Tendring Community Assets Full Final Report

25 while they still have the capacity to do so. This takes pressure off them and their family and carers. The Alzheimer’s Society works with the Dementia Action Alliance to deliver these priorities. This needs to be done in a structured, systematic way, which includes all the key stakeholders. Our society has moved on a lot, but there is still a long way to go. 6.9 Stroke 6.9.1 While stroke can happen at any age, it is more prevalent in older people. The cause of stroke can be prevented or reduced by making lifestyle changes. While the risk factors of age, family history, ethnicity and previous medical history cannot be changed, there are risk factors which can, with changes in lifestyle or by taking the right medication. These risks include: high blood pressure - the major, treatable risk factor (the estimated prevalence of high blood pressure in Tendring is 27%, compared with an England average of 21%), smoking, high blood cholesterol (controllable by diet and medication), atrial fibrillation (controllable by medication), low levels of physical exercise (30% of adults in Tendring do not walk at least once a week, compared with 21% Essex average), diabetes, being overweight or obese (child and adult obesity rates are comparatively high) and drinking more than the recommended amounts of alcohol (alcohol-related hospital stays are the highest in Essex). The services and activities outlined in this report can do much to address these risks. 6.9.2 Many local pharmacies across the District will provide weight management support, blood pressure checks, smoking cessation advice and cholesterol checks, which can help to reduce stroke risk. 6.9.3 However, strokes do happen, and life after stroke is often a huge challenge for the person affected and their families and carers. Tendring Specialist Stroke Service (TSSS) is based in Holland-on-Sea, with services in Harwich too, focusing on the survivor and the carers, helping them to re-build their lives. There is also a Tendring Stroke Club which meets in the Park Pavilion in Dovercourt. Stroke survivors have the opportunity to meet other stroke survivors and carers can meet other carers, providing mutual support and sharing knowledge and experiences. TSSS provides therapeutic activities for stroke survivors; their aim is to:  Reinforce daily living skills  Develop effective communication skills  Promote self-confidence and initiative  Increase independence and encourage social integration  Develop strategies to manage psychosocial difficulties 6.9.4 Tendring is lucky to have such a strong support service but attendees are challenged by transport difficulties. Some are able to use Dial-a-Ride services but some are in inaccessible parts of the District and are not always able to get to support. 6.10 Older People - Physical Well Being 6.10.1 There are a number of physical activity classes aimed mainly at the elderly, including some all sitting sessions, such as an exercise group in Alresford which provides sitting only sessions for able and disabled older people. There are groups aimed at the over 60s (albeit that many of these are for women only, such as the Keep Fit in St Osyth). 6.10.2 The local authority swimming pools offer over sessions for people over 50yrs and exercise and lifestyle courses for over 50yrs in the adjoining gym facilities. These are very popular, and concession rates are low for those in receipt of the state pension (£3 for pay per use). In addition there are gentle walking clubs, weight management, walking football and numerous non-age specific exercise classes to suit all abilities.