Birmingham – An elderly guide
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Birmingham is a thriving city with endless possibilities for seniors to enjoy their retirement. Our elderly guide to Birmingham highlights the best activities and resources for seniors in the local area. Whether you’re a long-time Birmingham resident or new to the area, read on for a list of senior social groups, dementia services, garden centres, community centres, accessible day trips and excursions, community transportation options, and more.
For personalised elderly live-in care in Birmingham, explore our options for tailored home care and companionship to provide your loved ones with the highest quality of life.
Senior social groups and activities in Birmingham
Birmingham offers a wide range of social groups and activities for seniors to enjoy new hobbies, remain physically active, and stay connected and engaged with the community. From coffee and meal meet-ups to knitting groups and community choirs, there’s something for everyone.
New Shoots Gardening Club
This club meets every Wednesday from 10 am to 1 pm to develop plot 11 at the St. Margarets Road site. Here, like-minded people can work together, share the benefits of gardening, and even enjoy organised cooking and eating sessions using the grown produce. All you need to do to join this club is show up! Turn up for a session to get involved. For more information, there is a helpful content page which can be found here.
Silent Memories
Perfect for those who can enjoy gentle exercises and sensory experiences, this silent disco takes place as part of Moseley Park’s “Wellness Wednesdays” at 1 pm. Run by Leaf Creative Arts’ music strand, Love Hertz – Musical Lifelines, Silent Memories uses headphones to create a sonic, dementia-friendly experience. To book, get in touch via email: leafcreativearts@gmail.com.
Dance-to-Health
This is a free weekly dance class at Ladywood Community Centre for older people to build their strength, balance, and confidence. The classes are led by trained dance artists, who creatively combine physiotherapy exercises with fun dances, and always end with refreshments. Classes are every Friday from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm and cost £5 to join. Contact enquiries@dancetohealth.org for more information or call Aesop on 01993 870161 (9 am-6 pm, Monday – Wednesday).
SO Vocal
This unauditioned community choir is open to allny Birmingham locals with a passion for singing. Although there is no audition to join, there is a waiting list. To join the waiting list, contact Eben Gutteridge at egutteridge@csbo.co.uk.
Sing Me Sunshine
This singing group is for music lovers who would like to brighten up their day with an afternoon of signing with and chatting with new people. It’s perfect for elderly people with health problems, those who are feeling lonely, or those who are simply looking for something new to do. For more information, please contact Helen at 07981 957061 or email helenwilliamsmusic@gmail.com.
Seniors Social Club
This friendly social group is for anyone over the age of 60. The Seniors Social Club is perfect for socialising, day trips, holidays, and games such as Bingo and Hoy. Email foxholliescommassoc@gmail.com or call 0121 706 0652 for more information
Fircone Birmingham Group
This group provides opportunities for those aged 50 and over to practice, learn, or share skills and activities with each other in a relaxed atmosphere. From playing bowls and bridge to computing classes and jazz appreciation sessions, this is the perfect space to continue learning and sharing in a social space. Some other examples of the activities shared include:
- Ambling on Wednesday morning
- Fincone Choir
- Gardening and drawing classes
- Knit and Natter
- Line dancing
- Quilting
- Woodcarving
The Fircone lifetime registration fee is £10. While the first ‘taster’ session is free of charge, there is a suggested donation of £3.50 for each session attended.
Friday Luncheon Club
This lunch club for seniors is available to anyone with dementia, socially isolated, or housebound who would like to socialise with others, play games, and enjoy a two-course meal. Located at the Fox Hollies Forum, email foxholliescommassoc@gmail.com for more information on opening times.
Birmingham community centres and day centres for the elderly
There are also a number of day centres with weekly meet-ups for seniors in Aston, Kingstanding and Edgbaston. Offering a relaxed and friendly space for elderly people to meet and enjoy each other’s company, the Ageing Well Group includes activities such as Tai chi, choir, arts and crafts, sewing, bowls and a ‘Cuppa and Chatter’ group.
Seniors can find their local Birmingham Settlement community centre in one of their three central locations; Aston, Kingstanding and Edgbaston.
Click here for activity timetable
Birmingham Dementia services
Birmingham offers a welcoming and supportive environment for those living with dementia, with a range of resources to support those living with the condition and their carers.
Back in Time Reminiscence Sessions
Held in the Birmingham Back to Back houses, these reminiscent sessions are aimed to spark memories in those with mild dementia. Participants are taken to a historical room to sit and chat about objects from the past, such as old photographs, toys, or household objects. These sessions are free of charge but require booking! Email backintime@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 0121 622 2442.
Age UK Memory Care Service
This day service offers a fun and unique service for those living with dementia at the Perry Tree Centre. Here, you can expect a safe, friendly, and comfortable environment with fully trained staff and activities such as dancing, bingo, gardening, quizzes, exercise, reminiscence, and many more. There are also carer respite opportunities and door-to-door transport available. Call 0121 437 0033 or email memorycare@ageukbirmingham.org.uk for more information.
Singing for the Brain
Join this friendly singing group to improve brain activity and overall mood. Meeting on the second Monday of each month at Sutton Coldfield Methodist Church, you can expect fun vocal warm-ups as well as both familiar and new songs. Call 0121 706 4052 for more information. They also meet at the Brandwood Centre. Email birminghamandsolihull@alzheimers.org.uk to get in touch.
