Newsletter - Summer 2019

SUMMER 2019

Bluebird Care Camden & Hampstead NEWSLETTER

In this issue, we have included information about several local groups and organisations that we respect and who have previously provided benefits to our customers and their loved ones.

Recently we have had several people ask about financing of care so we have compiled some information to help those who may have questions.

CAMDEN CARERS SERVICE We have a long standing relationship with Camden Carers Service. They are an amazing organisation that offers support, advice and activities for unpaid carers across the borough of Camden. The loved ones of many of our current and past customers have made contact with CCS and experienced the many benefits they offer such as confidential services for wellbeing and financial support.

Among other things they also provide a wide range of meaningful training, leisure and personal development opportunities. They are based at the Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre near Chalk Farm station.

For more information, visit: www.camdencs.org.uk

SONGHAVEN Songhaven was set up and is run by Vivien Conacher to give people with dementia (and their carers and companions) the dignity of high-calibre professional concerts, in an atmosphere of kindness. Vivien and her team are very talented and their entertaining 45 minute concerts include a familiar repertoire from stage and screen. Songhaven concerts typically happen on Saturday afternoons in varying locations, most regularly at LUMEN URC on Tavistock Place.

For more information, visit: www.songhaven.co.uk where they have a list of upcoming concerts.

AGING BETTER IN CAMDEN Aging better in Camden draw on existing skills and resources in our local community to tackle social isolation and loneliness.

There are many events and activities available and there is an older people's advisory group that meet monthly at Age UK Camden to help shape the Ageing Better in Camden partnership.

They also have community connectors who will come and meet with you to discuss your interests and help find local activities or events that you might enjoy. To contact: Email: communityconnectors@ageukcamden.org.uk Phone: 0800 161 5716 | 07506 025 375.

The website for ABC - www.ageingbetterincamden.org.uk

ARTS4DEMENTIA Arts 4 Dementia is a very active charity that has developed arts programmes to empower, re-energise and inspire people with early-stage dementia and their carers through challenging artistic stimulation. They are based in Phoenix Yard, 65 King's Cross Road. Their signposting website lists local arts events in the community and dementia-friendly arts venues - www.arts4dementia.org.uk

THE UNIVERSITY OF THIRD AGE The University of the Third Age, or U3A as it is commonly known, was based on an original idea from France and founded in this country in 1982. There are over 1000 in the country now, our local U3A based in Belsize Park, the old Hampstead Town Hall, was the first in London. There are currently about 180 study groups on offer, all of which are run by members. They are all volunteers: no-one who works in U3A in any capacity is paid. Many of our customers over the years have got involved in U3A and communicated to us how much they enjoy it.Their website is: www.u3alondon.org.uk

0207 449 0557 | Camden@bluebirdcare.co.uk

SUMMER 2019

Kenwood Library - Hampstead

Funding of Care We provide care to a large number of self-funding customers and an increasing number of people who receive funding through Camden Social Services or Camden CCG. Planning and paying for care can be a daunting prospect. We wanted to add a little more information about what may be available to you.

Direct payments are an easy and convenient way of receiving your personal budget, which is the amount of money you need to pay for your care and support. Direct payments are money payments paid directly to you by Camden Council or Camden CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group), for you to spend on the services of your choice.

If you are currently receiving or are eligible for Council or CCG funded support, you have the right to request a direct payment. Instead of having to use the services that Camden choose for you, you can use your direct payment to choose your own services for personal care and assistance, short breaks and even getting funding for equipment. You can spend your direct payment on anything that helps you meet the goals that were agreed in your support plan..

How do Direct Payments work?

What is an Attendance Allowance?

If you are 65 or over and have a physical disability (including sensory disability), a mental disability (including learning difficulties) or a disability that is severe enough for you to need help caring for

yourself, you are eligible to apply for an Attendance Allowance. Attendance Allowance is paid weekly at two different rates – Lower rate, £57.30 and Higher rate £85.60. The funding you receive from the government will depend on the level of support required.

Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot for too long, there are health risks. If a heatwave hits this summer, make sure the hot weather does not harm you or anyone you know.

Tips for coping in hot weather: Shut windows and pull down the shades when it's hotter outside. You can open the windows for ventilation when it's cooler.

Many thanks for your support

Equity release allows you to release the cash locked in your property without the upheaval or expense of moving home. If you are a UK homeowner and aged 5595, then you could qualify for an equity release plan. The money you release can be spent in any way you like and what’s more, there are typically no monthly repayments. We work closely with a company called Key Advice. They are experts in equity realease. Their website is: www.keyadvice.co.uk

Could equity release help me?

Some people with long-term complex health needs may qualify for free care funded and arranged by the NHS. This is known as NHS continuing healthcare. It is not means tested and a referral has to come from a GP or social worker.

The assessment process involved can be complex. An organisation called Beacon provide free independent advice. See their website: www.beaconchc.co.uk or call 0345 548 0300. There is information on the NHS website about continuing healthcare and there is a useful section on the right hand side of the page called Money, work and benefits: www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-andsupport/nhs-continuing-care/Full

What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?

Community Grant We are giving away our first ever community grant – a sum of money that will benefit one or several local groups or projects working with older people. We are making a total of £1000 available. As we would like to support more than one community group or project there is a maximum of £500 available per successful application. The projects which can best demonstrate the need for additional support will be allocated the funds. If you are interested in helping judge and decide on the winning applicants in Spetember we would love you to get involved, please call the office and speak to George or Karen

Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and do not go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you're vulnerable to the effects of heat.

Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows when possible.

Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water, if possible.

Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. Water, lower fat milks and tea and coffee are good options.

Always choose sugar-free soft drinks.

If possible, check on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.

0207 449 0557 | Camden@bluebirdcare.co.uk