Liverpool, Southport & West Lancs 41

FREE Please

DECEMBER - FEBRUARY 2016

LIVERPOOL, SOUTHPORT & WEST LANCS EDITION 41

Paul Nicholas

FROM JUST A GOOD FRIEND TO AN EASTEND GANGSTER PLUS

John Torode’s NEW RECIPES

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take on

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CONTENTS

INSIDE...

6-7

8-9

10-11

14-15

Volunteering in Sefton

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12/01/2015

The most precious gift you can give someone is your time, especially if they are isolated, vulnerable and do not have support from their loved ones. We provide help to many people in this position. Our team of over 200 volunteers contribute to what makes us the premier charity in Liverpool andlives, Sefton for the quality of life of throughout their if improving you feel older people, making their day to day life a little bit easier.

09:20

22-23

18-19

onely and isolated at particular times ne you know, Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton may be able to help. If you Volunteering can be mutually rewarding; knowing you are making a difference andaccess enriching lives, er, live in the borough of Sefton and have Sefton GP, you can theby improving your mental health and wellbeing, and by gaining valuable life 6-7 The Azores and Re-ablement service.

Giving you the opportunity to increase your skills, confidence, achievement and pride.

Whatever your

An amazing archipelago. age it can provide a springboard to or have an influence on ndence, improve your confidence and overcome loneliness. future career opportunities and looks good on your CV and 8-9

Robinsons Holidays Affordable peace of mind.

rolled into one.

on job applications.

We have many and varied volunteering opportunities in up to10-11 6 weeks of FREE support plus subsequent weekly visits Sefton: Canal Cruising teer befrienders carefully selected support you.

An indulgent who treat andare education • Charityto Shops – helping in one of our shops and making new friends • Befriending & Re-ablement – in the community providing companionship • Counselling – providing a safe place for people to explore their • Get tofeelings activities & • Active Ageing Programme – walk and cycle groups, exercise classes andappointments computer sessions medical • Information & Advice – giving out information and advice on wide range of queries • Feel positive • Meet & Greet – on our reception at our office in • Going out to the shops Southport.

Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton can help you to:

14-15 Paul Nicholas

From Just a Good Friend to erpool & Sefton Homecare Service • Keep an Eastend Gangster. in touch with people

has been designed according to der people have told us they have been looking for. We arrange for 18-19 Changing Rooms • Manage your to visit your home, atmoney times you decide to help with the tasks you

Take a fresh look at your home.

Feel safe he tasks• below plus many more. We fit the service around your needs.

22-23 My Kind Of Food treated dignity • BeJohn Torode with shares some of his

favourite recipes.

and respect

• Look after yourself

To find out more and to join a great team call Lauren • Have companionship Jones on 01704 542993, e-mail lauren.jones@ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk or visit our website www.ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk.

efriending & Re-ablement Team on 01704 542 933.

8-10 Street, 6th Hoghton Floor | 120 Bark StreetSouthport, | Bolton | BL1PR9 2AX 0TF

T: (01204) 860 194 | F: (01204) 860 213 www.ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk e: admin@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

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TWITTERING ON

Twittering On with Graham Smith Love a duck

“Thankfully our Star is a tough cookie and it looks like he came out okay.”

A bow-tie wearing duck has been injured in a drunken pub brawl with a local dog in Chulmleigh, Devon.

The booze-loving bird, affectionately named Star, was enjoying a pint in The Old Courthouse Inn with his handler, Barrie Hayman, when Hayman’s canine Meggie sparked a bar brawl.

Star was left with injuries to his beak after the fight.

“Star pushed his luck too far and Meggie snapped - splitting Star’s bottom beak right down the middle,” Hayman, 69, told the Cheddar Valley Gazette.

“He gave her a stare, then promptly stood on her back. It was not pretty and not nice. We were so scared we would lose Star.

“He had to be rushed to the vets and go under anaesthetic, which is always risky and could go either way with ducks and other small animals.

Hayman has cared for Star ever since he was a chick, carrying him around in his pocket. Once the duckling grew up, he developed a taste for real ale and started following his owner to the pub.

“He just won’t leave me and so we go everywhere together,” Hayman said.

“I’ve not trained him to follow me.

He just seems to like it and he is one fantastic duck.

“He loves to come to the pub, where everyone loves him. He is such a personality and attracts so much attention.”

Mighty pens!

A Zimbabwean pastor has reportedly convinced his congregates his holy pens can make students pass their exams and the more you pay for one, the better grades you’ll get.

Prophet Sham Hungwe of House of Grace International Church in Harare is selling the pens, which cost from $1 up to $20.

According to News24Zim, the prophet told his congregation those sitting exams only needed faith and one of the special pens to pass.

“They are anointed and I declare passes when your children sit for exams. They are said to work for anyone who is sitting for any test,” he said.

According to Nigerian Watch, one parishioner testified: “My son is not very bright and I think this will help him. With the knowledge he has acquired and this pen from the man of God, I think it is going to work.”

One student said he scored highly in his A-levels last year after using the pen he was given by the prophet.

Note the pastor’s Christian name…. they’re not all locked up are they?

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5

50 Plus Travel

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The Azores – an amazing archipelago

By Jennie Carr from Silver Travel Advisor Islands are fascinating places, and none more so than The Azores, an archipelago of nine islands in the mid-Atlantic.

The result of a volcanic ridge, they are in fact, Portuguese, officially discovered in 1432 by Goncalo Velho Cabral, even though Lisbon is nearly 1,500 kilometres to the east.

And why on earth would you visit these somewhat isolated islands? Ben Fogle, adventurer, explorer and broadcaster, waxes lyrical about The Azores due to the contrasts that occur within them – other worldly landscapes as you would imagine on the moon, with pumice stone and frozen lava formations, then a hillside away, lush, dense plants growing in the fertile volcanic soil producing magnificent azaleas and hydrangeas.

The volcanic craters are now filled with deep blue, green lakes and steaming,

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bubbling fumaroles, a reminder that whilst the local volcanoes are dormant, they are certainly not extinct! A trip to the Furnas Valley will swiftly provide evidence of this. Another great fan of The Azores, Noel Josephides founder of Sunvil Holidays, compares them to New Zealand, both in their startling geographical features and also their ambiance, more of which later.

The British are famous for their love of gardens and plants, which are some of the greatest attractions here, with the hydrangeas producing stunning displays across the islands in June and in April, the azaleas are at their best.

The wild agapanthus grow with gusto and rather gorgeous tree ferns add to the remarkable list of self-seeding plants here. It seems as if the climate, which is mild and temperate due to the Gulf Stream, where even on winter days it never gets colder than 14C, with the summers reaching about 27C and rain

TRAVEL always a possibility, combined with the rich earth provide growing conditions in which almost anything can flourish.

The unexpected Gorreana tea estate and plantation, over 125 years old, is certainly testament to this as are the pineapple greenhouses on Sao Miguel, where the Ananaz (the specific pineapple grown on the Azores) is celebrated.

So apart from the horticulture, what is there to do? These islands are certainly a draw for the outdoor types, there is walking and hiking aplenty to enjoy, just so long as you take a good waterproof jacket as a shower is never far away. The UNESCO heritage site at Santa Luzia vineyards is certainly worth a visit and if your legs are up to it, Mount Pico can be climbed! For those who are happy in or on water, kayaking and canyoning are on offer, the former a gentle way to explore the coast line of dramatic cliffs and the latter a type of coastal obstacle course which really gets you up close and personal with nature. There is no getting away from the fact that The Azores are in the middle of the Atlantic, so a boat trip is a must, with the strong possibility of seeing whales, sharks and mantra rays. And swimming with dolphins is an option too.

To return to the ambiance of The Azores, they are proclaimed to be ‘homely’ rather than sophisticated, no designer clothing needed, sturdy footwear essential, running at a leisurely pace and on ‘island’ time, which does sound relaxing and rather calming.

Accommodation here is comfortable, with small family hotels and charming quintas, giving the opportunity to get to know the locals and understand the way of life. International hotel chains have yet to arrive here, no bad thing perhaps for preserving a special place.

And whilst the islands are based on historic volcanic activity, it seems that

the current tranquil, laid back lifestyle is doing all it can to counteract this. Ben Fogle’s infectious enthusiasm for the Azores encourages all active travellers to pay a visit and find out more.

Visit silvertraveladvisor.com and type Ben Fogel into the Search box to listen to his radio interview with Jennie Carr.

Visit the Azores with the experts - Sunvil Discovery The unspoiled beauty of the Azorean archipelago, the warm and welcoming nature of the local people and the abundance of wildlife – whales, dolphins, turtles and migrating birds to name a few captured the heart of independent tour operator, Sunvil Discovery, 25 years ago.

With first-hand knowledge of the nine islands, the team at Sunvil can carefully craft a holiday to meet your individual requirements.

Whether you are searching for a whale and dolphin watching holiday; a multi-island adventure; a trip incorporating visits to fascinating sites of geological importance and botanical gardens, a climb of MountPico – Portugal’s highest peak or walking, jeep touring, canyoning and kayaking, they can help.

Prices from £543 per person including return direct flights from London Gatwick, transfers and 7-nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation on Sao Miguel.

For more information visit www.sunvil.co.uk/discovery Or call + 44 (0)20 8758 4722

Silver Travel Advisor is a travel review, information and advice website exclusively for over 50’s, packed with articles, suggestions, tips and ideas. For free and independent travel advice as well as reviews about holidays, hotels, restaurants and days out, please visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com or email service@silvertraveladvisor.com. It’s free to register as a member of Silver Travel Advisor, and you could win a fabulous holiday prize.

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Canal Cruising alongside the Severn is no bore

By David Graham from Silver Travel Advisor.

