Disabled Living Newsletter
has been healthcare the 1950’s. en Awards.
Care Home Newsletter
July 2018 March 2018
KIDZ TO ADULTZ WALES & WEST Support for disabled children in Wales and South West
STARTING UNIVERSITY Why it doesn't have to be a challenge
SUPPORT FOR FOSTER CARERS Free holidays for foster families
Charity number: 224742
Explore our key features Kidz to Adultz Wales & West FREE event..........................................................4 A workshop for healthcare professionals............................................................6 Accessibility training at Manchester Airport.........................................................8 Foster home insurance cover.............................................................................10 Grants for individuals..........................................................................................12 Grants for organisations......................................................................................13 Why university doesn't have to be challenge......................................................14 Raising awareness of bladder and bowel problems in teenagers.......................18 Exploring the British countryside from a wheelchair's seat..................................20
We're listed in the Top 10 UK Disability Blogs
Disabled Living are pleased to announce that we have been listed on Feedspot's Top 10 UK Disability Blogs. Popular features include: advice on equipment & training, disability travel, bladder and bowel topics and so much more. Content is also created from those listed in our Supplier Directory, contributors who have knowledge of disabilities, Redbank House, Bladder Bowel UK, Kidz to Adultz Exhibitions and their exhibitors. Our blog has published 100 posts. So to achieve this recognition in the blogging community makes us very proud. Click here to see us in second place!
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In the Dock: A Workshop for Healthcare Professionals NEW COURSE!
Your competency is under question Your record keeping is being scrutinised There are different scenarios which could end up with someone being summonsed as a witness. Whether it is a coroner's court or a civil negligence case this workshop will help you to understand what will be required and how to improve your practice so that a court appearance will be less intimidating. Using real life scenarios, expert witnesses and solicitors will lead you through the process and highlight areas you can improve and share good practice in. On this interactive day you will work on a project which culminates in you appearing in the dock in front of a Judge and Jury. Find out how to protect yourself in your reporting and recording at work, what your responsibilities are and how to be confident in your work and not be afraid of being taken to court. Please visit our website to book your place and for more information. If you require more information please email: training@disabledliving.co.uk.
Date: Tuesday 2nd October Venue: Redbank House, St Chads Street, Cheetham, Manchester, M8 8QA Price: Cost: ÂŁ35 + VAT (includes light lunch and refreshments) 8
Training dates for your diary 5 Day Moving and Handling Course Date: Wednesday 12th,19th & 26th September, and Thursday 4th & 11th October Venue: Disabled Living, Burrows House, 10 Priestley Road, Worsley, M28 2LY Price: £650 + VAT (includes lunch and refreshments, Open Awards registration and extensive handouts) Do you need to plan training courses and deliver your training to a variety of different people? The 5 Day Trainers and Assessors course will give you the knowledge and confidence to perform your role as manual handling trainer and assessor. Learn more here. Moving and Handling Update for Advisors Date: Tuesday 18th September Venue: Disabled Living, Burrows House, 10 Priestley Road, Worsley, M28 2LY Price: £95 + VAT (includes lunch and refreshments) Keep your training relevant and current Review of Law, Guidance and Legal Cases Law, Guidance and legal case update: What’s new, Implications of New information Review of Safe Movement Principles and Back Care Practical demonstration and practical workshops Learn more here.
