Carers Connection - October 2021

Carers’ Connection October 2021

Photo by Alice Chong

Welcome to our latest Carers’ Connection newsletter. We are starting to reluctantly give in to the darker nights and prepare for winter. This newsletter has some handy tips on things like slips and falls and taking care of yourself. However, I also feel it’s good to have things to look forward to and we have a lot to tell you about in this edition.

Scottish tourism sector. The scheme offers a contribution towards a holiday stay in hotels, campsites, bed and breakfasts, or day visit activities in Scotland from October 2021 to December 2022. As unpaid carers you will be able to liaise with our Respitality Worker to book a break with one of the providers who have signed up to the scheme.

The Creative Paths project has begun, and our carers who signed up for this Arts scheme, funded by Creative Scotland, have joined with carers from Moray and Aberdeenshire to hear all about the project from Findhorn Bay Arts.

In late November and into December we will be opening our doors again and running some safely distanced Afternoon Tea sessions for you at our Albert Street base. So, we hope this newsletter gives you plenty to read and look forward to.

We are also about to open our new round of funding for Time to Live grants, which enable carers to take a short break or purchase pieces of equipment for gardening or hobbies. Alongside this fund we are excited to let you know that we will be taking part in a new pilot project called The ScotSpirit Holiday Voucher Scheme.

This is focused on supporting individuals and families who have been particularly adversely affected by the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, while at the same time providing financial support to the

Joanna McPherson Service Coordinator

Stay up to date with all the latest news on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ aberdeencarerssupportservice 1

Meet the team

Joanna McPherson Service Coordinator

Andrew Falconer Team Leader Tel: 07917 521268 Email: andrew.falconer@quarriers.org.uk

Susan Middler Digital and Community Inclusion Worker Tel: 07917 521886 Email: susan.middler@quarriers.org.uk

Yvonne Matthew Administrator Tel: 01224 914036 Email: yvonne.matthew@quarriers.org.uk

Louisa Donaldson Carer Advisor Tel: 07917 521885 Email: louisa.donaldson@quarriers.org.uk

2

Meet the team

Elaine Dukes Parent Carer Advisor Tel: 07917 521852 Email: elaine.dukes@quarriers.org.uk

Donna Lawie Carer Advisor Tel: 07917 521879 Email: donna.lawie@quarriers.org.uk

Teresa Massie Carer Advisor Tel: 07917 521853 Email: teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk

Hazel Reid Carer Advisor Tel: 07917 521874 Email: hazel.reid@quarriers.org.uk

Natalia Beaton Family Wellbeing Worker (Health and Wellbeing) Tel: 07917 052551 Email: natalia.beaton@quarriers.org.uk

Laura Mitchell Family Wellbeing Worker (Respitality) Tel: 07917 051489 Email: laura.mitchell@quarriers.org.uk 3

Preparing for winter As we head into the winter months, here are some useful tips on being prepared.

Help stop the spread of COVID-19 and flu. Things you can do to make a difference are: • Get vaccinated • Test yourself regularly • Continue to take precautions You can order free test kits at https://www.nhsinform.scot/testing For the latest coronavirus rules in Scotland, go to https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus

Vaccinating carers

Get advice if you feel unwell

Unpaid carers aged 16 and over providing face-to-face care (anything from preparing meals and helping with other household tasks to giving personal and practical support) will be able to register online for COVID-19 booster and flu vaccinations.

If you are 65 or over, or in one of the other at-risk groups, it’s important to get medical help as soon as you feel unwell.

You can get help and advice from

The Scottish Government had not announced details of the booking system before we went to print, but please contact us or check the following page for updates https://www.nhsinform.scot/ campaigns/vaccinating-carers

• A pharmacy — pharmacists can give treatment advice for a range of minor illnesses and can tell you if you need to see a doctor. Call the pharmacy or contact them online before going in person.

You can get medicines delivered or ask someone to collect them.

By getting vaccinated, those caring for others can protect themselves from coronavirus and flu while continuing to look after and protect their loved ones.

• Your GP — you may be able to speak to a GP online or over the phone, or go in for an appointment if they think you need to.

Only those who have had their first two doses of the coronavirus vaccine will be able to receive a booster, and there must be a sixmonth gap between receiving your second dose of the vaccine and your booster.

• NHS 111 — call 111 if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do The sooner you get advice, the sooner you are likely to get better.