David has worked for much of his professional life as a journalist for national newspapers. Now retired, he is an advisor and writer for Silver Travel Advisor, the only information and review website for mature travellers.

Time and tide being what they are, we didn’t manage to see the Severn Bore but then again, cruising gently alongside the River Severn on Britain’s first-ever ship canal wasn’t a bore, either.

It turned out to be a really indulgent treat and an education rolled into one, travelling on the Gloucester to Sharpness Canal in splendidly-catered comfort on board the 153-tonne MV Edward Elgar, thanks to English Holiday Cruises.

Leaving the car in Gloucester, we headed for the boat, the largest hotel boat on Britain’s inland waterways, for 6pm, in nice time to find our cabin and then muster for a welcome drink and introductions all round, before dinner and a table quiz.

Sleep is on the lower deck, with berths for 22 passengers in 11 outside twin cabins with a window well above the waterline, all en-suite with a walk-in ‘wetroom’ shower and all mod cons, and

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with everyone looked after by a fivestrong crew, led by Captain Nick.

begins to form before racing upstream at certain times of the year.

Nick has been a mariner all his working life and his skills were evident on our first morning, when he deftly pulled away from the West Quay mooring, before heading off to exit the docks under Llanthony Bridge, lifted bang on time to let us start our journey along the canal.

We moored up here, boarded a small coach and headed past Frampton’s charming canal-side church dating from 1086 and were driven inland alongside the longest village green in England, before arriving at picturesque, poundnotes-and-pedigree Berkeley Castle.

Steeped in history and home to the same family line since the 12th century, the castle in its eight acres of gardens is well worth a visit.

This gave us time to practice waving to the people we held up, a rehearsal for our meticulously-timed arrival at Two-Mile Cut and the huge, modern Netheridge Bridge, which carries Gloucester’s south west bypass and swung open to allow our stately progress. There are a good many more bridges en route, both manual and machine-operated, each with a smiling bridge keeper.

Fuelled up with a ‘full English’ from the galley, it was time to retrace the route of the tall ships that used to carry goods between Gloucester and all parts of the world. Standing on the upper deck we did get a tall-ish view over the lush, rolling countryside to the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds. We headed through Saul Junction, and pressed on to Frampton-on-Severn, looking across the stretch of river where the notorious Bore

Back at the Elgar, there was time for a stroll before captain’s cocktails and dinner – pate with chutney; slow-cooked blade of beef; followed by summer fruit terrine, then cheeses and coffee and another diverting table quiz.

After a good night’s sleep, we carried on to Sharpness, still with its connection to the sea into the Bristol Channel, and a skilled U-turn was called for to start the return trip. This brought us back past the remains of the old Severn railway bridge, before we moored up to see the Purton Hulks – an astonishing site where redundant barges have been beached to form breakwaters and protect the vulnerable banks of the canal from the fierce tidal flows of the Severn Estuary.

TRAVEL Glass in hand, there was no quiz on our final night, but excellent live entertainment from swing and jazz duo Ain’t Misbehavin’ – an unexpected treat.

Aerial surveys have revealed at least 80 historic hulks in this nautical graveyard.

Then it was time to move on to the nearby Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre founded by Sir Peter Scott, seen as the birthplace of nature conservation.

It was easy to have a lively conversation over dinner, as for much of the trip there were only12 people on board, although there are berths for 22 in the 11 en-suite, outside cabins, as well as the live-in crew. It’s also worth noting at this stage that coffee and tea are available all day and night, and there’s also a daily happy hour in the bar from 6 – 8pm, with bargain wine and 20 per cent off all drinks.

A late, great night, and our last day dawned all too early, but then breakfast set us up for a sail to Saul Junction and the Cotswold Canals Trust Visitor Centre where enthusiasts Clive and Jill Field told of the splendid project to restore two historic waterways and connect the Severn to the Thames.

Then on board again for a lunch-on-themove as we headed back to the docks in the heart of Gloucester – timed to the second, like our departure, to negotiate both swing and lift bridges on the approach.

Time for goodbyes all round as skipper Nick spun the Elgin on its axis to moor up inch-perfect at Alexandra Quay.

Hands-on company chief Richard was soon on board to help make way for the afternoon arrivals for the next cruise down the canal.

Factbox David Graham was a guest of English Holiday Cruises aboard their 4-Star Hotel Boat ‘Edward Elgar’. He took a 4-day/3-night ‘Historic Canal’ cruise along the Gloucester-Sharpness canal.

Several canal cruises are available in October and April each year at special rates starting at £230pp for a weekend cruise.

The Edward Elgar also offers longer ‘mini-Rhine’ style cruises out of Gloucester on the River Severn from May to September, including a new 7-day ‘Severn Wonders’ cruise in 2016.

All cruises include 3 meals daily, wine with dinner, free-flow tea/ coffee, outside tours at every stop, one night of live entertainment, WiFi and more.

For a free brochure and bookings, call 01452-410411 or visit www.englishholidaycruises.co.uk

I was sorely tempted to ask him if there was room for a couple more.

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ORION

THE DAZZLING HUNTER WITH THE GLOWING SWORD Brian Jones Visible high above the southern horizon during winter evenings, Orion is arguably the most beautiful constellation in the sky. Its conspicuous and unmistakable pattern of bright stars becomes ever more prominent as winter progresses and, once seen, is unlikely to be forgotten.

Greek mythology tells of the mighty hunter Orion who boasted far and wide of his prowess and who declared himself a match even for the gods. This angered Diana, the Goddess of the Hunt, who challenged Orion to a hunting match, a challenge which Orion gladly accepted. He and Diana spent many days in the chase, but in the end there was nothing to choose between them, and the contest was declared a draw. Once more Orion bragged and, in a fit of anger, Diana commanded a scorpion to crawl out of the ground and kill him. She then placed the mighty hunter among the stars where he can be seen to this day.

One of the most conspicuous stars in Orion is the red giant Betelgeuse. This is one of the largest stars known to astronomers and, if Betelgeuse occupied the position of our Sun, its outer surface would extend beyond the orbit of Mars. The ruddy glow of Betelgeuse contrasts sharply with the brilliant white of Rigel, another giant star which is so far away that the light we are seeing from it set off towards us only a few years after the Domesday Book was compiled.

Along with Betelgeuse and Rigel, the two stars Bellatrix and Saiph complete the main outline of the constellation, central to which are the three stars Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka that form the Belt of Orion. The easternmost

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of these is Alnitak, the area immediately surrounding which is rich in stars and well worth a closer look through binoculars.

The trio of stars forming the Belt of Orion have been given other names in the past, Australian natives referring to them as ‘Young Men’, Greenlanders calling them ‘The Seal Hunters’ and mariners identifying them as ‘The Golden Yardarm’. Perhaps the silliest episode relating to the naming of these three stars took place in 1807 when the University of Leipzig christened them ‘Napoleon’, whereupon an irate Englishman promptly retaliated with the title ‘Nelson’. Needless to say, neither name found its way on to star maps!

Just below the Belt of Orion is a line of faint stars, within which can be found the magnificent Orion Nebula. Visible as a glowing patch of diffuse light, this is one of the most famous and eye-catching objects in the entire sky. Shining because of the energy from hot stars embedded within it, the Orion Nebula is clearly visible to the naked eye on dark, clear moonless nights. The wide field of view of a pair of binoculars brings it out well, and the sight leaves the observer with a sense of wonder when it is realised that inside this glowing cloud stars are actually being formed.

It may be winter, and the nights are predictably cold. However, don’t let that stop you checking out what the impressive Orion has to offer. Happy stargazing!

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Paul Nicholas

Eastenders Bad Boy

Laid-back high-achiever Paul catches up with us to discuss his long career, from Just Good Friends right up to his current roles as Gavin Sullivan in Eastenders and Scrooge in A Christmas Carol which runs from December 4th - January 3rd at Winter Gardens, Blackpool.

It's quite likely that one of the keys to actor Paul Nicholas’s success is a no-stress policy that extends to most parts of his life.

When we talked, he was in the middle of a lengthy run of the Agatha Christie play “And Then There Were None”, and had been playing in Westcliff on Sea that day. “We’re somewhere else next week but I’m not sure where,” he replies

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in the familiar and friendly tones that have endeared him to TV and theatre audiences for the past 40 or so years.

The exact tour location wasn’t somewhere he was particularly worried about but the play – in which he is a judge “typically serious and quite posh, actually” – was one project sandwiched among several. For example, he had also just come back from a stint directing the musical “Tommy” in Blackpool with Joe McEldery – “who is brilliant and really can sing”.

These commitments had made another facet of his recent career, as Kathy Beale’s husband, Gavin Sullivan, in TV favourite “EastEnders”, a challenge to achieve as filming had to be arranged around the hectic Nicholas schedule.

So, was he enjoying this new TV role.

“Oh yes,” he asserts, happily. “I love doing different things and this is great.” Gavin is a bit nasty, but you will get to know his nice side as well. It will be interesting to see how his character develops.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW It ended in 1986 with the couple marrying and afterwards Paul starred in major drama series “Bust” and another “Close to Home” - a sitcom about a vet. In fact, during this period he became a small screen regular and favourite for millions, especially women.

Since then, he has returned to the theatre to play numerous roles, notably as the Pirate King in “The Pirates of Penzance” and in the lead role in “Barnum”.

...we all need to continue doing the things we like, and also doing a variety of things.

I think that’s what keeps you healthy.

This laidback but high-achieving approach has stood Paul Nicholas in good stead ever since he first came to public attention as a pop singer called Paul Dean in the late 1970s. He had two Top Ten hits but then decided to combine singing with acting and headed for the stage, taking the role of Rum Tum Tugger in the original London cast of the musical “Cats” in the early 1980s to great success.

