Later Life, Better Informed: Filling the Information Gap for Our Community
At Home Instead Swindon and Vale of White Horse, we know that ageing well isn’t just about care — it’s about having the right information, support, and guidance when you need it. Too often, families and older adults don’t know what help is available, what services exist in their community, or when it might be the right time to seek support.
This is why we’re proud to launch our Later Life, Better Informed campaign — a dedicated initiative aimed at bridging the information gap and helping people feel confident and empowered as they navigate later life.
Why we need this campaign
Many people only explore support options when a crisis occurs, often because they don’t realise what’s available or feel unsure where to turn. This can lead to unnecessary stress, rushed decisions, and missed opportunities to maintain independence and wellbeing.
Through our work across communities in Swindon, Vale of White Horse, and beyond, we have seen how early access to information can make a significant difference. Being informed enables people to:
-
Stay independent for longer
-
Maintain connections with family, friends, and local groups
-
Make confident, timely decisions about care and support
-
Access practical guidance to reduce stress and uncertainty
The Later Life, Better Informed campaign is all about proactively giving people the knowledge they need, before situations become urgent.
How Home Instead is making a difference
At Home Instead, we are committed to more than care alone. We aim to support people in living well, staying active, and remaining connected.
One key part of this is our WOW Guide, which has been in circulation for over four years in Swindon and the Vale of White Horse. It’s a trusted local resource, well known to professionals, families, and community groups, bringing together information on:
-
Social and community activities to combat isolation
-
Exercise and wellbeing opportunities that nourish the mind and body
-
Dementia-friendly support and specialist guidance
-
Charities, services, and practical advice for daily living
By sharing the WOW Guide and other resources as part of this campaign, we’re helping people stay informed, active, and connected, often delaying the need for formal care and improving quality of life.
Building a more informed community
Later Life, Better Informed isn’t just for the people we directly support. It’s for families, local professionals, and community partners — anyone who has a role in helping older adults access the support and information they need.
We actively share information through a variety of channels: delivering talks and workshops to local businesses, organisations, and community groups; collaborating with GP surgeries and healthcare professionals; and working alongside organisations such as solicitors to help their patients and clients understand what support and options are available. By creating these opportunities to share knowledge, guidance, and practical resources, we aim to foster a culture where later life is approached proactively, with confidence and clarity, rather than reactively.
Join us in spreading the word
We believe that when people are better informed about later life, they can make confident choices, access the right support, and continue living fulfilling, independent lives.
If you’re a family member, professional, or community organisation, we invite you to explore our campaign, share our resources, and help make Later Life, Better Informed a reality for more people across Swindon, the Vale of White Horse, and beyond.
Together, we can help people age well, stay connected, and feel confident every step of the way.