Mental health and wellbeing

If you’ve not yet had your first or second dose, you can find out how to get it by visiting https://www. nhsinform.scot/

If you are starting to feel overwhelmed, it’s important to acknowledge your feelings and speak to someone you trust. This might be a friend, family member or GP. You can also call NHS 24 on 111 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.

4

Winter Walking Tips: Lower Your Risk of Falling

Supermarket deliveries Demand for supermarket deliveries over the festive season is likely to be high this year, due to a combination of the rise of online shopping since the pandemic and rumours of food shortages. Several supermarkets have already released their festive delivery slots, so booking your slot early is advisable.

Boots or shoes that have a good grip are the best choice to wear in the winter months.

Special items like shoe grips can give you extra traction when you’re walking on snowy or icy surfaces, but always take off these grips when walking inside because they can make you slip on indoor flooring.

Read more here: https://www.which. co.uk/news/2021/10/supermarketslaunch-christmas-delivery-slots-whencan-you-book-yours/

Energy and heating advice

To best avoid slipping and falling on snow or ice, walk slowly, taking small steps, and point your toes outward slightly. Keep your head up, don’t lean forward, and keep your hands out of your pockets to help keep your balance. If you need to carry things, use a backpack, if possible, to keep your hands free. Don’t use your mobile phone and walk at the same time.

The social enterprise, SCARF (Save Cash and Reduce Fuel) delivers energy efficiency advice and services to households across Scotland, aiming to make a practical difference to people living in fuel poverty and providing a range of services to help you live warmer and reduce your fuel bills. They offer free, in-depth advice over the phone and through home visits to help reduce energy use, find the best supplier and tariff to suit your needs and help you make the switch. Advisors also offer an advocacy service to help those in fuel debt.

Assume that all wet, dark areas on paths and pavements may be slippery or icy. If you can, walk around them.

Advisors can provide home visits, identifying ways to make your home more energy efficient as well as assessing your home for damp and condensation problems.

Spread sand, grit, or salt on your steps and walkways. You could also try carrying a small container of sand, grit, or salt to sprinkle on icy surfaces if you’re out and about.

To arrange a free home visit, call freephone 0808 129 0888 or email heat@scarf.org.uk to arrange a suitable day and time. The advisor will arrive (with SCARF ID badge visible) and will look at your property, your heating system, your fuel bills and – most importantly – talk to you to find out exactly what the problems are. They will then review your case and get in touch with the best solution.

Aberdeen City Council provides large community salt bins in locations across the city where you can help yourself to salt to treat icy paths or pavements in your neighbourhood.

There is an online map available, showing where each of the bins is located: https://www.aberdeencity. gov.uk/services/people-andcommunities/get-ready-winter/findcommunity-salt-bin

For further information, visit https://www.scarf.org.uk/householder/

5

Warm Home Discount Scheme You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2021-2022 under the UK Government’s Warm Home Discount Scheme, which opened on 18 October.

The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October and March. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity. The discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.

• You’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme, known as the broader group How you apply for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depends on how you qualify for the discount, and you can qualify for the discount even if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter. Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount if you’re eligible, for example a voucher you can use to top up your meter.

There are two ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme: • You get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, known as the core group.

For more information visit https://orlo. uk/69Qzx

Homecheck scheme

to skirting boards, or any other minor task that can improve safety.

• Provision of fire guards if required.

Your home is the place where accidents are most likely to happen, so everyone should be aware of the dangers so that accidents can be avoided.

Child safety • Home visits with advice on potential hazards and sources of danger.

• A maximum of two safety gates fitted for internal stairs and one gate for a flatted property for households with children up to 24 months.

• Safety and assistance for older adults or people with a disability.

• Internal and external grab rails.

• A service to replace any light bulbs which require the climbing of a ladder or excessive bending (bulbs not provided).

Aberdeen City Council’s Homecheck scheme, available to everyone living within the Aberdeen City area and supported by the Common Good Fund, offers a free service to any family with a child under the age of 24 months and older adults or people with a disability.

The Homecheck team provide basic home safety advice and the installation of safety equipment for residents free of charge whether they are owner occupiers, or council or private tenants.

The team can help with the following:

The Homecheck team does not replace trained health professionals who have access to qualified tradespeople, however they can carry out tasks to make homes safer places and they may refer you to the Fire Service if you require a more detailed fire risk assessment of your home.

General safety • Visual safety check.

• Checking the condition of microwave oven doors for emissions.

• Checking smoke alarms, where fitted, and replacing any defective/ missing unit.