He also had a film career around this time with appearances in the Beatles’ film “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and followed that up with “The World is Full of Married Men.” He then went against his perceived nice-guy type as the loutish punk singer in “The Jazz Singer” before starring with Joan Collins in “The Nutcracker” in 1983.

What many TV fans remember Paul most for, however, was the role of Vince in the gentle romantic comedy “Just Good Friends” with Jan Francis, written by John Sullivan. Millions tuned in each week to see how the engaging romance, and its two charismatic central characters, fared.

He has both toured and had West End runs. His mercurial nature means he doesn’t mind touring too much, although he was hoping that his EastEnders’ character would have some longevity as “it’s only half an hour away from home for filming and so it’s easy.”

He’s canny enough to know that appearing on TV also sells theatre tickets – “well, people like to come to see you when your profile is high, don’t they?”

But he has plainly been offered plenty of high-profile theatre roles and is naturally viewed as a box-office safe bet.

Ask him to name his own favourite roles and he immediately plumps for Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” and King Arthur in “Camelot.” “I like playing King Arthur,” he confides. “You know, Lancelot runs off with his wife Guinevere. We always get a few sniffles from the audience at the end, which tells you that it’s working.”

He’s 69 now, with six children and 11 grandchildren, but he’s retained a youthful look and still has that glint in his eye. He appears to refuse to take most things in life seriously. He doesn’t exercise – “that’s not true, really. My house has a basement and three floors so I try to run up the stairs. Well, I run up the first few!”

He doesn’t drink alcohol much, likes a “meat and two veg” kind of diet with no spicy food and is unlikely to die from stress. His mother lived until she was 92, which he takes as a positive sign – “it’s in the genes” - but his workload continues to be quite full-on.

Does he feel like slowing down a bit as he gets older? “Not really,” he says,

Paul in Scrooge mode mildly. “I’m sure that, like most of your readers, we all need to continue doing the things we like, and also doing a variety of things. I think that’s what keeps you healthy.”

He doesn’t feel the need for labourintensive pets these days, “but I have a tortoise called Toby that I’ve had for 20 years who is wonderful,” he states.

“He goes around our walled garden all day and I bring him in at night, if I can find him. He’s perfectly happy – I bought him a little lamp the other day and he loves keeping warm!”

With most information that Paul Nicholas gleefully imparts, you feel you should be taking it with a large pinch of salt. But there is no denying that he has a relaxed philosophy on life that has stood him in very good stead over the years.

He has no real desire to play particular roles, although was looking forward to a four-week stint as Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” at Blackpool Winter Gardens from December 4th to January 3rd. “Yes, it’s an exciting production,” he enthuses. “It’s quite an adult show but it’s got ghosts for the children and families do love this show.

“I like Blackpool,” he adds. “It’s a great place for all ages. It doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t and people have a good time.”

And, actually, that general description could be extended to Paul Nicholas himself. He’s a talented actor and singer, not to mention a director and producer, whose life just seems to go from one success to another – all quite by some mysterious quirk of fate.

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| 15

FREE CONSULTATION WITH DISCREET CARE Call 01704 578 209 11/8/11 20:22:00

DENTURE SOLUTIONS Denture Solutions can give you back your smile If your dentures aren’t fitting right, making you avoid certain foods and causing you general discomfort, then a visit to Denture Solutions could put a smile back on your face.

Denture Solutions was set up in 2011 by Andrew Corlett (CDT, RCS (Eng)), a clinical dental technician, specialising in the fitting and manufacture of dentures direct to the public.

A clinical dental technician (CDT) is a dental technician who has undergone extended training and completed further studies in order to become qualified to see patients in clinic and supply them with dentures.

Only a dentist or a CDT is permitted to do this kind of work but the advantage of seeing a CDT is that they are denture specialists, working only on creating and fitting bespoke dentures, designed for their individual patients.

As a time-served dental technician, Andrew worked for over ten years solely in the manufacture of dentures. Later he qualified as a CDT, receiving his diploma from the Royal College of Surgeons, which allowed him to open Denture Solutions and work directly with patients.

One of the major benefits of visiting Denture Solutions is the fact that Andrew designs and creates all the dentures on-site. There’s a real advantage to the patient in dealing directly with the person who will be crafting their dentures. It allows the patient to be fully involved in each step of the process, from initial consultation through the development and fitting of their dentures.

Andrew and his dental nurse Adele work with patients as a team, involving them at every stage in order to produce stable, functional, great fitting dentures that look very natural in every way.

You’ll find Denture Solutions right on the high street in the village of Ainsdale, near Southport. Interested members of the public should feel free to call-in, handle the products and discuss their needs face-to-face.

Andrew said: “I’m immensely proud that I have this opportunity to work closely with my patients. There’s a huge sense of gratification in seeing the job through from start to finish.

“Witnessing the end results and the real difference it can make to give someone back their smile and boost their confidence makes it all worthwhile.”

Why visit Denture Solutions?

Like most things, dentures have a limited lifespan, usually of around five to seven years. After this time the denture can start to offer inadequate facial support, leaving cheeks looking sunken and withered, or lips appearing excessively wrinkled. New dentures can reduce these age-related features by supporting the facial tissues without making the teeth appear large and protruded.

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Geoffrey said: “When talking, I noticed the dentures moved quite a bit. They would even nip my wife sometimes when I kissed her, which is no good.

The team at Denture Solutions fully understands the kind of problems that denture wearers might be experiencing. Often people with ill-fitting, old or uncomfortable dentures just continue to wear them, not thinking there is a solution available.

“I noticed Denture Solutions had opened in Ainsdale Village and decided to make an appointment with Andrew, after all, the initial consultation is free.”

But Andrew and his team are there to advise and suggest ways in which they can improve the comfort of denture wearers. They offer a complete professional denture service with discreet care and understanding of what your needs and expectations are.

Andrew’s passion and enthusiasm for natural lifelike dentures has helped him create a denture clinic where the finest care and craftsmanship are delivered in a relaxed atmosphere.

Using his onsite laboratory Andrew combines clinical and technical skills to design and create beautifully handcrafted dentures, focusing on comfort, fit and appearance, made just for you.

Be it complete or partial dentures, flexible or implant dentures, repairs, adjustments, cleaning or relining, Denture Solutions’ friendly, professional staff are ready to meet all your denture needs.

Having met with Andrew, they discussed options to improve the comfort and fit of Geoffrey’s dentures.

Geoffrey Hague retired, from Ainsdale “I think that everyone who has dentures should go and see Andrew. He does this all day, every day. Coming to an expert in dentures really is the best way of doing it.”

Geoffrey came to Denture Solutions to get a partial denture to replace a plastic one he’d had fitted by a dentist.

“Andrew suggested a metal plate which really helped and they’ve been feeling good for six months now.

“For 20-odd years I couldn’t bite apples, there just wasn’t enough force available and the dentures would drop. I’m happy because I can now bite apples again.”

Having visited a number of dentists over the years for his dentures and not being satisfied with the results, Geoffrey really sees the benefit in using a dedicated expert like Andrew.

“I feel it is good value for money and I’m very pleased with my dentures. The service and treatment was good and I’ve already recommended Denture Solutions to other people.”

Natural looking dentures designed and created just for you.

New dentures direct to the public Emergency repairs and relines • Implant dentures and flexible dentures • Free consultation with discreet care • Home visits by appointment • •

Fully qualified, registered and insured clinical dental technician with 20 years experience.

Find us on, 104 Station Road, Ainsdale, Southport, PR8 3HL or get in touch, phone: 01704 578 209 email: manager@denturesolutionsuk.com web: www.denturesolutionsuk.com

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11/8/11 20:22:00

by Angela Kelly

Changing Rooms

TAKING a fresh look at our homes gives us the opportunity to re-evaluate lifestyle and try to improve it.

This can happen at any time in our lives but often when we have more time, like when we retire, or simply find that our daily routine is more homebased.

You may want to undertake major change like an EXTENSION. Building a CONSERVATORY can also add space and style to a home. There are some fabulous designs and deals around currently, but do look first at what you want from this extra space and communicate this properly to your chosen provider. You might also need planning permission or building control approval so it’s worth checking first on the Government website www.planningportal.gov.uk If you’re looking at revamping rather than rebuilding, interior designer Sharon

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Rodriguez suggests that you start at your front door and work forwards.

That means taking a hard look at your HALLWAY. “This is one part of the home we tend to forget about,” she says, “but it’s very important and reflects the rest of the interior. It should set a style for the rest of the property.”

It’s worth keeping your hallway light and bright. Narrow hallways can be opened up by using mirrors to give the illusion of doubling space, and they allow light to reflect back in.

If you’ve got a large hallway, which can look cavernous and unwelcoming, Sharon suggests artwork and framed photos can be showcased to create an interesting and eye-catching feature. There also needs to be functional space – shelving, cupboards or a console table to store items – “this will break up the space and act as a focal point,” she says.

Consider the colour scheme here. A bold patterned wallpaper with a light-coloured backdrop (a feature wall) can look good in a hallway. Avoid dark colours generally unless you have a long, narrow hallway, and if you do and want to make it appear shorter, paint the short wall furthest away in a darker colour.

The hallway is a high traffic area so carpets aren’t always the best choice here. Try hard or wooden floor surfaces but soften them with a runner or rug, which can work well against plain-coloured walls.

The LOUNGE is often a central spot for day to day life but if you’re having a revamp and want to invest in new furniture, draw a rough floor- plan of your room first, advises Sharon, measuring furniture to ensure it fits. “Think about access and how you’re going to get into the room,” she adds. “This will save time and one big headache.”

HOME

you have a bay window, consider window seats and keep floor covering cohesive with your décor whether you’re choosing carpets, wooden floors or tiles.

