Home Instead
York & Ryedale newsletter
elder THE
February 2017
Dementia ID Cards Age UK – LifeBook Helpcards are for people with dementia to use and carry with them, to help maintain independence. They can be filled out with personal details. The front of a helpcard can say one of the following ‘I have dementia’ ‘I have Alzheimer’s disease’ or ‘I have memory problems’. People can record their name, any medical conditions they may have, and what they might need help with. It also has space to record the name and contact details of someone who can be contacted in an emergency, such as a family member or the GP. You can order a copy free from the Alzheimer’s Society at www.alzheimers.org.uk, by telephoning 0300 303 5933 or email orders@alzheimers.org.uk
The LifeBook is a free booklet where you write important and useful information about your life, from who provides your insurance to where you put the TV licence. Sometimes it is easy to mislay important documents and information, so Age UK have developed the LifeBook to help you find exactly what you need without searching. The LifeBook will not only help you to be more organised but could also be invaluable to a family member or a friend if they need to find important information about you in an emergency. It’s easy to use and all you need to do is follow the step-bystep instructions to fill in the various sections with your details, contacts and locations of important documents. You don’t have to do it all at once - just complete it at your own pace. The LifeBook is available as a booklet or Age UK can email you a copy to complete and store on your computer. For more information and to get your free LifeBook call 0345 685 1061 quoting ALL 721 or visit www.ageuk.org/lifebook
Vision tests at home
An eye test is not just good for checking whether your glasses are up to date. It’s also a vital check on the health of your eyes. An eye test can pick up eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts, as well as general health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure. The good news is that if you’re 60 or over, you can have a free NHS eye test every two years. You can have a free test every year if you’re 70 or over. If you can’t leave your home because of illness or disability, you can have an NHS eye test at home. Contact your usual optician to find out if they can visit you at home. Otherwise, NHS England has a list of opticians in your area that do home visits. Contact NHS England on 0300 311 223 or email england.contactus@nhs.net
Kelly receives her Care Certificate Congratulations to one of Home Instead York & Ryedale’s CAREGivers Kelly, who was signed off her Care Certificate last month. We understand that training is important to our CAREGivers for their personal development which will benefit all our Clients. Kelly is pictured here with Care Manager Carol, and Head of CAREGiver Experience Andy.