Age UK Medway Summer 2015 by Lance Media Group

age uk magazine Summer 2015

60%

Medway

would not seek advice on annuities

Paying for care and support at home Walk your way to health

happy feet + care in crisis + lilyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story + dementia flexible outreach + more inside

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“Compassionate Care… …Delivered without Compromise” Bluebird Care Medway operates as part of the internationally recognised and accredited Bluebird Care Group, one of Britain’s foremost care in the home service providers, delivering consistently high quality care and support to our local customers within their own homes.

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• We support the complete range of care services including: > Transition from hospital/residential care to home; > Hospice Care at home; SIZE half page DATE 20 Jan 2015 > 24 hour live in care, sleeping & waking nights; > Personal Care & medication; > Domestic Assistance & Companionship.

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Beating Isolation – A local initiative managed by Bluebird Care (Medway) Isolation amongst the elderly has long been recognised as a widespread problem, and never more than now. One way to start to tackle loneliness is to include social contact in the duties of care workers, rather than just the more practical jobs of cleaning, dressing and helping with meals. For some people the care worker is their main contact with the outside world. Those at risk of even greater isolation are the thousands of older people who receive no care services at all. With a growing older population, tackling the issue of isolation and its consequences needs to be a priority. It is questionable whether society should rely on paid workers to prevent isolation. Some would argue that family, friends and neighbours should play their part in ensuring that older people do not become cut off from the outside world. Bluebird Care (Medway) is adding its weight and considerable expertise behind a project to Beat Isolation in our local communities.

Director, Charmaine Grech, explained that this new initiative is intended to have a direct impact in assisting local residents to socialise and get out more in their community. To that end the Nationally accredited and recognised Domiciliary Care Company are launching their Fish and Chip Friday get together on 31st July 2015. Starting at 12:30 pm and running through until to 2pm Bluebird Care (Medway) will be hosting the event at the St Margaret’s Millennium Centre. Gatekeeper Chase, Rainham, ME8 9BH. Hannah who came up with the idea of Fish and Chip Friday added “I know quite a lot of elderly people who are stuck in their own homes, socially isolated, unable to get out and no transport. So I came up with the idea of Fish and Chip Friday in an effort to beat isolation.” As with the four Dementia Cafe’s which opened at local venues throughout the Medway towns to coincide with the “Time for a Cuppa” event held earlier this year.

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

This beating isolation event will be repeated on the first Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of every month. At Bluebird Care (Medway) we aim to provide support to elderly people to stay active and well. Our Dementia Gateway, Dementia Café’s and Fish and Chip Friday. All are carried out across our communities, to contribute to beating isolation. This encourages everyone to stay active and well. If you know of anyone who would benefit from this, please call Bluebird Care (Medway) now on 01634 780909. “We are starting with a small group to begin with and hope to increase to larger numbers, and perhaps lay on Transport at an additional cost, for the future”.

‘Approximately 12% of people aged 65 years and over in the UK feel socially isolated. That is on average 4,698 people in Medway aged over 65 who feel socially isolated.’

sUMMER 2015 | 3

Contents List Summer 2015

06 2.4m bed days lost in 5 years from social care delays ................. 06 Bed days lost to the NHS between June 2010 and March 2015 as people wait too long for vital social care.

60% would not seek advice on annuities .... 07

The majority of people with an existing annuity would not take financial advice.

Happy feet .................. 07

Age UK Medway launched a new Community Foot Care service January this year.

Paying for care and support at home ........ 09 You may have concerns about the costs involved in getting care and support at home.

4 | summer 2015

21 We combat loneliness ..................... 10 Millions of older people are facing the ups and downs of life almost entirely alone.

Public transport fails the oldest and most vulnerable ........... 11 New report by The International Longevity Centre - UK and Age UK.

Over half of people aged 65+ targeted by fraudsters ............... 12 Alarming new figures by Age UK show the extent of scamming.

Care in crisis ................. 13

The Government is proposing a new funding system for social care. But will it be fair?

Healthy eating ............ 14 Eating healthily doesn’t have to be complicated or boring!

New bid to fight age discrimination in the jobs market .................. 16 Age UK is partnering with Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) to fight age discrimination.

Walk your way to health ....................... 17 How much exercise do you need?

Puzzle page ................ 20

Health of older men ‘slipping through the net’ .......................... 21 The health and wellbeing of older men in the UK is at risk of slipping through the net.

Lily’s Story .................... 21 Police launch campaign to halt rise in identity crime ... 22 Local police forces have launched a campaign to raise awareness of identity crimes in the UK.

Home from Hospital volunteers .................... 23

The Home from Hospital service is looking to recruit volunteers to support people who have been recently discharged from hospital.

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

Welcome,

Medway

from the CEO Welcome to the latest edition of Engage magazine, the publication we use to let all of our customers and friends know what is happening within our charity. Cover Image

Meet the team… Editor

John Norley Tel: 01634 572616 Email: johnnorley@ ageukmedway.org.uk

Age UK Medway

The Admirals Offices, Main Gate Road, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TZ

Designer

Emily Robb Email: emily@ lancepublishing.co.uk

Sales

Dementia flexible outreach ...................... 23 From our office in the Historic Dockyard, Chatham.

Answers & Solutions ... 23 Dementia Suite at Gillingham .............. 25 Following the success of the Capstone Dementia Day Centre, plans were formulated to use space in the rear Mackenney Centre in Gillingham to develop a dementia suite accommodating up to 12 people a day.

The Chris Ellis Centre, Strood ............. 25 Let’s get cooking ........ 26 Apple pie.

Laurence Rowe Tel: 01536 526662 Email: laurence@ lancepublishing.co.uk

Publisher

Lance Publishing Ltd 1st Floor Tailby House Bath Road Kettering NN16 8NL Tel: 01536 512624 Fax: 01536 515481 Email: mike@ lancepublishing.co.uk Web: www.lancepublishing.co.uk

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Lance Print Ltd Tel: 01733 390564 This magazine is produced on behalf of Age UK Medway by Lance Publishing Ltd. All rights are reserved by the charity and no part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the charity. Age UK Medway will accept no responsibility for, or necessarily agree with, any claims made or views expressed in this publication, nor does the mention of any product, service or advertisement imply a recommendation by Age UK Medway. Reg. Charity No. 1133023

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

s we write this edition, we are benefitting from a heat wave, and the winter months seem to be long behind us. At Age UK Medway, we understand that the summer, though very welcome, can cause as many problems for older people as the colder months. If you are sitting down to read through this issue, make sure you have a cold drink to hand, and remember to keep hydrated through the day, the sun really is quite overpowering at the moment.

issue, and you will be as excited as us to read about the great things happening in Age UK Medway, that are benefitting older people. Please do get in touch with us if there is something you would like to see in the next issue, or you have a news story you would like to share.