Sharon also believes that most of us are too scared to try out colour and so often end up with large amounts of neutral décor.

“Using colour is about confidence,” she states. “Try using a colour wheel and/or paint manufacturers’ swatches to choose the right colour combination. Colour inspiration comes from all sorts of sources – artwork, photographs, a favourite piece of fabric or nature.”

It’s also worth keeping in mind that colour looks different throughout the day and under artificial light. “Buy swatch pots and paint lining paper with your chosen colours and place them on the wall. Move around during different times of the day, and look at it under artificial lighting.”

If you’re choosing patterned wallpaper, match the pattern and place the two pieces side by side on the wall to see how it looks.

Paint radiators the same colour as the walls for a cohesive look.

Alternatively, they can be boxed in if you don’t want them to show. And if you’re using pattern in fabrics or wallpaper, think about scale and colour continuity. Take a look at home interior magazines and see what is currently in favour when it comes to themes and designs.

“I love botanical designs,” says Sharon, “and they seem to be popular this year. There are some lovely floral and leafy prints available to bring a fresh look to any room.”

Investing in new furniture will always change a room, but if you’re on a budget you can instantly refresh and update your lounge with new cushions and throws which can be colour-matched to your chosen décor. “Neutral décor can be brought to life by layering different textures, adding rugs and using reflective surfaces such as glass-topped tables and mirrors which give a sense of space.”

Don’t dismiss buying second-hand furniture out of hand. Try flea markets, car boots or charity shops. “You can pick up some fabulous pieces here,” adds Sharon. Existing pieces of furniture can also be updated and re-used with a lick of paint and new handles.

Window treatments depend on the style you want to create and space in and around the windows to hang or tie-back. If you don’t want to open and close curtains, window blinds might be more suitable. However, curtains tend to insulate, absorb noise and dress the room.

Voile curtain panels are another option, and come in a great range of colours, allowing a nice, diffused light to enter the room. If

If you love to collect items, display them in an organised way.

White shelving with a bold background colour and lighting, possibly in a recess, accentuates a collection like glass.

The KITCHEN is probably the most important space in the home and needs to be functional. If you’re looking to install a new kitchen, consult a reputable design company who will cleverly design and maximise space and storage.

To update your kitchen units if they’re in good condition, try some new doors or paint existing ones. They could match or contrast with the colour of the walls, and new handles can quickly update them.

Back-splashes are an alternative to tiling and are stylish and easy to maintain, and worktops can be replaced without breaking the bank.

Ceramic tiles are popular in kitchens but Sharon suggests that trying vinyl or cork tiles can be more comfortable “especially if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen.”.

The DINING ROOM is best kept practical, particularly if it doubles as a study or office. Choose furniture that adapts, such as an extending dining table and folding chairs. Shelves and cupboards are perfect for display and storage, and add a pop of the colour red here and there – “It’s said to promote conversation and appetite!” adds Sharon.

If you’re investing in new units for your BEDROOM, make sure they suit your lifestyle and provide plenty of space and storage.

Soft grey can be a restful and relaxing colour for bedrooms, with splashes of colour added for contrast in quilt covers, lampshades, rugs and draped curtains. Table lamps add mood and ambience to this space.

And another place for relaxation is the BATHROOM. Soothing greens and blues are always a good choice here although keep sanitary ware white for a clean look.

If your bathroom is small, try using larger floor and wall tiles as they make the space look bigger (plain not patterned) as do mirrors or mirrored vanity cupboards.

“Slate tiles are a good choice in a bathroom because of their durability and slip-resistance, they’re also non-porous and warm.

And don’t discount the use of artwork in the bathroom.” * For more advice email Sharon Rodriguez from Urbano at sharon.0022@hotmail.com

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OUT & ABOUT

What are you asking for this Christmas and New Year?

Cinderella

10 Dec - 3 Jan 2016

Festive two night energiser breaks in December and January start from just £239 per person, including an aqua thermal journey, dinner, full English breakfast, an overnight stay and seasonal stress buster treatment.

The SPA Hotel at Ribby Hall Village has most things a grownup could ask for in a festive hotel break. For those looking to escape and relax why not try the unique spa facilities including the aqua thermal journey and its outdoor terrace hot tub – to be enjoyed during the daytime or underneath the stars and surrounded by gorgeous countryside views?

Epstein Theatre, Hanover House, 85 Hanover Stree, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 3DZ LHK always guarantee to bring a refreshing all-star cast to the stage and this year is no exception, producer Lee Kelly is delighted to reveal that heartthrob Calum Best will star in his panto debut as Prince Charming, and is certain to get hearts racing across the region.

Family Ticket Concession Adult Ticket

£66.00 per ticket £17.00 per ticket £19.00 per ticket

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

For more details go to www.visitliverpool.com

Ribble Steam Santa Special 6-23 Dec 2015 Create your warm magical memory with a SANTA STEAM SPECIAL experience.

A perfect family get together, sprinkled with some festive fun, excitement and laughter.

Chain Caul Road, Riversway, Ashton On Ribble, Preston PR2 2PD For more information please call 01772 728800

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Don’t just take our word for it, join the conversation and see what others guests have said about their stay.

Expect delicious food and discerning service. Enjoy intimate and candle lit dining in The Orangery. There’s a fabulous array of wines and Laurent Perrier champagnes to help you celebrate; as well as the tantalising afternoon tea for two.Choose from a whole host of luxurious treatments for both men and women and seek sanctuary in a luxurious and spacious hotel room with 24 hour room service.

For those who prefer something a little more active there’s a gym within The SPA Hotel itself with the option of booking your own personal trainer. Also, an awardwinning health club within The Village welcomes all hotel guests to their adult only 25 metre swimming pool, numerous racket sports and more than 80 group fitness classes a week. Alternatively, on a crisp winter’s day perhaps you’d prefer to simply wrap up and take a gentle meander throughout our 100 acres or explore the Woodland Trail?

Gift vouchers from The SPA Hotel at Ribby Hall Village The perfect Christmas gift!

For more information regarding The SPA Hotel’s Christmas & New Year Breaks visit Ribbyhall.co.uk/spa-hotel or Call FREE on 0800 107 0336

OUT & ABOUT

Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 8pm (Last Skate) – Close 9pm Friday & Saturday: 11am – 9pm (Last Skate) – Close 10pm • • • • • • • •

Sessions start at every hour on the hour Skate sessions last 45 minutes from the time on your ticket You’ll need to arrive at least 15 minutes before your skate session Skate hire is included in your ticket price, but feel free to bring your own.

Spectators can watch for FREE! Food & drinks are available in the Après Lodge or the festive cabins in Chavasse Park Lockers are available to hire for £2 Penguin Skate Aids for children are available to hire at skate exchange for £5 on a first come basis. Skating aids can not be pre-booked.

Runs until Jan 3rd 2016

Liverpool ONE Ice Festival

Join Liverpool ONE this winter for the return of the enchanting Ice Festival as Chavasse Park is transformed into a winter wonderland.

The open air Ice Rink is the ideal destination for some winter fun. Give Torvill and Dean a run for their money and show your skills. Don’t worry; if ice skating isn’t your forte, they’ve got handy penguin skate aids for children to help them glide a little more gracefully across the rink (open to over-5s). The Ice Rink has open sides and a roof, so come snow or shine you can enjoy festive fun.

Cosy Wint er Breaks at ENJOY A FABULOUS 2 NIGHT WINTER BREAK WITH DINNER FROM ONLY £239 PER COUPLE Sawrey House Hotel offers you a very special combination of comfort and elegance set amidst the stunning beauty and tranquillity of the Lakeland fells. Located in the heart of the English Lake District, this splendid Victorian country house nestles in the pretty village of Near Sawrey right next door to Hill Top Farm, the once home of Author Beatrix Potter.

Our fantastic value Winter Warmer breaks are available from 1st November and include 2 nights’ accommodation in a Lake View or Classic room, our award winning 3 course dinner both evenings and our delicious Cumbrian breakfast each morning.

Please mention Fifty Plus Magazine when booking to get these special rates.

Sawrey House Country Hotel, Near Sawrey, Ambleside LA22 0LF | 01539 436387 | www.sawreyhouse.com

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| 21

FOOD & DRINK

Cook with John Torode!

Delicious recipes from his new book - My Kind Of Food GLAMORGAN SAUSAGES My search for a great vegetarian sausage recipe took me far and wide, from Australia to Asia to Ireland, with Europe in between. I finally stumbled across these little beauties closer to home – in Wales. They’re simply made with some cheese, breadcrumbs and a couple of eggs and they are grand. To my mind, they taste a bit like the stuffing you get from a good chicken. They are moreish, so beware.

Feeds 4 175g Caerphilly cheese or Cheshire cheese, grated 225g fresh breadcrumbs 1 banana shallot, grated 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley 1 tablespoon chopped chives 1 egg, beaten 20ml milk 1 teaspoon hot English mustard plain flour, for dusting 300ml vegetable oil, for frying salt and freshly ground black pepper jar of apple sauce or apple chutney, to serve

rode John To

For the coating 1 egg, beaten 50ml milk 50g plain flour 1 teaspoon paprika Prep the sausage mixture In a large bowl, mix the cheese, breadcrumbs, shallot and herbs and season with salt and pepper.

In a jug, beat together the egg, milk and mustard. Pour the egg mixture over the cheesy breadcrumbs and mash together until you get a dough.

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On a lightly floured worktop, roll out the mix into long sausages roughly 2cm thick and then cut the sausages into 8cm lengths – you should get about eight.

Coat them

Beat the egg and milk together in a shallow dish. Spread out the flour in another dish and season with the paprika.

