EDITION 28
Retired SPRING/SUMMER 2011
& living in High Wycombe, Maidenhead & Slough
THE BEATLES, MOVIES AND CAKES LIFE'S ALL ABOUT CONTRAST SAYS
INSIDE HOME GIVE YOUR HOME A FACELIFT WITH ADVICE FROM OUR HOME SECTION
LEISURE
JANE ASHER
VISIT CORK ... THE SECOND LARGEST CITY IN IRELAND
HEALTH HELP AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON FROM FORESTCARE LIFELINE ALARMS
RICK STEIN
SHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 55'S
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ake one
WWW.RETIREDMAGAZINES.CO.UK
They say you don’t know until you ask. Meet Albert - he asked. Hundreds of Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead residents of state pension age, like Albert, asked the question “can I claim Housing or Council Tax Benefit?” The answer was ‘Yes!” and they ended up, on average, with £20 a week extra money they didn’t know they could get. You might too. Make one phone call and our specially trained benefits staff will contact you and work out whether you qualify, then you too could be up to £20 per week better off.
So just ask. If you’re entitled . .
. . why miss out? For more details phone 01628 796036 or email: benefits@rbwm.gov.uk
HELP GIVE LADY THE BEST FINISH OF HER LIFE
Greyhounds love to run and, while they’re young enough to race, that’s great. Unfortunately their careers only last until they’re about three years old. With the help of dog lovers everywhere, we re-home many greyhounds ever y year. They’re ideal pets for all age groups, as they surprisingly need little exercise. What they are though is very affectionate. The Retired Greyhound Trust is devoted to re-homing retired greyhounds and we need your help. Could you share your life with one of these adorable dogs? Could you spare a small donation? No matter how big or small your donation may be, every little bit helps.
0844 826 8424
Call us on with your donation, donate online at: greyhounds@retiredgreyhounds.co.uk or fill in the coupon and send it to: Retired Greyhound Trust, 2nd Floor, Park House, 1–4 Park Terrace, Worcester Park, Surrey, KT4 7JZ
YES I WANT TO HELP RETIRED GREYHOUNDS I enclose a donation of £10
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£..................... (Cheques payable to: RETIRED GREYHOUND TRUST)
I would like to know more about adopting a greyhound.
Name (Block capitals please) ................................................................................................................................................... Address ................................................................................................................................................................................. ............................................................................................... Post code ...................................... Retired Greyhound Trust, 2nd Floor, Park House, 1–4 Park Terrace, Worcester Park, Surrey, KT4 7JZ We value your support and would like to keep you informed about our welfare work and fundraising activities. If you’re not interested in receiving further information tick this box.
Registered charity No. 269668
Please send me an information pack about leaving a legacy to the RETIRED GREYHOUND TRUST.
Twittering. Everybody’s doing it says Graham Smith When I was young I kept a diary, now I’m told I have to Twitter and tweet.
leaving the site, but who are all these followers?
I’ve cracked Facebook, where two third of the world puts its life in the public domain, so I thought I’d have a Twitter. Why not? Stephen Fry is a mega hero on there, politicians do it, celebrities do it, footballers do it, often while on the pitch, and world shattering news, once the province of the BBC is regularly posted on there…. if you can read it.
I’m perplexed in the morning when I see Rhondda from the Valleys peeking at me before I’ve had my second coffee. Maeser Morgan the washing machine repair man could be very useful but it will be a heck of a call out charge from Washington, and how Mary Beth Bass, romantic author, Keats idolater, butter vegetarian, wife and mother came my way I don’t know, but she twitters incessantly. I’m also very worried about Erskine Howcroft, whose symbol is a large white egg and has yet to utter a tweet. Does this mean he/she has not hatched yet?
You see you have to get your message across in 140 letters. That’s 140 characters, not three pads of your granny’s best notepaper and a first class stamp, and it’s not easy. I’ve barely begun to impart my pearls of wisdom to the world when I’ve run out of space so I invariably leave a half finished tweet or delete the whole thing in disgust. Daft isn’t it? I’ve just written about 1,000 characters and barely begun this piece and a tweet is a tenth of that! When you tweet you attract followers. I have 19 including a newspaper group in Utah, Texas. I have no idea why Utah Newspapers wants to follow my tweets and I have no intention of following theirs. A large, muscular looking lady from Holland started following me but her tweets were in Dutch so I daren’t follow her in case I’m arrested for something unspeakable. If I’m honest I don’t really get it. I’m a closet tweeter, can I say that? If something in the news gets up my nose, and it invariably does, I’ll tweet and put a link on to the offending piece. That’s fun, but why do I want to read the tweets of John from Halifax who twitters on about everything including what his wife has put in that day’s sandwiches which he’s eating on the train travelling to London? Actor and comedian Stephen Fry is a Twitter celebrity. He has more followers than the lead pigeon on Nelson’s column and tweets incessantly. Riots were threatened when he said he was
RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011
I recall those minute diaries which you got at Christmas with a pencil stuck down the spine. I used to set off with good intentions of chronicling my life on a daily basis to leave for posterity, but invariably the pencil had broken by January 5th and you’d lost interest anyway. How times have changed. I’ve just written the equivalent of 16.26 tweets. I need to go to my blog.
IN THIS ISSUE ... TRAVEL & LEISURE 6-7
Visit Cork Ireland's second largest city.
REGULARS 14-15 Celebrity Interview Jane Asher talks to Angela Kelly.
It’s enough to give you a phobia In this mad politically correct world of ours there are many phobias but pogonophobia was a new one to me. Fear of pogo sticks I thought, but no I was educated by a former seafaring man with whom I worked recently. He has a full beard which is long enough to keep his knees warm in winter and he told me the story of how he lost his job as a trawler coxon because his boss had a bad case of pogonophobia.
FOOD & DRINK 24-26 Rick Stein's Coast to Coast Recipes Rick Stein shares his favourite dishes with Retired.
I questioned him and he explained how he had been summoned to the office and ordered to shave and eventually sacked because he refused. Apparently the boss had a bad case of pogonophobia…..fear of beards! I feel a Twitter coming on.
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‘Sláinte!’ C
ork is the second largest city in Ireland (after Dublin of course) and has always been an important seaport. It began on an island in the swampy estuary of the River Lee (the name Corcaigh means a marsh), and gradually climbed up the steep banks on either side. Today the river flows through Cork city in two main channels, so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges. As the hilly streets go up and down, so do the voices of the locals. They have a characteristic singsong cadence, beloved of national comedians, and Corkonians are regarded as the most talkative of all the Irish. Cork City Gaol is a 19th century prison that will take you back in time to trace the life of a suffering prisoner. This must see attraction will take you on a journey to the cells that contain life size models with great sound effects. The exterior of the Gaol is an outstanding piece of Gothic architecture. It’s located just 2 km outside Cork city centre and is easily accessible by foot or by public transport which pass the gaol frequently. Guided tours are available and are offered in 8 different languages. Onsite, there is a café offering a ‘Victorian prisoner's fare’ and ‘the prison governor's menu’! Cork’s Shandon Bells date back as far as the 6th Century. Located in the Church of Saint Anne’s in Shandon, the Bells look out over Cork City. Reaching 37 metres
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in height, the steeple of The Church of Saint Anne can be seen from all angles of the city and offers panoramic views of the city by the River Lee. Visitors can climb the tower and absorb stunning views and you may even get a chance to ring the bells! And of course, all are welcome to worship on Sundays at 10am. The church is located in the historical area of Shandon, at Church Street, on the north side of Cork City, just a short walk from Cork city centre. Entrance fee: Adults: 6.00 Senior citizens and students: 5.00
SHOPPING 'Doing Pana' is a time-honoured tradition in Cork. Pana is the irreverent name which Patrick Street, the principal street, goes by. Home to the big city’s department stores, smaller speciality shops, cafes and restaurants, most Cork people will walk down this street on Saturdays for pleasure as well as business. Treat your taste buds with a trip to the Old English Market. It’s a covered market located right in the very heart of Cork city centre in a magnificent historic building dating back to 1788. It's surrounded by the main streets of Cork with access to the market from Patrick Street and Prince’s Street. Recently voted as one of 'The Top 10 Food Markets in Europe', a visit is a must when in Cork. From duck eggs to the Cork delicacy of tripe - be adventurous! The English Market is open six days a week from Monday to Saturday, operating hours are from 9am to 5.30pm. www.corkenglishmarket
RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011
TRAVEL T& RLEISURE A V E L EATING/DRINKING It depends on where you choose really, but there is definitely something to suit every budget in the city. A lot of good restaurants in the city offer great value pre-theatre menus or early bird specials, so it's a good idea to keep an eye out for these. There are lots of restaurants in the Huguenot Quarter and also on the various different streets off St. Patrick's Street. Many of these places are in quite a compact area so you don't have to wander far to find a great selection. Café Mexicana on Carey's Lane just off St. Patrick's Street was a great choice as the food is authentic and the portions large! Cork's a university city, which means students. And where there are students, there are bars offering cheap drinks, offers and promotions so again keep your eyes peeled. Some of the city's best loved bars can be found by wandering into some of the side streets off St. Patrick's Street and Oliver Plunkett Street.