Hopefully you will enjoy the various articles in the

John Norley Chief Executive Officer

All the best, and enjoy the warmer weather.

Summer 2015 | 5

Image © Hadrian/www.shutterstock.com

2.4m bed days lost

in 5 years from social care delays New figure from Age UK show an escalating social care crisis in England with 2.43 million bed days lost to the NHS between June 2010 and March 2015 as people wait too long for vital social care.

ot only is this upsetting for the individuals and their families and detrimental to their health, but it also comes at a huge cost to the taxpayer. A staggering £669 million is spent keeping people in hospital while waiting for social care, and most of these being aged 65 and over. In the last year alone (April 2014 and March 2015), shortages in community health and social care services have meant the NHS has wasted hundreds of thousands of bed-days while patients wait for the right care and support in the right place, including; • 174,138 days waiting for a place in a residential home. • 215,662 days waiting for a nursing home place

6 | summer 2015

to become available. • 206,053 days for help from social care workers or district nurses to enable people to return to their own home. • 41,389 days for home adaptations ranging from grab rails to ramps and stair lifts. NHS beds cost more than social care An NHS bed costs on average £1925 a week compared to about £558 for a week in residential care or £356.58 for home care based on three hours of care per day over the course of one week. The average number of patients who were kept in hospital unnecessarily because social care was unavailable increased by 19% between 2013/4 and 2014/5. In this period 44% more patients

were waiting for health and care packages at home compared to the previous year, and 32.8% more patients were waiting for a place in a nursing home. These waits for care and support outside hospital are happening against the backdrop of £2.4 billion (31.2%) cuts from social care budgets for older people since 2010, mostly as a result of reduced funding for local government from central government. Therefore, local authorities are finding it more and more difficult to provide the social care people need. Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: ‘These figures show that year on year, older people are being trapped in hospital in ever greater numbers because of a delayed assessment, care home place, home care package or home adaptation. ‘Without decent social care when discharged, whether to

their own home or to a care home, hospital stays are often much longer than they need to be and older people are more likely to be readmitted because their recovery stalls. ‘Why waste precious NHS resources in this way, when it would be so much better to fund social care properly instead? This would unlock the log jam and help our hospitals to work more efficiently again. Not only would a properly resourced social care system transform many older people’s lives and make sound financial sense, more people of all ages could also get speedier treatment in hospital when they need it.’ ‘Policy makers must face up to the fact that an ageing population means increasing numbers of older people needing good social care, and unless and until we provide it the pressures on our hospitals will become more and more unsustainable.’

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

would not seek advice on annuities New figures from Age UK reveal that the majority of people with an existing annuity would not take financial advice to help them decide whether to cash it in for a lump sum.

ccording to the TNS poll for Age UK, 60% of people aged over 60 with an annuity were not interested in financial advice. Only 36% would get advice about the consequences of cashing it in or not.

Image © John Gomez/www.shutterstock.com

Important implications for Government The findings have important implications for the Government which is in the process of considering whether to allow pensioners to cash in their annuity and raises questions whether additional action is needed so that people receive

as much information as possible before taking these important financial decisions. Age UK’s survey also revealed that the overwhelming majority of people aged 60 and over with an existing annuity do not want to exchange it for a cash lump sum. It found that 78% of people with annuity income would not consider it, preferring to continue to receive a secure income for the rest of their lives. Only 5% said they would consider cashing in their annuity. Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director of Age UK said, ‘It is extremely worrying that so many people say they would not be interested in taking advice before making a major decision which could play a significant role in their financial security during retirement. ‘The Government needs to find a way to encourage people to get as much information as they can about major financial decisions before they make them so that everyone fully understands the implications and consequences. ‘That includes ensuring that people have access to guidance and advice on how to get the best value from their pension savings, whatever they choose to do with them.’

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

Happy Feet Age UK Medway launched a new Community Foot Care service January this year. Having provided foot care at our day centres, it was evident that many people required basic toe nail cutting but did not always have the means to travel to one of our centres.

f you’re over 60, foot care becomes even more important. Age takes its toll: your skin thins, your joints begin to stiffen and your feet become more vulnerable to the cold. Physically, it gets more difficult for us to get to our feet, and failing eyesight doesn’t help. It isn’t normal to have painful feet and you shouldn’t have to put up with it. Investing a bit of time and thought into caring for your feet now can prevent them causing you pain. • Cutting and filing toenails and keeping them at a comfortable length. • Smoothing and moisturising dry and rough skin.

• Checking for cracks and breaks in the skin and inflammation such as blisters. • Looking for signs of infection like nail fungus or other obvious early problems, and seeking professional advice. • Choosing suitable socks and footwear. Visits cost £12.50 or £21 per couple and are usually arranged with follow up appointments between 6 and 8 weeks. The service runs Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm. One happy customer said, “It’s like walking on air!” If you would like to know more about the community foot care service, call us on Medway 01634 401099. Images © Sergiy Kuzmin & Photographee.eu/www.shutterstock.com

60%

summer 2015 | 7

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Paying for care and support at home You may have concerns about the costs involved in getting care and support at home. But if you have been assessed as needing care, you will also be assessed to see how much you can afford to pay towards the cost of services, while still having enough money to live on.

Image © Syda Productions/www.shutterstock.com

he amount that social services departments pay towards care on your behalf varies depending on your local authority, although there are minimum requirements. When you have an assessment, your needs will be judged to see whether you’re eligible for services under the national eligibility criteria. If you’re found to have eligible needs the local authority has a duty to meet those needs but can charge for services.

Financial help from social services If the council has assessed you and you need care and support, you will then be means tested to see how much you need to contribute, if anything, and how much the council pays towards it. Personal budgets Depending on which area you live in, you may have the option of using a personal budget to meet your needs. A personal budget aims to change the way in which services are assessed for, funded and

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

arranged. It gives you more control and choice over the help you receive. For April 2015, everyone will have a personal budget. The amount of money in your personal budget depends on the needs identified in your care plan. It’s designed to allow you to arrange your care in the way you think is best, with appropriate support. Of course, you might prefer social services to arrange your care for you in the traditional way. Discuss your options with social services before making a decision.