Roll the sausages in the egg mixture and then in the seasoned flour. Leave on a tray in the fridge for 10 minutes to set.

Cook the sausages

Heat the oil in a heavy-based frying pan and gently fry the sausages over a medium heat for about 4–5 minutes, turning, until brown all over. Drain well on kitchen paper. Serve with apple sauce or apple chutney.

For a non-vego version

Add bits of crisp bacon, flaked smoked haddock or shredded ham and chopped-up peas to the sausage mixture and then coat and cook as above.

PEACH UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI, LINGUINE, CHILLI AND PINE NUTS This is one of my quick, quick, the kids are starving (so am I) recipes. The amount of chilli you use is up to you; I serve some on the side for those who like it. Chopped sausages are a good addition: push the sausages out of their skins and cook them with the chilli and onions for a more blokey type of feast.

My nanna used to grow lots of fruit in her back garden – ladyfinger bananas, passion fruit, apples, limes, lemons, mulberries and strawberries – but my favourite were the peaches. Whenever I cook this cake I feel as though I could be 9 years old again, standing next to Nanna on a sunny Saturday, peaches just picked from the tree at the side of the house and the smell of her perfume and the wood-burning stove.

Makes 1 cake 5–6 peaches, cut in half and stones removed 400g caster sugar 1 vanilla pod, split in half lengthways and seeds scraped out 200g plain flour

Feeds 4–6

1½ teaspoons baking powder

50ml olive oil, plus extra for the pasta water

30ml milk

500g linguine

icing sugar, for dusting

1 red onion, sliced

Heat the oven to 180°C/gas 4. Line the base of a 23cm springform cake tin with baking parchment.

4 garlic cloves, sliced 2 long red chillies, split in half, de-seeded and sliced (optional) 300g purple sprouting broccoli, boiled for 2 minutes 20g pine nuts salt and freshly ground black pepper a big hunk of Parmesan, to serve Bring a really large pan of water (about 5 litres) to the boil with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and add the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a frying pan over a low– medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cook gently and slowly for a few minutes until they are soft; keep the temperature low.

Season the onions well with loads of salt and pepper. Drop in the chilli (if using), and cook for a minute or so. Now drop in the cooked broccoli, give it a good stir and cook for a couple of minutes so that the broccoli gets hot. Add the pine nuts.

Drain the pasta and pour it into the pan with the onion and broccoli.

Turn up the heat and toss everything together.

Spoon onto plates or pile into a large heated bowl, and make sure there is loads of Parmesan to grate over the top.

Or try...

For grown-ups you can add a few anchovies.

Use different varieties of broccoli or Romanesco cauliflower, or even add some bitter leaves, like radicchio.

200g butter 4 eggs

Prep the peaches

Pop the peaches in a large pan with 200g of the sugar and the vanilla seeds and pod, cover with water – just enough to cover the fruit – and bring to the boil. Turn off the heat and cover with a lid and leave them for 20 minutes.

Make the cake batter

Sift the flour and the baking powder together into a bowl three times to aerate.

Beat the butter and the remaining sugar until white and doubled in size (an electric whisk is good for this). Add the eggs one at a time, beating until well mixed, then add the sifted flour and milk and mix well.

Lift the peaches out of their cooking liquid and arrange the wet peaches, cut-side down, over the base of the cake tin.

Pour the cake batter over the peaches and bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the tin a little – about 10–15 minutes – then gently turn out onto a plate and carefully peel off the paper.

Leave to sit for 30 minutes. Dust with icing sugar and serve warm.

Swap in... Pears, apricots, cherries or apples with cinnamon all work well instead of peaches.

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| 23

What is Legacy Liverpool?

If you leave a

Legacy Liverpool is an awareness campaign to encourage people from all walks of life to leave a gift in their Will to charities and voluntary organisations working locally across Merseyside.

The charities that make up Legacy Liverpool all have one common purpose - they all have a local project or work within the region to benefit people in Merseyside.

Why is making a Will important?

Making a Will is the easiest way to ensure your wishes are met and that loved ones and those important to you are provided for in the way you intend.

You can rest assured that all your assets are dealt with correctly, with debts paid, and loved ones looked after including your family, friends and maybe your favourite charity.

Gifts in Wills help charities plan for their future to help generations to come, and a legacy gift is such a special way to support the charities you love.

We understand that family and friends come first, but if you’re able to leave a gift no matter how big or small, this could help to make a real difference.

in your Will...

What is Legacy Liverpool?

Legacy Liverpool is an awareness campaign to encourage people from all walks of life to leave a gift in their Will to charities and voluntary organisations working locally across Merseyside.

The charities that make up Legacy Liverpool all have one common purpose – they all have a local project or work within the region to benefit people in Merseyside.

Why is making a Will important?

Making a Will is the easiest way to ensure your wishes are met and that loved ones and those important to you are provided for in the way you intend.

You can rest assured that all your assets are dealt with correctly, with debts paid, and loved ones looked after including your family, friends and maybe your favourite charity.

Giving a gift in your Will is an incredibly generous gesture and also surprisingly easy to do. Just talk to aGifts solicitor a professional to get Leaving a gift in in Willsorhelp charities plan Will-writer for your Will is an their future to help generations to impartial advice about your options.

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If you would like to find out more about leaving a gift in your Will, please go to “When you’re gone it would be nice to know you have left something that makes life better for others. That’s what Legacy Liverpool does - leave a gift in your Will and you will leave a smile behind.”

www.legacyliverpool.org.uk or email hello@legacyliverpool.org.uk

John Bishop, Comedian.

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Comedian. theirmarvellous marvellouswork workfor foryears yearstotocome.” come.” their He was a pillar of society and his decision to leave a gift illustrates the kind and generous spirit that he will be remembered for."

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“I would encourage everyone to leave a special gift inencourage your will everyone to a charity that a “ I would to leave means something to you. special gift in your Will to a charity that Rest assured that itto really a that means something you. will Resthave assured massive difference to the work of charities it really will have a massive difference in our region, helping them to continue to the work of charities in our region, their marvellous work for years to come.” helping them to continue their marvellous Peter Somerfield, Merseyside. work for years to come.”

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Do Makea aWill Will 1.1.Make Considerleaving leavinga agift gifttotoa acharity charity 2.2.Consider Andplease pleasechoose choosea alocal localcharity charity 3.3.And Legacy Liverpool - participating charities

@LegacyLiverpool @LegacyLiverpool @LegacyLiverpool www.facebook.com/LegacyLiverpool www.facebook.com/LegacyLiverpool www.facebook.com/LegacyLiverpool

in your Will...

Legacy Liverpool Legacy Liverpool Legacy Liverpool c/o Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services, c/oLiverpool LiverpoolCharity Charityand andVoluntary Voluntary Services, c/o Services, 151 Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2AH 151 Dale Street,

151 Dale Street, Tel: 0151 L2 227 5177 Liverpool, L22AH 2AH Liverpool, hello@legacyliverpool.org.uk Tel0151 0151227 2275177 5177 Tel www.legacyliverpool.org.uk hello@legacyliverpool.org.uk hello@legacyliverpool.org.uk Find outhow howbyby leavinga agift gift nd out leaving @LegacyLiverpool www.legacyliverpool.org.uk www.legacyliverpool.org.uk * Legacy Liverpool does not solicit gifts for any particular organisations.

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yourWill Will youcan can helpfuture future www.facebook.com/LegacyLiverpool your you * issue Legacy Liverpool does solicit gifts for any particular charitable gifthelp to the charities, voluntary organisations*or that they deem deserving ofgifts their support.

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Supporters are encouraged to make a charitable Legacy Liverpool organisations. Supporters are encouraged to make a charitable giftgift generationstotocome. come. generations to the charities, voluntary organisations or issue that they deem

HEALTH & FITNESS

Importance of Sleep to the Brain and our Psychological Health 1. Uninterrupted Sleep Our brain works at its best - including our concentration, creativity and ability to retain information - when our mind is well rested. Uninterrupted sleep activates changes in the brain and establishes firmer connections between brain cells thereby transmitting information from one area of the brain to another more efficiently.

2. Limit Your Working Hours Forcing your brain to work well into the night and depriving it of sleep is not conducive to career success, nor wellbeing. Sleep deprivation has been known to lower the immune system and can also affect our mental health, leading to problems such as depression and anxiety.

3. Early Night Busy lifestyles and consistent sleep shortage is known to affect blood flow to the brain even causing brain cells to lack necessary oxygen which can contribute to sending our memory into serious decline.

4 .Insomnia The brain of a patient with chronic insomnia is like someone who is always switched on and ‘wired’. Compared to good sleepers, neurons have been found to be more ‘excitable’. This evidently explains why sufferers struggle with sleep

26 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

By Dr Lynda Shaw

because the brain is constantly active.

Some of us are able to train our brains to let us sleep so talk to your GP to see about the various things you can do to help yourself including hypnotherapy.

Sleep offers time for the brain to rest with fewer distractions and new things to respond to, with renewed energy helping to process and consolidate information more efficiently.

5. Electronic Devices

8. Safety First

These days, we’re hardly ever without an electronic device within arm’s reach.

Detailed studies have shown that light emitted from electrical devices can miscue our brain to assume that we should remain awake. Keep them in another room when you sleep.

Lack of sleep prevents the mind and body from functioning well throughout the day and can be particularly dangerous for those who are driving. Sleep deficiency has been known to impair driving ability with similar responses to those who have had too much to drink.

6. Weight Gain

9. Burning The Midnight Oil

Some studies suggest as much as 33% of us don’t get as much sleep as we need.

Our hormones can be affected by lack of sleep and it is thought that there is a decrease in a hormone which causes satiety and an increase in a hormone which causes hunger as a result of sleep deprivation. Be aware that almost certainly when we are tired we can trick ourselves into thinking we need to fuel ourselves with more food to get through the day.

