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Community Care Magazine No33 for Elderly and DisabledWe Wish All Our Readers A Happy & Prosperous New Year... The last two years have probably been the most onerous and difficult for those involved in caring and in any care related company or voluntary body. The full repercussions of Government legislation, EU legislation, EU Directives (open to varying interpretations by some professionals!), etc. have yet to be realised. But there is no doubt that currently we have seen an increase in costs and a doubling of the administration and paperwork in our office. Increased regulation has also resulted in making it difficult to provide care for some people and impossible for others. The procedures and checks required when we recruit carers have actually dissuaded some more mature carers from applying to work in care. On the one hand people are living longer yet on the other, care homes are still closing. By the year 2014 there will be more 65 year-olds than 16 year-olds in the UK. Statutory bodies and government departments, e.g. the police, immigration, health are not always able to respond to requests for help, guidance and action with regard to care recipients vulnerability. We should state that we are in agreement with the need for nation-wide Care Standards and Police Checks. It is important that all those involved in care are playing on the same field with the same set of rules. So what do we wish for? Quite simply for a little common sense and reality to be shown by those who are making the rules for care in the community. If all the changes that have been implemented in the last two years or so mean that care has improved for people, it would be welcomed. In our opinion however, this is not necessarily the case. We do wish it was. Ever wanted to contact your MP but found it was too much bother? Most of us would probably answer "yes". Now however there is a much simpler way to contact your MP about anything that concerns you. A web site Fax Your MP enables you to contact your MP direct by typing your comment or question on the site itself. You type your postcode in and the following information is displayed:
Sometimes we come across new products and services that are not directly related to care but are interesting, so we tell you about them! Recently we have found information on a new type of service for busy people. Quite simply, you let other people take the strain by relieving you of some of your tasks. Result, you get more free time! It may be managing your household chores, sorting out household maintenance problems, researching holiday destinations, helping with your children or looking for the best deals on items and services you need to purchase. Dedicated Personal Organisers or Concierge Services can be found on the Internet. The company we found is called Bespoke Lifestyles and they are based in Berkshire and Surrey. (telephone 01344 876999). There may be other similar companies based in your area. Prevent Burst Pipes Extreme cold weather can cause your water pipes to freeze, then rupture and flood your home. Listed below are some tips to prevent your pipes freezing.
Be a good neighbour. If you have an elderly neighbour keep a lookout to make sure that they are well. Check to make sure that their curtains are open during the day and that they put their lights on when it gets dark. If you do not see such signs, knock on their door to make sure they are well. If you get no reply, try to contact a friend or relative. If you are worried about their welfare, contact the emergency services. Do You Remember Dr Williams Pink Pills? Dr Williams Pink Pills were for "pale" people. He stated that they were for "people who suffered from anaemia, general weakness, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, early decay and all sorts of female weakness." "If you have hysteria, paralysis, rickets or rheumatism then these pills were what you needed." They were sold for about 13 pence per box (2s 9d pre decimal) and below is a "testimonial" from a lady in Gt. Yarmouth as to their effectiveness. Mrs Charlotte Rose had been the victim of an accident and for months the skills of medical men failed to make her better. Her local clergyman had administered the Sacrament as it was feared she would not recover. However, a friend recommended the Pink Pills and after taking the first box she began to feel better. After taking ten boxes of them she was almost back to normal to the astonishment of all! Chilblains Chilblains are a winter nuisance for many people. They occur on the extremities of our body with toes and heels being common sites. You will be more susceptible to them if you have poor circulation and your chances of getting them are greater if you suffer from anaemia, smoke or do not exercise. Chilblains itch, become swollen and red and are unpleasant. Prevention is better than cure and you can try to avoid getting them by:
PALS is the Patient Advice and Liaison Service which is an NHS service set up to provide independent and confidential help, advice and support to people who have any concerns or issues about their local health services. Every NHS Trust has a PALS so if you have a problem or concern about your local health services then contact them via your NHS Trust. Mobile Phones From 1st December it is now illegal to use your mobile phone whilst driving a car. It is also illegal to use a mobile phone whilst stationary, if your engine is running. Electoral Role Do you get fed up with receiving junk mail? Do you wonder how these companies know your name and address? It may be from the Electoral Role, the unedited version. There are two versions of the Electoral Role, the full register and the un-edited register. The full register details can only be accessed by your Council, the Police and credit reference companies. However, the un-edited version, which can be bought, can be seen by any person. Hence they are used by companies who send junk mail. If you do not wish to have your details in this un-edited version, contact your local Council and ask to be removed from the list. Winter Motoring Keep safe this winter by getting ready now for colder weather. Make sure you:
Interviews have taken place in Norwich, Goole, Llanelli and Devon. Simple Winter Soup This soup will make four servings, is warm, hearty and simple. Ingredients: Method:
Our thanks and appreciation go to carer Janet Maxwell who acted in an extremely caring and professional manner in a difficult situation. Also to Hope Amaiyo who stepped in to help a carer colleague at exceptionally short notice. Finally ... Q. What is an archaeologist? Q. What is the noisiest game? is the online version of Able Community Care's Gazette. Want a printed copy of our current Gazette? Click Here To Request a Printed Gazette... with experienced live-in Carers gives peace of mind and has been our nationwide priority since 1980. Alternatively, we can post you our current brochure. Click Here to Request a Printed Brochure... Click Here to Join us as a Carer... We're always happy to answer your questions Click Here to Ask a Question... Telephone: 01603 764567 (office hours: 9am-4pm GMT) Fax: 01603 761655 Able Community Care The Old Parish Rooms Whitlingham Lane Trowse, Norwich NR14 8TZ United Kingdom Back to Community Care Magazine Index...
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