Attendance Allowance and Personal Independent Payment If you’re 65 or over and need help with personal care tasks such as eating, getting in and out of bed, going to the toilet, and washing, you might be able to claim Attendance Allowance (AA). There are two rates of AA, depending on how your disability or illness affects you. Social services can take into account whether you are receiving AA when they are assessing you for financial help with community care. If you’re under 65 and need help with personal care or moving around, you may be eligible for Personal Independent Payment (PIP) PIP is divided into two components. The daily living component may be taken into account when social services assesses your care needs. PIP replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA). If you were claiming DLA before PIP came in, you will continue to receive it until at least 2017, when you may be reassessed for PIP. DLA is divided into two components. The care component may be taken into account when social services assesses you. Paying for your own care and support If you’re not eligible for financial help from the council, you’ll have to fund your own care. However, you are still entitled to advice from your local social services department about how best meets your needs. And from April 2015, you’ll be able to pay the council to arrange your services for you. For more information call Age UK Advice: 0800 169 6565 or our local Information & Advice team on 01634 853041.

summer 2015 | 9

We combat

loneliness Images © Ruslan Guzov/www.shutterstock.com

Millions of older people are facing the ups and downs of life almost entirely alone. They have no one to turn to for the support that can make all the difference when times are tough. Equally, they often have no one with whom they can share the good things that make life really worth living.

t Age UK we try to combat loneliness in later life in a number of ways, including befriending. Here, we explain how befriending works, and meet some of the older people who’ve benefitted from befriending, as well as some of the amazing volunteers who make this vital service possible. Age UK provides a telephone befriending service called ‘Call in Time’, which consists of a regular daily or weekly phone call. The relationship is structured so that each befriender makes the call at a regular preagreed time. All befrienders are volunteers, who freely give up their time to help lonely older people. Telephone Befriending – Barbara’s story Barbara from Devon was failing to cope on

1 0 | summer 2015

her own after suffering a double tragedy. A double tragedy As if losing your partner wasn’t a big enough blow to have to deal with, on top of this, Barbara from Devon also had to come to terms with losing her daughter to cancer. Barbara explains, ‘My husband passed away 4 years ago. On the same day my daughter was diagnosed with cancer, so I was immediately caring for her. That lasted 3 years, then it went to her kidneys, and she passed away in a hospice. I think the worst thing was the loneliness. I was very, very, very lonely and very, very, very sad. ‘I couldn’t tell you how I felt. Numb. I really didn’t have any feelings. That’s what frightened me in a way. I just survived day-to-day. It’s very difficult to explain. You just don’t believe it’s happened.’

Call in Time ‘Thankfully the story doesn’t end there. Barbara was referred to Age UK’s ‘Call in Time’ telephone befriending service by social services, through which, she was partnered up with her own befriender, Mel. Talking about why she first decided to get involved with Call in Time, Mel comments, ‘It just sounded a really worthwhile thing to do, so I thought I’d give it a try. When I first started I didn’t think it would be as interesting as it turned out to be, but I find it very interesting. You build up a rapport with that person. You really look forward to talking to them as much as they look forward to talking to you. It’s something that builds up.’ Explaining how the service works, Barbara says: ‘They called me every day initially, then once a week. I still get that weekly phone call. The support I’ve been given has been constant and extremely

helpful as I’ve had no one to talk to, so I could offload. It’s something to look forward to.’ ‘I love hearing Barbara’s laugh’ One of the best things Mel loves about being a befriender is hearing Barbara’s laugh: ‘It’s so great, when she picks that phone up and you hear that lilt in her voice, and she says, “Oh Mel, I’ve been wanting to tell you something!” And I think what a wonderful week this will be. Things have been going well for her.’ Barbara is also a fan of the service, commenting: ‘The Call in Time service has helped me dramatically, because I know that call is coming. If I’m upset I’ve got someone to talk to me, and if I’m happy I’ve got someone to share that with.’ ‘And as time passes, I’m feeling much better, but I couldn’t have coped without the support I got from the Call in Time team.’

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

Public transport fails the oldest and most vulnerable The UK’s public transport system is failing the oldest and most vulnerable in society, says a new report by The International Longevity Centre – UK and Age UK.

Image © l i g h t p o e t/www.shutterstock.com

he report, The Future of Transport in an Ageing Society, highlights the travel problems faced by millions of older people. Despite free bus travel, one third of over-65s in England never use public transport, and over half either never use public transport or use it less than once a month. Approximately 35,000 people aged 65 to 84 in England have difficulty walking just a short distance but are restricted to using public transport, which makes any journey difficult. 1.45 million over-65s who find it difficult or very difficult to travel to a hospital, which 630,000 over-65s find it difficult or very difficult to travel to their GP.

who live in an urban setting. The report argues that with the start of the new parliament, it is time to embrace the opportunities for improvement. In particular, devolution of central government powers to local communities could mean more flexible transport services which better reflect the needs of older people, while advances in technology, including driverless cars, could further expand older people’s transport options. Helen Creighton of ILCUK said: ‘Travel is essential for independent living and has been shown to benefit physical health and mental wellbeing in later life. Furthermore there is

evidence that maintaining older people’s mobility has substantial economic benefits, with analysis by ILC-UK estimating that concessionary fares will provide a net benefit to the wider community of £19.4 billion in the years up to 2037. This report, which highlights the travel difficulties facing older people, emphasises the need to adapt our transport system to meet the demands of our ageing society.’ Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: ‘It is crucial that older people are able to get out and about, especially as the evidence shows this helps them retain their health and independence for longer. Against this context it is worrying that so many older

people are struggling to reach hospital, or sometimes even their local GP. ‘This report should be a wakeup call because it shows our transport system is not currently meeting the needs of our growing ageing population. The bus pass is an absolute lifeline for many who would otherwise be stranded at home and is utterly essential, but the truth is it’s not enough on its own to enable older people to stay mobile. For example, better transport planning and more imaginative use of volunteers could make a big difference today; and in the medium term “driverless cars” and other technological innovations could be real game changers.’

Oldest old let down most The report also shows that it is the oldest old, those who are in poor health and those living in rural areas, who are let down the most by the current public transport system: • Less than 55% of people over 55 report finding it easy to travel to a hospital, a supermarket or a post office. • Among the over-65s, who report that it is ‘very difficult’ for them to travel to see their GP, less than 30% are in good health. • Just 20% of those aged 70-74 living in rural areas use public transport weekly, compared to 38% of those

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

summer 2015 | 11

Over half of people aged 65+ targeted by fraudsters

new Age UK survey has found that 53% of older people (aged 65+) believe they’ve been targeted by fraudsters, and that while many do not respond, of those who do 70% of people of all age groups said that they had personally lost money. The research suggests that a third of older people who responded to a scam may have lost £1,000 or more. The survey, carried out by Populus on behalf of the Charity, shows the extent of the issue as it is revealed that over half of those over 65 have received some form of communication – a phone call, text, email, post – they believe to have been a scam, with 60% never reporting it, 12% of participants of all ages also said that a friend or relative had lost money through a scam in past two years. These alarming findings

