Community Care Magazine for Elderly and Disabled: GAZETTE No.36JULY-AUGUST 2004 Disability Discrimination Act 2004 There are over 8 million disabled people in the UK and on October 1st The Disability Discrimination Act 2004 comes into force. This means that all businesses, e.g. local shop, restaurants, dentists, banks, health clubs, etc. will need to become "user friendly" for disabled people. To comply with the law, businesses will need to adapt their premises by removing any barriers that prevent disabled people from access. Or if this is impossible think of other ways their service can be provided. Failure of businesses to act could result in legal action being taken against them. Looking for a Dentist? The number of dentists providing services under the NHS is decreasing and it is difficult to find one, especially if you have not had dental treatment for some time. If you are thinking about registering with a NHS dentist and you have access to the Internet the easiest way to find one is to go to The National Health Service - Local Services Search. Here you can find out about services (including dentists) in your locality. The site for dentists also gives you information on the dental practices and as to whether they are taking NHS patients for treatment. Bought a Product by Mail Order and not Happy? If you have bought a product by mail order and you are not happy with what you have received you are covered under the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000. In this legislation there is a right to have a "cooling off" period during which time you can change your mind and cancel the order. You only have seven working days to do this after the day on which you received the goods. You have to register your intention in writing (proof of posting or recorded delivery gives added safety) that you wish to cancel and return the goods. Whilst you have the goods in your possession you must look after them and either return them or make them available for the seller to collect. You will probably have to pay the cost of returning the item. Once the item has been returned you are entitled to expect your refund within 30 days. Eat a Rainbow "Eat a rainbow - Beat a stroke" is the latest message from The Stroke Association. The leaflet informs you that five servings of fruit and vegetables are the cornerstone of a healthy diet. The rainbow of food for the day could be a yellow banana, two purple plums, some green broccoli, orange carrots and a red pepper plus the rest of the ingredients for your daily meals. The variations are many. The leaflet continues by giving additional health information to lower your risk of a stroke. If you would like a copy of this leaflet please contact the Office. Conmen Conmen are always about and see older and disabled people as easy targets. The police give the following advice which if followed may ensure you do not become a victim.
Salt Two tips for household use:
What is the difference? Fire blankets are good to use on fat pan fires on the cooker or for wrapping round a person whose clothes are alight. Mainly ideal for the kitchen they have a limited use. If you buy one or have one already make sure that it conforms to British Standard BS 6575. Fire Extinguishers come in three types, powder, foam and water. 1) Powder a) Multi Purpose Powder - works by "knocking down" the flames. They are safe to use on most kind of fires but especially effective on burning solids. 2) Foam or Aqueous Film Forming Liquid (AFFF) a) The foam forms a blanket or film on the surface of some burning liquids. 3) Water This cools the burning material but you can only use water extinguishers on solids like wood or paper. You must never use water on electrical fires or burning fat or oil. For up to date advice about a fire extinguisher/blanket for your home call your Fire Safety Officer at your local Fire Brigade department. Remember 50 Years Ago? Fifty years ago the first television news was broadcast. Richard Baker, (still working for the BBC), was the presenter. His colleagues, who appeared in later news broadcasts that day, were Kenneth Kendall and Robert McDougall. Cadbury Nutritional Information If you have a food intolerance or are on a diet you may wish to visit the Nutritional Information page on the Cadbury's web site: http://www.cadbury.co.uk/EN/CTB2003/kitchen_lifestyle
The information identifies the amount of protein in the product as well as fat and carbohydrate content. It tells you whether it is colour, corn, egg, gluten, ethanol, milk, nut, salt and soya free plus giving information regarding Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal and Kosher diets. Disability and Sport The English Federation of Disability Sport is the national body responsible for developing sport for disabled people in England. They work with other national disability sports organisations throughout the country to provide an opportunity for disabled people who wish to partake in any kind of sport. Their head office is based in Manchester but there are nine regional networks that develop sports programmes to respond to local needs. If you require further information contact them on 0161 247 5294 or by email: federation@efds.co.uk
If you have an old mobile phone or old printing cartridges you may wish to donate them to the above charity. Phones and cartridges can be recycled and the proceeds used to help fund vital research into the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Post your unwanted items to: Roy Castle Recycling Appeal (EL), 31-37 Etna Road, Falkirk. FK2 9EG. Tel: 08712 50 50 50. Food Safety It is sometimes difficult to find appropriate classroom based training because either you are working or it does not fit into a convenient time when you are not. Food Safety training and hygiene should be of interest to anyone who is concerned with the preparation of food. Recently we have discovered a home based package "Food Safety and Basic Infection Control" provided by a company called Achor. The package provides simple text, a learning guide, a DVD or CDROM presentation and a cd or cassette element that you can play, for example, in the car to reinforce learning. The package is supported by a telephone/email mentor who can guide candidates through the programme and answer any questions arising. For further details contact us on 01603 764567 mentioning "Achor Training." If you know someone who would like a Liberty Bodice, read on...... The Liberty Bodice was, at one time, the standard winter clothing for all children and adults. The fleecy lined cotton vests with their rubber buttons were worn for several months during the year. Versions for older people came with suspenders attached for stockings. Recently we came across a company that still sells Liberty Bodices for adults. The price is around £30.00 per bodice. So if you know someone who would like one for next winter you can contact the company at: Woods, Unit 11, Northgate, White Lund Industrial Estate, Morecambe. Tel: 01524 840084, fax: 01524 840501. They have a catalogue available covering other items of clothing as well. Washing circa 1900 We all take washing machines and associated aids for granted these days but how different it was 100 years ago. There is record that in suburban London homes, if the washing was not "sent out" then it would accumulate for a month and a major wash over about four days would be needed. Firstly, the dirtiest items would be put in to soak for a day and this was followed by individually washing other items. Linen and cotton clothing, bedding and towels would be boiled. Everything then had to have a rinse before being put through the mangle and hung out to dry. Electric irons were in use but, as they had no thermostat, they had to continually be unplugged to cool down. Washing machines were available from about 1880 but these had to be manually turned and agitated. Electric machines were not available until later in the 20th century. Still Time for a Holiday Cruising is an ideal holiday for people who have poor mobility or use a wheelchair. It means that you can see a variety of places without having to continually repack your case and check in. It is possible to find cruise ships with adapted cabins, disabled toilet facilities, panic buttons, facilities for guide dogs and other helpful aids and equipment. The Passenger Shipping Association Retail Agents Scheme have staff who can provide information about cruising and disability. Look in your travel agents windows for their sticker. Cruise companies such as: Crystal Cruises, Princess Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean International, Fred Olsen and P&O are among the companies who have disabled facilities. They only allocate a small number of cabins for people with disabilities compared with the overall number of cabins available. It is likely therefore that you will have to book some time in advance. So start planning for next year! Grippit 2000 This is a product which we have come across that is useful if you have problems with gripping items such as a pen, a razor, toothbrush, etc. The product consists of two linked plastic rings and is suitable for both right handed and left handed people. The product is manufactured by Saracen Products Ltd., of Glasgow (they have been selling Grippits since 1999.) You can purchase them in packs of six for £11.24 which includes postage and packing. For further details you can access their web site at: http://www.grippit2000.co.uk or give them a telephone call on 0141 336 2200. Interviews Interviews have taken place for Carers in Norwich, Manchester, Devon, Wales and Scotland. Thoughts for the day Consider the turtle, he only makes progress when he sticks his neck out. The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. Current Brochure - If you would like a copy please telephone 01603 764567.
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