• Supplying and fitting new batteries for smoke alarms. (They may refer you to the Fire Service if you have excessively high ceilings or if you wish a detailed house inspection).

• Tidying or attaching telephone wires

Contact details Homecheck Team, Aberdeen City Council, Kittybrewster Depot, 38 Powis Terrace, Aberdeen, AB25 3RF Tel: 03000 200 292 Email: homecheck@aberdeencity.gov.uk 6

Emergency planning Who will pick up the pieces when you can’t be there for the person who relies on you? What if you become ill, or have a family crisis to deal with?

and healthcare professionals. Give people a copy of the plan – or let them know where they can find it and make sure the information is regularly updated.

Completing an emergency care plan can help.

An emergency care plan is a plan you set out for the care of an adult or a child in case of emergencies. It makes provisions for occasions when you are unable to fulfil your caring role, and sets out the practical arrangements for short-term, unplanned periods.

If you would like to be sent an emergency care plan form, please get in touch.

As a carer, you are the expert in the care you provide to someone. If something happens to you, that knowledge needs to be available to others. By planning in advance, with the hope that the plan never has to be used, you can share your knowledge and allow someone else to be able to step into your caring role. This reduces anxiety for you and the person you care for should an emergency occur.

Wellbeing survey We would like to thank all those who took time out of their busy lives to respond to our recent survey on wellbeing. The purpose of the survey was to find out what kind of information would be most helpful to you and what your priorities are so that we can develop the service, as well as feed information back to the local authority.

Things to consider include • Is there a key safe? Who has the code?

• Where is your cared for person’s medication kept?

• Does your cared for person have any allergies?

• Are there any dietary requirements?

• Who are the relevant professionals and services, and how can they be contacted?

• Does your cared for have specific health or care needs that require specialist input?

• Is there anything else an interim carer would need to know?

The main findings from the survey were that carers: • Feel left in the dark and isolated • Feel they must keep pursuing social care staff and would like them to be more proactive • Would like more information on respite • Would like to have better communication with social care staff • Would like the local authority to meet their commitments • Would like the local authority to provide a more individual approach

Having this important information in one place could be of immense support and help when needed at a critical time, when time might be limited. Talk about the plan with the person you care for, if possible, and with those you would like to be named as emergency contacts.

We have taken this information on board and will be forwarding the results on to the relevant people in the hope that steps can be taken to make your lives as carers that bit easier.

It would also be useful to share it with trusted family members or friends 7

Information Carers Rights Day 2021 presentation

by Julie Williams Join us over Zoom on Carers Rights Day 2021, Thursday 25 November, from 10.30-11.30am, when Julie Williams, a Children’s Rights Officer with Quarriers, will talk about The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and The Promise. You can find details on both of these below. Julie will present a video, which will be followed by a Q & A session.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) This is the gold standard of children’s rights across the world, setting out the human rights of every person under the age of 18. It covers all aspects of a child’s life and sets out the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights that all children everywhere are entitled to.

Please get in touch if you would like to be sent the Zoom link to this event.

The Promise

The UNCRC Incorporation (Scotland) Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament in September 2020 and was passed unanimously in March 2021. The main purpose of the Bill is bringing the UNCRC into Scots law, and the First Minister said this would be done “fully and directly”.

The Independent Care Review listened, for over three years, to thousands of children, young people, and families, many of whom did not feel loved, were not kept safe, were not respected, and were not supported to achieve their potential. In February 2020, the Scottish Government listened to the Independent Care Review conclusions and all political parties in Scotland promised to implement them in full.

So, what does this mean?

Quarriers supports and promotes the principles of The Promise. Many of the children and young people they have supported through the years and continue to support have lived experience of care.

Quarriers pledges to:

• Children’s rights are legally protected • Public authorities are legally required to respect and protect children’s rights in all the work that they do.

• Children, young people, and their representatives could use the courts in Scotland to enforce their rights

• Work together to develop and deliver co-produced services, with them at the centre

The Bill seeks to make sure children’s rights are part of everyday life in Scotland.

• Listen and learn, and be open and honest • Be at their side, should they want them there to help navigate the challenges that life presents

For more information, visit https:// www.togetherscotland.org.uk/aboutchildrens-rights/monitoring-the-uncrc/ incorporation-of-the-un-convention-onthe-rights-of-the-child/

For more information, visit https:// thepromise.scot/keep-the-promise 8

Welcome back afternoon tea You are invited!