1 2 | summer 2015

come as the Charity publishes a new report highlighting the prevalence of fraud being committed across the UK – only the tip of the iceberg: fraud against older people. The report aims to show evidence of the occurrence and different types of fraud taking place against older people in particular and to propose ways of preventing and tackling the problem. Fraudsters targeting pension savings With the new pension freedoms coming into force this week, the Charity is warning that people over 55, who will now have access to large pots of pension savings, are likely to be increasingly targeted by fraudsters carrying out a whole range of scams. The report from Age UK highlights the tactics used by

fraudsters, including befriending or ‘grooming’ potential victims and isolating them from friends and family, the use of seemingly professional documentation and officiallooking websites, impersonating a bank or the police and even threats and intimidation. Scams affect victims’ physical and mental health The Charity also wants to raise awareness of the effects of being a victim of scams, which can have serious consequences for people’s physical and mental health, as well as their relationships and finances. Some victims’ health deteriorates quickly after a scam and in the worst cases has even resulted in older people losing their independence and needing residential care. Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said: ‘The idea that anyone would target an older person to defraud them is horrible, but unfortunately it happens and we fear the problem is about to get a lot worse since the opportunities

for fraudsters are increasing. ‘There are a number of reasons for this, including the rising numbers of older people living with dementia and cognitive decline, and the fact that more older people are going online – the internet is a boon for older people but unfortunately it also opens up new possibilities for fraud. Frightening degree of sophistication used to defraud ‘Some older people are more vulnerable to fraud because they are frail and alone but it is something that can happen to any of us. In fact, older people who are financially proficient and avid users of the internet are just as likely to be at risk. ‘The degree of sophistication used online or over the phone to defraud is frightening, but so too is the brazen approach shown by the perpetrators of more traditional forms of the offence, such as door-steppers who use high-pressure selling tactics. ‘This review should act as a wake-up call since there is more we can and should do to combat the problem. Government and other policymakers need to recognise the big and growing threat to older people that fraud represents and take much more determined action against it.’ Age UK is calling on the Government to set up a National Scams Task Force to bring a renewed focus, building on the good work already happening at central and local government and beyond. The Task Force should make tackling scams a priority and report annually to ensure that progress is made.

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

Image © PathDoc/www.shutterstock.com

Over half of people aged 65+ have been targeted by fraudsters, as alarming new figures by Age UK show the extent of scamming.

Care in crisis

A Top tips for avoiding scams Don’t rush into anything If you think you’ve been offered a great deal, don’t agree to it immediately. A genuine offer is unlikely to require an instant decision. Ask your family and friends what they think or call an advice agency such as Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06. For suspected pension scams call The Pensions Advisory Service on 0300 123 1047. Make sure the company is reputable Before you commit to buying, check the seller. Does the company have a contact number that works and a postal address, and is it a member of a trade association? Financial companies must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – you can check at www.fca.org.uk/ register or call 0800 111 6768. Know who’s on your doorstep If you answer the door to someone you don’t know, ask for an identity card and check it. You could phone the company they represent to check who they are. Think about putting up a notice saying you don’t buy on the doorstep. If you’re suspicious or the caller won’t leave, call 999 and ask for the police.

Be wise to cold call scams Ignore unsolicited invitations such as letters, emails or phone calls offering a brilliant investment or saying you’ve won a lottery. Ignore them and never reply – it shows your details are active which will encourage scammers to contact you again. Contact the Mailing Preference Service on 0845 703 4599 to have your name taken off UK direct mailing lists. Check your email account is set up to filter spam. Be aware of new pension scams New rules allowing people to access their pension pots from age 55 have brought with them new scams. Be cautious of anyone that claims to know loopholes, talks about overseas investments, or says you can get your money before age 55. The FCA lists current scams at www.fca.gov.uk/scamsmart. Visit the Government’s Pension Wise website for free and impartial guidance of your pension options.

s we get older, many of us will need some help from social care, but people who need to pay for care in later life often have little protection from catastrophic costs. Some people living with long term conditions like Alzheimer’s disease can need care and support for decades – at a cost of hundreds of thousands of pounds. The government wants to change things so that people will not lose all of their savings and assets. Cap on care costs The Government has proposed to set a lifetime cap on care costs of £72,000, due to come into effect in April 2016. The idea is that once you reach the cap, the Government will take over your care payments. You will also be able to qualify for some support if you have savings – up to £27,000 for people living at home and £118,000 for people living in residential care. These caps are

substantially higher than the current threshold, and aim to protect people against having to spend everything they have on care. How it will work Although this seems fairer, unfortunately the system is flawed: • Only support deemed necessary by your local authority will count towards the cap, and only at the rate the local authority would be prepared to pay. • You will be responsible for any ‘extra’ care costs (for example, if you choose a more expensive care option). • If you are in residential care, such as a care home, you will be responsible for your own general living costs (such as food and board), which won’t count towards the cap. Even once you reach the cap, the extra care costs and the daily living costs will still have to be paid. Also, money spent before the cap comes into force in April 2016 won’t be counted towards the cap.

Report it Anyone can be taken in by a scam, so don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed if it happens to you. If you think you’ve been scammed, or you’ve spotted a scam contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to report it and get help.

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Image © ptnphoto/www.shutterstock.com

Image © EdBockStock/www.shutterstock.com

The Government is proposing a new funding system for social care. But will it be fair?

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Healthy eating Eating healthily doesn’t have to be complicated or boring! In fact, it’s about making sure you have plenty of variety, so you get all the nutrients you need and maintain a healthy weight. It’s about not eating too much of some things – like saturated fat, sugar and salt – while getting enough of others – like fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals. Fruit and vegetables Research shows that people who eat plenty of fruit and vegetables are less likely to develop heart disease and certain cancers. They can be fresh, frozen, dried, canned or juiced and should make up about a third of our diet. Many of us don’t eat enough fruit and veg, and it can be hard to know how much a ‘portion’

actually is. Here are a few simple suggestions, which count as one portion each: • Breakfast – a glass of juice or a heaped tablespoon of dried fruit or a banana with your cereal. • Snacks – an apple or a handful of grapes or a pear. • Lunch – a side salad or a tomato and lettuce in a sandwich or three heaped tablespoons of baked beans. • Dinner – three heaped tablespoons of vegetables like peas or carrots or sweetcorn. You should try to eat at least 5 portions of different coloured fruit and vegetables a day and each one must be different. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, lentils and nuts Eat a portion of any of these foods at 2 of your daily meals. They all contain protein, which helps to build and repair your body. You don’t need to eat meat or fish every day – try cheese, well-cooked eggs, beans, lentils or tofu instead. Try to eat fish twice a week – one portion of white fish such as

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haddock or cod, and one portion of oily fish such as salmon or sardines. Oily fish are rich in vitamin D and a type of fat that helps to prevent heart disease. Avoid frying meat or fish. One portion is: • Fish: 140g. • Meat: 80g (about the size of a pack of cards). • Beans/pulses: 2-3 heaped tablespoons. Breads, other cereals and potatoes Have a serving of starchy food (bread, breakfast cereal, potatoes, yams, rice or pasta) with every meal. These foods give you energy. Wholegrain foods such as brown rice or wholegrain bread or pasta contain B vitamins, minerals and fibre that are good for you and help prevent constipation. Why not try: • Breakfast – wholegrain cereal or porridge or wholemeal toast with cut up banana or dried fruit. • Lunch – a sandwich or brown rice or pasta salad. • Dinner – stews, casseroles or curries with potatoes or couscous or pasta or rice. One portion is: • 2 tablespoons of cooked pasta, rice or noodles. • A medium baked potato. • Three tablespoons of cereal. Milk and dairy foods These are calcium-rich foods, which help to keep bones and teeth strong. Try to have 3 servings a day and choose lower-fat versions, such as semi-skimmed milk, half-fat cheese and low-fat paneer where you can. Did you know: A pint of whole milk contains 22.8g fat whereas a pint of semiskimmed has 10.2g? One portion is: • A glass of milk (200ml). • 150g pot of low fat yoghurt. • 30g of cheese (matchbox size).