New researchers claim that prolonged awake time can destroy a certain type of brain cell (locus ceruleus) neurons, which is key to controlling our awake and alert state and can even lead to irreversible injury to the brain.

7. Improved Learning Studies have shown that those who are well rested are more effective when it comes to learning or problem-solving.

10. Preserve Emotional Memory Studies have found that sleep helps us to preserve our greatest memories and downgrade those that are of lesser importance. Without sufficient sleep, our brains can almost certainly find it more difficult to distinguish between the two.

www.drlyndashaw.com

Age Concern Services & Products supporting Sefton’s over 50s

Funeral Plans – call and speak to a member of our team for further information. With the cost escalating each year, you can freeze the price of your Funeral now and receive a £25.00 high street voucher.

Financial Planning – financial advice on pensions, investments, tax, long-term care-planning and other money matters, provided by our specialist partners at Co-operative Wealth.

Retirement Planning – courses available to help you make the most of mid life and retirement.

Information and Advice – expert advisors on hand to offer you confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of issues including pensions, care and benefit checks.

Counselling Service – our free sessions are delivered by vetted counsellors. All sessions are delivered in a relaxed, confidential, welcoming and non-judgmental setting.

Our office is open Monday to Friday between 10.00am – 4.00pm. You can make an appointment or simply throughout their lives, if you feel drop in to our office.

We were the first Age Concern in the world and of local older people. From Information and Advice to Homecare, from Funeral Plans to Equity Release, our range of products and services suit the needs of people agedand 50 and over. We provide practical times ple feel lonely isolated at particular advice, help, care and support to help you make r someone you AgelifeConcern & more of life andknow, to make your better and Liverpool easier.

Befriends Ad_190x125mmV5.pdf 1 12/01/2015 pride ourselves on improving the quality09:20 of life

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– companionship 0 andAsover, live in the borough of Sefton and haveBefriending Sefton and GP,Re-ablement you can access the and we are a local charity it means we are able to: increasing your confidence and independence.

opportunity to increase your iending and Re-ablement service.

Giving • Use all of the funds we raise to support local people you theCancer Support Service – practical support for older • Provide the services which older people tell us what people aged loneliness.

60+ recently diagnosed with cancer. independence, improve your confidence and overcome

they need and want • Represent and campaign on behalf of older people’s views accurately and powerfully

Our Sefton office right in the heart of Southport town centre is at 8-10 Hoghton Street. Close to Southport Train Station and local bus routes, the office is friendly and welcoming and our team of staff and volunteers are on hand to answer any questions, queries or concerns you may have.

Homecare – quality personal care and practical support including shopping, bathing and feeding.

Active Ageing – keep fit sessions, cycling and walking groups with qualified cycle and walk leaders, and computer sessions.

access up to 6 weeks of FREE support plus subsequent weekly visits ur volunteer befrienders who are carefully selected to support you.

you can help us Sefton Age Concern Liverpool &How can help you to: You can help us to help older people by donating your

unwanted items (clothes,according bric-a-brac, books, cernServices Liverpool & Sefton Homecare Service has been designed toCDs/ toshops, activities • Keep inSefton touch with we provide at our office are:people DVDs, etc) to • ourGet charity leaving us & a legacy in

whatEquity older people toldappointments us theywith have been your looking We arrange will or byfor. making a donation.

We arefor also seeking Release – free, have no obligation a medical appointments • Manage your in many areas including Charity Shops, specialist Bowers Retirement Services. ed carers tofrom visit your home, atmoney times you decidevolunteers to help with the tasks you

Befriending & Re-ablement and Information & Advice.

Wills/Legal Power of Attorney Clinic – appointments • usFeel • below Feel safe Pleaseservice contact if you positive would like to know more. e cover the tasks plus many more. We fit the around your needs. with a solicitor from Goldsmith Williams. Sessions take place on Tuesday •between 2.00pm – 4.00pm.

Be treated with dignity

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and respect

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t the Befriending & Re-ablement Team on 01704 542 933.

Drop into our office at: 8 – 10 Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 0TF Phone us on: 01704 542993 8-10 Street, Southport, PR9 0TF E-mail us: Hoghton mail@ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk Twitter: Follow us @AC_Lpool_Sefton www.ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk Like our Facebook page: Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton

Later Life Planning Planning for the future can be daunting and mistakes can be costly. That’s why when making life-affecting decisions, you need professional advice. Breens Solicitors’ Later Life Planning team will help you understand how the law can best be utilised to give you and your family peace of mind.

Wills Have you made a Will? If not, you’re not alone; more than two thirds of Britons die intestate (without a will). Yet without a Will, the state will distribute your money, house and belongings, not as you choose but as the rules of intestacy dictate.

Why make a Will?

Making a Will allows you to: � minimise your tax liabilities; � choose who deals with your estate; � choose who benefits from your estate; � create trusts for your children or grandchildren; � give instructions of who you would like to look after any dependents; � give gifts to specific people; � make charitable donations; � make provision for the continuation of your business; � consider claims on your estate from first and second families.

Why use a professional?

Asking a solicitor to write your Will helps you to avoid the unintentional consequences of a poorly worded will or invalid terms. Plus you will have the benefit of knowing your solicitor is regulated and insured.

Powers of Attorney What would happen if you became physically and/or mentally incapable of managing your affairs?

It is not something we like to think about but illness or an accident can strike at any moment.

During this often difficult time, it is important to know that someone you trust is able to act on your behalf.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to say who you would want to take care of your health and welfare and/or financial decisions in the event of illness or accident.

Putting an LPA in place gives you the reassurance that, should you become unable to make your own decisions, those caring for you will be able to act on your behalf without the cost and worry of applying to the Court of Protection.

While you may never have cause to invoke your LPA, it gives you the peace of mind to carry on with your day to day living.

30 Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 OPA

T: 01704 532 890

34 Crosby Road North, Waterloo, L22 4QG

T: 0151 928 6544

28 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Did you know?

Marriage invalidates any previous Will you have made, yet divorce does not automatically revoke your Will.

www.breensonline.co.uk Or email info@breensonline.co.uk WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 29

When New Directions was established in Sefton in 2007 it was the first local authority social care trading company in the country.

Eight years on, the organisation remains at the forefront of the care sector across Sefton Borough and beyond, with a team of almost 500 staff providing a wide range of services for older Sefton residents and other adults with disabilities and enduring mental health needs.

Each year New Directions provides more than 150,000 hours of care for people at home and in the community.

A key feature of this service is the emphasis on reablement and rehabilitation support, helping clients to return home from hospital quickly, avoid readmission, and live independently for as long as possible.

New Directions also offers a day service for older people at a number of locations across Sefton, including those with dementia, helping them to live fulfilling lives both at home and in the community.

AgeAge Concern_Befriends Ad_190x125mmV5.pdf Concern_Befriends Ad_190x125mmV5.pdf 1

Activities on offer include music, sensory stimulation, recall therapy, gardening, and social outings.

New Directions Chief Operating Officer, Penelope Fell, commented: “The last few years have been challenging for us - and indeed the wider care sector - because of changing commissioner priorities and reductions in funding in some areas.

“I am sure there will be further pressures in the years ahead, but I am equally confident that New Directions will rise to the challenge, and continue to fulfil our mission which is to provide the highest-quality care to the most vulnerable people in our community.”

1 12/01/2015 12/01/2015 09:20 09:20

Some people feel lonely and isolated atat particular times throughout their lives, if if you feel Some people feel lonely and isolated particular times throughout their lives, you feel this is is you oror someone you know, Age Concern Liverpool && Sefton may bebe able toto help.

If If you this you someone you know, Age Concern Liverpool Sefton may able help. you are aged 5050 and over, live inin the borough ofof Sefton and have Sefton GP, you can access the are aged and over, live the borough Sefton and have Sefton GP, you can access the free Befriending and Re-ablement service.

Giving you the opportunity toto increase your free Befriending and Re-ablement service.

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Age Concern Liverpool & •& Sefton Homecare Service has been designed according to Age Concern Liverpool Sefton Homecare Service has been designed according to • Get toto activities && • Get activities • Keep inin touch with people Keep touch with people exactly what older people have told usus they have been looking for.

We arrange for exactly what older people have told they have been looking for.

We arrange for medical appointments medical appointments • Manage your money • Manage your money dedicated carers toto visit your home, atat times you decide toto help with the tasks you dedicated carers visit your home, times you decide help with the tasks you • •Feel positive Feel positive • below Feel safe • below Feel safe choose.

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Contact Contactthe theBefriending Befriending&&Re-ablement Re-ablementTeam Teamon on01704 01704542 542933.

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www.ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk www.ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk

30 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TT EELLEEP PH H OO NE NE

0151 0151934 9343726 3726

New Directions staff support people to get the best out of life, and our commitment to providing New Directions staff support people todeliver get the best outand of life, our commitment to providing personalised services means that we care where whenand it’s needed.

We work with a range commissioners to transform and improve services to ensure personalised services means that we deliver care where and when it’s needed. We that awe continue to provide theto support that people want. services to ensure work with range commissioners transform and improve

that weOur continue to provide the support that people want. plans for our future focus on creating further life enriching opportunities for people

Our plans for our focus on creating including, forfuture example, meeting vocational furtherand life employment enriching opportunities for people needs through appropriate including, for and example, meeting vocational training dedicated support. and employment needs through appropriate employs over 300 dedicated, trainingNew andDirections dedicated support.

enthusiastic and caring staff working across a wide range of services, meeting the needs of New Directions employs over 300 dedicated, several thousand people across Sefton Borough enthusiastic and caring staff working across a and beyond.

wide range of services, meeting the needs of record ofpeople exemplary service is reflected by the severalOur thousand across Sefton Borough Care Quality Commission in their inspection reports and beyond. which can be viewed at www.cqc.org.uk.

