Community Care Magazine: Magazine for Elderly and Disabled: Issue 30

Last year the Government introduced a compulsory Criminal Record check for all care staff e.g. carers, teachers, care home staff, etc. However, with so many people applying, the system became "clogged" causing severe delays in processing applications. As a result the requirement was deferred until a later date.

We have been informed that the system is running properly and it is now mandatory for all carers to be checked by the CRB. The deadline for submission is October this year. The cost for a CRB check is £33.00 (which includes a small admin charge.) Last year the cost was £12.00 per person.

All our existing Carers will be processed during October and November, although forms will be sent to you over the next few weeks.

There is no option. For Carers who do not return the forms to us, or do not enclose the necessary documentation or fee by the end of November, then we will not be able to offer them any placements until the problems are resolved.

When you are in the system you will be allowed to work even though the result of the CRB check has not come through.

It remains to be seen how long the checks take, although we are advised that clearance should not take longer than a few weeks.

If you have a disability make sure you advise your holiday insurance company. It may be beneficial to ask your GP to give you a letter about your condition. This can be passed on to the insurance company who will then be able to provide you with a more accurate quote.

It is not necessary for you to take out the insurance offered by your travel agent or Holiday Company.

If you require medical assistance call your insurer first who will then give you advice on how to proceed, including what documentation you will need to be given to enable you to make a claim when you return home.

Send off the claim and any documentation as soon as is possible, take a photocopy of anything you send and always send them by registered post.

Tools for Self Reliance is a charity, which provides tools and skills training to help artisans and craft workers in six African countries.

Their greatest need is for tools for woodworkers, blacksmiths, builders, plumbers, shoemakers, car and bicycle repairers and for metal and tin working. Donated tools are refurbished to a high standard, as they have to last.

Therefore, if you think you have suitable tools contact them at TFSR, Netley Marsh, Southampton SO40 7GY, tel: 023808 69697 or Email to info@tfsr.org

The Camping and Caravanning Club, based in Coventry, have details of over 90 caravan sites and the majority of these have disabled facilities. If you would like information about the sites and what they offer you can telephone them on 01203 694995.

We have come across the following product, which we thought might be of interest. A Body Dryer, which is fixed into your shower. It is a vertical column installed in the corner and blows out warm air through tear drop shaped holes arranged over the length of the column. The company states that the product meets the European Electrical Safety Regulations.

It costs about 5 pence each time for you to get dry and the temperature of the air is about 20C or 70F. It is turned on by either a wall or floor mounted pad suitable for both children and elderly people.

For a brochure and costs contact Apres Shower Dryers Ltd on 0161 761 3131. Visit: http://www.apresshower.com

Dementia

700,000 people suffer from dementia in the UK most of whom are above the age of 65. The Alzheimer's Society is one of many organisations, which can give help and advice.

We have listed below some general tips, which you may find helpful if you are caring for someone with Dementia.

It is suitable for using in a care home, at a day centre or in your own home. The book has 160 pages and is priced at £24.99. For further information telephone 01904 633581 or to order telephone 01736 333333.

P.S. Your local Alzheimer's Society branch may have a copy that you can look at before deciding whether to buy.

This is a network of computer literate volunteers who are able to offer FREE local computer assistance to disabled people.

If you wish to contact them by telephone call 07985 779071 or you can visit: http://www.itcanhelp.org.uk where you can download their leaflet and read examples of their work.

EmployAbility is designed to help disabled people improve their employment opportunities and career skills.

They cover topics such as exploring your skills, choosing an appropriate career and helping to build your CV, plus much more. Information is also given on appropriate benefits and support available.

You can contact them via their website: http://www.nrec.org.uk/employability/empuse.htm or by writing to The Centre for Research and Policy in Disability, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry. CV1 5FB or by telephoning 024 7688 7688.

The difficulty of accessing training courses when you are a live-in carer is well known. There seems to be little cross county assessment for NVQ qualifications and obviously carers are not able to attend any courses on a regular basis because of work. So what is available?

The Open University has a number of Vocational Qualification Courses, which are relevant to the National Care Standards and there is a range to choose from.

Throughout the centuries body odour has been a subject for much debate. It was either thought to be attractive or so undignified that great attempts were made to cover it up.

It was not until 1888 that a gentleman in Philadelphia devised a cream, which covered up the smell. Realising that he had a profitable product on his hands he trademarked his invention and called it "Mum." (We haven't been able to find out why he chose this name. If you have any ideas please let us know.)

He sold it in jars and it was applied with the fingertips. The company was still operating in 1931 when it was acquired by Bristol Myers.

However it was not until 1952 that the deodorant was changed from a cream product into a roll-on. (based on the same idea as the new invention of the ballpoint pen.) Where Bristol Myers went, many others soon followed as is evident from looking on the shelves of any chemist or supermarket today.

Before the advent of frozen vegetables the Victorians preserved their beans with a method, which you can still use today.

They used to pack them in salt in a glass or earthenware container. Allowing 1 pound of cooking salt to 3 pounds of beans. Quite simply, slice or half the beans and put a layer in the bottom of the vessel and sprinkle a layer of salt. Use up the rest of the beans and the salt in a similar manner.

After a couple of days they will have shrunk and you can repeat the process with more beans and salt. Finish with a good layer of salt so you cannot see the beans, cover and store in a cool dark place over the coming months. When you want to use some, soak them in water for a couple of hours before cooking in unsalted water.

Recently we had a bundle of post delivered which contained letters that had been posted to us over a fortnight before. Also in this bundle were eight letters, which were addressed to other companies and people at differing addresses. Annoying! So what do you do if you wish to complain about your Royal Mail delivery?

You can: Telephone 08457 740 740 where it is promised you will have your call answered by trained staff.

You can complain to Post Watch. This is an organisation, which will make your complaint for you. They are also the people to approach if you are concerned about a Post Office closure in your area. Contact them on 08456 013 265.

If you had visited a supermarket recently to buy a packet of Paracetamol you may have been told that you can only have a box of 16 tablets. This is now the largest pack available unless it is prescribed by your doctor or sold under the supervision of the pharmacist.

The reason is, because it is a powerful drug, some people have been taking large quantities in order to harm themselves. Therefore by restricting the pack size it may prevent people from taking this action.

It also removes the temptation to take too much in an attempt to speed up the relief of symptoms when you are feeling ill.

Boots have produced some literature, offering a Prescription Collection Service. It is for people who have medication prescribed regularly and would like to collect it from Boots rather than the surgery.

Quite simply, you give Boots permission to pick up your repeat prescription and they will collect it, on a regular basis, from the surgery so that you can then collect it from your nearest store. For details ask your local chemist at Boots.

Summer is the time of the highest number of burglaries. Here are a few simple precautions, which you should take:

Interviews have recently taken place in Norwich, Basildon, Manchester, Grimsby and Surrey.

"Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?" "Samson, he brought the house down."

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Able Community Care
The Old Parish Rooms, Whitlingham Lane, Trowse,
Norwich, Norfolk NR14 8TZ, United Kingdom

Opening Hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm GMT, Monday to Friday
(excepting UK Bank Holidays)

Tel: +44 (0)1603 764567 | Fax: +44 (0)1603 761655 | Email: ablemg@aol.com

Community Care Magazine for Elderly and Disabled: GAZETTE No.30