2014 Hot Tips Calendar

HOT TIPS CALENDAR 2014

Welcome Welcome to Age Scotland’s third Hot Tips calendar. With over 50 years of history to draw on, Age Scotland is bringing our knowledge and expertise to do more to enrich the lives of older people across the country. We’ve joined up with a number of partners to add their knowledge to the information available to help you plan for winter as well as getting active, fit and healthy.

You may not consider yourself to be an older person yet, however, the likelihood is that you will know someone who is – perhaps a family member or a neighbour or friend for whom you provide care. You can give them a copy of this calendar or pass on the tips and hints from it over a coffee. You may even find some of tips useful yourself!

Knowing about bogus callers, where to get money advice and changes to the benefits system saves unnecessary anxiety and means you can take action in your own time, as well as having peace of mind. Likewise, keeping fit and active is a great way to stay in good shape mentally and physically. If sport’s not for you, why not try adult learning at the many courses available at universities, colleges or community learning centres?

This year, we’re delighted to be embarking on an exciting new partnership between the Age Scotland Helpline and The Silver Line to create Silver Line Scotland. We will provide all our usual expert information and advice to older people, their families and carers in Scotland together with a telephone friendship service to help combat loneliness.

We hope this calendar will be a springboard for action – that you do some of the suggestions and activities while enjoying life to the full.

Brian Sloan

Chief Executive

Presenting Silver Line Scotland!

Silver Line Scotland is a new venture from Age Scotland and The Silver Line Helpline where we will provide the best possible range of information, friendship and advice to Scotland’s older people, their relatives and carers. Our aim is to assist older people to be happy and healthy living independently at home for as long as possible, and helping to overcome the barriers of isolation and loneliness.

Silver Line Scotland will provide independent, confidential advice for older people, together with telephone friendship with a Silver Line volunteer.

Friendship calls will give people the opportunity to chat about what you’ve been doing, what’s important to you or even just what you’ve been watching on the television. Silver Line Scotland is about some welcome company and an opportunity for us to make your day the most important part of ours.

Our experienced team of staff and volunteers specialise in answering enquiries from or about older people are ready to take your call. Whatever your questions, whether you’re interested in friendship, community care, housing or benefits just call Silver Line Scotland 24 hours a day.

Silver Line Scotland: 0800 4 70 80 90.

Following two very successful years, Luminate – Scotland’s creative ageing festival – will again take place across the country in October 2014.

The festival spotlights arts activities with, by and for older people, as well as events for audiences and participants across the generations.

In 2013, the programme was packed with over 350 activities and, every day somewhere across Scotland, a Luminate event was being held. With a mix of specially-commissioned works, and featuring new and established pieces including dance, drama, music, visual arts and community events and projects, the festival shines a light on our creativity as we age.

Luminate is supported by Creative Scotland, The Baring Foundation and Age Scotland as a joint project which aims to remind us all that creativity has no age. Each year, our programme has grown to include exciting new work by older artists, to imaginative activities taking place in care homes; from individuals who have discovered their creative talents in later life to younger people inspired by their relationships with older family members.

If you want to find out more about events in your area and receive information about this year’s programme, visit www.luminatescotland.org, or watch for updates in our Advantage magazine and online.

Scottish Ballet - Regenerate

Loch Ossian

January: Introducing Police Scotland

Police Scotland is the national police force responsible for law enforcement in Scotland. Formed through the merger of the eight former territorial forces, they aim to improve the safety and wellbeing of people, places and communities in Scotland. Their focus is on ‘Keeping People Safe’, which is at the heart of everything they do.

You may even receive certificates claiming authenticity – but be warned as these will be fake.

Those who have paid money never see any prize and never get their money back. Remember:

Mail & Telephone Scams: Many people receive mail or telephone calls stating that they have won money. One of the most common scams is for false lottery systems that claim you’ve won a competition you haven’t even entered. Scams like these will ask you to pay an amount of money in advance in order to claim your prize.

• If you are ever in any doubt, call your local Police station (Telephone: 101).

• Genuine lotteries will not ask you to pay any money to collect your winnings • Don’t give out your personal or banking details • Never send money to someone you don’t know

You can sign up to the free mail and telephone preference services to limit the number of unwanted calls and unsolicited mail you receive:

Mail preference: www.mpsonline.org.uk Telephone Preference: www.tpsonline.org.uk.

Doorstep Crime (Bogus Callers): These are individuals or groups who typically cold-call at a person’s home to gain a financial advantage through fraud. These include people who carry out work around an individual’s home (such as roof or driveway repairs), charge excessive fees and often, the work can be substandard. There are also instances of people falsely claiming to be from companies such as the water or gas board, to gain access to a house and then steal items.