Our record of exemplary service is reflected by the What customers reports have to say about their Sefton New Directions experiences: Care Quality Commission insatisfied their inspection which can be viewed at www.cqc.org.uk.

I would like to thank all the carers who’ve been so kind me since I Sefton came outNew of hospital.

Theyexperiences: have What satisfied customers have to saytoabout their Directions encouraged me and made me feel that I’m really improving. They have been pleasant and it’s I would like to tothank all the who’ve been a pleasure know them.

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encouraged me and made me feel that I’m really improving. They have been pleasant and it’s been aIpleasure to know them. I think you are can leave my son…knowing he is well invaluable and I’mIvery to youand all. a looked after. havegrateful total respect very high regard for the members of staff.

I can leave my son…knowing he is well you to everyrespect one of you... lookedThank after.

I each haveandtotal and a made afor difference. very you hightruly regard the members of sta Please contact us if you want to know how we support people who have disabilities, mental health issues or needs because of their age.

Thank you to each and every one of yo you truly made a difference.

Telephone: 0151 934 3726 | Info-ND@ndirections.co.uk | www.ndirections.co.uk Please contact us if you want to know how we support people who

ArcAngel - For Your Protection and Peace of Mind!

People are living longer and want to be as independent for as long as possible within their local communities.

ArcAngel provides that security for both your own peace of mind and that of your loved ones!

ArcAngel is the smallest, lightest and most discreet personal safety and tracking device available today. It utilises the latest technology, coupled with GPS and mobile phone functions, to provide a perfect solution for anyone who needs support - either in their own home or when out and about.

At the press of a single button, the ArcAngel is connected to our award winning Alarm Receiving Centre where our trained operators will know exactly where the user is.

They will talk directly to you and provide whatever help or support is needed. The ArcAngel can also be used to talk directly to family or friends without the need for a separate mobile phone.

Features:

Protected

by ArcAngel Mrs Burrows.

Age 51.

• Easy to use, single button emergency call • Small, lightweight and discreet • Accurate GPS location • Battery life on standby up to 10 days • Choice of world SIM available • Choice of colours and a range of accessories

Southport, Merseyside In January 2015 Mrs. Burrows’ mother who lives in Cumbria suffered a fall and was unable to get up without assistance, she pressed her ArcAngel and subsequently we were able to contact her next door neighbour who rendered immediate assistance.

“I can’t thank SeftonArc enough for the service they provided, living such a long distance away from my mother used to make me constantly worry but ArcAngel gives much needed reassurance - they are a lifesaver.”

ArcAngel is available to anyone living in the UK. To find out more or to arrange a demonstration please call: 0800 622 6107 or visit: www.seftonarc.com/arcangel 32 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Introducing the ArcAngel Introducing Introducingthe the ArcAngel ArcAngel

Healthcare & Security Healthcare & Security

Healthcare & Security

The most discreet personal TheThe most discreet safety and tracking device most discreetpersonal personal safety and tracking safety and trackingdevice device

£30 set-up fee

£30 set-up feefee £30 set-up

as little £30 from set-up fee as £20 a month, or

from little as £20 from as as little as £20 aa £30 including from as little as mobile response month, or month, or £20 aincluding month £30 including £30 mobile response mobile response

ArcAngel is the smallest, lightest and most discreet personallightest safety ArcAngel thesmallest, smallest, lightest ArcAngel isisthe and tracking devicepersonal available and most discreet discreet personaltoday. safety most safety

ArcAngel utilises the latest technology,available coupled with GPS and tracking device today. and tracking device available today. mobile phone functions, to provide a perfect solution for anyone who needsutilises support - either intechnology, the home, when out and about or ArcAngel the latest coupled with GPS and ArcAngel utilises the latest technology, coupled with GPS and for lone workers. mobile phone functions, to provide a perfect solution for anyone mobile phone functions, to provide a perfect solution for anyone who needs out and about or or who needs support support--either eitherininthe thehome, home,when when out and about At the press of a button, the ArcAngel is connected to our award for lone workers. for lone Alarm workers. winning Receiving Centre, based here in Sefton, where our trained operators are available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the

At the the press of the is is connected to to ourour award At pressknow ofaabutton, button,where theArcAngel ArcAngel connected year. They’ll exactly you are and can talk directly to award winning Alarm Receiving Centre, based here in Sefton, where our you, providing or support as needed. winning Alarmhelp Receiving Centre, based here in Sefton, where our trained operators are available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the trained operators are available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

They’ll know exactly where youdirectly are and talk/ directly The ArcAngel can also be used to talk to can friends family / to to year.

They’ll know exactly where you are and can talk directly you, providing helpthe or need support needed. employers, without for aas separate mobile phone. you, providing help or support as needed.

The ArcAngel can also be to talk adirectly to friendsplease / family / For more information, orused to arrange demonstration The ArcAngel can also be used to talk directly to friends / family / employers, without the need for a separate mobile phone. visit seftonarc.com/arcangel 0800 622mobile 6107. phone. employers, without the needor forcall a separate

For more information, or to arrange a demonstration please For more information, or to arrange a demonstration please visit seftonarc.com/arcangel or call 0800 622 6107. visit seftonarc.com/arcangel or call 0800 622 6107.

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 33

During the Middle stage they may lose their confidence and become clingy.

You may also notice some other signs, be careful of: •

•

•

•

Confusion about where they are and becoming lost after walking off Waking up at night because they’re mixing up night and day Putting themselves and others at risk - by forgetting to light the gas on the cooker for example Hallucinations and difficulty in perceiving events

Late stage

Learning about Dementia Each person experiences dementia differently so it’s helpful to sort the condition into stages to help detect the symptoms earlier. This will let you know whether you need to look for care and support for a loved one.

Dementia is a progressive illness affecting a person’s mental capacity, their memory and communication will gradually decline and will require support to carry out daily living routines.

Stages of Dementia Early stage The early stages of dementia are very minor changes in a person’s behaviour and can often be mistaken for normal ageing attributes. Loss of memory for most recent events is an early sign that someone may have dementia. Be on the lookout for these signs: • The person becomes slower at understanding new ideas • They repeat themselves • They lose interest in other people and activities • They blame others for taking their misplaced stuff • They’re forgetful about recent events or conversations • They find it hard to make decisions • They’re unwilling to try out new things

34 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

In these situations it’s tempting to support them to help them cope, but in order to retain their independence and self-esteem, they should have the chance to do activities for themselves, with a little support if necessary They’re likely to become agitated and distressed in this condition, so be ready to provide emotional support and reassurance to boost their confidence.

Middle stage As dementia progresses, the changes in the person become more noticeable. They need support to help manage their daily living, with frequent reminders to eat, use the toilet, wash and dress. Being forgetful of people’s names and repeating the same phrase several times are signs of decline in their memory.

During this time, they’ll be totally dependent on others to help care for them. Their loss of memory will become paramount, being unable to recognise objects, surroundings and their closest friends and family members.

You’ll notice that they’ll become increasingly frail at this point, showing difficulty in walking and eventually they’ll be confined to a bed or wheelchair.

Other symptoms are: • Difficulty in eating and swallowing • Considerable difference in weight, some people may lose weight and others may eat too much • Loss of their bladder control and sometimes their bowels • Loss of speech, repeating a few words or crying out from time to time

Support to stay in your own home If you want to live as independently as possible, you may need support to stay in your own home. The health and social care trust in your area can provide services to help you.

Health and social care assessments A range of support is available. For example, you might need help with cleaning, or you may find it useful if you had a bath rail fitted. You may be entitled to financial help to maintain your own home. To find out what sort of help you could get, your local trust will assess your health and social care needs. It is important to tell the health and social care trust what will make your everyday life easier.

You may also be entitled to ‘direct payments’. These are trust payments available for anyone who has been assessed as needing social care, and who would like to buy services instead of receiving the trust’s services. For example, direct payments could be used to pay a home help.

Care in your own home Care in your own home is offered to people who require help with personal care like washing or dressing, or help with other daily domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning, or help in managing finances.

Direct payments - arranging your own care and services

How much do you get?

living alone difficult, making some adaptations to your home may help.

You may also get extra support to help you live in your own home.

The amount you receive will depend on the assessment your local trust makes of your needs.

How it’s paid Direct payments are made directly into your bank, building society, Post Office or National Savings’ account.

If you need someone who cares for you to collect your money, or you are registered blind, payment can be made by sending a cheque which can be cashed at the Post Office.

Independence at home If you have a disability that makes

If you need improvements and adaptations to your home so you can continue to live there independently, you may qualify for help.

A health and social care assessment with the social services department is often the first step towards getting the help and support you need. Following an assessment your occupational therapist may recommend types of equipment and ideas about adapting your home.

Direct payments are local Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust payments for people who have been assessed as needing help from social services, and who would like to arrange and pay for their own care and support services instead of receiving them directly from the local trust.

A person must be able to give their consent to receiving direct payments and be able to manage them even if they need help to do this on a day-today basis.

Who is eligible?

Age Concern_Befriends Ad_190x125mmV5.pdf

At Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton, we make sure that you are given all the attention you deserve at the time you want it.

Our friendly, experienced, trained staff are dedicated to ensuring that you get all the support needed with no half measures - the time you pay for is the time you receive.

