to find out what help you need. We cannot help everyone. We aim to help those who have the greatest need and we measure this using certain standards, which we call ‘eligibility criteria’. Once it has been agreed a service can be offered, an introductory visit will be arranged.
Follow the link "Services for older people" to find out more.
What about older people who have memory problems, such as dementia, or mental health problems?
We have day centres specifically for you or the person you care for. Staff are trained to be sensitive to the needs of these older people.
Is there a charge?
There is a charge for our services. The social worker will explain this when they first meet you.
I look after my husband who is going to a day centre. Will I still be involved?
As a carer, we want to involve you in the plans for the person you care for. Some of our day centres have carers groups, with planned activities and support for carers. All day centres value carers and welcome your contribution.
List of Day Centres for older people
Thicketford House Community Care Centre
Thicketford Road, Bolton BL2 2LW
Phone 01204 337537
Thicketford Community Care Centre is on Thicketford Road, off Tonge Moor Road. We are open 364 days a year. We have 23 assessed service users attending each day plus between 35 and 50 drop-in users.
The centre is a hive of activity – including entertainment, reminiscence sessions, and an art group, to name a few. People can learn computer skills, including e-mailing relatives abroad. We offer an active carers support group, with a dedicated worker. Carers are much in evidence in the centre, and they are an integral part of our community. Local people over the age of 60 drop in to join in the activities, have a cup of tea, a snack or a hot meal for a small charge. For people who want to sit quietly, we have a sensory garden. Older people who live for a short time at Thicketford often join in the activities that are offered. The centre also accommodates Asian Elders day care
We promote independence in older people whilst having a strong belief in maintaining the rights of the individual. We are located in the heart of the community and are part of older peoples lives in our neighbourhood.
Winifred Kettle Community Care Centre
Leigh Road, Westhoughton, BL5 2NE
Phone 01942 634562
We are open 365 days a year from 8.45am to 5.15pm. On Tuesdays and Fridays the centre has a specialised service for people with Dementia, which can accommodate 12 people, whilst on the remaining days of the week we have 25 places offering personal care, respite for carers and social activities. Snacks, a two-course hot meal and transport to and from the centre are available at a nominal charge. A bathing service is also available and a hairdresser visits once a week.
Our aims at Daycare are to provide care to meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the vulnerable older people within the communities of Westhoughton, Blackrod and Over Hulton and from outside these areas for specialist services. We are committed to providing a quality service and to achieve this we welcome your feedback through group meetings, having a comments book available and by regular individual reviews.
Our aim is to maintain the independence of all our service users wherever possible and to work closely with community groups in our area including such as Age Concern, W.A.S.P.S, W.V.S, W.O.A.P.A, Townswomen’s Guild and Rotary Club, who use our facilities for some of their activities.
Alderbank Community Care Centre
Melville Road, Kearsley, Bolton BL4 8JD
Phone 01204 337791
Alderbank offers Day Care for up to 25 older people Monday Tuesday Wednesday and Sunday. This service is extended to 12 older people with mild to moderate dementia.
Our aim is to promote the independence of service users and reduce the pressure for carers where applicable. We take pride in the warn, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The staff have many years of experience and are dedicated to observing, listening and encouraging service user involvement and recognising and promoting dignity and choices. There are a variety of activities taking place each day and often visiting groups provide alternative activities and entertainment. Service users also play a vital role in assisting with fund raising and also take part in the decision making of how these funds are spent for the benefit of all service users.
Firwood Day Centre
Crompton Way, Bolton, BL2 2PE
Phone 01204 33773
Firwood Day Centre is situated just off Crompton Way in between Tonge Moor Road and Thicketford Road.
The centre is open 7 days a week. We have 12 places per day which are specifically for older people with mental illness. We have both male and female carers from varied backgrounds who bring a wealth of skills to the centre.
We offer individual support depending on your needs. We listen to you and your carer or advocate so that we can provide the type of care to suit you. Once you come to the centre, there are many activities to get involved in. The choice is yours.
Many people say when they first come to Firwood how warm and friendly they find the atmosphere.
Horwich Day Centre
Cedar Avenue, Horwich BL6 6EU
Phone 01204 337780
Horwich Day Centre was opened in 1999, complete with disabled access and toilet facilities. The décor is light and airy and rooms are filled with natural light. The Centre is open from 9.00 am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and offers 25 places to older people. Local people, over the age of 65 are also welcome to drop in for a cup of tea and a chat.
Carers are supported with advice and information. The Manager and staff have been working at the centre since it opened and many of the staff live locally. The centre prides itself on its friendly atmosphere, putting people first and maintaining independence and dignity.
Local schoolchildren often come in and play chess and card games and join with our centre’s activities. We are part of the neighbourhood.
Little Lever Day Centre
7A Queens Avenue, Little Lever, Bolton BL3 1QX
Phone: 01204 864768
Little Lever Day Centre opened its doors in November 2001. The centre has ramps, grab rails, wide doorways and disabled toilets. Opening hours are from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday. We offer 25 places to older people who need support to stay independent.
Everyone is treated as an individual. Often sharing worries in a confidential setting can be a great relief, and the staff at Little Lever are always ready to listen. Activities are offered which stimulate physical and mental health. Older people and their carers are often reassured that they can stay in their own home and be supported to live independently by coming to day care.