GOLDEN YEARS Care of the Elderly

was very important to me and you dealt with my queries very efficiently.’ Mrs Pearce.

We don’t employ salesmen. Our experienced surveyors visit you to discuss your needs. We also pride ourselves in employing courteous and trustworthy fitters to install every bathroom.

‘Not only have they done a great job, but they have been so kind to my mum who is very fragile both physically and emotionally at the moment.’

We use specialist bathing products which come with a manufacturer’s warranty, plus our own 12-month installation warranty.

In the last 20 years, we’ve never had anyone say they didn’t like their bathroom. In fact, people often send us letters and emails to say how much they love what we’ve done. ‘I am extremely pleased with my bathroom. It exceeds expectations!’ Angela.

If you’re ready to seek help with your bathroom, call us on 01823 729564. See our advert on page 34. Age UK Somerset encourage a move towards ‘normality’ with their ‘Let’s move together and improve together’ campaign

The last year has been an unusual and difficult one for most but for many older people it has been particularly hard, with long periods of self-isolation impacting both mental and physical wellbeing. Some have embraced modern technology, learning new skills and participating in online activities and social events, but these have not usually been as rewarding as getting out and spending time with friends and family.

Throughout the pandemic, Age UK Somerset have supported older people in the County. Because they help those who are most at risk from severe illness due to coronavirus, and those whose movements have been most restricted, they have been busier than ever. Despite some services being paused due to their physical nature, others sprung up to meet the new needs of this strange time, for example their telephone service called ‘Friendly Phone calls’, to help alleviate feelings of isolation and boredom.

The charity’s Ageing Well team, who normally run and manage hundreds of communitybased exercise classes, have held a wide range of online exercise sessions since last July. These classes have encouraged older people to maintain their current levels of fitness and given them a chance to see familiar, friendly faces. Full technical support has been given by the team and classes have included Tai Chi, yoga, pilates, general fitness and relaxation sessions.

With plans to resume their community-based classes from the 17th May, Ageing Well are launching an inspiring ‘let’s move together and improve together’ campaign. Whilst wanting to encourage older people to start coming to classes again, they are aware that many are nervous of doing so. They are putting in stringent measures to provide the greatest level of reassurance, reducing the number of participants allowed in each class and introducing a new booking system. Classes will be re-started over a number of weeks, so that the team can oversee and manage them safely and effectively.

Former Ageing Well Manager Di Ramsay, with AW’s 88 year old yoga teacher, Ivy Thorne. Tragically, Di lost her fight with cancer last year; she was an inspirational manager who made a huge difference to the wellbeing of many older people in Somerset.

A variety of online sessions will continue to run for those who would prefer to stay at home for the time being.

The charity’s ‘stay strong, stay steady’ classes – falls prevention sessions run in conjunction with Somerset County Council and the NHS – will also be resuming and hope to have a positive impact on the strength and balance of vulnerable adults. The number of older people suffering falls has increased significantly in the last year.

If you would like to find out more about any of Age UK Somerset’s classes, please call 01823 345626, email ageingwell @ageuksomerset.org.uk or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/somerset.

Ageing Well instructor, Rachel Jelbert, and her online ‘coffee morning’ with her Qigong Tai Chi class.

Could an outdoor stairlift installed by Suttons Stairlifts help you get out this Spring?

Suttons Stairlifts

Suttons Stairlifts is a family-run business dedicated to providing a fair and ethical service with a no-pressure selling policy.

They offer a range of new or refurbished Handicare stairlifts, either straight or curved throughout the West Country.

All prices include full installation plus a comprehensive guarantee. They also offer a rental option for straight stairlifts as well as servicing and safety checks, repairs and removals.

Handicare stairlifts offer features such as a powered swivel seat and powered folding footplate allowing you to operate these functions at the touch of a button.

All Handicare stairlifts have safety sensors on the power pack and footplate which are designed to stop the lift if it meets any obstruction. They will visit you to survey the staircase and conduct a user assessment leaving you the leaflets and prices so you can make the decision in your own time.

With their inclusive and comprehensive 12 or 24 month warranty and 365 day coverage you can be assured of a first-class and personal service. Give them a call on 01749 346900 or visit www.suttonsstairlifts.co.uk.

Bramley Care: Support you need to live independently

Bramley Home Care, established in 2013 as part of Bramley Care, provides excellent quality and reliable care to vulnerable people. As our reviews prove, we are second to none in the services we offer.

Bramley Home Care can provide the support that vulnerable people need to maintain independence in their own homes. We realise that illness and age related ailments can create challenges and we can help with these. And, if not most importantly, we can help people avoid, for as long as possible, the need to seek residential care.

Additional to personal care, our carers can help with basic dayto-day home management. From cleaning to shopping to sign posting to other services that may be required. Our carers can also assist with a speedy recovery from a stay in hospital; help manage medication, support GP’s and District Nurses with the care needed upon discharge.

At Bramley Care we understand the effect that loneliness can have on one’s life, therefore we also provide help with social activities and offer a varied selection of carer supported trips out ‘with our own wheelchair accessible minibus’ to venues such as visits to country house gardens and cafes for cream teas.

If the above appeals to you or you are not happy with the service that you currently receive from your care provider, why not give us a call and see what we can do for you and find out how we can make things that little bit easier. 01747 855844 bramleycare.co.uk.