Eating well on a budget Some people don’t think it’s possible to eat healthily on a small budget, but if you plan you can usually save a few pennies as well as giving your body all the nutrients it needs. Plan your meals a few days ahead and stick to a shopping list so you buy only the items you need. Cheaper supermarket own brands are a good bet, and remember that frozen and tinned fruit and vegetables count towards your 5 a day, and are often less expensive than fresh varieties. For fresh fruit and vegetables, it’s often better value to shop at a local market rather than at a supermarket, especially if you buy fruit and vegetables that are in season. • Look for money-off coupons in magazines or online. • Check for offers on storable foods such as pasta, cereal, and tinned food. • The reduced items shelf for goods that are reaching their use-by date often has some good bargains. • If you’re tempted by an offer on perishable

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

Maintaining a healthy weight Keeping to a healthy weight is important, however, we all know how easy it is for weight to creep up or drop off without us noticing, so check regularly that your weight is within a healthy range. One way of doing this is by finding out your Body Mass Index (BMI). Use the BMI calculator on NHS Choices to calculate yours. Worried about a poor appetite or unwanted weight loss? If you’re finding it difficult to

eat enough, this can result in you lacking essential vitamins and minerals, feeling tired, depressed and low on energy. It may also result in you losing weight. If you only feel like eating a little, it’s important that the food you do eat is nourishing. • Eat two to three small meals and a few snacks every day. Snack on yoghurt, cheese and crackers, toast with a savoury topping, a milky drink, a fruit smoothie, or breakfast cereal with milk, rather than biscuits and sweets. • Keeping active will help improve your appetite. Try going for a short walk every day or find another activity you enjoy that keeps you on the move. If you find movement difficult, ask your GP for advice about activities suitable for your level of mobility and fitness. • Keep a store of food for when you want a quick meal or snack, such as cans of soup or frozen meals.

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Trying to lose weight? Losing weight isn’t easy, but being very overweight puts us at risk of serious diseases including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers, including bowel cancer and breast cancer after the menopause. The media often talks about obesity in the younger population, but it’s a problem among older people too. If you’ve gradually gained weight over the years, try to lose it slowly but steadily, for example by losing 1kg (1–2lb) a week rather than crash dieting. Try keeping a food diary for a week. Write down everything you eat each day then check through to see where you might cut down or change your habits, for example by switching to healthier snacks.

Images © kurhan, Monkey Business Images & Maksim Shmeljov/www.shutterstock.com

foods, check the useby date and think about whether you will definitely use it before it expires. If you’re newly bereaved or separated, it can be difficult to adjust to cooking for one and keeping within a different budget. Try not to rely on ready meals: making your own usually works out cheaper and ready-meals can be higher in salt, sugar and fat than dishes you prepare for yourself. Try making extra portions of meals and freezing them to have later in the week.

• Even if your appetite is poor, make sure you drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you have problems chewing and wear dentures or have a bridge, ask your dentist to check that they fit properly. While any dental problems are being corrected, try easy-toeat foods such as minced meat, casseroles, mashed potato, canned fruit and cooked vegetables. If you’re finding it difficult to shop or cook for yourself, consider getting help. Talk to your local adult social services department and explain any problems you’re having with day-to-day tasks. Shopping online can be convenient if there aren’t any shops within walking distance or it’s difficult for you to get there - bulk-buying heavier items is a good idea, so that someone else does the lifting for you. Visit your favourite supermarket’s website to see whether they offer home delivery.

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New bid to

fight age discrimination

in the jobs market

ith four out of 10 unemployed older workers out of work for more than a year, the guide sets out a series of recommendations intended to ensure older jobseekers are not overlooked during the recruitment process. The UK’s workforce is ageing: between 2012 and 2022, there will be an additional 3.7 million people aged between 50 and State Pension age. This alongside the trend of increasing numbers of people working beyond State Pension age means there will be much older workers active in the UK. Although there are existing laws against age discrimination, age can still be a consideration during the recruitment process with some employers still requesting a maximum age for candidates and using negative stereotypes

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Image © Zurijeta/www.shutterstock.com

Age UK is partnering with the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) to launch a best practice protocol that aims to fight age discrimination in recruitment and give older people a better chance of finding work. of older workers to make hiring decisions. The guide shows how recruiters can help employers look beyond stereotypes and explains that there are no reasons for older workers to be less productive than their younger counterparts. It asks recruiters to designate an internal advocate for older people who can defend their skills and experience to business and cautions against potentially discriminatory language in job adverts – words like ‘energetic’ or ‘vibrant’ can be interpreted as code for younger workers. It also calls on the industry to use a range of platforms when advertising jobs so that some older people who do not use social media are not excluded from opportunities. The REC will send the guide to its more than

3,300 members and distribute it through the organisation’s membership engagement programme. Pensions Minister backs bid to fight age discrimination Ros Altmann, Minister for Pensions, says: ‘I am delighted to see the recruitment industry helping its members to better overcome age discriminatory practices. ‘It is in the interests of both employers and the economy to ensure older job applicants are not overlooked, as they have a wealth of experience and valuable skills that benefit businesses. Ensuring mature applicants are considered on their merits rather than written off is vital, especially in our ageing population. ‘People are not “old” in their 50s and 60s, nor indeed necessarily at ages beyond that either. I

hope employers will remain open-minded to recruiting and training older staff, as well as considering flexible working.’ Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, says: ‘Too many skilled and massively experienced older workers are being written off simply because they are incorrectly considered to be past their prime. It is a terrible waste of so much talent which could be an enormous boon to business and the UK economy.’ ‘We are living longer with many of us in better health than ever before so it’s not surprising that more of us want to continue to work in fulfilling roles for as long as we want and feel able to. ‘I hope this new code of conduct will mean we stamp out age discrimination in the recruitment process once and for all so that those who want to work

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

Walk your way to health How much exercise do you need?

urrent government advice recommends that adults aged 65 or over, who are generally fit and have no conditions that limit their mobility, should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, but this can be broken down into 10 or 20 minute blocks. Brisk walking counts as a moderate-intensity activity, provided that you set a pace where you feel a little bit out of breath but could still carry on a conversation. Don’t feel that you have to take long walks every day. It’s best to try to make walking a part of your everyday routine. The best way to do this is... • Walk to the shops instead of driving. • Use the stairs instead of the lift or escalator. • When driving, park at the far end of the car park so that you have further to walk.

