Poole Day Centre - Services for Older People
Poole Day Services for Older People operates from a site on Commercial Road close to Poole Park and the Civic Centre. We also provide and manage a small service at Belmont Court.
We aim to promote independence and enhance the quality of life of those who attend. We want people to enjoy coming and treat everyone who attends with dignity and respect, and see them as valued members of the community.
We operate seven days a week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm, with two sessions each day, and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm, with one session each day.
Over 245 attend, all of whom are aged over 60 and live within the Borough of Poole community. Everyone who attends is regarded as an individual. Our key-worker system ensures everybody has a dedicated worker who they or their carers can refer to as and when they wish. Key-workers get to know their clients well and are there to support, provide information and monitor their clients according to their different emotional, personal care and mobility needs.
Facilities at the Centre
Our facilities include:
- Small lounge
- Tuck shop
- Personal care room
- Balcony and bench seats
- Two large lounges, one with a dining area for lunch
We provide a lunchtime nutritional meal, freshly prepared on site by our catering team who are happy to cater for special diets. There is always a choice of hot meals and salads and all are offered at a subsidised rate. Some comments from our clients include:
"Very good - well cooked - good choice.”
“Good, I don’t have to cook for myself!”
Those who attend can also purchase a packed lunch to take home. This includes a sandwich, cake and piece of fruit. Comments from our clients have included:
"What a great idea, such good value."
Door-to-door transport service
For those who need transport, this can be arranged with a door-to-door service provided by our considerate and helpful drivers. Adapted vehicles enable access for wheelchairs and those with mobility needs. Transport is arranged via the day centre, at a rate subject to Fairier Charging .
When we close each day, our building remains available to hire by community groups. A nominal fee may be charged. Examples of groups who hire our rooms include various support groups run by the Borough or by health-care workers, charities and commercial groups.
Activities on offer
A team of 30 staff provide an excellent range of activities and assist with individual needs. These activities include:
For mobility:
- skittles, roller-ball, and music and movement.
For mental stimulation:
- discussion, quizzes, and reminiscing.
For social interaction:
- painting, drawing, and table games such as dominos and cards.
A choice of activities is available during each morning and afternoon session. During the morning, activities are available between 11am and 12pm, and during the afternoon between 2pm and 3.15pm.
Our activities are always popular with our clients, and whilst aiming to promote mental and physical stimulation, we encourage social interaction so that friendships can be formed. We see this as important since many who attend live on their own, and /or have limited access to social outlets.
Quotes from our clients include:
"Quality of activities: very good and enjoyable."
“I look forward to coming here – always warm and friendly.”
Our Volunteers
To complement our staff team, we have a number of invaluable volunteers who assist with activities, serving beverages and lunches. It means we are able to provide a wider activity base, and also allows staff to concentrate on some of the more complex needs of individuals.
Our centre is also registered as an approved placement for students, and we have good links with local schools and colleges. Whilst we are able to provide work experience and learning opportunities in social care for study purposes, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, we also benefit from the students’ contribution to the staff team. Students have found their experiences useful and have enjoyed working with the different groups.
Access to services
Referrals to attend the day centre need to be made via the Adult Social Services Commissioning Team. They can be contacted on Tel: 01202 633902.
Once a referral has been received, you can visit the day centre prior to attendance if you wish. This will give you the opportunity to have a look around, meet a staff member, and ask any questions which you may have.
Contact details
If you are interested in Poole Day Services please contact us on Tel: 01202 721722 or email us at: pooledaycentre@poole.gov.uk.
Poole Day Services, 12A Commercial Road, Poole, Dorset BH14 0JW
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