At the end of this year’s calendar, you’ll find a tearout slip for your window or door, warning that cold callers aren’t welcome at your address.

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International Holocaust Remembrance Day

New Year’s Day

To find out more, visit: www.scotland.police.uk or call your local police service centre on the 101 non-emergency number (24 hours a day, 7 days).

It costs a flat-rate of 15p per call.

Ardvergnish and Ben More

February: Money Advice

In these financially difficult times, it’s important to manage your money well and to ensure you don’t let any debts get out of hand. A number of places can offer you money advice to keep you in the black, so here are some of the simple things you can do to help manage your money: Get into a savings habit: Regular saving is made easy by setting up a standing order or direct debit. Alternatively, make a point of moving money into a savings account when you are paid or receive your pension so you don’t spend it or forget to put it aside. After a while, you won’t even miss it.

Fuel and water bills: Switching suppliers can only take you so far. To really make a difference you need to use less energy – tiny changes can have a huge effect. Look out for other tips in the calendar about support available for energy efficient home improvements.

Credit cards will probably be your most expensive debts with the highest interest rates. They charge different rates of interest which will be shown on your statement.

• Make sure you pay the most towards the card with the highest interest rate first and try to pay a little over the minimum amount every month.

• Move your credit card balance to another offering a lower or 0% interest rate.

There may be a fee to pay (from 1.5% to 3% of the balance) but it can be worthwhile if it provides you with some time without interest being applied.

Redundancy: The law sets out the minimum payment you can expect to receive if you’re made redundant, however, you must have worked continuously for at least two years and be an employee. You can work out how much you’re entitled to by using the ‘redundancy calculator’ on the TUC’s Worksmart site www.worksmart.org.uk, or phone 0870 600 4882.

The Citizens Advice service’s website has factsheets to download on redundancy issues www.adviceguide.org.uk while ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides information online at www.acas.org.uk or through its helpline on 08457 47 47 47.

The Independent Money Advice Service: telephone 0300 500 5000 for advice (free from some phones), or phone 0808 800 0118 (free) to book an appointment and speak to someone in Scotland. Alternatively, visit their website, at www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk.

The Debt Arrangement Scheme is a government-run debt management tool which allows someone in debt to repay their liabilities through a Debt Payment Programme (DPP). Phone 0300 200 2770 or look online at www.dasscotland.gov.uk/home.

The National Debt Line also offers information and advice on 0808 808 4000 or www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/scotland.

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For information on the Scottish Older People’s Assembly, go to: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20194/ scottish_older_peoples_assembly.

March: Your Benefits There have been a number changes to the benefits system over the past year. While most of these affect people who are of “working age” some will affect older people too, so it’s important to know where you stand – and the support to which you’re entitled.

The boundary between “working age” and “pension age” used to be straightforward: age 60 for a woman and age 65 for a man. However, the State Pension Age for women is gradually increasing and, as of April 2014, it will have reached just over 62.

This age is important for men too as it is also the age at which a man or a woman can claim Pension Credit. Furthermore, it affects when someone can qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment – so, in future, people will need to be older before they can qualify for either Pension Credit or a Winter Fuel payment.

To find out about your own benefit rights and how the changes may affect you call Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90.

The most significant benefit changes affecting older people are: Personal Independence Payment (PIP): This will gradually replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged 16-64. PIP can be paid at two rates for “mobility” and two rates for “daily living”. Most people will need to complete a form to make a claim then have a medical assessment of the help they need.

Universal Credit (UC): This is designed to replace means-tested benefits including Income Support, Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-Related Jobseekers Allowance, Tax Credits and Housing Benefit for people who are “working age”.

The changes caused by UC will also affect older people as the abolition of Housing Benefit and Tax Credits mean Pension Credit will eventually need to be changed. That’s because it will need to include help with rent costs and for older people who still have dependant children. UC rules will also affect when “mixed age” couples (where one is working age and one is Pension Age) can qualify for Pension Credit.

Call Silver Line Scotland for clarification on 0800 4 70 80 90.

Single-Tier State Pension: The Government announced plans for a new single-tier state pension from April 2016 which will change the basic rate of State Retirement Pension and how entitlement is calculated. “Single tier” does not mean that everyone will receive the same amount; some people will receive less than the standard amount as they will not have enough years’ National Insurance contributions and those who have built up a higher entitlement before the rules change will receive more. The Government have a factsheet on Single-Tier State Pension which is available at http://bit.ly/12ZwL07.