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

• Plan a town or country walk at the weekend. • Join a walking group. It’s fun to walk with other people and you might even make some new friends. If you’re not already active, or have any health concerns, it’s important to check with your GP to find out if it’s safe for you to start walking. Simple tips for successful walking exercise The great thing about walking is that you don’t need any specialist equipment. However it’s important to wear comfortable shoes, and a pair of trainers is ideal. We asked personal trainer Gina Hemmings to share her 6 simple steps to successful walking. • If you’re not used to exercise, walk 10 minutes from home and then turn around and walk back. I Increase this by a minute or two every day.

• Make sure that you feel slightly out of breath and are perspiring slightly. This is a good indication that you’re walking at the right pace. • When your walk starts to feel easier, increase the intensity by taking longer strides and swinging your arms by your sides. • If you have knee, hip or joint problems, consider walking on a treadmill as they are cushioned which helps to reduce the impact on the body. • If you’re walking outdoors, you might find it more comfortable to walk on soft ground instead of pavements. • Wear thin layers so that you can take something off if you get too warm. Depending on the weather and the distance you’re walking, you might also want to carry a bottle of water, a snack, sunscreen, a sunhat and a waterproof jacket.

Image © Goodluz/www.shutterstock.com

are given a fair chance in the jobs market.’ The latest figures from REC’s job survey show that 98% of employers say they have no extra capacity in their workforce and will need to take on more employees if they are to take on more work. 62% say they plan to hire more permanent workers in the next 3 months and 97% say they will maintain or increase the use of flexible or temporary workers over the next quarter to tackle skills shortages. Kevin Green, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation says: ‘There is an enormous skills crisis looming. The UK is suffering from skills shortages across the economy and at the same time business say they can’t take on more work without more staff. ‘Older workers have a huge amount of experience, skill and knowledge to offer organisations. To encourage older people to stay in the labour market employers need to be more effective at attracting and retaining older workers. That’s why we are so passionate about working with Age UK on this important initiative. ‘Simple things like changes to the language used in the job descriptions and where roles are advertised could be significant. We want hirers to work alongside specialist recruiters who understand the benefits that older workers can bring, and who can help tailor job roles to meet their needs. Together we can rid the labour market of outdated prejudice and create a fairer and more productive economy.’

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Exercise for the over 50s Join the thousands of people staying fit for life with Move it or Lose it! Find the perfect routine for you from the award-winning range of exercise DVDs, book and audio CD. Specially designed by Yours Magazine Fitness Expert, Julie Robinson, Move it or Lose it will help you to stay strong, mobile and confident too!

Use discount code ‘ENGAGE15’ and you’ll receive a 10% discount on all *orders.

Order online at www.moveitorloseit.co.uk Freephone 0800 612 0450 *£10.00 minimum order value.

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Live Longer Live Well is our motto

Move it or Lose it is a community interest company aiming to change the way we age! They're on a mission to help older people enjoy – not just endure – later life. They have already helped thousands of people to age well and literally turn back the clock in terms of strength, mobility, confidence and independence. Julie - Founder of Move it or Lose it and Yours Magazine Fitness Expert - has motivated thousands of people of all ages to get moving. With a growing network of classes across the UK, five award-winning DVDs, an audio CD and an internationally selling book, the brand and its healthy ageing message is spreading far and wide. The Move it or Lose it programme has been tried, tested and scientifically proven to help with strength, fitness, mobility and confidence – and it’s fun to do! The award-winning range of products

are made by real people for real people and are recommended by Professor Janet Lord, worldleading expert in healthy ageing. For some, they’re the first step to regaining independence, for others, a fun resource to workout regularly at home. All the low-impact exercises are related to making everyday life a little easier so they can help with walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of the car or opening jars and bottles. The demand for this type of exercise, which is functional and fun, has prompted Move it or Lose it to develop a nationally recognised qualification. They are now training instructors who can deliver sessions in their local communities and need people who are passionate about the benefits of active living to join their team. Their network of instructors range from 22 to 72 and all have the vital ingredients to make a class enjoyable – humour and empathy!

To find out about their range of products, visit www.moveitorloseit.co.uk or call 0800 612 0450.

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

SHARE HOMES NOT CARE HOMES TO TACKLE POVERTY AND ISOLATION FOR MEDWAY’S OVER 55s For those unable to maintain the upkeep of their homes, a new initiative in The Medway Towns is offering an alternative solution to moving into warden-controlled properties or care homes. MRS Lettings in conjunction with the Second Chance Housing charity are providing a range of shared properties specifically for the over 55s to ease money worries, combat loneliness and encourage independence for those who otherwise might feel dependant on assisted living or a burden to their families. MRS Lettings with the Second Chance Housing charity are working with Landlords and other organisations to provide properties in safe areas and close to local amenities. Each resident will have a private room and share reception areas, kitchen and bathroom with 2-3 like-minded tenants. Research showed that sharing with others eases financial pressures and provides company to tackle isolation and vulnerability. The proposed project has received favourable responses from the Local Authorities and Community organisations as pressure increases on the Government to provide more financial and social support for the over 55s and OAPs. Since 2008, living costs for the over 55s increased by £1,000 a year and for the 65-74 age group, the cumulative cost of living has increased in the past 4 years by a grim 19.1%. The office of National Statistics estimates that almost 2 million pensioners rely on the financial support of their families to meet their care and day to day living costs. MRS Lettings with the Second Chance Housing charity want to remove this feeling of being a burden and to address the issue of affordable, safe homes. These people are young in mind, but circumstances can make them feel old, weak and vulnerable. MRS Lettings and the Second Chance Housing charity aim to change that. Each member of the share home pays an all-inclusive rental fee to include utility bills, TV licence, council tax, water rates, maintenance as well as a cleaner and gardener. The properties are selected based on their proximity to local amenities and MRS Lettings have established relationships with local health services and local organisations. The Share Homes initiative is one of many “passion” projects being rolled out by MRS Lettings and the Second Chance Housing charity and will eventually include similar homes for vulnerable young adults, and people with disabilities. If you feel you have a suitable property you would be prepared to let to the over 55’s or another similar groups, or are interested in living in a Share Home, please contact MRS Lettings on 01634 408840 or email penny@mrslettings.com

Registered Office: 361 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1DA

01634 408840 penny@mrslettings.com www.mrslettings.com

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summer 2015 | 19

Puzzle Page Solutions to all three puzzles can be found on page 23

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Which One is Missing? Can you find which one of these places in Medway from the list below is missing? chatham Cliffe cooling cuxton halling Hoo rainham stokE upnor

Test your general knowledge in our Quick Quiz.