SLEEPING Cork City has been featured as one of the top 10 cities of the world to visit in Lonely Planet’s travel guide for 2010 so you shouldn’t find it too difficult to find accommodation to suit. I found the Go Ireland website invaluable. www.goireland.com/cork/around-cork-city-centre. htm
FURTHER AFIELD Skibbereen Make it your last stop before heading back for Cork, as it’s a really pretty village with colourful houses lining the streets. If you wanted to learn about its past, which strongly reflects Ireland's history from pre-Christian period to the present, you could join one of Skibbereen Historical Walks starting from the Skibbereen Heritage Centre twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 6.30 pm. The town is also known for having been at the forefront of the struggle for independence for Ireland and fostering the use of the Gaelic language.
Ballycotton The famous east Cork fishing village of Ballycotton is a beautifully scenic spot with cliff views giving many other coastal scenes a run for their money. Bear in mind this is a small village and at times places change, what was a restaurant in past years down at the beginning of the village is now Waves café which serves lovely coffee and sandwiches.
RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011
Inn By The Harbour bar is well worth a visit. Part of this establishment is called Nautillius Restaurant and the food is excellent. The Bayview Hotel is open March to October and the views from here over the harbour are again stunning. Sit out and enjoy your coffee or wine with afternoon tea. Ballycotton is a treasure and well worth a visit.
DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT… No visit is complete unless you visit Blarney castle. A castle has existed on this site since 1210. The present-day castle was built nearly 600 years ago by Cormac McCarthy, no not the great Irish author but the great Irish chieftain. This Medieval castle is a magnificent ruin; it looks imposing and romantic at the same time and is full of the greenest grounds, trees and shrubs I've ever seen. It's as if there is a green carpet that blankets the whole area! At the top of the castle lies the Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone. Tourists visiting Blarney Castle may hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone, which is said to give the gift of eloquence. Opening times: Monday to Saturday - 9a.m. to 6.30p.m. in May and September, 9a.m. to 7p.m. - July and August 9a.m. to sundown - from October to April Admission fees: Castle & Garden – 10 Fact file: Flights: Direct flights from London, Birmingham and Manchester operate several times a day and fares vary little throughout the year. Transfer into the city is easy and prices are approx 5 one-way on the Skylink shuttle bus, whereas a taxi from the terminal will cost you 10 to city centre so it makes more sense if there’s more than one of you. Car hire offices are located on the ground floor at the airport and competition ensures a good deal. Climate: The peak months of the tourist season are July and August, so consider visiting in May, June or September if you can. The weather is likely to still be good and hotels are less busy. Spring flowers are at their best in April and May, and October offers many arts festivals. In winter, Ireland rarely sees snow, as winters here are usually mild. Language: English though the locals always appreciate your small efforts to communicate in their language. Currency: Euro (EUR) Time zone: GMT 7
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FITNESS and being over 50 may not always go together as we monitor the changes in our bodies as we get older and wonder where on earth all that natural movement went. But, we can improve our fitness and move into
Try to do these types of activity at least twice a
a healthier phase of our lives by taking up some
week, advises Sara, and incorporate them into
form of exercise – without pulling muscles or
your regular routine.
getting a strained back! But what if you’ve had surgery or have an ongoing Sara Stanner, science programme manager for
health problem?
the British Nutrition Foundation, explains that increasing activity levels after the age of 50 can
Norman Brown is a
improve life expectancy and increase the number
personal trainer with
of years spent disease and disability free.
the Nuffield Health organisation which
“Being active can
runs fitness and well-
help protect against
being centres around
heart disease, stroke,
the country. Norman
diabetes, some
delivers a special
cancers, arthritis and
recovery programme
osteoporosis,” she
for people who have
states. “It can help
had surgery and, at
you to maintain a
61, understands how
good appetite, keep
ageing can affect our
you mobile, help
desire to exercise.
with joint stiffness and pain associated
“If, like me, you are considering reducing your
with arthritis, reduce
career time to restore the work-life balance or
the risk of falling and
approaching retirement then are there are some
fracturing bones by strengthening muscles and can
important points to consider,” he says.
improve your mood and sense of well-being.” “When did you last exercise or do anything Exercise doesn’t have to be hard to achieve or
strenuous? What is your health like? What does
expensive. Sara suggests any cardio-vascular
exercise mean to you?
activity – that’s one that gets you at least slightly out of breath – will help to keep your heart, lungs
“If you have not exercised for a long time then you
and blood vessels healthy.
should approach it sensibly and cautiously, first asking a GP or health professional to give you the
This could be brisk walking, perhaps taking the
once-over and check you are fit and healthy with
dog out for a walk, swimming, gardening, golf (no
no underlying problems.
cart!), tennis, aerobics including water aerobics, cycling, dancing, yoga or pilates. It can even be
“Undertaking exercise is probably the best
washing the car, or mopping and vacuuming
decision you have made because it holds the
rooms at home.
answer to many of the all-too-common health risks today. Improving your aerobic fitness will give you
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RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011
more energy, improving your circulatory system,
are always experts on hand to ensure you exercise
relieving stress and improving sleep.
correctly and for your fitness level.
“Exercise will also help to reduce high cholesterol,
Nuffield Health and Fitness at Wexham Street,
lower blood pressure and control blood sugar
Stoke Poges have an innovative approach to your
balance.”
health and fitness.
As well as, say, walking every day, light gardening
If you have belonged to a traditional health club
or a visit to a gym, Norman suggests a regime of
before and felt underwhelmed by the general level
strength training: 10 wall squats, 10 wall press-ups,
of facilities and service once you have signed up,
from the floor practise getting up 5 times and do 1
at Nuffield their aim is to improve your wellbeing
minute of stair-climbing.
for the long term by helping you to take control of your health. This is by offering a combination of
If you have had hip, back or knee surgery,
fitness facilities, health services and expert staff
adds Norman, always follow your post-
that is hard to beat.
operative rehabilitation plan provided by your physiotherapist.
In 2010 Nuffield Stoke Poges enjoyed a £2.3 million refurbishment. Bringing in further state of
Going along to a sports centre for regular sessions
the art gym equipment, extensive swimming pool
or to a gym can also easily become an enjoyable
refurbishment and high spec changing rooms.
social outing where you meet other like-minded
In addition a new health clinic opened offering
people. Having a chat with someone else as
a range of comprehensive health assessments,
you try out the gym’s rowing machine or bike is
plus physiologists, a doctor and physiotherapist
another positive side-effect of exercise, and there RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011
11
and members receive discounts on all health
Local authorities often help provide subsidised activity
assessments.
sessions for older people if you check with your local council’s website.