Individual rights: As some benefit changes are being introduced on a geographical basis (and some will happen to different people at different times) there is likely to be confusion, as people who appear to have identical circumstances could be entitled to completely different benefits. This makes it more important than ever to get advice about your individual rights, so call Silver Line Scotland if you have any questions on 0800 4 70 80 90.

Bass Rock

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31 Are you using Age Scotland’s 2014 Hot Tips calendar?

If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a few moments to complete our feedback form at the back of the calendar.

Your support will be invaluable in ensuring we can continue to produce our Hot Tips calendars in the future!

April: Activity, Diet & Mental Health Physical activity maintains fitness, keeps muscles and joints flexible and can benefit virtually everyone. It can also improve your mental health and even help you get a better night’s sleep. This month, we’ve teamed up with Alzheimer Scotland to highlight some simple steps to getting healthy and how these could benefit you.

Physical activity can reduce the risk of disability and other health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and osteoporosis. Physical activity may also help in avoiding, delaying or reducing some of the mobility problems that are associated with dementia. It can offer protection against falls through improved balance and strengthening of muscles.

Moderate physical activity is anything that makes you feel warmer and gets your heart beating faster. It should feel comfortable and not lead to injury – something like a brisk walk. Do something you enjoy, such as gardening, swimming, golf, or bowling. Walking is a great way to exercise – it doesn’t require any equipment and can be built into your daily routine.

Try having at least 30 minutes moderate physical activity most days, split across your day – it doesn’t have to be strenuous. See what daily activities you already do, what improvements you can make and, if you’re unsure, speak to your GP about what exercises would be best for you.

Mental health: A study of exercise and people with Alzheimer’s disease found that it improved physical health and depression. As physical activity provides an opportunity for social contact it can also reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Diet: Research has linked diet with the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

It’s important, therefore, to maintain a healthy weight as you get older as being overweight will affect your mobility and can also increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Most people need slightly fewer calories as they get older (equivalent to two slices of bread less a day) – this is because the metabolism slows with age and people often become less active.

Eat a variety of foods • Aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables per day • Eat iron rich foods like lean red meat, pulses, eggs and green vegetables • Aim for two portions of fish per week, one should be oily such as mackerel, sardines or salmon • Read food labels, paying particular attention to salt and fat levels • Boil, steam, grill or poach foods instead of frying or roasting • Cereals, potatoes, rice or pasta should make up the main part of each meal. Wholemeal, wholegrain and high fibre varieties are best • Calcium-rich foods like dairy products are good for your bones but should be eaten in moderation.

Choose low fat varieties like semi-skimmed milk.

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World Health Day

Good Friday

If you’re interested in hearing more about living well with dementia, or for more information on dementia generally, contact Alzheimer Scotland’s 24 hour Dementia Helpline on (Freephone) 0808 808 3000, or email helpline@alzscot.org.

Easter Sunday

Bluebell wood in Dollar

May: Keeping Fire at Bay

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) works with older people and services to help them remain safe and independent in their own homes. They provide people with access to fire and safety information and advice, together with practical assistance to ensure homes are safe from fire and have adequate detection and warning systems.

Pre-arranged visits can be made to the home of anyone who would like fire safety advice and information. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will check fire safety arrangements, give advice and reassurance and, most importantly, fit free fire detectors if needed.

Older people at risk: Older people can be at risk of fire because: • long term illnesses or medical conditions progressively worsen with age

• some prescribed medication can make people less alert or less able to react quickly enough in a fire situation • illness, infirmity or mobility problems can make people unable to respond safely and quickly to a developing fire emergency • living on a low income can make replacing worn or damaged electric blankets, cookers or heaters unaffordable • alcohol can affect health conditions, medication or affect concentration • using candles or tea lights in an attempt to minimise lighting costs.

Working smoke and heat detectors are the first line of defence. If they are correctly sited and maintained in working order, they will quickly alert you to a fire, giving you time to escape and dial 999.

The best smoke and heat alarms are mains-operated with battery back-up, as long as they are properly installed. Alternatively, ‘dry cell’ battery-operated alarms and heat detectors (when properly installed, tested and maintained) are also adequate.

Special fire warning alarms and devices are available for people with hearing loss or impairment. For more information, contact Action on Hearing Loss on 0808 808 0123 or visit their website at www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk.

You can prevent fire and fire injury by looking after yourself and keeping an eye on people who are in the risk categories. For further information, or to arrange a free home fire safety assessment, contact 0800 0731 999, or Text ‘Fire’ to 61611 from your mobile phone. Alternatively, book a fire safety visit at: www.firescotland.gov.uk.

