Winter Engage 2020

engage age uk magazine WINTER 2020

AGE UK BUCKINGHAMSHIRE NEWS + let’s get talking + the big knit + MUCH MORE INSIDE

Have you made a Will? Do you want to learn more?

© iStock Photos

Helen Taylor TEP of Franklins Solicitors LLP provides details: Can that they have their Canyou you introduce introduce thought Will doesn’t have to be aallsad or affairs yourself tellus inawkward order and how relieved arehow yourself and and tell time, clients oftenthey tell me uswhat what you knowing that their be met. you do?do? comforted they arewishes by the will thought that A they Will have allows appoint the and all you theirto affairs in order I am executors of your and those I amaaPartner Partner in in how relieved theyestate are knowing that their Franklins chosen FranklinsSolicitors Solicitors wisheswill willensure be met.your A Willestate allowsisyou to LLP up administered and yourofwishes carried LLPand and head head up appoint the executors your estate and both the private client andthe family out.

It will allow you to state will both private those chosen will ensure yourwho estate is law teams Northampton client andacross family our law teams across our administered and your and wishes benefit, by how much forcarried you and Milton Keynes offices.Keynes Initially Northampton and Milton offices. toout. willspecific allow you to state whoaswill set Itout wishes (such I practised as a barrister in London, Initially I practised as a barrister in benefit, by how much and for you to set funeral arrangements). but looking morefor personal client London, butfor looking more personal out specific wishes (such as contact, I requalified as a solicitor and client contact, I requalified as a solicitor funeral arrangements). in and 2018 it will with the the 2020 willbe bemy my 20th 22nd year with firm.

I am of the the Society firm.

I ama afull fullmember member of of Trusts andPractitioners Estate Practitioners ofSociety Trusts and Estate (STEP)and andaafully fully accredited accredited member (STEP) memberof the Elderly (SFE). ofSolicitors Solicitorsforfor the Elderly (SFE).

Additionally I hold the STEP Advanced Certificate in Advising We are a friendly and approachable Vulnerable Clients. team and enjoy helping our clients plan for the future. Our work requires We are a friendly approachable understanding andand compassion and Without a properly drafted Will, your and enjoy helping our clients plan estate Without properly drafted weteam are experienced in handling the willahave to be dealtWill, withyour by for the future.

Our work requires estate will have to be dealt with by the sensitivities of making a Will or Lasting the rules set out in law - the intestacy understanding and We compassion andinwe rulesItset in law - the intestacy rules.

Power of Attorney. take pride rules. is out a common misconception are experienced in handling the It iscouples a common misconception guiding clients through the process in that who live togetherthat will of making Will or Lasting couples whotheir live together willthat ansensitivities understandable waya and helping inherit from partner or Power Attorney.

We take pride in inherit from theirwill partner or that them to of make informed decisions. married couples automatically guiding clients through the process in an inherit married couples will automatically everything. This is not correct understandable way and helping them inherit This is not correct and mosteverything. people are horrified when to make informed decisions. and most people are horrified they hear how their estate willwhen be they hear howthe their estate will be divided under intestacy rules. divided undercarers, the intestacy rules. Close Close friends, godchildren friends, carers, godchildren and and unmarried partners whether unmarried partners whether heterosexual or same sex will not heterosexual or same sex will not benefit under these rules. benefit under these rules.

The offices work closely together and support each other in ensuring that our clients’ needs are met. The whole team, including support staff The offices work closely together and and trainee solicitors are Dementia support each other in ensuring that our Friends. clients’ needs are met. The whole team, including support staff so andimportant? trainee Why is making a Will solicitors are Dementia Friends.

I have often found that a clear and I have often found that a clear and valid valid Will helps provide directions, Will helps provide directions, during during what is such a difficult time, for what is such a difficult time, for those those left behind. left behind.

Understandably many people don’t Why makingofa preparing Will so important? like theisthought a Will.

However, in my experience making Understandably many people don’t a Will doesn’t have to be a sad or like the thought of preparing a Will. awkward time, clients often tell in my experience meHowever, how comforted they aremaking by thea

Foraa10% 10% discount discount on or Lasting Power of Attorney please For onaaWill simple Will or Lasting Power of Attorney contact Helen Taylor TEP by email Helen.Taylor@franklins-sols.co.uk please contact Helen Taylor, TEP by email Helen.Taylor@franklinsor call 01908 660966 quoting discount codediscount BUCKS10code BUCKS10. sols.co.uk or call 01908 660966 quoting

Can CanI Inot notjust justwrite writethe the Will Will myself? myself?