Forget Me Not Singalong
This free, friendly choir is for those with dementia and other disabilities. There is no booking required, and they meet every first Monday of the month at St Johns Centre Christ the King Church. Get in touch by emailing kidzlikedanny@blueyonder.co.uk.
CBSO Cuppa Concerts Live
These relaxed concerts are a series of live small-ensemble shows performed by CBSO musicians. They are specially programmed for those living with dementia, their carers, and their family and friends, and are offered three times a year in October, March and June at the CBSO Centre. Email information@cbso.co.uk for more information.
Birmingham Dementia cafés
There are a number of Dementia cafés available around Birmingham where those with dementia and their carers can meet together for support, social interaction, and delicious tea and cakes. Some of Birmingham’s dementia cafés include:
- Friends on Fridays Memory Café – Meets on the second Friday of every month. Contact Gary Stanley on 07827940844 for more details.
- Walmley café at St John’s Church Hall – Meets every Thursday of the month.
- Memory café at St James Church Hall – Meets every second Monday and Thursday of the month.
- Aston Villa Foundation’s dementia café – With activities such as bowling, boccia, table tennis, arts and crafts, music corner, circle dance, and refreshments.
- Memory Cafe Monday at Erdington Methodist Church – This relaxed space offers socialisation and fun activities with no obligation to take part. Email sue.bevington@suttoncoldfield.homeinstead.co.uk for more information.
Accessible days out in Birmingham for the elderly
Whether it’s visiting historical landmarks like the Birmingham Cathedral or exploring the beautiful Botanical Gardens, Birmingham offers a variety of exciting opportunities for seniors to stay active and engaged. With an ever-increasing choice of accessible attractions, shops, and a wide range of facilities open to disabled visitors, there are plenty of affordable and accessible outings in and around Birmingham for seniors to enjoy.
Birmingham Cathedral
Located in the heart of the city, Birmingham Cathedral is a stunning example of English Baroque architecture. The building is accessible, with a ramped entrance, a hearing (induction) loop, and is welcome to assistance dogs.
Aston Hall
This magnificent Jacobean mansion offers visitors a glimpse into an opulent 17th-century lifestyle. The building is not fully accessible, but all visitors can access the ground floor of Aston Hall, the grounds, the stables range, the stable yard café, and the shop.
The Birmingham Back to Backs
These historic houses offer insight into the lives of the 19th and 20th-century Birmingham working class. Tours of the ground floor are available with level access to the courtyard and all four showhouses. There is an accessible toilet, wheelchairs on offer, and seating available throughout.
Botanical Gardens
These stunning gardens are located in the heart of the city and are the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll. The main entrance is accessible from the car park, there is a disabled toilet located at the main reception, and a range of accessible paths. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are also available to hire for visitors.
Cadbury World
Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, take a fascinating tour of the Cadbury chocolate factory where visitors can take part in interactive experiences and enjoy free samples. Carers receive a free ticket, and staff are able to offer additional assistance for those with physical disabilities or learning or emotional impairment.
The Jewellery Quarter
This vibrant neighbourhood has been described by English Heritage as ‘a national treasure’ and is home to over 800 businesses, specialist retailers, makers, and designers. Visitors can explore the area and parking is free to Blue Badge holders.
Birmingham Canals
Birmingham’s extensive canal network offers a lovely perspective on the city and space to enjoy the fresh air. It’s one of the most intricate canal networks in the world and visitors can take a stroll along the towpaths or take a canal boat ride. Many of the routes are fully accessible – see the accessibility map here.
Garden centres in Birmingham
Birmingham and the surrounding area is home to a number of garden centres where elderly residents can enjoy flowers and greenery. With most featuring a cafe and gift shop, these are a fantastic option for a lovely day out. Some notable options include:
- Cypress Nursery
- Hall’s Garden Centre
- Bournville Garden Centre
- Halls Garden Centre
- Melbicks Garden Centre
- Hodgehill Garden Centre
Birmingham accessible toilets
For a look into accessible public toilets and available Radar toilets, see this Great British Public Toilet Map. Aside from these accessible toilets, Birmingham also offers a number of ‘changing places toilets’ which you can find around the city centre. Some locations include the Library of Birmingham, the Bullring shopping centre, Cadbury World, and more. For a detailed map of Birmingham’s available changing places toilets, see this map.
Transportation for the elderly in Birmingham
In Birmingham, individuals with disabilities and senior citizens can access several community transport programs to help them get to medical appointments and the hospital, do their shopping, and even provide trips to see their family or social gatherings.
Ring and Ride Service
This low-cost transportation service is for disabled people and those who struggle with mobility. The Ring & Ride accessible minibus can be booked to take you door to door for local journeys. This minibus runs from Monday to Saturday from 8 am – 11 pm and on Sunday from 8 am – 3:30 pm.
Age Concern Birmingham escort:
Age Concern Birmingham can arrange transportation for those who find normal public transport difficult or impossible. These transportation services will take you:
- To GP or hospital appointments.
- On escorted shopping trips.
- To visit a loved one in a hospital or at a care home.
- To one of their lunch clubs or day centres.
If you or a loved one require additional support, there are quality live-in care options in Birmingham available to help you enjoy Birmingham’s vibrant city. With the assistance of a compassionate and friendly live in carer, seniors can feel involved and connected with their local Birmingham community, with the help of a dedicated companion and friend. To learn more about elderly live-in care from our friendly care experts, click here to find out more.