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May Day

June: Falls Prevention Edinburgh sunset

Anyone can stumble or trip sometimes but fear of falling can become a serious worry and be difficult to deal with. While falls are often accepted as an inevitable part of ageing, many are preventable. This month, we look at some of the best things to keep you on firm ground!

Whether it’s making positive changes or getting some extra help when it’s needed, there are lots of simple things to help you stay steady on your feet. Whether you’re fit and active or have difficulty walking and getting around, recognising and modifying risk is crucial to preventing falls, and the injuries that can be caused.

Breathe harder and get your heart going: • Don’t sit still for long periods of time; reducing the amount you move about can actually make you more prone to falling as your muscles become weaker.

• Try and take exercise regularly, whether walking or seated, 2-3 times a week or a little every day.

• Try setting yourself targets to build up strength and balance, for example, walking ten minutes the first week, then 15 the next.

• Exercises that make your legs strong, like walking, will help prevent falls. The strength in your legs and ankles allows you time to put your hand out to save yourself.

Foot problems can stop you getting out and about, affecting your balance and increasing your risk of falling. Surprisingly, long toenails can cause falls, so keep yours trimmed (ask for help if you can’t reach your toes any more) and get problems like bunions and numbness seen to as soon as possible.

Wear shoes and slippers that fasten firmly, fit well and don’t have high heels – that includes the ladies!

Some other ideas: The feeling of losing your balance could be due to medication or a problem with your ears. Have a chat with your GP or pharmacist.

The strength of your bones can make a big difference to the effect of a fall. Make sure your bones are strong by getting enough Vitamin D. This can be done from going out regularly in the sunshine or by eating foods rich in Vitamin D.

Use non slip mats under rugs and in the bath.

Clear away electric flexes and make sure there is no clutter on the stairs or garden paths.

Fit handrails on both sides of steps where possible.

If there are some tasks that make you feel dizzy – like using step ladders or getting up from seats quickly – don’t do these alone. Instead, sit on the edge for a moment or two to allow the world to steady before getting up.

Check out Age Scotland’s website for videos and links to exercises.

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Dementia Awareness Week starts

Some Local Authorities and Health Boards operate a Falls Prevention Service which offers a ‘Home and Person’ risk screening process and onward referral to a range of specialist services.

Fathers’ Day

Are you using Age Scotland’s 2014 Hot Tips calendar?

If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a few moments to complete our feedback form at the back of the calendar.

Your support will be invaluable in ensuring we can continue to produce our Hot Tips calendars in the future!

Glencoe & Glen Etive

Each year, a large volume of calls received by Silver Line Scotland’s predecessor have related to maintenance and repairs. With summer here, it’s a good time to tackle some of those home improvements. The ‘little and often’ approach can be the best way of keeping on top of jobs that need done.

If you’re anxious about getting work done to maintain your property, your local Care & Repair team offer homeowners independent advice and assistance on repair, improvements and adaptions.

Step 1 – The home visit: Care & Repair staff can visit you at home to assist you through the process of deciding what work is to be done and organising the building works. This home-based and personalised service puts you in control of decisions.

July: Care & Repair

Step 2 – Discussing the options: Once you know what needs done, Care & Repair staff can take you through each step, from acting as advocates and discussing your case with other professionals, to providing you with the best possible options.

Step 3 – Talking money: Care & Repair staff can also go over financial issues with you, including lending options available to owners, grants, loans and charitable funding. They can also discuss how you can use your personal resources or utilise the value of your home to help pay for repairs and improvements.

Step 4 – Starting the work: Building work can be stressful and Care & Repair staff will assist you when the contractors are on-site and help sort out any problems that may arise. They will also oversee payments to contractors and ensure that warranties and guarantees are in place when the work is finally inspected and approved.

Step 5 – Small repairs: Care & Repair can also assist with smaller works that contractors may be unwilling to quote for. Small repairs teams will carry out tasks that take no longer than two hours to complete. They will usually charge a small fee, depending on the material that is required.

Step 6 – Look around: We often do not pay much attention to the condition of our homes. Get into the habit of looking around your house and checking to see, for example, if gutters are leaking, or when the central heating boiler was last serviced.

Attending to small repairs can often prevent more serious work being required in the future.

To find your local Care & Repair team, telephone 0141 221 9879 or log on to the website at: www.careandrepairscotland.co.uk.

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Age Scotland Publications (free) are listed on page 30.

There is information about Housing and Fuel along with lots of other topics.

August: Getting Energy Efficient With fuel prices always on the increase, it’s important to ensure you reduce the amount of energy you use where you can. Here are some ideas to help make heating your home easier and more cost-effective.

