ON THURSDAY (March 5), the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales visited the Penmorfa Centre for Independent Living in Ceredigion, to see firsthand the work being done to support older people to live and age well.
Established in May 2024, the Penmorfa Centre for Independent Living primarily functions as a demonstration space for individuals to visit and find out what devices and assistance might work best for them to continue living independently, as well as trial a number of different aids.
There are several different display rooms throughout the centre, which showcase a variety of aids, equipment and resources that can be used within a home, to enable someone to continue to live independently, such as mobility equipment, smart devices, and visual impairment support.
The Commissioner was joined on the visit by the Chief Executive of Ceredigion County Council, as well as other key leaders and officers, and also had the chance to meet with staff from a variety of services within the centre – including the Occupational Therapy Service, Tech Enabled Care, and the Early Intervention team – who demonstrated the different spaces within the centre. The centre is staffed everyday, so individuals will always have the opportunity to speak to someone face-to-face if they drop in.
The Commissioner also spoke with several older people who have used the help and support available at the centre to help them make informed decisions about the equipment that would best enable them to continue to live independently at home.
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said: “During my visit to the Penmorfa Centre for Independent Living, I spoke with a number of older people who told me about the positive difference that the centre has made to their lives.
“One individual told me that visiting the centre had helped him to make informed choices about the equipment that he might need, in order to help him to speak and walk again following a stroke.
“I also had the opportunity to meet with the Chief Executive of Ceredigion County Council to discuss their ‘Through Age Wellbeing Model’ and was able to learn more about the variety of services that they offer, including the Carers Support Unit and Community Connectors, as well as their involvement in the WHO Network of Age-Friendly Communities”.
“It was wonderful to hear how much older people and their families value this centre, and I could see firsthand the positive impact that the centre and its staff have within the local community.”