Training Room Hire
All our rooms are bright and spacious. We offer break out and kitchen areas that are perfect for meetings, training and exhibitions. What's on offer? Break out areas and kitchens, a flexible set up, lunch and refreshments available, free on-street parking, free flip chart, WiFi and projector. Room 1 £150 + VAT (up to 30 people) £200 + VAT (up to 40 people)
Tel: 0161 214 5959
Room 2 £150 + VAT (up to 30 people) £200 + VAT (up to 40 people) £300 + VAT per day (up to 60 people)* *Room 1 and 2 required
Email: info@redbankhouse.com
Website: redbankhouse.com
Angela’s Accessibility Training at Manchester Airport with TryB4UFly
One of our Occupational Therapists at Disabled Living. Angela took part in some training by Graham Race on Wednesday 23rd May 2018 at Manchester Airport with TryB4UFly. Function Specialist, Ashley Horsfall and Customer Experience, Susan Dean were also present from Manchester Airport. Manchester Airport contract work to OCS, to support their passengers needs throughout the journey from the car park, during the airport and when accessing onto the Aircraft.
point for assistance, where they can wait in quiet area before check in. Passengers can get help to with check in and board via an Assistance Lane. Hidden Disabilities
At all the main entrance points; Passenger can locate an Assistance Point, where they can call for assistance from OCS staff who responds in person within 15 minutes maximum. Prior to checking in passengers with physical or hidden disabilities can locate the reception 8
Reception points can provide a special lanyard (Green with Sunflowers) which informs staff members and airline companies that a passenger has additional support needs.
The lanyards can be collected from Reception Point for Assistance. This allows passengers to use assistance lanes when boarding and also priority and family lanes at security.
Disability and Toileting
Reception Point for Assistance Terminal 2
Manned desks at the reception points are available (Terminal 2 above). These are centrally located near shops and restaurants and if passengers want to shop or eat, there is no need to stay in one place. The OCS staff use Customer Call to locate Passengers when its time to board, staff will buzz to locate Passengers ready to board. OCS support passengers throughout their journey from the car park, throughout the airport and when accessing the Aircraft, via the use of the ambulift, Eagle Hoist or other transfer aids.
Equipment provided in the Manchester Airport Changing Places above. Overhead full room coverage hoist. system. IMPORTANT: Sling not provided Mobile hydraulic height adjustable changing bench. Wide tear off paper dispenser. Privacy screen. Peninsular conventional close coupled WC with grab rails and support arms. Electrical height adjustable sink. Manchester airport currently have a transformation plan, to improve airport facilities for people with special needs. Passengers will see an increased number of changing places; air side and land side, more central assistance points. Dog assistance areas, sensory/quiet rooms, first aid rooms, new assistance points and more. Written by Angela Christian, Occupational Therapist
Come along to Kidz to Adultz Wales & West on Thursday 5th July at Thornbury Leisure Centre, Bristol Graham Race from Queen Elizabeth Foundation - Tryb4uFly will be presenting 'Your Guide to Flying with a Disability'. Seminar Room - Hall 3 3.00pm Click here to view more information.
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Who qualifies? A short or long term foster carer who has been fostering for two years or more and is currently fostering a child or children for the social services department or local authority. Who can go on holiday? The holiday is only available for foster carers, but they can go with or without the foster children and can take other family members. We just ask humans only please - no pets!
Free book by Sir John Timpson
Educating the educators is one of the primary aims of the Alex Timpson Trust. This handy little guide for teachers is just the first step in raising greater awareness of Attachment in schools. Feel free to pop into one of our stores and share with a teacher you know. Visit this web page to learn more.
Grants for Individuals Disabled Living has access via the Directory of Social Change to over 1,500 charities who provide grants to children and adults. The grants may range from £10 food vouchers to larger contributions including grants for domestic items such as washing machines, wheelchairs and housing adaptations. Via the Equipz helpline we may be able to assist you or your clients to access funds which may be available from: General Charities Occupational Charities Charities by Beneficiary Illness and Disability Charities Livery Companies, Orders and Membership Organisations Armed Forces Charities
The RL Glasspool Charity Trust
Eligibility The RL Glasspool Charity Trust are one of the few national charities making grants to individuals which has no restrictions on the type of beneficiary they can support. Types of Grant Small, one-off grants to individuals and families in need of financial support for everyday items to help them set up or remain in their home. Contribution towards equipment and adaptations for people with disabilities can also be considered. Learn more here. Barchester Health Care Foundation
Eligibility •Older people 65+ •Adults (18+) with a physical or learning disability •Adults (18+) with mental health problems Types of grant Grants range from £100 up to £5,000, with the average grant in 2017 being approx. £950. Learn more here.