Ann Hardy is a 70 year-old sports coach from Southampton who runs a 50+ club three times a
And it’s important to have a healthy, balanced diet
week. “You’ve got to keep
with plenty of fruit and vegs
the body active, it’s no
to keep you fit for exercise.
good just sitting back,” she
If you suspect that you are
states. “Our group attracts
vitamin deficient, talk to
around 100 people and
your GP or pharmacist and
we do a variety of sports
consider taking vitamins or
from badminton, tennis,
supplements.
bowls and table tennis to It is, however, that first
swimming and aerobics.
vital step to actually doing “We get men and women of
something that will count
all ages, our oldest member
and you might start at home
is around 86. We even have
with a piece of helpful
people recovering from hip
equipment or useful DVD.
replacements and heart
For example, fitness “Green
operations who come and
Goddess” Diana Moran has
exercise as part of their
created an excellent Easyfit
rehabilitation. The club
DVD to ease people back
gives a new lease of life to
into fitness.
our members.” “When we exercise or do Living in a retirement
physical activities we benefit
home, housing association
by improving the three S’s
accommodation or
– Stamina, Strength and
village does definitely not
Suppleness,” says Diana.
preclude exercise either. She cautions against doing
At Heyeswood Retirement Living village in St Helens, with on-site personal
too much too soon – “The secret is to start slowly
care by charity Sue Ryder Care, an activity co-
and work up gradually. Listen to your body and if
ordinator offers attractions like line-dancing, Tai-chi
something hurts, stop. Try again tomorrow!”
classes, table tennis or a Wii Fit. Diana, still youthful at 71, has no doubts what it gives, Age UK also helps fund some excellent schemes
though: “Exercise has enriched my life.”
around the country under its Fit as a Fiddle initiative, plus other projects like one in Spelthorne,
*For details about Nuffield centres go to www.
Surrey, which introduces sports and activities like
nuffieldhealth.com for the Easyfit DVD made in
netball over an eight-week course.
conjunction with Stanah Stairlifts go to http://www. stannahstairlifts.co.uk/en/easy-fit-dvd-2.html and
Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern
www.suerydercare.org about the social charity’s
and Help the Aged and it’s worth checking
work.
available activities with the website www.AgeUK. org.uk
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RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011
The Digestive Health Event.
RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011
Meet our experts at our free event and discover useful insights into optimising your digestion and how to overcome common digestive complaints.
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Beatles, Movies & Cakes Life's all about contrast as Jane Asher tells Angela Kelly IT’S probably no surprise to anyone to learn that actress, writer and businesswoman Jane Asher has absolutely no intention of retiring. “For an actress, the work is such an integral part of one’s life that it’s hard to imagine being without it,” explains the 64 year-old who first came to cinema-going consciousness in the original film of “Alfie” in 1966. “Even if it’s difficult, boring or unsatisfying – and inevitably some jobs are like that – I’d always rather be working than not. “I like the idea of fulfilling the old cliché and carrying on till I drop: preferably finishing some magnificent speech and just managing to stagger off to the wings to the sound of tumultuous applause, where I die, beautifully and poignantly, muttering ‘how did it go?’ as I fade away!” Today, Jane Asher has the same slender figure (“I’ve always been skinny,” she insists) and stunning red hair that fascinated a generation in the Sixties and Seventies, especially during a period when she was Paul McCartney’s girlfriend – something she always gently declines to discuss. She also retains those beautifully modulated vowels that made her a shoe-in for the role of Lady Byrne in TV’s popular hospital drama “Holby”, a role she still occasionally reprises as the script demands. Plainly, the subject of retirement has not been seriously considered. “Mind you,” she adds, “the prospect of retirement does have its positive side in that there are still a load of things I’d like to do. “I left school at 15 and always regretted not going to university. I’d love to take a degree in something – probably in something with a bearing on one of ‘my’ charities - I’m President of the National Autistic Society, of Parkinson’s UK and of Arthritis Care. “As a doctor’s daughter, I’ve always been fascinated by anything scientific or medical, and a course in something that 14
would deepen my knowledge in that kind of area would be great. “And I might try and go back to the piano. I got to about Grade 2 as a child and I did try to get back to it last year with a few lessons, but I’m afraid my practising fell by the wayside. “But, knowing me, if I had the time to do these things, I wouldn’t. I definitely function best when I have too much to do and complain about it!” That kind of self-deprecating modesty is something we have come to expect from Jane Asher in all areas of her public life, including the famous cake-making business she started. Her multi-faceted career, though, has always come second to her “role” as wife to the famous RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011
E XC LU SI VE “Poirot.” It seems that whenever a cool upper-class English lady is needed, the call goes out to her. She is also a theatrical favourite, with most recent performances at London’s Lyric Theatre and Royal Court. Sir Peter Hall directed her in “Bedroom Farce” in Kingston, and next year she will star in mid-Fifties’ favourite “The Reluctant Debutante” which is set to tour. She is a successful writer, with three best-selling novels – “The Longing”, “The Question” and “Losing It” – to her credit. Jane has also written more than a dozen “lifestyle” and cake decorating books. So, which is the most pleasurable part of her busy life? “It’s all about contrast, isn’t it?” she says. “Much as I consider acting my ‘real’ job, there’s no question that the other strands of my life are very important to me and an integral part of my working life. “As with many women, my small business sprung from a desire to be at home with my children while they were young. What had been a childhood hobby – cake decorating – expanded via a series of books on the subject into being a cake shop and online sugarcraft store over the years that I was based in London and had the time to spend on it. “The novel writing came about through the cake books and so on – I certainly never planned to have several careers, so to speak, but I enjoy all of them and would hate to let any of it go.” However, Jane admits that she did originally set up the shop so it would eventually need less input from her, and she now has “a brilliant manager, David, who runs it magnificently without my having to be there so much.” Adds Jane: “Although to a greater or lesser extent I kept acting right through their childhoods, I knew that once my children were adults I would want to be able to do the kind of work that just hadn’t been possible: filming on location, working at TV studios outside London, accepting plays on pre-London tours and so on. cartoonist Gerald Scarfe and mother to Katie, Alexander and Rory. It has, however, always been packed. She made her cinematic debut when she was five in the 1952 film “Mandy” and grew up on screen through films like “The Greengage Summer” before “Alfie.” Jane starred in films throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s in particular and has appeared in some more recently but she is better known to the public through her theatre, radio and TV work. Her many TV appearances include “Brideshead Revisited”, “Wish Me Luck”, “The Mistress”, “The Choir, “New Tricks”, “Miss Marple” and
RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011
“And that’s exactly what has happened, and so far I’m able to keep all of the differing sides of my life bubbling along. I’m especially enjoying a new job I have designing for Matalan’s Home department – they’re a dream to work with and the beautiful fine bone china I’ve created has outsold anything similar they’ve done before.” Ask Jane how she manages to competently juggle so many careers and she happily admits that “it’s easy to fit in things that you enjoy. It’s when it comes to the boring business of emptying the dishwasher, tidying up or doing the everyday shopping that you run out of energy.
“I never forget how lucky I am to have a job that I love.” 15
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Home Group retirement developments in your area Churchill Court, Aylesbury – Tel: 01296 487 887 Churchill Court has been designed with the active, independent over 60’s in mind where we aim to produce a satisfying blend of carefree living with security, privacy and independence in a friendly community. Churchill Court contains a variety of superb, self contained one and two bedroom retirement flats connected by an easily operated lift. The main shopping centre is just a few minutes walk from Churchill Court, where you will find all major retailers and a market four times a week plus periodic farmers markets and continental markets. There are also a number of leisure activities and amenities close by that residents of Churchill Court enjoy.
Fegans Court, Stony Stratford – Tel: 01908 568 809 Fegans Court is another 60 plus development located within easy access to the range of shops in Stony Stratford and Milton Keynes. There is a regular bus service into town and a main line train station in Milton Keynes itself offering links to London and the North. Fegans Court comprises of 41 two bedroom properties and contains a resident’s lounge which serves as a meeting place for the community at the development. The site boasts a beautiful communal garden area and a putting green which surrounds the site. All properties are fitted with an emergency pull cord alarm system.