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The Game of Logic Place each of the digits 1 to 9 in each row, column and 3x3 box. There is only one solution.

Quick Quiz

Suduko

Wordsearch

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2. The Charge of The Light Brigade was a notable work by which poet?

3. What is the term for a male badger?

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Engage with us…

e are looking to create a ‘Engage with us’ page where readers write into the Magazine with their thoughts, views on topics raised in the magazine or support they have received from Age UK Medway or your story. Please write to the editor at Engage Magazine, Age UK Medway, The Admirals

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1. Which of the Bronte sisters wrote Wuthering Heights?

Offices, Main Gate Road, Chatham Historic dockyard, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TZ. We look forward to hearing from you next time… the next edition will be the Winter edition so if you have any thoughts, concerns or stories to tell please write in and we will feature it in our next magazine. It could be about your summer holiday, new years or Valentine’s day.

4. Which is the only planet that rotates in the opposite direction to Earth? 5. Catherine Parr was the wife who outlived which English monarch? 6. In which Medway town is the Royal Engineers Museum? 7. Peter Sellers starred in which 1959 film where the fictional European Grand Duchy of Fenwick declared war on the United States? 8. Soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa was born in which country? 9. Which snooker player achieved the first televised 147 break? 10. Who is the captain of the England Women’s football team? 11. Lake Titicaca is on the border of which two South American countries? 12. Medway is twinned with which Spanish town?

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

Lily’s Story

L Health of older men ‘slipping through the net’ The health and wellbeing of older men in the UK is at risk of slipping through the net according to the charity Age UK.

lthough overall life expectancy is increasing for men in the UK, the number of years men can expect to live in good health is not keeping pace. As a result men are now spending a greater proportion of their lives living with disabilities and long term conditions, many of which are preventable. Of greatest concern is the growing gulf between different parts of the country. Men living in the healthiest areas now live an extra 17.8 years in good health compared to local authority areas with the lowest average scores. This gap has grown by 2.8 years between 2006-8

and 2011 – 13 (compared to 0.9 years for women). Older men are not accessing health services Age UK is concerned that older men are not accessing the health and support services that could save and improve the quality of their lives. On average, men go to their GP half as often as women. • Figures show that the number of cases of cancer in men is significantly higher than in women once they reach 60. • The number of men over 75 living with diabetes has increased to 1 in 5, the highest rate of any group. • Men are 25 percent more likely to suffer a

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

stroke than women. • Up to 66% of men over the age of 75 have hypertension. Age UK’s Charity Director, Caroline Abrahams said: ‘It is worrying that older men are now spending a greater proportion of their lives living with disabilities and long term conditions, many of which are preventable. ‘If older men have health concerns it’s vital they seek help, but we know they are more likely to ignore symptoms or put off seeing their GP. Too often key support services aren’t set up in ways that appeal to men. ‘In Men’s Health Week we want to encourage all older men worried about any aspect of their health to seek help and advice and to realise that it’s never too late to take steps to improve your health.’

ily, 88, worked for almost 50 years as a factory worker in West Auckland, County Durham, and raised 5 children on her own and after her husband died quite young. She has 12 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren. Although Lily had received home improvements to meet her care needs, meeting rising living costs was becoming a daily battle and often meant she was going without food and heating. ‘I used to worry because I didn’t have any money. It felt like £30 had to last me forever. I was going to bed at seven o’clock to keep warm because I couldn’t turn the heating on. I don’t have to do that now – I can stay up until 10 o’clock watching telly and reading. ‘Since Age UK Durham helped me claim Attendance Allowance I don’t have to worry. Once this money started, I thought about what I have been missing, all these years I could have been having help but I didn’t know. My family didn’t know anything about it or I wouldn’t have had to go to them and ask them for money. They’re only working class, they struggle to help me. ‘When you think of how you struggled – I couldn’t buy a ball of wool. Now it’s no hardship. I’m having a meat dinner tomorrow. I couldn’t do that before. It would be a dinner without meat. When the bad weather comes I want a new coat and new shoes – I know I have money now to do that. It has altered my life.’

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Local police forces have launched a campaign to raise awareness of identity crimes in the UK. The ‘Not with my name’ campaign, produced in partnership with the City of London Police (the National Policing Lead for Fraud), highlights the risk of identity crime in the UK.

t is believed that 1 in 4 adults have fallen victim to identity crime, with each losing on average £1,200 each – the total loss to the UK adult population is estimated to be £3.3 billion. Identity fraud is on the rise with a 27% increase in the first quarter of 2015. Findings also show that men are 1.7 times more likely than women to have their identity stolen. Not with my name will highlight how people can protect their personal information by creating safe passwords, protecting internet devices, dealing with unsolicited phone calls and emails, and safely storing and disposing of mail.

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The messages will be shared across the country by 35 local police forces and organisations, including Age UK, as well as Get Safe Online, Cifas, FFA UK and Experian. City of London Police Commander Steve Head, who is the Police National Coordinator for Economic Crime, said: ‘What many of us do not appreciate is the sheer scale of the problem, with 1 in 4 adults believed to have been a victim. ‘To really get to grips with identity crime requires us all to come together and share advice on how to protect our personal information at home, in the workplace and while out in public places. ‘Following the top tips

provided by the Not with my name campaign will help people better understand the nature and scale of the threat they face which in turn will hopefully make them less likely to fall victim to this type of offence.’ ‘Wake-up call for Government and financial institutions Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said ‘A 27% increase in identity fraud should act as a wakeup call to Government and financial institutions who need to stop the unbaiting threat of fraud. ‘Figures like this aren’t surprising to us as time and time again we’re seeing stats that highlight this relentless problem. This could get much worse over time as scams get more elaborate and opportunities to defraud older people increase.’ That anyone would

target an older person to defraud them in the first place is vile but we know that older people can be especially vulnerable if they are lonely and isolated or suffer with dementia or cognitive decline. ‘To have someone use your identity and personal details in order to commit further acts of criminality is abhorrent. People can try and avoid this type of fraud by taking steps to protect their private information and being careful about where they store or discard their correspondence. ‘Fraud is something that can happen to any of us at any age. Being one step ahead of these despicable people is part of the answer to this alarming problem. But Government and financial institutions need to take much more determined action against it.’

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

Police launch campaign to halt rise in identity crime

Home from Hospital volunteers The Home From Hospital service is looking to recruit volunteers to support people who have been recently discharged from hospital. To reduce the risk of being re-admitted.

olunteers are vital to our work - we couldn’t run our services for older people without their help and kindness - and we always need more volunteers* Could this be you? Can you picture yourself

delivering this much needed service to Medway’s older residents? If so, we would love to have you on board! Take the first step and call Home from Hospital at Age UK Medway call: 01634 722203. *Any volunteer will be subject to a DBS check.