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Independence at Home
Eligibility Independence at Home is a charity that provides grants to people of all ages who have a physical or learning disability or long term illness and who are in financial need. Types of Grant Independence at Home may be able to help you if you, or a member of your family, have a long term illness or disability and need financial help towards the cost of equipment, home adaptations or other essential items to improve your independence. Learn more here. Brittle Bones Society
Eligibility If you or your child/dependent have been diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), and live in the UK or Republic of Ireland you can apply to the BBS for a grant. Types of grant We can fund manual and powered wheelchairs, trikes, buggies and other types of equipment. Also, funding towards attending our annual conference. Learn more here.
Grants for Organisations Disabled Living has knowledge of a wide range of charities who provide grants to organisations. Each month we will highlight new funding opportunities.
Magic Little Grants Localgiving has teamed up with the Postcode Community Trust to provide over 400 grants of £500 to small charities and community groups. Thanks to support from the players of People's Postcode Lottery, the Magic Little Grants Fund provides small charities and community groups the opportunity to access funding to deliver engaging physical activities, which help to overcome barriers to participation. Read more here.
Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Grants Programme Grants are available to support school breakfast clubs. The breakfast club must be based in a school. Priority will be given to schools that have 40% and above of children eligible for pupil premium funding. Only one grant per school in each academic year is available. Read more here.
Greggs Local Community Projects Fund Local Community Projects Funding is offered to organisations supporting people in need. Any not for profit organisation can apply, however, larger organisations with a turnover in excess of £300,000 are unlikely to be successful. We are interested in projects that improve resilience within your community. This can include sessional activities/respite support, equipment for sessional activities, trips and residential breaks. Learn more here.
The True Colours Trust Aims/priorities: Grants are committed to supporting a large number of excellent local organisations and projects that support disabled children and their families on a daily basis. Not for profit organisations can apply. Grant amount: Grants of up to £10,000 are available. Learn more here.
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University Doesn’t Have to be a Challenge…
This feature will discover facts that you may not have known about AskJules along with their advice for those with a disability who are starting a new term at university. Whilst the excitement of Freshers’ Week may help to suppress the anxieties of living independently for the first time, as the party dies down and reality kicks in – the stresses of university life can also begin to sink in. But there’s no need to panic, help is at hand. Chris Benoit-Pool, co-founder of AskJules, offers some guidance and advice on adapting to these changes and the key decisions which can make the difference in ensuring a successful university experience. AskJules is a family business, created in 2008 when Chris’s mother Julie Pool helped his younger brother Oliver, who suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy, to leave home and go to University. With Julie’s support Oliver has achieved true independence and enjoyed the full student experience. He lived independently in a lively student area of Manchester and employed his own team of PAs, who provided his 24/7 care and student support. He has recently started a PHD in London, where he lives with his girlfriend and two children. Here, Chris shares ways to ensure you have
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everything in place to boost your confidence as a new term starts: Get the right care package Sounds simple enough, yet from my experience those with a disability tend to focus on what they can do for themselves during their assessment, however it is imperative to highlight what they need support with. I advise you to imagine yourself on your worst day. Everyone has them. This is the level of care and support you require. You will then have the correct care package to support you even on those days when you spend more time in bed on antibiotics than in lectures. Choose a course that you enjoy It is so important to choose the course that you have a passion for and enjoy. After the craziness of freshers’ week passes and you settle into your timetable many students have a moment of panic and regret that they might spend 3 or 4 years on a course in which they have no real interest. The cold, dark and rainy mornings of November are when I believe many students decide if university is for them or not.
So having a passion and genuine interest in a subject will make the getting out of bed a lot easier.