Venue: 37 Albert Street, Aberdeen, AB25 IXU • Thursday 25 November, 2-3pm • Monday 6 December, 1-2pm • Friday 17 December, 1-2pm • Wednesday 22 December, 1-2pm Booking essential - cared for persons welcome Due to social distancing restrictions, numbers are limited to ten, but we will re-run these sessions in February if there is an interest for them.

RSVP: 01224 914036 / aberdeencarers@quarriers.org.uk 9

Time to Live We were delighted to receive this message from a parent carer we support, who recently benefitted from a weekend break with her family to the Scottish Highlands as a result of receiving Time to Live funding. We are always happy to see carers enjoying the breaks that funding such as this gives them.

“

I wanted to let you know how surprised and grateful we were to receive this funding. We used it for a weekend break, hiring a camper van and heading up to the Highlands. It felt wonderful to get away and I can’t quite believe how relaxed we all were when we got home – it felt like we had been away for a week! I didn’t realise how much it was needed, and it was so appreciated. Thank you for your continued advice and support throughout the year. It means a lot.

”

10

Online carers groups We are running online groups for unpaid carers via Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

If you are interested in joining any of these online groups, let us know and we will send you the relevant link(s). If you have any questions about joining or accessing any of the sessions, please let us know and we can support you.

Date and time

Session

November Monday 15 November 10.30-11.30am

Monday men’s group – A group for those in an unpaid caring role who might wish to meet others in a similar situation.

Share your knowledge of local support and networks.

Thursday 18 November 2–4pm

Carers catch up – A group for unpaid carers supporting someone living with dementia to share information, skills and knowledge and support each other in a safe, nurturing environment.

Tuesday 23 November 10am – 12noon

Parent carer café - Meet the Scotland-wide manager of Contact, the charity for families with disabled children, who will be showing slides and providing links to other organisations in order to support unpaid parent carers.

Thursday 25 November 10.30–11.30am

Carers Rights Day presentation – Meet Julie Williams from Quarriers as she talks about The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and The Promise.

Friday 26 November 2–2.45pm

Adult carers mindfulness - Explore relaxation and de-stress tools to assist you in your daily life and beyond.

December Tuesday 7 December 10am – 12 noon

Carers café – Come along to a Zoom meeting for a cuppa and a chat and share any ideas you might have about themes for future cafés. Drop in any time between 10am and 12noon.

Monday 13 December 10.30-11.30am

Monday men’s group – A group for those in an unpaid caring role who might wish to meet others in a similar situation.

Share your knowledge of local support and networks.

Tuesday 14 December 10am – 12 noon

Parent carer café - An online group for parents supporting a child with additional support needs. For parents in an unpaid caring role to share information, skills and knowledge and support each other in a safe, nurturing environment.

11

Date and time

Session

Thursday 16 December 2–4pm

Carers catch up – A group for unpaid carers supporting someone living with dementia to share information, skills and knowledge and support each other in a safe, nurturing environment.

Friday 17 December 2–2.45pm

Adult carers mindfulness - Explore relaxation and de-stress tools to assist you in your daily life and beyond.

January Monday 10 January 10.30-11.30am

Monday men’s group – A group for those in an unpaid caring role who might wish to meet others in a similar situation.

Share your knowledge of local support and networks.

Tuesday 11 January 10am – 12noon

Carers café – Come along to a Zoom meeting for a cuppa and a chat and share any ideas you might have about themes for future cafés. Drop in any time between 10am and 12noon.

Tuesday 18 January 10am – 12noon

Parent carer café - An online group for parents supporting a child with additional support needs. For parents in an unpaid caring role to share information, skills and knowledge and support each other in a safe, nurturing environment.

Thursday 20 January 2–4pm

Carers catch up – A group for unpaid carers supporting someone living with dementia to share information, skills and knowledge and support each other in a safe, nurturing environment.

Friday 28 January 2–2.45pm

Adult carers mindfulness - Explore relaxation and de-stress tools to assist you in your daily life and beyond.

How to book your place So that we can send you a link to the sessions, please email aberdeencarers@ quarriers.org.uk or call the service on 01224 914036 and leave your name and a contact number.

Aberdeen Carers Support Service 37 Albert Street, Aberdeen, AB25 1XU Tel: 01224 914036 Email: aberdeencarers@quarriers.org.uk

www.quarriers.org.uk Quarriers is a registered Scottish Charity No SC001960