Holmer Place, High Wycombe – Tel: 01494 712 860 Holmer Place is located one mile from Hazlemere and is within easy access to the local village centre as it is at the end of the road 200 yards away. It has local shops including a convenience store, chemist, greengrocer, newsagent and a hairdresser. There is a bus stop at the end of the road as well as a free bus service to the supermarket. Holmer Place comprises of 23 two bedroom bungalows for the over 55’s. There is a communal garden area at the front of the properties with private gardens at the rear. All bungalows have gas central heating and are fitted with an emergency pull cord alarm system.
or visit us at www.homegroup.org.uk
Give your home a Face Lift There really couldn't be a better time to take stock of your home and give it a facelift. Bathroom and kitchen suppliers are reducing their prices and you will find some amazing furniture and fabric bargains around.
Hallway Hallways can often seem dark and unwelcoming but all that is needed is to use some light reflecting tricks such as painting walls and doors in fresh pale colours to brighten and refresh. To create a sense of maximum space try placing a large mirror on one wall and fix narrow, pale shelves to another wall to hold a collection of attractive glass bowls.
Sitting room This can be dramatic and cosy, or cool and serene. Whatever you choose, ideally it works best when it reflects your taste and style. A pale colour scheme 18
with a huge, striking mural on one wall is effective, or one wall painted a darker colour, with a collection of pictures grouped together also creates interest and focus. In a small sitting room, extra seating can be provided with a corner sofa, and replacing old style standard lamps with wall mounted lighting can also cut down clutter. Vivid scatter cushions and a new rug can pick up on your colour scheme or provide a contrast. Curtains are another feature which can make or mar the overall effect of your room. For maximum effect, curtain rods should be placed so that your curtains will hang beyond the window area when they're drawn back. This will make your windows larger, and you can add tie backs to make them hang neatly. The focal point of a sitting room is the fire and there are a huge variety of fireplaces to choose from. Traditional marble, stone or wood, there's a style and price to suit every taste. An
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H O M E addition to available ranges are the fireplace suites. These are complete fireplaces and fires combined as a unit, and are available using electricity or gas. The huge advantage of those using electricity is their adaptability. They require no installation and are free standing units which can be mounted on any wall and moved from room to room. The flame effect can be switched on without heating, and there is a choice of coals or pebbles. Those using gas should only be fitted by trained gas registered engineers for safety.
Kitchen We spend a lot of our time in the kitchen, so it should be a warm, inviting place but it's also the room which gets the harshest treatment and the most wear. The fastest way of giving it a facelift is with fresh paintwork. If your work tops are stained, check out the range of new work tops which can be fitted in hours. Your kitchen unit carcases may still be perfect, but the drawers and cupboard doors can become shabby, so transform your kitchenby refacing cupboards with new doors.
Exterior Paintwork If you have double glazing, then you won't need to paint your window sills, but algae builds up and dulls the look of window panes and sills. There are companies now which specialise in washing off double glazing surrounds and conservatories, to make them look like new.
Windows Wooden window frames are a different matter. Over time, they can become flaky and absorb moisture. In the heat, they shrink, letting in cold draughts and rattling in the slightest breeze. If you're thinking of replacing them, aluminium windows have enormous advantages. Obtainable in casement, tilt or sliding styles, they can be treated so that they can be coloured inside to suit your decorating scheme, with a different colour for the exterior. They're thermally efficient, incredibly long lasting, and have a secure locking system.
At Last! A NEW FORM OF HEATING FROM GERMANY Simple to install, Powerful, and no more servicing - EVER!
This incredible heating could be the answer to help beat ever increasing energy costs and amazingly, it is not gas or oil, or solid fuel - but clean electric! All you need is standard supply and NO special tariff like economy 7.
England, Dec. 2010 All over Europe more people are choosing to heat their homes and offices with this very special form of electric heating in preference to oil gas or E7. More and more of our customers are making that same decision and when you see this incredible heating for
yourself you could be next! The heating looks just like conventional radiators, but STOP! it is very different!
Installation takes minutes and running is completely clean, no leakage, no holes, no floor up, no tradesmen in dirty workboots. This incredible German heating simply plugs in! Job Done! You can do just one room or the whole house! This heating, whilst quite NEW in the UK has been mainstream for a very long time in Germany and Austria.
Put simply, that clunky central heating boiler needing constant servicing and replacement parts isn’t the only choice anymore! Now you can heat your homes, offices, extensions or conservatories with these incredible heaters providing individual control over every room without the need for a central control or wasted boiler space.
Discover for yourself this incredible German heating. Get your FREE brochure by calling Suzanne on: 0800 158 8272 or email: info@sunflowltd.co.uk
A ReAl AlteRnAtive to oil/GAs HeAtinG - Ask About ouR ReplAcement seRvice RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011
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Flexibility is the keyword Thousands of homeowners living in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey can now benefit from a Flexible Home Improvement Loan scheme, which is available to residents over the age of 60 years, to improve the warmth, comfort, safety or security of their homes. The innovative new scheme has been created by a group of local authorities to help residents remain in well-maintained homes during their retirement – and have peace of mind – while paying off as little or as much of the loan as they like each month. It was of paramount importance that the loan would be equal or superior to products available from other lenders in terms of interest rates, charges, efficiency and especially flexibility. Borrowers are able to make regular repayments, occasional repayments or no payments at all. Furthermore, they are free to vary the arrangement at any time and, if they wish, pay off the loan at any time without penalty. However, the loan plus any outstanding interest must be repaid if the property is sold, or if the owners cease to occupy it. The interest rate tracks Bank of England base rate, subject to a minimum rate of 3.5% and a maximum rate of 7.0%. As loans are repaid, the money will be recycled as further loans.
Among the improvements and repairs that have been funded by Flexible Home Improvement Loans are: Essential repairs and maintenance l Renewable energy generation technology such as solar panels and heat pumps etc l Central heating or improvements to heating and hot water systems l Insulation and energy saving measures l Replacement doors and windows l Roof and structural repairs l Replacement bathroom suites l Installation of level-access showers l Plumbing and drainage repairs l Rewiring l Replacement kitchens l Burglar alarms and home security l Replacement guttering, soffits and cladding l Work associated with eradicating dampness, wet rot, dry rot and woodworm l Installation of stairlifts or other adaptations. l
The scheme has proved to be very popular and the participating local authorities have received many favourable comments from borrowers and the families of borrowers. The total of loans made through the scheme has now passed £3,500,000. Additionally, at a time when conventional lenders seem reluctant to provide assistance, the scheme has been enhanced by the introduction of loans to bring empty homes back into habitable use. They are for five years and can be likened to a very flexible overdraft which must be re-paid at the end of the period by either selling the property or by refinancing. The interest rate on the empty homes loans is 2% above the Bank of England rate, subject to a minimum rate of 5.0% and a maximum of 7.5%. The borrower has the option of making monthly repayments or allowing the interest to roll up. The maximum loan will normally be the lesser of two-thirds of the value of the property or the cost of the proposed works. Further advances, or staged payments – are possible if the value of the property increases as work progresses.