You may go from no choice at all to complete choice and control. For many students it is too much to get their heads around.
Campus vs City Universities Growing up with a disabled brother we as a family tended to view the world with a “how accessible is it?” mind-set. This was applied to everything – schools, friends’ houses, train stations, birthday party venues and local parks. When choosing the university at which you plan to spend the next 3 years of your life, accessibility should not be your only priority, as location also has a part to play. From my experience Campus universities tend to be very accessible, have a safer atmosphere, are easier to get around and have better facilities in comparison to City based ones. However, after the first few weeks when the campus has been explored students tend to turn their attention to the nearest large city for its shopping and nightlife. This is almost always done by using the arranged transport to and from the campus. As a result, you can end up staying on campus whilst the other students venture out and enjoy making memories together. City centre based universities may be slightly older looking, have dated accommodation and can be more expensive. However, it is certainly worth it and more, if it means you are able to enjoy the same experiences as other able-bodied students. City universities are usually livelier, often having more choice of things to do and places to go out and there is no need for the dreaded buses back to campus. Choose the right support staff It’s like Christmas and your birthday rolled into one! You finally get to choose who provides your care and support!
From our experience after hosting hundreds of interviews with clients and applicants we notice that clients tend to have definite preferences for specific characteristics they want in their PAs. The difficulties come when they employ a team of 4 support workers who are all the same. University life is very much a balancing act. You do not want all your support staff to be crazy party animals nor do you want a team of academics. I always advise our clients to think of their support team like a football team, you do not want all goalkeepers nor do you want all strikers, you need a balance. Just like you do at university. Make use of the university’s disability office Make sure you meet the disability support officers in person. Are they welcoming and enthusiastic, do they have a can-do attitude, do you feel you could go to them if you had a problem? Take note of where the office is situated which will tell you a lot about the university’s stance on disability – is it in a wellresourced central office, or a broom cupboard on the edge of campus? Ask the university how many students they have with your condition or a similar disability. Ask to be put in touch with a current student with similar difficulties to yourself – they will be a mine of information and tips, and will be able to give you a first-hand view on how well the university can support your needs. Written by AskJules
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Disabled Living Supplier Directory The Directory provides information about companies and organisations that provide equipment, products and services to support disabled children, adults and older people. Access to the Supplier Directory is via the Disabled Living website.
This month we welcome:
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Product Demonstrations at the Disabled Living Centre Everybody is welcome to attend our FREE Wednesday afternoon demonstration days 2.00pm - 3.00pm. Attending our product demonstrations will help you improve your equipment knowledge and boost your CPD. Places are limited. Please advise if you are interested in attending. 11th July - Care and Independence Care and Independence will be demonstrating the Glove Sling.
18th July - Ornamin Ornamin will demonstrating children and adults, tableware – including plates, cups and bowls.
25th July - Astraline Astraline will demonstrating telecare care products. Astraline provide customer-led, flexible safety services through our national call monitoring centre.
1st August - Cardiff & Vale UHB – Media Resources Cardiff & Vale will be demonstrating the 'Show me Where’ (SMW) - a pain communication tool developed by Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust and used effectively to enable people with verbal disability to indicate the site of pain or discomfort.
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Raising Awareness of Bladder and Bowel Problems in Teenagers
Bladder and bowel problems are common in teenagers, but are rarely discussed. This increases embarrassment and anxiety and makes it more difficult for teenagers to ask for help. For some, wetting or dribbling of urine during the day, bedwetting, constipation and soiling (leakage of poo into the pants) has been a problem throughout their childhood. If this is the case, there can be a feeling that nothing can be done to help.
Don't miss out on...
We know that about 900,000 children and young people have problems with their bladder or bowel. Some teenagers try very hard to hide the problems from family and friends and some have been bullied because of their problems. This results in many feeling socially isolated, unhappy and many don’t seek help. One teenager described the problem in a new report published in March 2018 as “not life threatening, but life ruining” Is there anything I can do to help myself? There are some things you can do that are good for you, but also might help the problem, although this can take time.