InIntheory, stopping theory,there there is is nothing nothing stopping you you from writing from writing youryour own own Will. Will.

However, However, this is aand complex and this is a complex intricate area of intricate law and there are law and area thereof are a number of legal a formalities number ofthat legal formalities thatwith must be complied must be complied in order in order for the Willwith to take effect.for It is the Will to to take It isexperienced advisable advisable useeffect. a solicitor toinuse solicitor experienced in this thisaarea, to make sure that the Will is drafted correctly order have area, to make sure in that thetoWill is the effect that youinwant and drafted correctly order towithout have the any unintended consequences arising. effect that you want and without any Sometimes it is not the drafting of the unintended consequences arising.

Will that is difficult advice of and Sometimes it is notbut thethe drafting the thethat decisions behindbut it. the advice and Will is difficult the decisions behind it.

If you have complex family (such as a 2nd marriage, If circumstances you have complex family children from different or circumstances (such asrelationships a 2nd any familychildren breakdown) if you wish to marriage, fromordifferent include moreor complex provisions such relationships any family breakdown) as the use of trusts for tax purposes or or if you wish to include more the protection of your home or other complex provisions such as the use is even more important ofassets, trustsitfor tax purposes or the to obtain specialist legal advice.

We take protection of your home or other pride init providing our clients with the assets, is even more important to best advice and service possibleWe andtake to obtain specialist legal advice. do this, we spend time getting to know pride in providing our clients with the our advice clients, understanding their personal best and service possible and circumstances and their to do this, we spend time getting to familyour arrangements. know clients, understanding their personal circumstances and their family arrangements.

A carefully drafted Will can, in the right circumstances provide opportunities for the mitigation of inheritance tax. It can fordrafted vulnerable disabled Aprovide carefully Willorcan, in children whilst protecting their benefits and the right circumstances provide most importantly, canmitigation give you peace opportunities for the of of mind that your affairs are in order. inheritance tax. It can provide for

vulnerable or disabled children whilst protecting their benefits and most importantly, can give you peace of mind that your affairs are in order.

engage

Contents WINTER 2020 Foreword …................................. p.5 from our CEO

Seasons Change ….................. p.13 Your snaps.

Brain Training ….......................... p.6 Train your brain with our 20 fun questions.

Recipes …................................... p.14 Food to make with 3 ingredients.

Volunteer and Job Ads ….......... p.7 Adverts for welfare benefits volunteers, fundraising and Help in the Home Jobs.

Head Office …............................. p.8 It’s business as usual here at the head office.

Time to Relax .............................. p.9 Life after lockdown has brought with it change.

Focus On Exercise ............... p.10-12 for a healthy heart and mind.

Ways to implement forms of exercise into your daily routine.

Ask Julie …................................. p.15 An article all about reducing the risk of falling.

100 Years Young ....................... p.16 Hana and Seniye.

Social Distancing ..................... p.16 with the Little Pony Club.

The Big Knit ............................... p.17 Unicorn Hat.

Services AgeUK Bucks ............. p.18 Information about the services we offer.

Let’s Get Talking ....................... p.19 Our letters page. Join in the conversation!

In Your Area …......................... p.20 Online activities.

OFFER! ….................................. p.20 Stay connected with a Nokia Smartphone.

Useful Contact Numbers ......... p.21 Cut out and keep.

A page of really useful numbers you may find helpful.

8

13 14 16

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Meet the team…

Editor

Caroline Cunningham-Oakes Tel: 01296 431911 Email: ccunninghamoakes@ ageukbucks.org.uk

Age UK Buckinghamshire 145 Meadowcroft Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP19 9HH Tel: 01296 431911 Fax: 01296 330783 Email: age@ageukbucks.org.uk www.ageukbucks.org.uk

Advertising

Laurence Tel: 01536 334218 Email: laurence@lanceprint.co.uk

Publisher Lance Print Ltd 1st Floor Tailby House Bath Road Kettering NN16 8NL Tel: 01536 334220 Email: mike@lanceprint.co.uk www.lanceprint.co.uk

Printer Lance Print Ltd Tel: 01733 390564

This magazine is produced on behalf of Age UK Buckinghamshire by Lance Print 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 Buckinghamshire 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 Buckinghamshire. Reg. Charity No. 1078539

You can keep in touch in a number of ways Email us at age@ageukbucks.org.uk Follow us on Face Book at https:// www.facebook.com/ageukbucks Follow us on Instagram at https:// www.instagram.com/ageukbucks Telephone us on 01296 431 911 @ageukbucks @ageukbucks

Foreword from the CEO Welcome to the latest winter 2020 edition of Engage.