We often hear that people don’t think energy efficiency measures will make a real difference to their bills or comfort but you may be surprised.

The recommended depth of loft insulation is 27cm – that’s nearly a foot! If you’re suddenly not sure you’ve got enough, maybe following the suggestions below won’t be such a bad idea after all.

1. Get a free home energy check so you can find out how energy efficient your home is and what measures would be most suitable for you. Contact Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 to get started - everyone’s eligible for some support.

2. Basic insulation measures: If you are eligible, you will be provided with cavity and loft insulation.

3. Energy efficiency measures: This could make your home easier and cheaper to heat by making it more energy efficient, up to and including new central heating systems or measures like internal and external wall insulation.

For further details call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282, or go to their website, at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/.

Benefits check: Find out whether you’re missing out on any benefit entitlements and whether you might be entitled to additional support such as discounts on fuel tariffs.

Everyone can have an assessment, although your personal and financial circumstances are important.

Be alert to scams!

We’ve received enquiries from people who have been approached by rogue traders telling them a new boiler is compulsory or that government schemes are just about to end and paperwork must be signed straight away.

Don’t be scammed or pressurised – if a scheme is legitimate, it will still be there tomorrow. You’re perfectly within your rights to say no to anyone who comes to your door, and doing so will give you time to research the firm and the schemes on offer.

Reputable companies will fully understand, so if you’re in any doubt whatsoever, call Home Energy Scotland for advice about your entitlements, free on 0808 808 2282.

Did you know? Each appliance left on standby could be using up to £3 of energy each year.

Between washing machines, kettles, televisions & PCs, some houses can have nearly 50 appliances on standby at any one time!

You can also request a free copy of Age Scotland’s Guide to Energy Efficiency from Silver Line Scotland, on 0800 4 70 80 90.

Camasunary Bothy

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Keep an eye out for the programme for this year’s Luminate festival – our creative arts festival for, with and by older people. For more information, go to: www.luminatescotland.org.

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September: Learning Through Life

Learning is linked with health and well-being and encourages social interaction. You may feel you’ve been there and done that but there are many opportunities available as well as assistance along the way. After all, it’s never too late to learn about something you’ve always wanted to do.

Tips for going back to learning: • Take a friend with you when you enrol – it might prevent you from backing out.

• Develop good study habits; do little bits, in smaller chunks, rather than whole afternoons.

• Manage your time; you may have commitments but let family and friends know that this is your learning time and you need it undisturbed.

• When beginning an assignment, start your draft early, then leave it for a few days before rereading it to see what needs changing.

The Open University promotes educational opportunity and social justice through a high-quality university education. You don’t need to do a degree as they also do short and vocational courses.

Go to www.open.ac.uk, or call 0845 300 60 90.

University of the Third Age (U3A): There are currently almost 6,000 members in 41 U3As in Scotland! Go to www.u3ascotland.org.uk.

Public Libraries: To find out what is happening locally go to www.find-a-library.co.uk.

The BBC: The BBC has vast resources for learners from art & design, to history, languages, crafts and performing arts. Visit www.bbc.co.uk/learning.

Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs or ILA200) are for adults living in Scotland. You can apply for an ILA if you don’t have a degree or are not undertaking any further, higher education or training. You must also have an income of £22,000 per year or less, or be on benefits to be eligible for up to £200 towards the cost of learning.

The ILA account must be open before starting the course and, because the money isn’t a loan, you don’t need to worry about paying it back. ILA providers (including learning centres and local colleges) offer a wide range of courses.

For further information go to: 0800 917 8000 or log on to: www.myworldofwork.co.uk/content/ilascotland-funding-for-you

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Key Fact: 80 per cent of learners report a positive impact of learning on their enjoyment of life, their self-confidence, how they felt about themselves, satisfaction with other areas of life and also their ability to cope generally.

World Alzheimer’s Day

Loch na h-Achlaise

October: The Alliance Scotland

The ALLIANCE brings together nearly 400 organisations and individuals to ensure the voice of people and the expertise of the third sector are influential in shaping policy and practice. They also campaign for people of all ages and abilities, disabled or living with long term conditions, as well as their carers, to enjoy their right to live well as equal and active citizens. They’ve given us the following five Top Tips for active and healthy ageing.

Try something new: It’s never too late to start something you’ve always wanted to but never had the time for. Are you interested in learning a different language or new computer skills? Many community groups, schools and colleges run classes that are a great way to learn & stay active.