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Drinking plenty of water based drinks helps by ensuring that urine (wee) remains dilute and pale. Concentrated urine irritates the lining of the bladder and makes wetting problems worse. Fizzy drinks and drinks that contain caffeine (tea, coffee, hot chocolate and energy drinks) also irritate the bladder and can make wetting worse, so should be avoided. A good fluid intake can also help prevent wee infections (also known as urinary tract infections or UTI). Drinking well also helps poos to remain soft and prevents constipation. Constipation can cause bladder problems or make them worse. Drinking well also helps poos to remain soft and prevents constipation. Constipation can cause bladder problems or make them worse. Teenage girls should be drinking about 1.5 – 2 litres of water based drinks per day. Boys
should be having about 2- 2.5 litres per day. If you are taking plenty of exercise or the weather is very hot, you should have more than this Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables is not only good for health, but helps prevent constipation. Going to the toilet as soon as you feel the need helps. You may need to ask your school nurse to help you arrange a toilet pass if your school does not let you go when you need to. Many schools use a ‘time out’ card or ‘medical pass’ so others will not find out about the problem.
are not clear, then don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. It can help to write down a list of things you want answering before you go to see someone When you see a health care professional they may ask you lots of questions about your bladder and bowel and should then be able to explain the problem to you. They should discuss the options with you, so that you are involved in decisions about which treatments to try. Sometimes they may suggest something you have tried before and which did not work then.
Can anything else be done?
However, we know that treatments can work that have not worked in the past, so try to keep an open mind.
Bladder and bowel problems rarely get better on their own, but with the right treatment most can be helped and many can get completely better.
Further information and getting in touch
The first step is to talk to a health care professional who understands the issues and knows the best route for accessing treatment locally. School nurses usually have a drop-in clinic at school, which teenagers can go to for confidential advice, support and referral on if required. The GP is another person who should be able to provide help and referral. If you don’t understand or.
Bladder and Bowel UK have developed a range of information leaflets about various continence problems and these are all available on our website. For more information please send an email to: bladderandboweluk@disabledliving.co.uk or contact via telephone on: 0161 607 8219. Teenagers can get in touch themselves, or ask a parent or carer to do so on their behalf. Davina Richardson, Children's Specialist Nurse
Saturday 14 July. 1,00pm - 1.50pm and 3pm - 3.50pm at Attenborough Arts Centre - all welcome £5 or family of four £15
Exploring the British Countryside from a Wheelchair’s Seat
England has a countryside that is both beautiful and accessible. Though many worry about wheelchair accessibility, in recent years numerous innovations have made exploring the British countryside easier than ever. While many have adapted the natural landscape to be easier to navigate, others still have used ponies and other tricks to do the same without damaging the local landscape at all. From the north Exploring the natural environments of Britain can mean seeing some of the oldest and grandest historical sites, from the two-thousand-year-old Hadrian’s Wall to ancient and Danish architecture along the countryside of Northumberland. The rolling hills and fields of Britain are considered iconic, providing a natural experience that both old and young alike enjoy. It is no boast to say the natural environments draw many. Film crews for movies as famous as Harry Potter and Downtown Abbey have rented vast swathes of land to place their viewers in a location with an otherworldly atmosphere. In Northumberland, home to Britain’s most northern park, tourist information centres offer accessibility information, and all local trains have been adapted for wheelchair accessibility.
To the south Meanwhile, in the South Downs of England, some people have taken an innovative and different approach. To avoid pouring concrete or other nature destroying materials, they’ve begun offering a service that pulls wheelchair users in chariots designed to take them up even rocky slopes. This gives wheelchair owners access to a nearly one-hundred-mile trail through nature. Additionally, many beaches from Bournemouth to Brighton offer wheelchair accessible cabins and rental spaces. With the South Downs nearby and the Surrey Hills Area Of Outstanding Beauty just a little bit further away, there are plenty of options for lodgings close to nature and several wonderful places to see in the British countryside.