In the first instance, I would like to pass on our thoughts to any family in Bucks who has been affected by the current and unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. You may have lost loved ones, suffered illness and worry or experience financial hardship. The year 2020 has been one to remember for all sorts of reasons.

We have hope that news of an effective vaccine may be round the corner and we just need to hold on and look to the light at the end of what has felt, a very long tunnel.

I continue to be impressed by the level of care and goodwill shown by local people supporting the most vulnerable. At Age UK Buckinghamshire, we have been working closely with other local charities, other local voluntary sector organisations and Bucks County Council to respond effectively to this unexpected crisis.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our supporters, those who have made donations and of course, our army of volunteers who have remained committed, patient and generous during this difficult time.

The team at Age UK Buckinghamshire continues to follow Her Majesty’s Government guidelines, and we hoping

suppor ting older people since 1945

to resume normal service in the coming weeks and months. This period of time has continued to be been very difficult for many, in particular those who continued to be advised to ‘socially distance’ and may have had little or no access to the outside world other than their TV or radio.

Moving forward we want to support people in Bucks find new ways to keep in touch with family, friends and their local community.

We are now set to expand our Befriending Project to include Digital Connections and prepare our community for the future. We welcomed our new team member Catherine Owen on 9th November and you can read more about our ‘Digital Connections’ project on page 19 The Lunch Club at Missenden were able to make some of their club members day.

You can read about what they did, on page 13.

I do hope that you enjoy reading our stories and features in this autumn edition.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a happy and healthy festive season and thank you once again for your support during this most challenging year.

From all at Age UK Bucks we wish you good health and happiness.

I am sure that 2021 will bring new challenges and opportunities. By continuing to work together we can help our older people continue to flourish and heal.

We would absolutely love to hear your thoughts, views stories, anecdotes, poems. Tell us all about your hobbies, and your past times that you want to share with our other readers of this Engage magazine.

Berna d ette A sh croft WINTER 2020 | 5

engage

A

mersham Museum is running a project to help older members in our community record their Life Stories. Everyone has a story to tell. We have had the privilege of helping a number of people to write their story and we are keen to extend the opportunity to more people in our community.

We have trained volunteers who, over a period of weeks or months, help people record their memories and produce a booklet so that they can share their life stories with their loved ones. This is a wonderful way to ensure that people’s memories are captured, and to ensure that part of our social history is preserved. People who have taken part tell us that they enjoy the regular contact with our volunteers whilst their story is recorded.

We would be very happy to talk to you about the project if you have any questions or would like to be involved. Please get in touch with Jane Barnes from Amersham Museum, who will be pleased to answer your questions.

She can be contacted on: 01494 723700 or jane@amershammuseum.org

We can offer this service to people living in the Amersham, Chesham, The Chalfonts and Coleshill area.

Previously we have done this with face to face meetings and if we are able to continue during the current restrictions for Covid-19, we are happy to do so. However, we realise that some people may be reluctant to have non-family members in their homes so we can record people’s stories remotely with the use of a “tablet device”.

These devices can be supplied free of charge and we will provide full instructions on how to use it, as well as technical support if needed. This is a great way of still being able to keep in touch with people especially if any future restrictions on face to face contact are imposed. The device will be yours to keep after the project to use in any way you like.

We realise you may have questions about our project and how it may or may not suit you.

6 | WINTER 2020

www.ageukbucks.org.uk

Vacancies

Welfare Benefits Volunteers

Do you have 2-3 hours a week to help older people in Buckinghamshire?

We are currently looking for Welfare Benefit Volunteers in the Chiltern, Wycombe and South Bucks Districts!

experienced volunteer to observe and then advise before taking on one-to-one visits.

Many older people struggle financially because they do not maximise their incomes by claiming the welfare benefits to which they are entitled. Within this role, you would visit clients in their own home and help them through the process of claiming benefits such as Attendance Allowance.

If you are interested in this volunteer position then please contact Sue Gehnich on: sgehnich@ageukbucks.org.uk or telephone 01296 431911. More information on our website: www. ageukbucks.org.uk

You will need to be empathetic, non-judgemental, patient and professional with a friendly and approachable manner. Attention to detail, good record keeping and a willingness to learn about older people’s benefits is vital.

You can commit to as many visits a week as you wish, with each visit taking around 2-3 hours. We will provide training to successful applicants and at the end of the initial training you will be “buddied” with a more

Freelance Home Helpers

Do you want to help the older members of our community whilst earning money?

We are looking for self-employed Home Helpers, in High Wycombe, Amersham and Chesham.

