The Elder August 2016 (Home Instead Newsletter)

Home Instead

York & Ryedale newsletter

elder THE

August 2016

Making the most of summer It’s fair to say that we all look forward to the summer, especially when we are blessed with particularly warm and sunny weather.

The sunshine makes us feel happy and it offers a great source of vitamin D to keep us healthy. However, higher temperatures and humidity can also present risks to our health. Older people’s bodies in particular, are often unable to adjust to sudden changes in temperature, which makes them more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. With this in mind, here are a few tips on how to make the most of the summer weather but stay cool in the process: • Avoid the hottest times of the day (between 11am – 3pm) – if you do need to venture out make sure you aren’t outside for long periods of time and find shady spots when you can.

• Keep hydrated – even if you’re not thirsty it’s important to drink plenty of water or fruit juice to replace fluids lost during sweating.

Avoid caffeine or alcohol which increase dehydration.

• Think lightweight – choose clothing which is loose, lightweight, light coloured and breathable such as a white linen shirt.

• Cool down – take cool showers and baths when possible. If you’re out and about, use a cotton hankie soaked in cool water and place it on the back of your neck and on your wrists.

• Cover up – in addition to wearing cooler clothing it’s also important to remember a hat. No matter whether it’s a cotton baseball cap or a straw boater, headwear will help to keep your face in the shade.

• Pick the perfect spot – seek out the coolest areas of your home

during warmer weather. Keep curtains and blinds closed to prevent sun heating up rooms, especially your bedroom.

Little Shambles BIG ART Little Shambles, Big Art is a friendly open-air art market in the heart of our city, next to York’s historic Shambles.

Created by York artists, Sue Clayton and Hatti McKenzie, it is a showcase of quality local arts and crafts, providing a great opportunity to meet the artists and makers, discuss their work and inspirations, and buy handmade products direct from the maker.

Every month there are art demonstrations, giving you the chance to try a new technique or craft.

There are free children’s activities plus a chance to release your inner artist on a huge doodle sheet and live music adds to the vibrant atmosphere. Near the Shambles Market Street Food Courtyard, Little Shambles Big Art is a great place to browse, shop, eat and soak up the atmosphere.

The Little Shambles Big Art market is held on the last Sunday of the month and you can find more information at www.littleshamblesbigart.co.uk, on Facebook (littleshamblesbigart), Instagram and Twitter.

 Go green Ring Jack on

01904 690884

for your invoices and schedules to be sent via email now. Help us cut the amount of paper we currently use and play your part in Home Instead going green.

Fitter feet We only get one pair of feet so it’s important to take good care of them. But many of us will develop some foot problems as we age, simply as a result of daily wear and tear.

Anyone who has experienced foot pain knows only too well how debilitating it can be. Over time, it can become a significant health issue because, if we can’t walk comfortably, we’re less likely to get out and about and take part in the social activities or daily exercise that is vital for our health and wellbeing.

Get checked If you have a long-term condition, such as diabetes or arthritis your feet are particularly vulnerable. Check your feet regularly and ensure you attend check-ups as requested. If you notice any problems, report them to your GP

as soon as possible.

Get the right footwear First and foremost, it’s important to wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Many people wear slippers if their feet are hurting, but this can make things worse as slippers encourage you to shuffle rather than letting the joints work as they should. A pair of running shoes is the best option as these provide a good amount of shock absorption and stability and also support the arch.

Look after your nails Good nail care can also help to keep feet feeling comfortable.

Unfortunately, many of us find it hard to clip our toenails properly, partly because it can be hard to reach but also because they become tougher

Talking Point is the Alzheimer’s Society’s online discussion forum for anyone affected by dementia. You can ask for advice, share information, join in discussions and feel supported. Talking Point is both for people who have dementia and those who are caring for them and it can support people throughout their journey with dementia – whichever stage you are at.

There are lots of different topics and forums to join in with as well as videos and help pages. You will need to register as a member but you can remain anonymous

with age. If you’re struggling to cut your own nails, ask a family member for help as hacking at them could do more harm than good. Unfortunately Home Instead CAREGivers cannot help with cutting your nails, however Age UK York do have a special service.

For details call 01904 790447.

Keep feet moisturised Finally, daily application of a moisturising lotion will help to keep feet feeling soft and supple.

There is lots of useful advice to be found on Age UK’s website at www.ageuk.org.uk

Talking about Dementia if you prefer. You can ask and answer questions and share your experiences as well as having the option of keeping an online diary about living with dementia.

Go to www.alzheimers.org.uk and then to the Talking Point page to register.