Beechwood House, Yeovil

Set in large, accessible gardens, Beechwood House Care Home in Yeovil, provides a very high standard of residential care for 27 elderly people, all having ground level, ensuite rooms. Family-owned for over 20 years, our aim is to provide a caring and comfortable home for people who feel unable or do not wish to live on their own any longer.

With dedicated, friendly staff and robust infection control procedures, we have COVID testing procedures which exceed government recommendations. We are open for new residents and welcome visitors to see their loved ones in-person, following current guidelines.

Our difference is the personal touch, we get to know everyone individually and aim to create a family home atmosphere. We look forward to meeting you at Highfield House is completely dedicated to involving the people who live there in excellent care and support received by listening to, and acting upon people’s feedback. At the heart of Highfield House are their concerns for each person’s happiness, health, safety, wellbeing and dignity. This is reflected by the Beacon Status achieved with the nationally recognised Gold Standards Framework and Awards for Care Home of the Year, and the award for Dementia and Palliative Care. Their vision is to be a leader in providing a responsive care service where the standard of care and calibre of staff are second to none. The mission is to provide a safe, warm and friendly environment where excellent person-centred care is offered and where staff appreciate the unique qualities of each individual living at Highfield House.

Care Home, Yeovil

• 24hr personal care • Own ensuite basin & toilet • Large accessible gardens • Medication managed if required • Full social activities programme

Call SANDRA BARCLAY, Manager

on 01935 472793 for an informal chat

60 West Coker Road, Yeovil BA20 2JA

email: info@beechwoodcarehome.co.uk • www.beechwoodcarehome.co.uk

HIGHFIELD HOUSE

Outstanding & Award Winning Residential Care Home

We are passionate about providing EXCELLENT care and support in a homely environment. Situated in the centre of Castle Cary we benefit from all the delights that Castle Cary has to offer within a short walk. Our calibre of staff is second to none and we are here to cater for each and every individual person. Please feel free to contact us for any further information.

Telephone: 01963 350697 Email: manager@highfieldhouse.net www.highfieldhousecastlecary.com

VINTAGE Motorcycling with Rod Hann

THE CORONAVIRUS continues to rule our lives and will do so for some months to come. This has meant the cancellation of many events which is rather sad when considering the money and hard work that has gone into organising all these things which give us enjoyment and involvement with the hobby of old vehicles. There is however some definite light at the end of the tunnel with the government's latest announcement for the ending of lockdown. By April and May some meetings will be able to take place and some events may be able to go ahead. In the meantime we must still remain good and stay safe.

The TT races planned for the Isle of Wight in October has already been cancelled. This was to be a new venture and a lot of planning has been undertaken. I just hope that all the work can be carried over until next year. As a tempter there was going to be modern and classic races and so for my picture this month I have chosen a shot of a classic Matchless 7R racer from the early sixties which has been breathed on by the famous tuner Fred Walmsley. These bikes are an absolute joy to watch when thundering around the track. This one looks very original and so clean, a real tribute to its owner.

Whilst thinking of cancellations the Isle of Man TT races in June has already been called off and the Classic TT scheduled for September is also in jeopardy with a decision to be made shortly.

I reported some months ago that a friend was undergoing training to become an Advanced Rider. The course duly completed he passed the test and is now a fully fledged member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists. Not content with that he has used the knowledge gained and undertaken further training and become a member of the Blood Bike squad. His new skills are being put to a very worthwhile use as the Blood Bikes are used daily to ferry blood and samples all over the area to help people in need. A very worthwhile voluntary service.

I know I am a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to modern technology. I do not have a fancy mobile phone and do nothing with the modern media. Such things do not interest me and I have no need of them, but I do realise that somewhere along the way I am going to have to get my head at least into some of this technical wizardry. To that end I have recently taken an interest in cars and motorcycles powered by electricity.

The government is forcing us to go along those lines with the withdrawal of petrol driven vehicles by 2030. I therefore looked at the type of motoring I do and like most souls the majority of my journeys are made locally. I do however make regular longer trips when 300 miles in a day is not exceptional. So how would electric power suit my needs.

The local runs would be no problem as I could charge the vehicle at home (I already have a proper charging point installed) and recharge at home as and when needed. But the longer runs do pose a problem now and will do in the immediate future. In the long term extra charging

A classic Matchless 7R racer from the early sixties.

Yeovil Auto Tuning CLASSIC CAR REPAIRS  ● Repairs and Servicing Specialists Established ● MOT Testing – Classes IV, V and VII also Motorhomes OVER 30 YEARS ● Engine Tuning ● Brakes, Clutches, Gearboxes ● Competitive Rates ● Professional, Reliable, Friendly Service ● Specialising in VW T4 + T5 Vans ● Revo Engine Re-Mapping (VW and Audi Group)

9 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 426515 / 01935 411946

GLIDEROL GARAGE DOORS

All garage doors are different, so as a roller door specialist, (I don’t replace windows, etc.) I can survey, quote and install to your requirements and make the most of your garage opening, as generally no frame is necessary. With the option of automated operation with remote control, a top quality garage door need only be a phone call away. G.H. SALES. Tel:01935 891414