Next time you consider where to take a naturethemed outing, consider the beautiful British Meanwhile, the areas historic value means that countryside. You may prefer the accessibility many existing buildings offer an excellent look provided by non-traditional means of into the area’s past, such as the Roman transportation, like the proud ponies of the south, Army Museum. The museum is right next door to or the more casual accessibility offered by the Hadrian’s Wall itself and provides many parks and trains of northern Britain. Both of these opportunities to go outside and explore the local landscape on your own behest to see historical ruins and more offer unique ways to ensure that you have few reasons to believe disability can and structures in their native environment. separate you from the great outdoors. 20 Written by Lucy Wyndham
Visit Disabled Living's Online Shop
Visit: www.disabledliving.co.uk/online-shop/ or call: 0330 053 5930.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with Complete Care Shop to provide you with a comprehensive online shopping facility for equipment and products to make life easier. Complete Care Shop has over 250,000 in stock items at competitive prices offering you choice from a wide range of manufacturers including mobility aids, daily living products, continence supplies together with telecare and telehealth equipment. In addition, Complete Care Shop has a reputation for excellent customer service which made the decision to enter into this partnership an easy decision to make! The main advantage of purchasing via the Disabled Living website, is the opportunity for you or your clients to speak to Occupational Therapists or Continence Specialists for free impartial help and advice, ensuring unnecessary purchases are not made.
Inadequate Toilet Facilities
Download the full report on our resources page here underneath the 'Other Useful Resources' section. 21
Disabled Living's Services
Watch Our Donkeys to Innovators Film
Disabled Living is a charity which provides impartial information and advice about products, equipment (assistive technology) and services for disabled children, adults, older people, carers and the professionals who support them. We have a range of services which you can access via our helpline, through the website or at our Kidz to Adultz Exhibitions. Equipz The team comprise occupational therapists, trusted assessors, moving and handling specialists, physiotherapists, nurses, continence specialists who together with knowledgeable information co-ordinators offer practical solutions to what may seem like unmanageable problems. The staff, respond to enquiries throughout the UK, primarily via our helpline and website, with some people opting to make an appointment to visit the Disabled Living Centre based in Manchester for a free equipment assessment. Helpline: 0161 607 8200 Bladder and Bowel UK The team provide information and advice for children, young people and adults with Bladder and Bowel problems. We provide a confidential helpline managed by a team of specialist nurses and knowledgeable information staff. In addition, the website offers a wide range of downloadable free resources. Helpline: 0161 607 8219 Kidz to Adultz Exhibitions Disabled Living organise the largest FREE UK exhibitions totally dedicated to disabled children, young adults, their families, carers and the professionals who support them. With over 100 exhibitors at each event, offering a ’One Stop Shop’ for equipment products and services to enhance the quality of life. We deliver 5 events throughout the UK in: Farnborough, Bristol, Coventry, Manchester and Edinburgh. Training Disabled Living provides a comprehensive training programme for professionals and carers. Most of our courses are accredited by Open Awards and others provide CPD opportunities. Our training courses can be ‘tailor made’ to suit your organisations requirements and can be delivered throughout the UK for more detailed information on the courses we provide please visit the Disabled Living website.
www.disabledliving.co.uk
0161 607 8200
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Get in touch with us
For more information please visit: www.disabledliving.co.uk
Disabled Living Head Office - Disabled Living, Burrows House, 10 Priestley Road, Wardley Industrial Estate, Worsley, Manchester M28 2LY Tel: 0161 607 8200 Email: info@disabledliving.co.uk Website: www.disabledliving.co.uk
Redbank House Redbank House, 4 St Chads Street, Cheetham, Manchester M8 8QA Tel: 0161 214 5959 Email: info@redbankhouse.com Website: www.redbankhouse.com