When older people are unable to look after their homes and need help with cleaning, Age UK Buckinghamshire provide friendly, competent Home Helpers as regularly as they wish.

Local Help in the Home agents are needed to provide help with general cleaning, laundry, prescription collection and shopping for older people in Buckinghamshire.

We are looking for committed, caring and personable adults who want to help older people whilst earning. You will be a self-employed freelance agent, Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) checked and able to provide references.

For more information and an application form please contact Zoe Stevenson (Help in the Home Coordinator) on zstevenson@ ageukbucks.org.uk or call on 01296 438416.

You can also download the application form from our website: www.ageukbucks.org.uk

suppor ting older people since 1945

Calling all Digital Heroes !!

Do you have time to spare and experience of using Smartphones, Tablets and other IT platforms ?

Age UK Buckinghamshire is looking for new volunteers aged 18+ to assist our work across the county. We want to help older residents Get Connected and Stay Connected.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has raised our awareness that people who do not have access to digital communications are more likely to become socially isolated and disadvantaged in terms of maintaining contact with family and friends, accessing the internet and less able to manage day to tasks e.g. shopping independently.

If you would like to work with us to build digital confidence and connectivity, then please contact us for more information.

All volunteers receive training and complete DBS clearance.

If you would like more information, please contact us on 01296 431 911 E-mail age@ageukbucks.org.uk

WINTER 2020 | 7

engage

QUIZ

Why not have a go at our

Christmas Question 1

Question 4

Question 2

Question 5

Who invented the Christmas cracker?

How do you say “Merry Christmas” in Spanish?

What birds are popular on Christmas cards?

Question 3

Question: Which Hollywood actor played six different roles in The Polar Express?

What Christmas decoration was originally made from strands of silver?

Question 6

What Christmas beverage is also known as “milk punch?”

Question 7

What Christmas-themed ballet premiered in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 1892?

Question 9

What Bing Crosby song is the best-selling single ever?

Question 8

What much-reviled Christmas edible is known for its long shelf life?

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Q2 Robins Q3 Tom Hanks Q4 Feliz Navidad

Q5 Tinsel Q6 Eggnog Q7 The Nutcracker

Q8 Fruitcake Q9 White Christmas 8 | WINTER 2020

Q1 Tom Smith, a 19thcentury London sweet shop owner.

Answers

www.ageukbucks.org.uk

Get

CREATIVE

whilst helping those less fortunate this Winter.

Do you know or are you yourself an older person living in Buckinghamshire who likes a project, likes to be creative during these cold winter months.

Get creative with the AgeUK Buckinghamshire with our shoebox project working in partnership with the Aylesbury Vineyard Charity.

Helping people in need since 1998 All you need is-

One of our free AUKB Shoebox packs-contains 1x shoebox in flatpack form, 1 sheet of gift wrap and a card .

1 instruction sheet to help you.

What happens once I have completed my shoebox Once your shoebox is complete

return it or we can collect it or kindly have someone return it to us at our head office at AgeUK Buckinghamshire 145 Meadowcroft Aylesbury HP19 9HH.

Where do the gift shoe boxes go?

Our chosen charity, Aylesbury Vineyard Storehouse will then collect the shoe boxes and distribute them to families and individuals in need to enjoy this Christmas.

Thank YOU for your kind help and we hope you enjoy making your box up and making someone’s smile.

suppor ting older people since 1945

WINTER 2020 | 9

engage

Focus On..

scams and how to av

I

Coronavirus be awa

t’s important you’re aware of the many new scams around at the moment because of coronavirus.

you’ve been asked to transfer a

money quickly

Scams to look out for include:

you’ve been asked to give a

away personal information

advertising face masks or a

medical equipment at high

you haven’t had written a

confirmation of what’s been

prices

emails or texts pretending to a

be from the government

emails offering life insurance a

against coronavirus

people knocking at your door a

and asking for money for charity

If you see emails or texts about coronavirus from someone you don’t know, or from an unusual email address, don’t click on any links or buy anything.

Don’t give money or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust - for example someone who knocks on the door and offers to help.

It might be a scam if:

it seems too good to be true a

for example, a holiday that’s

much cheaper than you’d expect

someone you don’t know a

contacts you unexpectedly

you suspect you’re not a

dealing with a real company

you’ve been asked to pay in a

an unusual way for example,

by iTunes vouchers or

through a transfer service

like Western Union or MoneyGram.

like passwords or PINs

agreed

Helping someone else who has become a victim of a scam Managing someone else’s bank account If you’re helping someone who’s been scammed, there are ways you can manage their bank account for them. You might need to do this if you want to stop payments or claim back money.