Two of our current Home from Hospital volunteers, John and Ron

Dementia flexible outreach Age UK Medway manage a dementia flexible outreach from our office in the Historic Dockyard, Chatham.

Answers & Solutions from page 20 1. Emily 2. Alfred, Lord Tennyson 3. A boar 4. Venus 5. Henry VIII 6. Gillingham 7. The Mouse That Roared 8. New Zealand 9. Steve Davis 10. Steph Houghton 11. Peru and Bolivia 12. Cadiz Missing word: Cooling

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H I C A O K N L U

N A X

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P U O T S

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8 6 2 1 5 3 7 9 4

7 3 9 6 4 8 5 2 1

1 5 4 9 2 7 8 6 3

6 2 7 4 8 1 9 3 5

5 9 8 3 7 2 4 1 6

3 4 1 5 9 6 2 8 7

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summer 2015 | 23

he service is designed to enable individuals who are experiencing the early stages of a dementia type illness to be supported in continuing to pursue their interests and take part in meaningful activities. Trained support workers will spend quality time with each person on a weekly or fortnightly basis, between one and two hours, helping to maintain independence and retain or develop social contacts. Hobbies and interests, both in and outside of the home, can be reignited with a little support and can help reduce social isolation. If you would like more information about this service please call 01634 401099, all information discussed will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence.

Have you thought of volunteering? Volunteering is a great way to keep active, keep well and keep engaged with other people. At Strood Community Project we welcome volunteers with experience of life as you have so much to offer. It’s a chance to give something back; a chance to make a real difference to people from the local community who might be struggling; a chance to share your skills and knowledge; an opportunity to get out and be active; an opportunity to meet new people and make friends. We’re looking for volunteers to help in the following roles: reception, Advice Centre staff, teaching members of the public how to use the internet and basic IT skills in our drop-in centres. Training and support will given in all these roles. The most important characteristics you can bring are a listening ear and a friendly smile.

Why not call Rhonda Sands for an informal chat about our volunteering opportunities. Tel: 01634 298747

Email: Advicecentre@stroodcommunityproject.org.uk

“I don’t know where I’d be without Strood Community Project” – Suzanne, volunteer. Reg. Charity No.1143225

Reg Co. No. 7286359

123-125 High St, Strood, Rochester, Kent ME2 4TJ

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www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

The Chris Ellis centre, Strood

T Dementia

Suite at Gillingham Following the success of the Capstone Dementia Day Centre, plans were formulated to use space in the rear Mackenney Centre in Gillingham to develop a dementia suite accommodating up to 12 people a day.

he space had formerly housed a craft room, and latterly had acted as the organisational headquarters, before the rapid growth of the organisation led to a move to bigger office space in the Historic Dockyard, Chatham. In April, conversion work began to create a large open plan space, which compromised toilets, shower room, dining hall and kitchenette/arts and crafts rooms, as well as office and storage space. This meant that the staff and former CEO’s office needed to be demolished to make way for the new development. The work was completed at the beginning of June, and the dementia suite opened to its first customers on 29 June. Building on the success of the Capstone Centre, the suite will use the same model of a 12 week activities programme to ensure that customers are fully engaged throughout the day, and receive cognitive stimulation which will enable

them to maintain daily living skills. Senior Carer, Richard Guichard commented, ‘I’m very excited about being involved in the project from day one, and I’m certain we will be able to provide stimulating activities that will engage people living with dementia and make a positive difference to their lives.’ The Dementia suite will also take some pressure from the Capstone Centre, and will be covering an area including Gillingham, Twydall, Rainham and Parkwood. Day Centre Manager, Simon Baker, said

‘It’s the start of a new era for the Mackenney Centre, and a great use of the space at the back of the building. I’m confident the new team will do a fantastic job, and they’re already demonstrating huge enthusiasm for the challenge.’ If you would like further information about the Dementia suite, or other dementia services provided by Age UK Medway please call 01634 572616, email enquiries@ ageukmedway.org.uk or alternatively, visit our website www.ageuk.org.uk/medway.

Team members Sandra Smukause, Richard Guichard and Stephanie Kidd planning the activities rota.

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

he Chris Ellis Centre is a small centre providing high quality day services for up to 46 older people a day from Monday to Friday. The building was originally the church hall of St Nicholas Church and was used for wedding receptions, scouts, guides and brownies. The building was a real community place. We purchased the building in June 1997 when it changed from being a Sikh Temple to our day centre and was officially opened by Gary Rhodes in December 1997. We currently have a staff team of fifteen and provide all the daily requirements for the people attending from the transport on our specially equipped mini buses to include freshly cooked meals, footcare service, a hairdresser, assisted bathing service, laundry service, hearing clinics, optician service and a wide range of activities including chair based exercise, music for health, arts and crafts, games and quizzes as well as bingo, cooking and afternoon and day trips so you could say that for a little building it has a large life and is still going strong as a community service to the elderly population of Medway. To access the service or get more information anyone over the age of 50 can contact the centre on 01634 724745 or ask Social Services to refer. Alternately pop into the centre at 130 Brompton Lane, Strood, ME2 3BA and have a cup of tea and chat with the staff about your requirements.

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Let’s get cooking Apple pie How to make it

1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6, 15 mins before baking the pie. 2. Peel and core the apples and then cut into thick slices and reserve. Mix together the sugar, grated orange rind, mixed spice and flour. 3. Place a third of the apple slices in the base of a 1.2 litre deep pie dish and sprinkle with half the sugar mixture, cover with half the remaining apples and sugar then arrange the rest of the apples on top. Pour the orange juice over. 4. Cut the butter into small pieces and dot over the apples. 5. Make up the pastry by mixing all of the ingredients together and kneading into a dough. Roll the pasty out to an oblong on a lightly floured surface about 4cm larger than the pie dish then cut out a 1.25cm strip. Dampen edges of pie dish with a little water then place the thin strip on the pie dish edge. Dampen the pastry edge then place the pastry lid in position. Press edges firmly together and

using the back of a knife flake the edges together. If you like, any pastry trimming can be used to decorate the top. 6. Brush pastry with a little water and sprinkle with the caster sugar. Bake in a preheated oven for 15 mins then reduce oven temperature to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4 and continue to cook for 30 mins or until the pastry is golden brown. 7. The pie can be sprinkled with a little more sugar after baking, if you like. Serve warm with cream, custard or ice cream.

need What you ing For the fill

les • 675g app ft brown sugar g so ge • 75 - 100 e of 1 oran nd and juic ri • Grated ixed spice • 1tsp of m ur in white flo • 1tbsp pla r • 25g butte

stry For the pa ater

w • 7tsp cold ur oz plain flo r butter 0 /1 g 0 8 2 • eo n ri a marg • 170g/6oz lt a fs • A pinch o

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www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

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