Our star in her reasonably priced car

Pat, our CAREGiver, shows her brilliant sense of humour with her little Smart Car and personalised registration plate – we think it’s great, and we are sure her clients do as well!

Congratulations to Gill and Lucja who have completed their City & Guilds Accredited Training in Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias.

Stop cold callers to your door There’s nothing more frustrating than people knocking on your door when you don’t want to be sold things.

Remember, you don’t have to let them in.

To help you Home Instead have designed a ‘no cold callers’ A5 sign which we have available free to anyone who would like one. It has been laminated so you can either place it on the inside of your door looking out, or outside.

The sign has a very clear message that you do not wish uninvited traders to call.

Any one ignoring it may be committing a criminal offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. If they knock when they shouldn’t, there can be no argument and the sign advises them of that!

To get your free sign just give the office a ring on 01904 690 884 and we will post one out to you.

NO UNINVITED TRADERS We will not buy from yo u We do not ne ed any advice Please DO NOT knock Just leave and DO NOT return Failure to d o so is a CR

IMINAL OF FENCE

The Consum er from Unfair T Protection rading Regulations, 2008

Disability Access at the National Trust Most National Trust properties have a good degree of access for visitors with disabilities and they are committed to developing and promoting good access at all their properties where feasible.

All properties have adapted toilets unless otherwise mentioned in the relevant property information and many provide manual wheelchairs for loan. Self-drive and volunteerdriven powered mobility vehicles

are available at some of the larger gardens and parks.

Wherever possible, the Trust admit users of powered wheelchairs and similar small vehicles although this is subject to the physical limitations of the individual building and any temporary constraints applying on the day.

The majority of their properties also offer Braille and large print guides. Many properties are also developing sensory information.

This highlights items which can be touched, and both sounds and scents that relate to the particular property.

Induction loops have also become increasingly available.

To check access and facilities you can look on the National Trusts website www.nationaltrust.org.uk in the section titled ‘visitors with disabilities’ to see details of access information or telephone the property you are planning to visit.

Carers Go Free at the National Trust If you are visiting a National Trust property with your carer they will be able to enter with you free of charge.

If you are a member your entrance and your carer’s entrance will be free.

If you are not a member you would need to pay for your entrance but your carer can enter with you free of charge. You can ask at the entrance ticket office but to save having to request free entry for your carer you can get an ‘Access for all Admit One Card’. This is issued by the National Trust’s Supporter Service Centre and is made out in your name and not the individual carer, so there is not a restriction to taking the same person on each visit.

To request an Access for all Admit One Card, please either send an email to enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk or phone them on 0344 800 1895.

A place to relax and unwind in the heart of the city

York Museum Gardens Set in the stunning surroundings of the medieval ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey, York Museum Gardens is a great space to meet friends and family and enjoy the peace and tranquillity that the gardens have to offer.

There is so much to see and do, including a chance to see inside Yorkshire’s oldest working

observatory, wander round the gardens and see the vast botanical collection, spot some of the 40 species of bird within the gardens and visit the award winning Yorkshire Museum, which showcases some of Britain’s finest archaeological

treasures and many rare animals, birds and fossils, in exciting new displays. There’s also a Squirrel Trail with 10 fascinating facts and an on line quiz you can look at afterwards.

The Gardens are open daily and are free to all visitors.

Opening times from March to October are 7.30am – 8.00pm. www.yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk

Remember When – BBC Reminiscence Archive The BBC has decided to use its archived content to help trigger memories and conversations in people with dementia.

The BBC Reminiscence Archive (BBC RemArc) features video clips, audio clips and images selected from the broadcaster’s archives to aid reminiscence work with people with dementia, their carers and families.

It is hoped material from the past will stimulate the long-term memory of those with dementia and help them interact with others by encouraging them to talk about their past.

Your Memories ‘Your Memories’ can be used by care workers and family members of those with dementia. They can type in a few biographical details and see

Home Instead Senior Care 10 Clifton Moor Business Village James Nicolson Link, Clifton Moor York YO30 4XG Telephone: 01904 690884 Email: info@hiscyork.co.uk Web: www.homeinstead.co.uk/york

a slideshow of relevant photos, music and programme clips that help tell a person’s life story, particularly their

childhood and early adult life, when people with dementia often retain the most vivid memories.

www.bbc.co.uk/taster/projects/remarc

www.facebook.com/homeinsteadyork @homeinsteadyork www.instagram.com/homeinsteadyork www.youtube.com/YorkHomeInstead “Each Home Instead Senior Care® franchise office is independently owned and operated.”