Think about volunteering: Volunteering has been shown to improve life expectancy and vitality more than any other activity. Giving back to the community can be a rewarding way to strengthen social connections and meet others with similar interests or values. To find something that fits your interests, skills and schedule, go to: www.volunteerscotland.org.uk.

Find out more about your health: The more you know about managing your long-term condition, the more you can stay in control of your health, remain independent and plan for the future. Go to: www.myconditionmylife.org Physical activity: Exercise doesn’t have to mean strenuous activity or time at the gym – walking

is one of the best ways to stay fit, can be done anywhere and doesn’t require any equipment.

Find out more about getting active in your area at: www.activescotland.org.uk Build community connections: Think of the assets within your community which keep you happy and healthy. Many voluntary organisations, sports clubs and community groups run events and activities which make a big contribution to their neighbourhoods.

Getting involved and sharing these with others can be a great way to connect with your community.

For more information: Call: 0141 404 0231 Visit: www.alliance-scotland.org.uk Email: info@alliance-scotland.org.uk

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World Mental Health Day

ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland) is an online tool which makes local organisations, services and support easier to find. You can search resources by keyword, or share details of services you think would be of interest to others in your area. www.aliss.org/search/

Loch Lubnaig

November: Housing Options Scotland

Housing Options Scotland (HOS) is an established • Selling-up and moving to a smaller house that is Scottish charity which will work with anyone who more suitable for your needs, has adaptations or needs its help regarding complex design, legal or good local amenities financial issues which need to be considered to With the housing market so volatile, and the find the right property for them. increased expectancy that people will live at home Feeling comfortable and secure in a home which for longer, it’s never been more important to ensure meets your needs should be the ideal for everyone, your house is suitable for your needs as you age. irrespective of age. Having the right home in the To find out if there’s anything that HOS can do for right place is vital when you’re older and living with you, there are a few simple steps to follow: age-related conditions.

1. Complete a basic information form: This can be Housing Options Scotland looks at some of the completed on the HOS website or sent to you by post areas people can consider, particularly in later life: 2. Housing approach report: Within about four • Remaining in your own home and adapting the weeks, HOS will send you a personalised report house to suit your needs outlining all your potential housing options • Re-mortgaging due to poor policy pay-outs or, for those without the means of paying back the capital, 3. Housing Options Broker: Should you decide to progress, you’ll be allocated a caseworker who exploring options around interest-only mortgages

will help make your preferred option a reality. This can involve HOS in liaising with funders, lenders, landlords and developers.

Contact and peer support: You can contact HOS directly or be referred by a professional. As the process of achieving an effective housing solution can take time, the charity offers peer support to clients. Talking with someone who has been through and understands the processes has been of tremendous value to a number of HOS’s clients.

Military Matters: HOS recently added a new specialised service to their portfolio, ‘Military Matters’, to meet the unique needs and circumstances of ex-service personnel.

Further information on this and the charity’s work can be found on their website, at www.housingoptionsscotland.org.uk.

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Remembrance Day

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St Andrew’s Day

December: Be Prepared Wiston, near Biggar

When the weather takes a turn for the worse, it can be reassuring to know you have everything you need ready and easily accessible. That’s why it’s important to take the time and ensure you’ve got a few vital supplies & information to give you peace of mind and confidence.

Emergency Kit bag: This should include a torch and batteries, portable radio, first aid supplies and emergency numbers. If you have a mobile phone, keep it charged and close to you.

Emergency contact arrangements: Make agreements with family and friends and identify meeting places. Find out if any neighbours might require your help – or if they can be of any help to you.

Important local phone numbers: Note your doctor’s number, the local police station and any others you may need.

Utilities: Make sure you know where your water stop cock is in case of burst pipes and where to switch off your gas and electricity supplies and keep a note of your gas, electricity and telephone suppliers.

Medication: Make sure you have a note of your prescription medication and restock your medicine cabinet.

Food & Drink: Stock up your store cupboard and freezer with soup, dried foods and also some food that you can eat even if there is a power cut. Keep a supply of bottled water, long-life snacks and high energy sweets or drinks.

Room temperature: Check and maintain a warm heat – consider purchasing a cold alarm to warn if the room becomes dangerously cold.

Insurance: Ensure you have adequate buildings and contents insurance and if your policies cover you for risks such as flood or storm damage and the costs of temporary accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable.

Local Information: Find out what services in your area provide advance warning of severe

weather and updates during storms and flooding. These include local radio stations, Met Office UK Severe Weather Warnings, SEPA Flood Warnings, and the national Floodline service.

Repairs: Keep the number for your council or local Care & Repair handy. Your council will have a plan for helping older people in severe weather. Care & Repair can supply details of reputable contractors and could short-cut your request to the right person, so get in touch if your emergency relates to a repair.