The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Chiltern District Council & Wycombe District Council
can now offer you the ultimate
Flexible Home Improvement Loan
Call us to find out more Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead 01628 683820 Chiltern DC 01494 732016 Wycombe DC 01494 421728
New Scams and Old Tricks Last week I got a knock at the door. I put the chain on and opened the door, a man was standing there. “Your fence is about to fall down,” he said, “support posts rotten. You’re lucky I was passing, I can sort that out for you” “Thank you,” I said, “I’ll get some one in to look at that” and I closed the door. “You’ll be sorry” he said. He waited a few moments and when he realised I wasn’t going to open the door he pushed a card though my letter box and stomped off. The card just had a name and mobile phone number on it. Of course, I didn’t get my fence fixed by that caller. Next time my son was over I asked him to have a look at it and it was fine. Even if it had needed some work I certainly wouldn’t use someone who just turned up out of the blue. It is a sad fact that there are many rogue traders around who will offer to do fencing, roofing, driveways, home maintenance and so on for what seems to be a reasonable amount. However the quality of the work, if any is done at all, will be extremely poor and it will end up costing a great deal more than you were first told. These people appear trustworthy and genuine but they do their homework and target elderly people, often living alone. Often the householder is panicked into having the work done immediately, or are persuaded that having the work done will reduce heating costs or help with global warming. 22
The truth is once they have your money you may not see them again and they could well be impossible to trace. Any trader who gives just a mobile number should be regarded with caution because a mobile number can easily be discarded, and then there’s no way of getting in touch if the repairs are faulty, or badly done. Trading standards has dealt with cases where residents have lost thousands of pounds because they have agreed to have work done by someone who turned up on the doorstep. The advice from trading standards, supported by the police, is that you should never agree to have work done by a stranger who turns up at your doorstep no matter how good a deal it looks. Only use traders that you know or who have been recommended to you. Reputable, professional traders do not go door to door. Another scam to watch out for is known as distraction burglary. This is when you get a knock at the door and a complete stranger distracts you whilst an accomplice gets into your house to look for money or valuable. The caller could be a couple saying that they have seen some loose tiles on your roof, and while one of them keeps you occupied by showing you the problem the other one gets into your house.
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It could be someone claiming to be from the council or a legitimate company doing some routine checks. Once they have your attention someone else might be getting into your home. Every one of us is vulnerable to scams. We need to take note of warnings from the police and trading standards and refuse to deal with doorstep callers. Use your chain on your front door, don’t deal with strangers, don’t let them into your home and remember, it’s okay to say “no”.
Remember, reputable traders don’t need to go cold calling. Doorstep trading is the hunting ground for opportunists and scammers. Don’t even give them the time of day.
If you need to have some work done to your home then follow these simple steps ; 1. Only use a trader you know and trust, or one who has been recommended to you 2. Make sure you have the tradesman’s address and that you know how to contact them 3. Get the job in writing so you know exactly what is involved and how much it will be 4. Never agree to pay in advance for work to be done, even if you’re told it’s for buying materials or paying the workers. Only a small deposit should ever be paid up front and make sure you get a receipt 5. Never buy or sell at the doorstep 6. Never sign any kind of contract before discussing it with the family or a close friend. This gives you time to consider exactly what you’re letting yourself in for.
Any Doubt? Keep them out!
How to Beat the
Rogue Doorstep Caller • • • • • • •
Keep front and back doors locked Use a door viewer or window to see who your caller is Put your chain or bar on before you open the door Never agree to have work done by a stranger who turns up on your doorstep Don’t trust ID offered by the caller, it can easily be faked. Never let uninvited callers into your home Never agree to be taken to the bank to withdraw cash
Rogue doorstep callers appear trustworthy and genuine; if you let them in they’ll expect a sale and won’t give up easily. If you require any further information or advice about doorstep callers contact trading standards :
01628 683802
trading.standards@rbwm.gov.uk www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/trading_standards.htm
If you see any suspicious characters going door to door phone the police non-emergency number 08458 505 505. For advice on any other consumer issues you can contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or by e-mail via their website www.consumerdirect.gov.uk RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011
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FO O D
&
DRI NK
Rick Stein’s Coast to Coast Recipes Rick Stein’s passion for fresh wellsourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer. Rick remarks “My greatest enthusiasm in life has been finding dishes that change my perception of cooking, that reveal a whole new vista of flavour combination. I think we all enjoy that. I’m just someone with an enthusiasm for food and a curiosity that’s sent me sniffing around all over the place looking for lovely dishes in all corners of the globe” Taken from his book ‘Coast to Coast’ (BBC Books, £20) here are three of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by travels across the world.
S E R V E S
4
800g (1 lb 12 oz) unpeeled, cooked North Atlantic prawns 50g (2 oz) butter 1 small onion, chopped 1 small carrot, roughly chopped 1/2 teaspoon tomato purée 900ml (1 ½ pints) chicken stock 350g (12 oz) basmati rice 2 shallots, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, very finely chopped 3 cloves 3 green cardamom pods 1 cinnamon stick, broken into 4 pieces ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric 3 tablespoons chopped coriander 3 plum tomatoes, skinned, seeded and diced Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
North Atlantic prawn pilaf Peel the prawns but keep the heads and shells. Put the prawns on a plate and set aside. Heat 25g (1 oz) of the butter in a large pan, add the onion and carrot and fry over a medium heat for 6-7 minutes, until lightly browned. Add the prawn heads and shells and continue to fry for 3-4 minutes. Add the tomato purée and chicken stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain into a measuring jug; if there is more than 600 ml (1 pint), return it to the clean pan and boil rapidly until reduced to this amount. Meanwhile, rinse the rice in a few changes of cold water until the water runs relatively clear. Cover with fresh water and leave to soak for 7 minutes. Drain well. Melt the rest of the butter in a saucepan and add the shallots, garlic, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick and turmeric and fry gently for 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir well to coat the rice with the spicy butter. Add the stock to the pan, season with salt and bring to the boil, then turn the heat right down to the slightest simmer, put a lid on the pan and leave to simmer for 10 minutes. Don’t lift the lid during this time. Uncover and gently stir in the peeled prawns, coriander, diced tomatoes and some seasoning to taste. Re-cover and leave for 5 minutes to warm through. Then spoon into a warmed serving dish and serve.
S E R V E S
4
50g (2 oz) dried butter beans 2 eggs 1 fennel bulb 4 fillets of cod, skin on, each weighing about 175-200g (6-7 oz)
Grilled cod with aïoli and butter beans
Melted butter, for brushing 6 basil leaves, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon sea salt Freshly ground black pepper 175ml ( 6 fl oz) aïoli (garlic mayonnaise) Freshly ground black pepper F O R
T H E
S A U C E :
225g (8 oz) finely chopped mixed carrot, leek, celery and onion 50g (2 oz) unsalted butter 1 tablespoon cognac 10g (¼ oz) dried mushrooms 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar ¼ medium-hot red chilli, seeded and chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon Thai fish sauce (nam pla) 600ml (1 pint) fish stock ½ teaspoon salt 4 fresh basil leaves
Bring the butter beans to the boil in a large pan of salted water. Simmer gently until very soft. Remove from the heat and keep warm in the cooking liquid. To make the sauce, sweat the mixture of carrot, leek, celery and onion in a large pan with half the butter, until soft. Add the cognac and let it boil. Then add all the rest of the sauce ingredients, except the remaining butter and the basil leaves. Simmer for 30 minutes. Then pass the sauce through a fine sieve. Bring back to the boil and simmer until reduced to about 150 ml (5 fl oz). Boil the eggs for 7 minutes. Drain, remove the shells and keep warm. Remove the outer leaves of the fennel but don’t cut off the tops. Slice into thin sections then cook in salted water until just tender. Drain and keep warm.
Preheat the grill to high. Brush the pieces of cod on both sides with melted butter and place, skin side up, on a greased baking tray or the rack of the grill pan. Grill for 8 minutes or until just cooked through. This will depend on the thickness of the fillets. Place the cod on 4 warmed plates. Drain the butter beans and divide between the plates. Add the fennel, then cut the eggs in half and put one half on each plate. Add a spoonful of aïoli to each serving. Bring the sauce to the boil and whisk in the last 25g (1 oz) of butter, then add the basil leaves. Pour the sauce over the beans and fish and serve.