1 12/01/2015 09:20 If you already receive social services Your local trust is obliged to offer you the option of direct payments in place We create a plan oftheir support toifmeet your needs, aiming for your Some people feel lonely and isolated at particular times throughout lives, you all feel of the services you currently receive. maximum independence, upholding There are some limited circumstances his is you or someone you know, Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton may be able to help. If you dignity at all times. where you over, are notlive given this borough choice and are aged 50 and in the of Sefton and have Sefton GP, you can access the your local trust will be able to tell you free Befriending and Re-ablement service. Giving you the opportunity to increase your about these.

Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton Homecare Service has been designed

independence, improve your confidence and overcome loneliness. according to exactly what older people have told us they have been looking for. We arrange for dedicated carers to visit your home, at times To get direct up payments you’ll need to You can access to 6 weeks of FREE support plus subsequent weekly visits you decide to help with the tasks you choose. We cover the tasks below contact your local trust to ask them from our volunteer befrienders to who are carefully selected to support you. around your needs. plus many more. We fit the service If you’re not receiving social services

assess your needs. Direct payments are normally available if you:

Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton can help you to:

l have a disability and& are aged 16 or Age Concern Liverpool Sefton Homecare Service has been designed according to • Get to• activities & • Keep in touch with people • Personal Care Domestic/Household Services overwhat older people exactly have told us they have been looking for. We arrange for medical appointments youratmoney l are a carer aged 16 or over, including dedicated carers to visit• Manage your home, times you decide to help with the tasks you • Dietary Care • Shopping and Errands people with parental • Feel positive • below Feel safe hoose. We cover the tasks plus many more.

We fit the service around your needs. responsibility for a child with disabilities l

are an older person • Be treated with dignity and respect

• Going out to the shops

• Havefor companionship Give us a ring an obligation-free chat quote542 on 01704 Contact the Befriending & Re-ablement Team and on 01704 933. 503 356 • Look after yourself

8-10 Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 0TF

www.ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 35

CARE should be provided as far as possible in well-equipped facilities with specially trained, caring staff on duty 24 hours a day.

The CQC can oversee this. They can ensure that people retain as much independence as possible in comfort and privacy. They can encourage providers to provide personalised accommodation for individual taste together with pleasant communal dining and lounge areas. Specialist furniture designed specifically for the needs of the elderly, such as comfortable bespoke armchairs and seating makes a huge difference. Specialised seating, such as that manufactured

by Repose Furniture, can correctly support residents who may spend a large proportion of their day seated; such seats can also form the basis of a number of exercise routines for those residents with limited mobility.

Dr Hilary Jones

Q & A: Choosing the right care If you have ever had to consider care home provision for yourself, or a loved one, you will no doubt understand that it can be a difficult time. There are a myriad of questions to consider in order to ensure you select the care home that is right for you, meeting your individual requirements, and most of all, placing your wellbeing at its heart.

So whether you, or a loved one, are considering entering sheltered living accommodation, residential care, or a care home environment, it is important to research thoroughly beforehand to ensure the care environment you select is right for you.

Resident Doctor, and Expert Healthcare Advisor with Repose Furniture, Dr Hilary Jones recently took part in a question and answer session to uncover how The Care Quality Commission together with healthcare professionals, care home providers, and specialist furniture manufacturers, can work together to ensure an integrated, person centred approach to care, keeping best practice at the forefront for care home residents.

During the discussion, Dr Hilary explained that by offering existing, and future, care home residents an integrated approach to care which focuses on their individual needs and

36 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

requirements, healthcare professionals and care home managers can really engage with their residents, creating meaningful relationships which can really work towards offering a best practice model of care.

Q: Elderly people in care homes often suffer from a variety of long term healthcare problems, which require specialist care and support. With this in mind how could The Care Quality Commission (CQC) ensure that care home residents are receiving the care they require?

A: Today all care providers have a responsibility to care for and support all older people including those living in residential, nursing, respite and rehabilitation care homes. This includes a commitment to treat everyone with dignity and respect and to provide them with choice and control over their own care. Specific individual requirements

Care home residents should be encouraged to engage in varied activity programmes to keep their minds busy and prevent isolation. By employing an activities co-ordinator to engage residents in the things they are most interested, care homes can actively promote physical and mental wellbeing.

Q: Who needs to be involved in order to effectively achieve a person-centred, integrated approach to patient care?

A: One important aspect of this kind of integrated approach is liaison between care home managers, GPs, and other healthcare professionals who should be working together to co-ordinate patients’ needs in a singular approach.

The CQC clearly have a responsibility to make sure that all medications for example are handled in the safest way but these high standards should reach out into other areas and this holds true for specialist dementia and endof-life care providers also. Care Home Managers are in an excellent position to co-ordinate these approaches and to ensure that residents obtain the very best care tailored to their personal needs.

Q: Can you outline some of the benefits as a result of offering a person-centred, integrated care plan as opposed to a more generalised approach?

A: The traditional generalised approach to care for the elderly left people feeling disempowered and rather helpless. Benefits of offering residents a person- centred, integrated approach to care would include putting residents and their families at the heart of all decisions. The collaborative team philosophy should ensure that the residents enjoy as much independence

as possible with as little conflict and as much compassion, dignity, and respect as possible. This personalised approach is seen to be beneficial to everyone and its incorporation into health and social care is now being adopted as a priority in the UK and part of the Government’s Putting People First programme for social care.

Q: Would an integrated approach to care home healthcare give rise to better understanding of a patient’s healthcare needs?

A: All patients and residents of care homes come from different backgrounds and upbringings and maintain their own beliefs and interests. Each in turn will have their own particular set of social circumstances and medical care needs. With integrated care, patients and residents are seen as equal parties in planning, developing, and assessing their care to ensure that it is appropriate to their needs. It relies on the personal qualities of each person in care and the staff to build non-judgemental and empathetic relationships.

Q: Do you believe that there are steps managers at care homes can take to facilitate an integrated approach to patient care?

A: Managers at care homes can take many steps to facilitate an integrated approach to patient care. By speaking to the patients themselves and to their families they can build a picture of that person’s past and present, and of their medical and social care needs and preferences. The resident themselves can help decide which activities they wish to be involved in and to what extent. Their medical and nursing requirements can be tailored to their individual needs and each healthcare professional informed in turn as to what role is expected of them in the context of which other services are being delivered.

Depersonalisation, lack of control, and the removal of all individuality was once the greatest fear for somebody entering residential care. With an integrated approach to person centred care there is no reason why these fears and apprehensions should not become a thing of the past.

Stocks Hall Care Homes Dr Hilary Jones’ article identifies key areas that providers should be continually addressing, changing and practicing, ensuring Quality Person Centred Care remains. Stocks Hall Nursing & Care Group constantly reviews all aspects of care to ensure highest, quality standards are met.

Across the Stocks Hall Nursing & Care Group, traditionalised and generalised approaches have long since gone. At the heart of Stocks Hall we believe ‘Every Person Is Valued’ and every dimension of care should always reflect this.

We appreciate that each person is a very unique Individual and has their own personal life story to tell. Stock Hall Nursing & Care Group has a very clear philosophy...... the more known about a person’s life history, the better equipped we are at facilitating a positive, living experience. ‘The Stocks Way’ is our unique perception on this philosophy, heavily influenced by a ‘Person Centred, Integrated Approach’ to Care.

We listen to Individuals, family and representative’s views.

Encouraging their input into deciding how, when, and in what ways they would like their care to be delivered. We facilitate in keeping life long interests and hobbies as part of each Individual’s life, as far as it is possible, whilst offering a varied social, activities programme with many excursions throughout the year. We find with sensitive, compassionate planning, in liaison with all concerned, Quality Person Centred Care is not compromised. Stocks Hall’s 28 years of experience has taught that giving personal choice and control, is of paramount importance in maintaining happy, fulfilling lives.

If you would like to know more, please contact us.

Asmall Hall Care Home

“Excellence Comes as Standard” Providing Short Term or Long Term Care for adults including Day Care Our 17th Century, prestigious building set in 5 acres of gardens and, opened as a care home more than 20 years ago. Whilst retaining its many original homely features and comforts, we have adapted to provide a luxury, caring facility. Situated within 2 miles of Ormskirk centre, only half a mile from the bus stop makes us within reach of many other community activities by mini-bus or taxi.

Inspection invited without obligation where some of our devoted staff have worked at the home since its opening in 1991. We at Asmall Hall pride ourselves in the delivery of high quality, Person Centered Care by providing regular training and supervision for our staff as we aim to maintain and continually improve our services for your benefit.

A Quality Service is the only acceptable one!

Proprietors and Managers are Mrs. Jennifer and Mr. Allen Chapman with Unit Manager Mrs. Tracey Farrington.

To achieve and enhance our high standards of care on a continual basis, we are working towards the ‘6 Step’ in conjunction with Queens Court Hospice, Southport for end of life care.

• Open Visiting • On Site Chapel/Prayer Room • Own Minibus for use of regular outings • Full social calendar (by our activities co-ordinators) • Own Hairdresser Asmall Hall prides itself in offering home cooked food wherever possible and choice of menu is available including special medical diets as medically prescribed and the majority of bedrooms are single although we also offer 3 double rooms, if this is desired.

Short term care is available if someone is recovering folloing surgery or hospital stay and requires that extra support in the time whilst they recover enough to live independently again at home.

Registered and caring for both male and female clients we offer a relaxed but staff competent environment including Qualified Nurses on duty for each 24 hour period with the majority of Care Staff having N.V.Q. qualifications or equivalent.

Registered and inspected regularly for the Quality Standard BS EN ISO 9001:2002, Asmall Hall Management are continually looking to improve the delivery of care standards to ‘Best Practice’ levels.

Tel: 01695 579548

QUALITY GUILD

Asmall Hall Care Home, Asmall Lane, Scarisbrick, Ormskirk, Lancashire L40 8JL. www.asmallhallcarehome.co.uk Fax: 01695 579978 email:asmallmatron@aol.com

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