The person you’re helping needs to fill in a form giving you permission to manage their account. This is known as a ‘third party mandate’. Most banks have a third party mandate on their website.

Contact Citizens Advice on helping others who might have been scammed. www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/ looking-after-people/managing-affairsfor-someone-else/

How you can protect yourself:

Don’t click on the links or a

attachments in suspicious

emails and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details.

Don’t assume a phone call a

or email is authentic, even

if someone knows your basic details (such as your name or address). Remember, criminals can spoof phone numbers and email addresses to appear as companies you know and trust, such as TV Licensing.

emails offering life insurance a

against coronavirus

Your bank will never call and a

ask you for your PIN, full

banking password, or ask you to transfer money out of your account.

What to do if you’ve fallen victim:

Let your bank know as soon a

as possible and monitor your

bank statements regularly for any unusual activity.

If you suspect your identity a

may have been stolen you

can check your credit file

quickly and easily online. Use

a reputable service provider

and follow up on any

unexpected or suspicious results.

for example, if there’s no postal address

1 0 | WINTER 2020

www.ageukbucks.org.uk

void being caught out re of the new scams

If you have been a victim of a

fraud or cyber crime, report

it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk, or by calling 0300 123 2040.

A new telephone scam is coming to light .... callers contact residents saying they are from NHS Track & Trace, telling the resident that they have been in contact with someone suffering from Covid 19 and need to have a test sent out to them. This is swiftly followed with a request for the resident’s bank details; the caller states that the test and results cost £500.

Please do not fall for this scam.

If you need a test sent out to you because you are unable to attend a test site, this is done for free, both delivery and collection, followed up by the result.

suppor ting older people since 1945

Important! The NHS Test and Trace service will NOT: l ask for bank details or payments l ask for details of any other accounts, such as social media l ask you to set up a password or PIN number over the phone l ask you to call a premium rate number, such as those starting 09 or 087

Email scam This is a group email sent to you and your contacts. It will say something along the lines of: ‘Where are you presently? I need your help for something very urgent so please get back to me via email as soon as you get this message.’

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL It is a scam, a request for money for someone getting through the coronavirus

WINTER 2020 | 11

engage

Focus On.. continued

Trading Standards alert over ‘test and trace’ scammers Think before you click’ scam alerts have been sounded by Trading Standards officers to try to head off scams in the wake of the launch of the Government’s coronavirus Test & Trace system.

Virus lockdown has seen an estimated 40% increase in reported doorstep, phone and email scams across Buckinghamshire, and Trading Standards say their priority is to protect residents from potential text, email and phone frauds based on the new NHS Test & Trace system.

They warn people to be wary of ‘phishing’ texts and emails, to ‘think before you click’ on a link in a text or email suggesting, for example, that someone testing positive to Covid-19 had come into contact with them and recommending a click-link for more help.

Fred Wilson, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said: ”The important thing to 1 2 | WINTER 2020

remember is to always be alert. If in doubt, do NOT click on any links that could send your details straight to the scammers.”

He said although alerts from the NHS Test & Trace service could come by text, email or phone call, there was clear Government guidance as to how it works, and there was no need to give financial information as it is a free service.

Fred said that while traditional scams targeted older and more vulnerable people, Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards warned lockdown scams are no respecter of age or socio-economic profile.

Classic examples so far have ranged from emails and texts claiming you are due a refund from your TV licence, council tax or income tax, using Covid-19 as bait and providing a dodgy link, to fake texts purporting to be from the government

promising a ‘relief’ payout and providing a fake link.

Other scams have involved shopping orders: facemasks that never arrive, hand sanitiser that isn’t, even fake NHS lanyards for sale.

“Criminals can spoof texts, making messages appear in a chain of texts alongside previous genuine messages making them look so plausible,” said Fred.

“So as the Test & Trace scheme rolls out, the warning is to be very alert.

Don’t give them a foothold in Buckinghamshire!”

Fred said residents should forward dodgy-looking emails to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk

Story source; Trading Standards

www.ageukbucks.org.uk

Oh what a lovely surprise!

Age Concern Great Missenden Lunch Club

W

e are frustrated at being unable to re-open yet, but we continue to keep in regular contact with our members, with phone calls and doorstep visits, and to celebrate their birthdays as the months roll by.

suppor ting older people since 1945

Julie visited Mavis Mahon at Giles Gate, Prestwood in September to wish her a very happy birthday on behalf of all the volunteers and members.

We look forward to seeing them all as soon as it is safe to do so.

WINTER 2020 | 13

engage

Free Christmas Day Lunch Services

St Andrews Church, High Wycombe The Church at High Wycombe are going to be cooking Christmas Day lunches as usual on the 25th of December. But expect this to be a delivery service to peoples homes.