Enjoy a free bottle of Wine Courtesy of Costco see page 9. 25
Mildly spiced potato curry with cumin, black mustard seeds and coriander, topped with a poached egg S E R V E S
4
500g (1 lb 2 oz) waxy main-crop potatoes, such as Desiree, peeled and cut into 1cm (½-inch) pieces 4 tablespoons sunflower oil 1 ½ teaspooms black mustard seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger A good pinch of dried chilli flakes ¾ teaspoon ground turmeric ½ teaspoon freshly ground cumin ½ teaspoon freshly ground coriander The seeds from 2 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed 225ml (7 fl oz) water 1 teaspoon salt 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, skinned, seeded and roughly chopped 1 teaspoon lemon juice 4 large, very fresh, free-range eggs White wine vinegar 2 tablepoons chopped fresh coriander Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Drop the potatoes into a pan of boiling, salted water and cook for 5-6 minutes, until almost tender; then drain and set aside. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan over a medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds and cover the pan with a lid until the popping of the mustard seeds subsides. Uncover the pan, add the onion, ginger and dried chilli flakes and cook for 6-7 minutes, until soft but not browned. Stir in the turmeric, ground cumin and coriander and cardamom seeds and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the potatoes, water and salt and leave to simmer gently for 10 minutes, until the potatoes are tender, the liquid has reduced and the flavours have blended together. Stir in the tomatoes and lemon juice and cook for 2 minutes more. Stir in almost all the coriander, cover and keep warm over a low heat.
For the eggs, bring 5cm (2 inches) of water to the boil in a wide, shallow pan. Add 1 ½ teaspoons of vinegar and ½ teaspoon salt per 1.2 litres (2 pints) of water and reduce the heat so that just a few small bubbles are rising from the base of the pan. Break in the eggs and leave them to poach gently for 3 minutes. Lift out with a slotted spoon and leave to drain briefly on kitchen paper. Spoon the potato curry into the centre of 4 warmed plates and put a poached egg on top of each. Season the eggs lightly with a little salt, scatter over the remaining coriander and serve.
© Rick Stein, 2008. Food photography © Woodlands Books. Author photo © James Murphy 26
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FINANCE
So you’re thinking of making a Will ... Don’t leave it to chance..... There are at least six excellent reasons why you should make a Will: You can choose who will inherit your property, your money and your possessions. Throughout our lives, we all accumulate possessions and usually a certain amount of money and property too. On death, this package of assets is known as an ‘Estate. If you die without making a Will, the law will decide what happens to your Estate. Arrangements or agreements (for example with your spouse, daughter, brother or best friend) to share out the Estate after your death have no weight in law. And commonly held beliefs that a spouse or common law partner will automatically inherit are simply incorrect and can cause real heartache. A Will is the only way to choose exactly how your Estate should be divided. Making a Will also prevents disagreements or arguments between relatives.
Trusts are a helpful way of protecting young or immature heirs: they guard inheritances until the children are old enough to make informed decisions about their money. Trusts also allow you to plan financial provision for disabled children.
You can appoint Guardians for young children
You can plan for the care of family pets or leave money to charity
It’s difficult - but essential - to face the possibility that young children could be left without parents to care for them. However, it’s even less pleasant to consider the consequences of not making these important plans. Who would you want to look after your children if you were to die? If you don’t decide, the local authorities and courts will decide for you. Their idea of the ‘best’ carer for your children may be very different from yours. Be aware too that an unmarried father does not automatically become Guardian to his own children. A professionally drafted Will ensures that your children will be cared for as you choose in the event of your early death.
Treasured family pets can be provided for in your Will. You can appoint carers or make a legacy to meet their needs. Your Will may include tax-free bequests to your favourite charities.
You can even save tax after you die! Inheritance Tax is the duty payable on what you leave behind when you die. No-one wants to pay more than their fair share to the tax man, so a Cornerstone Will ensures that your Estate is as tax-efficient as possible. Saving unnecessary tax leaves more money to be shared as you wish. You may even avoid paying Inheritance Tax altogether. RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011
You can establish Trusts to protect young or less able beneficiaries
Do you want to protect the value of your home? Sadly we hear all too often of cases where the value of a house has been used to pay for residential care fees, leaving nothing for the family. This can have a far more crippling effect on your estate than Inheritance Tax. Any surviving spouse or partner could change their Will or after remarriage, disinherit your children. Correctly drafting your Will to include property trusts can alleviate these problems and also protect the value of your home for your children. Remember! A Will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever own.
27
WHAT IS A LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY? The Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) was introduced on 1st October 2007 – it is now the primary way to give someone the authority to look after a person’s financial affairs as their appointed attorney. The LPA operates both before and after a person becomes incapable of managing their own affairs. The power to look after money and property is called a ‘Property and Affairs LPA’. This includes the buying and selling of property, operating a bank account, making of gifts, and claiming benefits subject to any restrictions or conditions. The new Property and Affairs LPAs can give the attorney authority to act both before and after the onset of mental incapacity. A Lasting Power of Attorney must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before an attorney has power to act. There are also ‘Health and Welfare’ LPAs, which give an attorney the power to make decisions about non-financial matters. This can include decisions such as where the donor should live, consenting to or refusing medical treatment on the donor’s behalf and also aspects of your day-to-day care such as
your diet, your dress, or your daily routine. It is up to you which of these decisions you want to allow your attorney to make. The Health and Welfare LPA, however, can be used by the attorney only after a person has lost capacity and, once again, has to be registered with the Public Guardian before it can be used. The new legislation means that the previous type of power of attorney (Enduring Power of Attorney – EPA) can no longer be created. However, existing EPAs, ie those granted and signed before 1st October 2007, continue to be effective.
Why should I have a Lasting Power of Attorney Sadly none of us know if and when we will lose our mental or physical capacity and with modern lifestyles either could strike unexpectedly and not only with the onset of old age. Anyone aged 18 or over, with the capacity to do so, can make an LPA appointing one or more Attorneys to make decisions on their behalf. For those who wish to ensure that decisions about their welfare and property and affairs are made by those they trust the making of an LPA is a very sensible step to take.
28
Although you may feel that talking about a future where you are no longer able to communicate effectively could be difficult, if approached sensitively, it can offer all concerned peace of mind. You can give precise instructions with regard to any future health treatment; under which circumstances you would wish to be treated aggressively or only with palliative care. You can also set out if and when you would be happy for your home to be sold to cover care treatment.
If you become incapable of making decisions for yourself and have not appointed another person as an attorney, your personal affairs would become the responsibility of the Public Guardians office and it may be necessary for the Court of Protection to become involved. The Court will appoint a person, called a Deputy, to make decisions on your behalf. The major disadvantages of not having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place are firstly the possible delay in dealing with your affairs and secondly the cost of making a Deputyship application, which is likely to be much more expensive than making a Lasting Power of Attorney and registering it. There are also on-going yearly fees charged by the Court of Protection for monitoring the Deputy.
Your Attorney(s)
Planning consultants. We will ensure you have the right Will for your circumstances and no situation is too challenging for our expertise. Cornerstone Will writers are professionally trained and qualified through the Society of Will Writers and Estate Planners and Practitioners (SWWEPP) diploma. No matter how complex an estate, whatever the intricacies of a client’s situation, whether they are in business or own property abroad, we can help and advise accordingly.
CORNERSTONE WILLS Specialist Will Writers and Estate Planners
As with any Power of Attorney it is an important document and you should take care whom you appoint as they should be trustworthy and have appropriate skills to make the necessary decisions. It is important to note that your attorney(s) must consult with you on any decisions they make on your behalf for as long as they are able to do so. If you appoint more than one Attorney, you can appoint them always to act together (jointly) or together and independently (jointly and severally). You may even appoint them to act jointly for some things and jointly and severally for others, although this requires care as it may cause problems of interpretation when using the Power. You may also choose to appoint a successor to your Attorneys in case one of them dies or otherwise cannot act for you. In addition you may place restrictions on what your Attorneys may do for you or provide guidance as to how they are to act.
