Offers of discussions, support and advice for people over 63 years of age
Lena Kropp has been a state-recognized social worker since September 2021 and has therefore been responsible for the southeastern districts of the state capital since the start of the Agathe program. It is there for older people on Herrenberg, Wiesenhügel and Melchendorf. She does referral counseling. This means that after making initial contact with people in the south-east of Erfurt, she usually visits people at home in person or by telephone and talks to them. This conversation usually results in suitable offers to which Lena Kropp can refer and accompany her clients.
Important cooperation partners of the Agathe consultant in the southeast are the neighborhood manager Kati Langenberger, Petra Bischoff from the Sempers Engel volunteer visitor service and the Southeast District Conference.
“An important part of these conversations is self-reflection. This takes relationship work to another level because people honestly ask themselves what needs they have in old age and how these could be met. “I am then happy to listen to all the needs and concerns,” explains Lena Kropp. This leads to very individual results. Some would find that a group offer is the right thing, while others would be happy to be accompanied to an appointment. “Currently, it is mostly widowed, older women over 70 who take advantage of this offer, but in principle the Agathe offer is aimed at everyone over the age of 63,” explains Kropp.
The Agathe concept aims to ensure that people build a new social network, similar to their previous circle of colleagues and acquaintances, soon after leaving work. “Unfortunately, many people miss it and the more time passes, the more difficult it becomes,” says Lena Kropp.
That's why she hopes that she can inspire even more seniors to volunteer in the future. “I have often seen how older people blossom when they realize that they are still needed. Volunteering is also a great opportunity to pass on important social values,” she says. One option is also neighborhood walks, which she would like to establish in the southeast. To do this, she is looking for people who can show participants their district for 30 to 45 minutes. This could then be followed by a joint end with coffee and cake.
Contact the Agathe consultant
Lena Kropp can be reached on 0176 48992243 and offers free, confidential and, if desired, anonymous consultation hours. These take place on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Herrenberg district center at Stielerstraße 3 and on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Family Club at Ernst-Haeckel-Straße 17/18.
Source: Current reports from the state capital Erfurt