Promoting Older People's Independence Network (P.O.P.I.N)

WHAT IS THE P.O.P.I.N. SERVICE?

Promoting Older People’s Independence Network (P.O.P.I.N.) consists of advisors who work across Wirral and visit people of 65 and over in their own homes. There is no charge for the service. 

To access the service you do not need to be assessed under FACS guidelines – contact direct on 0151 666 4659 or via the CADT on 0151 606 2006.   

AIMS

  • To help people stay independent within their own homes.
  • To promote safety in the home.
  • To give advice on staying healthy and promote general well-being
  • To assist people to improve their income
  • To reduce the need for domiciliary support and/or residential care.
  • To prevent people’s circumstances deteriorating 

A person can self refer or can be referred by family, friends or professionals, as long as the person being referred has given consent. The P.O.P.I.N. advisor will visit you at home on a day and time that is convenient to you and complete an assessment to help identify any needs. The advisor will give you advice and information about different services available to help you maintain your independence in the home.  

Some of these services are listed below:

  • Assessments for Assistive Technology
  • Ensuring you are claiming benefits you may be entitled to
  • Information and advice for services that help you stay safe in your own home for example Handyperson services, falls prevention
  • Support with referrals to Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service for home fire safety checks and smoke alarms
  • Small assistance aids which are loaned free to those people who need them and advice on how to get help with small adaptations
  • Information on how to get loft insulation and keep your home warm and any advice on grants loans
  • Information and support with applications for housing, sheltered and extra-care accommodation
  • Support to access services provided by other organisations e.g Deaf Society and if appropriate referrals on your behalf to Health services
  • Enabling and supporting you to access private care agencies to do shopping cleaning and laundry
  • Referral for carer assessments
  • Advice / support to access voluntary / befriending services 

After the advisor’s initial visit and any follow-on referrals have been completed, you will be contacted at regular intervals – either annually or six-monthly – to see if any further advice, information or support is required.  

If you identify a need for support before this period you can contact P.O.P.I.N. at any time on 0151 666 4659 or via e-mail popin@wirral.gov.uk