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World Aids Day

Persons with Disabilities

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Remember!

Frozen pipes: If cold weather is forecast, it is best to keep the heating on overnight at a low temperature so the pipes won’t freeze – simply turn your thermostat down to 15°C.

Getting Involved Getting Involved – can you spare a little time to help?

There are lots of ways to support Age Scotland’s work and make a difference to older people in Scotland. Getting involved can also be an opportunity to sharpen up skills or learn new ones, to make new friends, and to have fun. You could: • Volunteer in an Age Scotland local shop or at the charity’s Edinburgh office • Become a Silver Line friend for Silver Line Scotland • Fundraise with friends, by taking part in one of our events or by organising your own • Do a fundraising challenge at home or abroad • Take part in an Age Scotland campaign Join a Local Group - Older people’s groups across the country are improving later life for many thousands of Scots; from social and hobby clubs, to care service providers, to local campaign groups.

Working in partnership with local older people’s groups is central to Age Scotland’s mission, and the Charity has a dedicated network of Development Officers across the country to assist with grant programmes, regional assembly events and support and advice to empower these groups. To find out details of your local Development Officer, have a look on our website under ‘Get Involved’.

Membership of Age Scotland can be by full group membership, a supporting membership or individual membership. The Age Scotland membership scheme connects like-minded groups and individuals to make links with others because they recognise that there are personal and social benefits generated by joining the scheme. For more information, contact us using the details below.

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The membership entitlement between the categories differ slightly, however every member groups and individual will receive: • Invitation to attend a Regional Assembly • Invitation to attend our Annual General Meeting • A quarterly copy of Age Scotland’s magazine ‘Advantage’ • Fundraising opportunities Phone Age Scotland and ask for the team you’d like to speak to on: 0845 833 0200 or email us at info@agescotland.org.uk or go online at www.agescotland.org.uk.

0845 833 0200 info@agescotland.org.uk www.agescotland.org.uk Silver Line Scotland: 0800 4 70 80 90 Age Scotland, part of the Age UK family, is an independent charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people in Scotland, within a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland.

Reg No: 153343 Charity No: SC010100. Registered Office: Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR. Landscape photography by Ros Gasson: www.photography-scotland.com

Thanks to our Partners Police Scotland

Care & Repair Scotland

www.scotland.police.uk

To find your local Care & Repair team:

999 Emergency Number

0141 221 9879

101 Non-Emergency Number

www.careandrepairscotland.co.uk

0800 555 111 Crimestoppers

Alzheimer Scotland

Alliance Scotland

0131 243 1453

www.alliance-scotland.org.uk

info@alzscot.org

0141 404 0231

www.alzscot.org

info@alliance-scotland.org.uk

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Housing Options Scotland

www.firescotland.gov.uk

www.housingoptionsscotland.org.uk

999 Emergency Number

0131 247 1400

To arrange a free home fire safety assessment or discuss fire safety in the home Freephone 0800 0731 999 or Text ‘Fire’ to 61611

info@housingoptionsscotland.org.uk

Silver Line Scotland

Age Scotland is grateful to the Scottish Government for funding to support the creation, publication and distribution of Hot Tips

0800 4 70 80 90 www.thesilverline.org.uk

Publications Age Scotland produce a variety of free leaflets about issues which affect older people, their families and carers.

Noted below is a list of current publications at the time of going to press. These are subject to change over time as information is updated and you can call us if you’re at all unsure about the best guide for you.

Ref No. Title and date of update

Health & Community Care 10s

Local authority charging procedures for care homes (Aug 2013) 24s Self-directed support (Direct Payments) (April 2013) 37s NHS continuing healthcare and hospital discharge arrangements (April 2013) 38s Treatment of the former home as capital for people in care homes (April 2013) 39s Paying for care in a care home if you have a partner (April 2013) 40s Transfer of assets and paying for care in a care home (April 2013) 41s Local authority assessment for community care services (April 2013) 42s Equipment for daily living (April 2013) 44s NHS Services for older people (April 2013) 46s Paying for care and support at home (April 2013) IG38 Healthy eating (March 2013) UKIL1 Staying cool in a heatwave (March 2013) IG14 Staying Steady ( March 2013) IG15 Managing incontinence (Dec 2011) UKIL5 Care home checklist (Oct 2012) IG24 Healthy living (Jun 2012) IG32 Bereavement (Feb 2012) IG6 Care Homes (Oct 2011) IG2 Lesbian, gay or bisexual (Jun 2011) IG13 Advice for carers (April 2013) IG7 Going into hospital (Sep 2011)