We will be planning hopefully to see if we can still arrange (due to the circumstances) if we can arrange a lunch at the church as an alternative option.

Please do contact us regarding our Chrsitmas Day Lunches on the following: office@standrewshw.co.uk 01494 529 668 between 9.30 and 1pm Monday to Friday CDL St Andrews Office Hatters Lane, High Wycombe, HP13 7NJ We look forward to hearing from you Marion and Andrew Lyon

1 4 | WINTER 2020

www.ageukbucks.org.uk

Ask Q

Julie

I have heard a lot about older people being scammed recently – is this happening more often during the Covid 19 crisis?

A

Last year Age UK found that scammers had targeted 43% of over 65s. Their victims are often people who live alone. The Coronavirus pandemic has left many people vulnerable, and people who are vulnerable are, unfortunately, much easier to exploit.

There do seem to have been many new scams being tried by fraudsters keen to exploit people’s fears during the Coronavirus crisis. These people are opportunists and will seek to gain your bank details and personal information in any way they can.

Scams come in all shapes and sizes, but certain types are especially common. The most prevalent types of scam to be aware of are:-

Test and trace Scams

Scammers have been contacting UK residents in the guise of NHS Test and Trace. The scammers claim that the receiver has been in contact with a known COVID-19 case and that immediate testing is required. In some cases, the caller requests payment for the test, typically around £500. Other times, the caller asks for personal information, including location, number of people in the household, and so on.

Remember, NHS Test and Trace agents will never ask for money or direct someone to a non-NHS website. Scammers use technology to spoof phone numbers, so a fraudulent call may seem to come from a legitimate number.

If you are unsure, they should hang up and call the NHS Test and Trace line at 0300 013 5000.

suppor ting older people since 1945

Doorstep scammers

Doorstep scammers insist that they are conducting at-home COVID-19 testing on behalf of the NHS or a GP. These scammers are often thieves who are assessing a victim’s living situation or trying to gain access to their home. Don’t answer the door when a stranger is knocking. A simple “no thank you” from a nearby window is usually enough to deter scammers.

With the social distancing guidelines in place, there’s no reason to answer your door to a stranger.

Internet users

Internet users should be wary of unusual emails, even those that seem to be coming from a known source. Do not click on an unexpected email or text link automatically. Ignore any text messages that aren’t from a trusted friend or relative.

Sometimes, scammers send messages to many numbers at once just to see which numbers are active.

Phone Scams

Phone Scams If you receive a call, whether it’s from a familiar or unfamiliar number, you should approach cautiously.

Remember, scammers have the technology to borrow any phone number. If something seems off, call the person back on a number they know is legitimate. Try to discuss it with your family or another trusted friend or family member in the meantime.

Investment Scams Investment Scams – these have been around for quite some time but seem to have increased. In 2015, the government relaxed rules on tax-free pension withdrawals, and since then, scammers have been targeting pensioners with investment scams. It is illegal to call someone about their pension without a pre arrangement so if you receive a call like this it is very likely to be scammers.

Do remember that your bank will never contact you asking for your PIN, passwords or for you to move your money.

It is a good idea to trust your instincts – if you feel suspicious or wary you are probably right.

If you get offered something seems too good to be true – it probably is!

WINTER 2020 | 15

engage Better Housing better home

B

etter Housing Better Health (BHBH) is a local service working in Buckinghamshire to improve the domestic warmth & wellbeing of its residents. Their experienced and passionate team aim to improve the health and happiness of local residents by alleviating fuel poverty and reducing excess winter deaths.

They believe that no one should feel needlessly cold in their home and that help should only be a phone call away. Their free helpline is offering free impartial advice to residents on how to reduce energy bills, improve their home energy efficiency and works with various local organisations to make referrals into other relevant schemes, making Better Housing Better Health a one-stop-shop for local support.

The team have recently launched their Warmer This Winter campaign, ensuring those most vulnerable have a warm home and are able

1 6 | WINTER 2020

to access the services they need to do so. The winter months generally see a rise in cases of asthma, heart attacks and strokes as well as seasonal winter flu creating higher numbers of people visiting hospital requiring treatment.

This foreseen rise in hospital admissions coupled with a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases means those most vulnerable are at risk.

Living in colder temperatures has been found to have major adverse effects on our health and even more so for those with underlying health conditions. It also contributes to a variety of mental health stres sors including anxiety and depression, with more isolated adults being the worst affected. We understand that COVID-19 has affected millions of people in unprecedented ways and with more of us spending increased time at home this winter, BHBH

wants to take any further strain away from the NHS and ensure those who need help have access to whole house heating and hot water.