A professional service Using Cornerstone Wills will give you the peace of mind you need with our expert Wills and Estate
Everyone knows how important it is to have a Will and yet thousands of people still die without one causing their family misery and hardship.
We can show you:
How to leave your family peace of mind With the right Will and estate planning the only people to benefit from your estate are those you actually want to. We provide friendly and professional home appointments and if you have a current Will, we will review it for free in light of current tax legislation
For a free information pack and initial (no obligation) consultation to discuss your personal circumstances and requirements:
Contact us on 01753 842068 or 07971 197 587 or email to info@cornerstonewills.co.uk
We’ve worked so hard all our life How can they take our kids’ inheritance? “IF ONLY WE HAD TAKEN SOME SIMPLE ADVICE, we could have saved our home for the children” According to recent statistics, around 65,000 UK homes are sold every year to fund peoples’ long term care costs. And the vast majority of the population are oblivious to the fact that there is a simple, legal way to avoid it. It’s easy to think that your Local Authority will be obliged to pay for your care – but if you have more than £23,500 in assets (and almost everyone with a home will exceed this by some distance), the cost is likely to be down to you. Another myth is that you can simply pass your assets to your children. But it’s potentially a disastrous move which could leave you and them with huge problems. The annual cost of care in the South East averages over £40,000, with the most expensive care homes costing £1,000+ per week. An estate of £300,000 could therefore easily be used up completely in 6-8 years. And with 1 in 4 over-65’s needing long term care of some sort, it’s vital that you act before it’s too late to protect your home and other assets. Prior Knowledge, a firm of Estate Planners based in Epping, Essex, and with clients throughout the Home Counties, specialises in the area of long term care. Initial
consultations are totally free, and there is no pressure to proceed. Marcos Kallou, Director and senior Estate Planner at Prior Knowledge, is keen that people should know that they are able and entitled to protect their personal assets, and is dismayed that so many people are reluctant to act before it’s too late: “It’s heartbreaking to see a couple’s assets frittered away on long term care when it’s so simple and inexpensive to put the assets into Trust, for example.” “A bit of careful planning can save so much.” “I know plenty of ordinary working people who have saved for their old age in good faith, believing that it will enable them to have a
“It’s so easy to protect your assets, by putting them into a simple Trust, for example...” Marcos Kallou, Director of Estate Planners, Prior Knowledge CASE STUDY A Mr & Mrs C T of Andover
CASE STUDY B Dr & Mrs P W of Chelmsford
Had a property worth £395,000.
Had a property worth £469,000.
Felt they didn’t need estate planning. Forced to sell their property to fund care costs, which used up the entire proceeds of their sale after just 9 years.
Took professional estate planning advice, and put their home into Trust. Currently enjoying life in a supervised care home.
Still in care. No assets to pass to their three children.
The full value of their home is theirs to bequeath to whoever they wish.
relatively relaxed, stress-free retirement, and be able to pass on some of their savings to give their children a better life.” “But with legislation as it stands, they’ve found themselves in a really stressful situation, and their assets are just slipping through their fingers.” If you want to protect your home and other assets from long term care costs, speak to Prior Knowledge on 01992 579101, or e-mail marcoskallou@priorknowledge.co.uk in complete confidence.
Headline from The Daily Telegraph, February 2011
To readers of RETIRED MAGAZINE: please don’t ignore the warning – it is very much in your interests to avoid this problem, but you must get professional advice and take action. Not everyone will be adversely affected, but you won’t be sure until you seek expert advice, as with Beryl Darby of Royston, who thought she was exempt: “My husband finds it difficult to get around these days, and my arthritis is getting
worse. Our daughter, Louise, lives in Australia, so we have thought about the possibility of a Care Home. “We’d always paid our income taxes and National Insurance, and although we didn’t have any significant savings, we had paid off our mortgage and thought it was the one thing we could always be sure of. And we already had a Will, which we thought would ensure that Louise would inherit the house after we’re gone.
“However, at Christmas my neighbour suggested that we get some advice on Wills and when we did, we were horrified to find out that we could still lose everything. Fortunately, putting our house into a Trust was quite simple, and has saved us so much money. But more than that, we now have some peace of mind, knowing that if we did have to go into a Home, we’d still have our house, and our daughter could benefit from it when we’re no longer around.”
Prior Knowledge is a member of the ‘Institute of Professional Willwriters’ whose members conform to the OFT-approved Code of Conduct, and has helped hundreds of individuals and organisations with Estate Planning. Prior Knowledge has recently been appointed as the preferred provider of Estate Planning Services to the employees at the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in Harlow.
Want to protect your future? Unsure which is the best route to take?
Wills
Estate Planning
re m Ca r e T Long
Let us point YOU in the right direction…
01992 579 101 THE family protection experts!
Protect Disable ion of d Childr en
Guardians for Young Children
ers Pow ney g n i Last of Attor
16 Brickfield Business Centre, Brickfield House, High Road, Thornwood, Epping, CM16 6TH. marcoskallou@priorknowledge.co.uk www.howtomakeawill.co.uk
Prior Knowledge
H i n ds i g h t i s g r e a t … b u t pr i o r k n o w l e d g e i s e v e n b e t t e r
Perfect Companions pets and people you have only to watch the relationship between the two to see how it benefits both .... Harvey Locke has seen this satisfying chemistry at first hand over 40-plus years as a vet, and is a great believer in pet power. “Animals can provide real companionship and improve people’s health as well,” he insists.
breed is also important. You wouldn’t want someone with severe arthritis owning a border collie which needs plenty of exercise and attention.” Far better to discuss the matter with your local vet right at the outset, so he or she can give invaluable advice on suitability and practicality. “It’s important to talk through your lifestyle and your disposable income,” states Mr Locke. “It’s obviously more expensive to look after a Great Dane than a poodle. “And if you’re a fairly frail person, then you need a dog you can easily control.” Where you live is also instrumental in pet choice. Life in a third-floor flat might not be conducive to keeping and exercising a Pyrennean Mountain Dog, for example. “Where you obtain your dog is also extremely important,” adds Mr Locke. “Avoid puppy farms or anyone who wants to deliver the dog to you. Go and see the breeder, where the dogs are kept, and always see at least one of its parents so you can assess how big the dog will grow and its likely temperament.” Rescue animals are often a good choice, from a responsible sanctuary. Often such pets are already vaccinated and even micro-chipped.
However, as president of the British Veterinary Association, he is also a great exponent of responsible pet-owning and believes that this starts as soon as the decision is made to actually own a pet. “What tends to happen with older people, unfortunately, is that children and grandchildren buy them an animal without actually asking first or checking if it’s suitable for them,” he says. “For example, with a dog you probably need to be fit enough – and willing enough – to take it for walk. The
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“Dogs are at risk from distemper, parvo virus, viral hepatitis, leptospirosis, para influenza and kennel cough so they need a course of vaccinations that cost around £50, with a booster a year later that’s around £25 although prices do vary around the country,” says Mr Locke. It’s also worth knowing that boarding kennels will only house your animal if it has had its vaccinations. Your dog also needs to be micro-chipped. “This costs around £10 to £25 but is a one-off fee and very valuable,” states the vet. “Your details go on a national database and if your dog gets lost or is found wandering, its owner is just a phone call away. So there’s peace of mind, too.”
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Your vet will also help with advice on nutrition for your pet, and the likely costs involved. “There’s bound to be a big difference between, for example, feeding a cat and feeding a very large dog. There’s also been a big change in dried food for pets, which can mean cheaper bills.” Regular dog-walking can also introduce you to fellow dog-owners. People easily get talking with this shared interest and kinship which leads to new friends.
Organisations like Pets as Therapy (PAT) actively take animals into hospitals and care homes where they become popular visitors. Some care homes around the country have even bought dogs and other animals as popular “residents”. An increasing number of residential homes are also allowing elderly residents to keep their pets with them as parting them can be traumatic for both. The Pets for Life campaign is trying to highlight the problem.