Consumer and Legal Ref No. 7s 14s 22s 27s 43s IG5 IG36

Title and date of updating Making your will (April 2013) Dealing with someone’s estate (April 2013) Help with managing financial affairs (April 2013) Arranging a funeral (April 2013) Obtaining and paying for legal advice (April 2013) Avoiding Scams (Feb 2013) Your consumer rights (Mar 2011)

Housing and Fuel

Miscellaneous

Ref No. 1s 2s 8s 9s

Ref No. 45s UKIL4 IG1 IG22 IG10

Title and date of updating Help with heating (Aug 2013) Buying retirement housing (April 2013) Looking for rented housing (April 2013) Noise and neighbour nuisance – what you can do (April 2013) 13s Older homeowners: funding repairs, improvements and adaptations (April 2013) 35s Rights for council and housing association tenants (April 2013) 36s Private tenants’ rights (April 2013) IG27 Winter wrapped up (Sep 2012) IG30 Save energy, pay less (Sept 2012) UKIL7 Home safety checker (July 2012) IG17 Adapting your home (May 2012) IG8 Housing options (Jan 2013)

Employment Ref No. Title and date of updating IG34 Working past retirement (March 2011)

Benefits Ref No. Title and date of updating IG43 More money in your pocket (A guide to benefits for people over pension age) (April 2013) IG12 Claiming benefits: a guide for people of working age (April 2013) 60s Welfare Reform and Older People in Scotland (Aug 2013) 61s The Scottish Welfare Fund (April 2013)

Money Matters Ref No. 21s IG28 IG16 UKIL6

Title and date of updating The council tax and older people (April 2013) Can I afford to retire? (Jan 2013) Tax Guide (April 2013) Equity release (Sep 2012)

Title and date of updating Older veterans living in Scotland (April 2013) Internet security (Feb 2013) Staying safe (Oct 2012) Making the most of the internet (July 2011) Useful contacts (June 2012)

Health Information Title and date of updating Health Information Folder Age-related macular degeneration (May 2013) Alcohol (May 2013) Cancer (May 2013) Cataracts (May 2013) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (May 2013) Coronary heart disease (May 2013) Dementia (May 2013) Depression (May 2013) Diabetes (May 2013) Exercise (May 2013) General Health Information (May 2013) Glaucoma (May 2013) Healthy eating (May 2013) Hearing loss (May 2013) High blood pressure (May 2013) Influenza (Flu) (May 2013) Insomnia (May 2013) Osteoarthritis (May 2013) Osteoporosis (May 2013) Parkinson’s disease (May 2013) Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIAs) (May 2013)

To order publications you can: Call Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90 (open 24 hours a day) or Email us at publications@agescotland.org.uk

Hot Tips Feedback Form Age Scotland is grateful to the Scottish Government for funding to support the creation, publication and distribution of Hot Tips. In order to ensure that we can continue to produce the calendar, it is important for us to find out how people have made use of the resource. Whether you’ve used the fire safety tips, had a free home energy check or taken up a new learning opportunity, we would be delighted to receive your feedback and comments on the 2014 calendar. Please do not worry about the postage as this is covered by the grant which pays for the calendar.

As a result of the Age Scotland Hot Tips calendar I have: - Called Silver Line Scotland (on behalf of me, a relative or a friend): YES

NO

- Contacted one of the partner organisations: (Please detail)

- Improved health activities and diet advice: (Please detail)

- Started volunteering or participating in local groups: (Please detail)

- Sought financial advice or benefits information: (Please detail)

If Age Scotland didn’t send this calendar to you, please tell us where you received it:

What information / organisations would you like us to feature in future editions?

NO COLD CALLERS

- Installed energy efficiency measures: (Please detail)

Following these few steps can help protect you from becoming a victim of doorstep crime: • Always use the viewer when answering the door • Check identification badges of anyone calling at your door • If you don’t know the person who is calling, and you’re not expecting them, don’t let them in • If you have a password with a company make sure the caller uses it • Never let people try to persuade you to let them into your home. If someone is persistent, ask them to call at another time and arrange for a friend or family member to be with you • Never agree to pay for goods or give money to strangers who arrive at your door • Don’t keep large amounts of money in your home • If the person refuses to leave your door, dial 999 and ask for the Police

Remember, it’s your home, and together we can shut the door on doorstep crime.

Call your local Police Station (Telephone 101) for further advice and information about the Nominated Neighbour Scheme and No Cold Calling Zones.

Freepost RSBS-KEHC-GBBC Age Scotland 160 Causewayside EDINBURGH EH9 1PR