The BHBH team are here to assist with impartial advice on how to reduce energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of your home.

If you’re in receipt of a benefit including Job Seekers Allowance, Universal Credit, Carer’s Allowance or Housing Benefit they can also provide information and assistance on accessing grants and financial support. If you work with vulnerable people in your community, their knowledgeable team can provide training to help you understand the signs of someone struggling with their home and what you can to do help.

For more information, call Better Housing Better Health on 0800 107 0044 or visit bhbh.org.uk

www.ageukbucks.org.uk

Helping

Christmas kindness older people in Buckinghamshire

Thank you to the children at the Aylesbury Vale Academy

H

ere at the Aylesbury Vale Academy Primary Phase in Buckinghamshire, our School Parliament members have been busy organising the Winter shoeboxes!

Kindness is something we put at the centre of our school message and ethos, helping others locally and wider afield. Pupils, parents and staff have been donating items we all think will bring smiles to people’s faces, and our School Parliament members have really enjoyed making up shoeboxes and decorating them! We hope you enjoy your boxes!

News on the Big Knit We now have our first deadline for your

little hats.

If you could please drop them in or send them into us here by January 8th 2021 to the following address Have fun with the knitting.

You can send your completed hats to-

Age UK Buckinghamshire, 145 Meadowcroft, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 9HH suppor ting older people since 1945

WINTER 2020 | 17

engage

Neat Feet Footcare Providing toenail cutting and general footcare

We can direct you to local Footcare services for older people and people with a physical disability who can no longer manage to cut their own toenails. If you struggle to trim your toenails and you would like someone come to your home and cut them at a time that suits you, we can help.

Handyperson Service A service to help you maintain your home.

The aim of our Handyperson service is to enable older people in Buckinghamshire to remain in control of their home and their independence. If you have simple DIY jobs around the house that need doing our Handyperson service may be able to help.

Gardening Do you need help with your garden?

Our gardening service provides regular grass cutting throughout the growing season, together with general garden maintenance all year round. You will be referred to one of our local and trusted gardeners who will telephone you to arrange an appointment, at a time that is convenient to you.

Help in the Home Do you need help around the home?

Our Home Helpers can assist with general cleaning, vacuuming, laundry, shopping and prescription collections. You choose which tasks your Home Helper For more carries out for you each information call: week, supporting you to 01296 431911 or email: remain in control of age@ageukbucks.org.uk keeping your home the Information can also be way you like it to be. found on our website: www.ageukbucks. org.uk

1 8 | WINTER 2020

www.ageukbucks.org.uk

*NEW*‌ Digital Connections project in Buckinghamshire!

We are very excited here at Age UK Buckinghamshire.

N

etovember 2020 sees the launch of our new project to support older residents living in Bucks become digitally connected. The purpose of this project is to provide older people with the opportunity to access and enjoy new and ways to connect with family and friends, access healthcare services, shop on line, access information and pursue interest and hobbies.

All that the digital world offers available in a safe and supported way.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has really highlighted that people who do not have access to digital communications are more likely to become socially isolated and disadvantaged in terms of maintaining contact with family and friends, accessing the internet and less able to manage day to day tasks.

For example; shopping independently.

Do you have spare time and experience of using Smart phones, Tablets and other IT platforms such as a computer?

Could you support someone with digital activities such as using video calling, completing online shopping, and exploring hobbies and interests?

We need volunteers aged 18+ to work with us to assist our older residents with building digital confidence and connectivity.

All volunteers receive training and complete DBS clearance.

Catherine Owen has joined the Age UK Buckinghamshire team in a new role as Digital Coordinator. Catherine will be working with both volunteers and clients and feels this is a perfect opportunity to assist people to ‘Get Connected and Stay Connected’.

Or, are you someone that could benefit from support in accessing the digital world?

If so, please get in touch to see how we can help.

If you would like more information, please contact Catherine Owen on cowen@ageukbucks.org.uk or call 01296 431911

Think Print

Lance Print is an established printers based in Peterborough. At Lance we combine skill, experience & knowledge to provide a complete professional service.

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We aim to fill our clients with confidence in the knowledge that any work undertaken by us, will be completed to the highest possible standard.

