Services for Senior Citizens
Six Community Service Centres in as many
districts of Reykjavik offer family services and comprehensive information about the services provided by the city, as well as other things.
Information and advice
Residents of Reykjavik can seek information and advice about various
subjects at the Community Service Centre in each district, e.g. financial affairs, social security contributions, housing,
assessment for a home help and support. Advisory services are free of charge.
Social activities
Social activities for residents of all ages are available at some fourteen community centres throughout the city, as well as at the Gerðuberg Cultural Centre. Residents can obtain service irrespective of where they live; there are a reat variety of activities. For example, visual arts, club activities, card playing, sightseeing tours, dancing and gymastics. Furthermore, there are several annual functions and/or one-off activities such as barbecues, autumn celebrations, dances and trips to the theatre.
It is not necessary at apply in advance for participation in the social activities. It is all right just to turn up or call beforehand.
Domestic services
The domestic service is meant for those who live at home but who are unable to look after themselves without assistance. The service is for all age groups. General service is provided during the day, but it is possible to apply for a brief visit or a short attendance in the evenings and at weekends if necessary.
The service is varied and it the aim is to fulfil the needs of everybody. Social support, encouragement and fellowship are important factors in the job. Domestic service staff also assist with general housekeeping activities.
You can apply for domestic service at the Community Service Centre in your district by filling in an application there. It is also possible to print the application off the City of Reykjavik’s website and submit a completed application at a Community Service Centre.
Prepared meals
Hot meals can be bought at lunchtime at the City of Reykjavik’s Community Centres. Coffee and extras are also available there.Lunch can be applied for at the community centre by telephone and ordered at a day’s notice. It is also possible the put your name down for food on particular days.
Home-delivered meals
Those that are unable to cook for themselves and feel unable to go to the nearest community centre for a meal may have hot meals delivered to their homes daily.
You can apply for meal deliveries at the Community Service Centre in your district by filling in an application there. It is also possible to print the application off the City of Reykjavik’s website and submit a completed application at a Community Service Centre.
Taxi services
Residents aged 67 and above that live at home are entitled to a taxi service if they are unable to use public transport due to a prolonged disability and do not have access to a private car. The maximum number of trips is 30 per month.
You can apply for taxi services at the Community Service Centre in your district by filling in an application there. It is also possible to print the application off the City of Reykjavik’s website and submit a completed application at a Community Service Centre.
Libraries
Reykjavik City Library
Information about libraries in Reykjavik can be found at www.borgarbokasafn.is or at the Call Centre, tel.: 4 11 11 11.
• Lending service – general lending of books and other library items.
• Service to institutions – the lending of books to institutions and to clusters of service flats.
• The library car – tel: 699 0316.
• The book home – books delivered home once a month.
Swimming pools
Information about swimming pools in Reykjavik can be found at www.itr.is or at the call centre of the City of Reykjavik, tel.: 4 11 11 11.
The swimming pools are free of charge for residents aged 67 and above. Water aerobics, swimming lessons and gymnastics are provided.
Health service
Information about the health service can be found at www.heilsugaeslan.is, at the health service’s information centre, tel: 1700. or at the health service of the Metropolitan area, tel.: 585 1300.
Churches
Information about the National Church is to be found at www.kirkjan.is or from the Representative for the Affairs of the Elderly at the Deaneries of Reykjavik, tel: 557 1666.
Church services for the elderly:
• Masses
• Prayer meetings
• Bible readings
• Visits of friends
• Church coffee
• Lunch meetings
• Open house
Other congregations
Information on other congregations in Iceland can be obtained on the information website of the Ministry of Social Affairs about the family affairs, www.fjolskylda.is.
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