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suppor ting older people since 1945

WINTER 2020 | 19

engage

Re-Engage Tea Party

I

had a lovely email from our friends over at BOPAG (https://bopag.org.uk/) with a delightful story of a ReEngage Tea Party that a voluntary group held for some

2 0 | WINTER 2020

of their isolated elders back on the 9th and the 17th of September this year.

www.ageukbucks.org.uk

Useful Contact Numbers Subject/Query Safety & Security

Organisation Details Thames Valley Police

Contact Number Emergency 999. Non-emergency 101

Safeguarding

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub

0800 137915

Scams

Trading Standards

0300 123 2329

Home Fire Risk Checks

Bucks & Milton Keynes Fire & Rescue

01296 744477

Health and Wellbeing Memory Concerns

Alzheimers Society Memory Support Team

01296 331749

Hearing or sight concerns

Bucks Integrated Sensory Service

01296 479970

Falls

Community Falls Team

0844 225 2403 / 01494 426868

Community Response & Reablement Team – all Social Services, Occupational Therapy and Needs Assessment

01296 383204

Telecare Equipment

01296 383774

Mobility Equipment Equipment Loans

NRS Health Care Independent Living Consultants Red Cross

0345 123 8248 01844 273050 01296 739302

Meal Deliveries – Hot Food Frozen Meals

Appetito Wiltshire Farm Foods Oakhouse Foods

0800 090 3622 01525 242220 0333 370 2516

Mental Health

Healthy Minds Bucks

01865 901600

Transport Bus Passes

0845 521 2521

Community Transport Queries

Community Transport Hub

0800 085 8480

Blue Badge Scheme

General Enquiries Applications

01296 382902 0845 3708090

Benefits Personal Independence Payment Helpline

0800 121 4433

Attendance Allowance Helpline

0800 731 0122

Carers’ Allowance Unit

0800 731 0297

Pension Credit Claim Line

0800 731 0469

Future Pension Centre

0345 3000 168

Debt Advice

National Debt / Step Change

0800 138 1111

Housing Benefit

Local District Councils

See contact numbers listed under General Numbers

The Elderly Accommodation Counsel First Stop Advice Bucks Housing Support

0800 377 7070 0707 820 1322 0808 164 1810

General Enquiries – Customer Services

01296 395000

Housing Accommodation Queries / Housing Related Support / Housing support

General Numbers Bucks County Council Bucks Vision

01296 487556

Carers’ Bucks

01296 392711

Citizens Advice Bureau

Initial Enquiries – all areas

0344 411 1444

Local District Councils

Aylesbury Vale Wycombe Chiltern South Bucks

01296 585618 01494 421325 01494 732077 01895 837515

suppor ting older people since 1945

WINTER 2020 | 21

engage

If you think a care home is inevitable...

Think again Dr Jim Morrisroe With an increasingly ageing population, you’d be forgiven for thinking that spending your twilight years in a residential care home is inevitable. Stick a pin in a map of South Bucks/ Chilterns and the chances are you’ll find one of the 50 plus residential care homes in the area. It’s the one thing that we’re not short of.

But what happens if you’ve reached that stage in life where you need care, but the only home you want to live in is your own? What happens of you enjoy your independence and home comforts, but need a little help around the house, or with the shopping? And what happens if you have a child or young adult with a disability and need a break now and again? Well, the good news is that you now have a choice.

A More Caring Approach...

Eden Care at Home, based in Gerrards Cross offer quality care at home for you, or your loved one, whether a child, young adult or an elderly person. Eden care’s management team have more than 50 years in the care sector and was established by Dr Jim Morrisroe.

Unique care Plan

Eden Care is committed to making a difference, helping their clients achieve optimum levels of independence, health and well-being. Together with their clients and their clients’ families they create a unique, tailored care-package focusing on each client’s individual needs and aspirations.

Live-in care or respite breaks At Eden Care they believe that getting old should not automatically mean moving into a care home. Most elderly people prefer to retain their independence, home comforts, social network and dignity by remaining in their own homes.

However, there are times when we all need a little extra help.

Eden Care offer a range of support from personal care, to help within the home and can also assist with attending appointments, running errands or offering companionship.

Whether you are looking for 24 hour support or a respite break from 30 minutes to a hour, up to 24 hours a day Eden Care can be there for you.

2 2 | WINTER 2020

www.ageukbucks.org.uk

“ A difficult time has been made more bearable thanks to your sensitivity, consideration and experience - thank you” J DAVIES

If you’ve been appointed as an executor of someone’s Will it can be complicated and confusing – especially at a difficult or emotional time.

Our experienced probate team can help you establish the contents of the estate, use the funds to pay expenses such as funeral costs, distribute the assets, close any bank accounts, file tax returns if required and or any other administration process including the mitigation of inheritance tax.

To discuss your situation in more detail please call Gurvinder Sehra on 01494 619773 or visit kiddrapinet.co.uk

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