Margo Giles, aged 76, who got her Lurcher dog from Dogs Trust, sums up the benefits: “I think if all older people were to visit a dogs’ home instead of their GP and were issued with a dog like my Reuben, there would be a lot of healthier pensioners about, no obesity and no need to worry about the rising cost of heating – there’s no time to get cold!” Cats also make excellent companions. Mr Locke recommends getting a kitten under the age of six months “that’s not set in its ways and won’t have got into bad habits.” He suggests that older people avoid pedigree cats as they tend to have more health problems than the average moggy. Vaccinations and micro-chipping are, again, important, and rescue cats are often a good choice. Vets also generally recommend pet owners take out insurance for treatment and neutering costs. “If your pet is run over and injured, or falls ill, these bills can run into thousands of pounds so insurance is really important,” says Mr Locke. Vets can’t suggest individual policies but they can advise on general type. If a cat or dog doesn’t appeal or is unsuitable for any reason, Mr Locke suggests a pet rabbit. “There has been a big increase in the numbers of people keeping rabbits because so many can now be kept indoors,” he says. “Rabbits can be house-trained to use a litter like a cat does, they will play and fetch things and are good company. “The only danger with rabbits is that they can chew through indoor cables like telephones so watch out for that!” A guinea pig is another rewarding choice. “They’re cheap to keep, they don’t smell and they’re lovely little things,” adds Mr Locke. For many people who are housebound or have very limited mobility, a caged bird can be a welcome companion. Just having an animal around the house can be someone to talk to. For others, a pet can be a real boost to health. “People who have had heart attacks, for instance, may improve their health by taking a pet dog for regular walks – exercise they might not otherwise take,” Mr Locke says. “And just stroking a cat or dog can actually lower blood pressure.”
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Retired Greyhounds – Making a Difference to Lives Across the UK Retirement from the racing track is the start of an exciting new life for greyhounds. The Retired Greyhound Trust is the national charity dedicated to finding homes for greyhounds at the end of their racing careers. Since the charity was founded in 1975 it has homed more than 50,000 dogs. But, there are still hundreds of dogs across the country who are desperate for loving owners. Ivor Stocker, from the Retired Greyhound Trust, said: “A greyhound is a trusty companion for all ages who will fit in easily with its new owners or family. After finishing on the track, they undergo a remarkable transformation. They change from being the fastest breed of dog to ‘couch potatoes’ that love lolling around and sleeping in comfy places. Despite their well-deserved reputation as formidable athletes, they do not require large amounts of exercise and are easy to look after. The vast majority of greyhounds are perfectly content with two 20 minute walks a day.” For further information log on to www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk or call the Retired Greyhound Trust head office and they can put you in touch with your local branch 0844 826 8424.
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GO FOR IT! 2011 Events
To find out more about Thames Hospicecare events visit www.thameshospicecare.org.uk, email events@thameshospicecare.org.uk or call 08456 128812 and ask to speak to someone in Fundraising
Thames Hospicecare, Pine Lodge, Hatch Lane,Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 3RW Charity Reg: 1108298
. • • • • •
NEWS & EVENTS
The Real Cost of Heating The cold winter has caused considerable heating problems as well as huge bills. Those of us enjoying warm comfy homes have to sympathise with people suffering the cold through burst pipes, faulty boilers, lack of oil or fuel poverty. All of us should re-think the way we keep warm. In Germany, there is a big move towards 'individual time switched' heating, that is fully heating rooms just before and during use and either turning the heating down or off when not used. The Germans have developed a special type of chamotte based heater ideal for this usage. (www.germanelectricheaters. com) Electric heating, like fan heaters are expensive to run but German heaters such as 'Elti' are much more efficient and compare very favourably with oil and gas and just think, eliminate burst pipes, servicing, boiler replacement, oil delivery problems. Electric, a real alternative heating solution.
Chef for a Day at Waddesdon Manor 25th March Classic Rothschild Dishes Contact Details: Waddesdon Manor Waddesdon, Nr Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP18 0JH. Booking essential as places are limited. Please phone 01296 653226. £97.50 per person. Workshop After a welcoming cup of coffee, enjoy three hours' tuition and hands on cooking with recipes to take home. You will also be served a wonderful three course lunch with wines to accompany each course and have the chance to see behind the scenes and learn something of the Rothschilds' contribution to cuisine. Ticket Type: Activity ticket £97.50 per ticket
Mother's Day: Chinnor + Princes Risborough Railway One Day Event (03/04/2011)
2+2 £22.50 per ticket 3-15yr £4.50 per ticket Under 3's Free Well behaved dogs travel free. Trains depart: 10:15/11:45/13:15/14:45+16:15
Guided Walk Event (07/04/2011) Thursday 14:00 16:30 Event (14/07/2011) Thursday 14:00 16:30 Join our Head Gardener and gain some expert advice, hints and tips. Plus find out more about a Victorian Prime Minister's garden. Includes a delicious afternoon cream tea. Contact Details: Hughenden Manor High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 4LA. Booking Essential 0844 2491895 Opening Times: Gates open 11:00
Easter Specials at Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway Demonstration Refreshments for all including chocolate egg for all the children and a hot cross bun for adults. Easter chick hunt. All trains are steamed hauled. Contact Details: Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway Chinnor Station, Station Road Chinnor Oxfordshire OX39 4ER. Tel: 01844 353535 Ticket Information Concession ticket £8.00 per ticket Family ticket £22.50 per ticket Adult ticket £9.00 per ticket Child ticket £4.50 per ticket Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Birds of Prey & Countryside Day
Mum's travel FREE when accompanied by a fare paying passenger and receive a complimentary posy of flowers. All trains steam hauled.
Opening Times One Day Event (04/06/2011) Day Times Saturday 12:00 17:00
Contact Details Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway Station Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire OX39 4ER.
Displays at 12:30 and 15:00 (subject to weather conditions)
Tel: 01844 353535/ 07979 055366 Ticket Information Senior Citizen ticket £8.00 per ticket Adult ticket £9.00 per ticket 36
Demonstration Enjoy the thrilling sight of 'CJ's Birds of Prey' in action. Be enthralled by the sheer size and splendour of the birds as you get up close and discover RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011
fascinating facts about them. Find out more about our local wildlife through crafts and activities with people who care about our countryside. Fun for all the family Contact Details: Wycombe Museum, Priory Road High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 6PX. Tel: 01494 421895 Ticket Information : Free admission Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Marlow Town Regatta & Festival Festival (11/06/2011 - 12/06/2011) The Marlow Town Regatta & Festival is now firmly on the map as an annual event which combines a traditional rowing Regatta and its garden party ambiance with a ‘family day’ of Dragon Boat racing and a superb ‘Tribute Band’ concert to finish. Add-in, an increasing number each year, of Trade Stands, a large and popular Craft Fair, and the ‘Marlow Showcase’ and there is more to do, and see, each year. Contact Details: Higginson Park, Pound Lane Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 2AE.
Roald Dahl Festival (02/07/2011) Market Square, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 2RW Tel: 01296 585310 Festival Aylesbury’s Roald Dahl Festival is a magnificent event featuring a parade of up to 500 young people carrying giant animated puppets of characters from Roald Dahl stories. The parade snakes through the old part of Aylesbury town with live Samba music, dancing and street entertainment, watched by an audience of thousands. Following the spectacular parade, there is lots to see and do around the town. With live music, entertainment and hands on children’s arts activities in the middle of the fountains of Kingsbury Square, the beautiful gardens of the Buckinghamshire Museum and Roald Dahl Gallery and the National Trust’s historic Kings Head public house and courtyard. The theme for 2011 is George's Marvellous Medicine. It is an unique and fantastic family day out! Free admission Free Priced tickets may be required for various events/ activities associated with the festival.
Don’t lose your vote... Are you on the Register of Electors? If not, you won’t be able to vote in any elections. We re-publish the Register annually on 1st December after the Autumn canvass but we can add your name at any time of year so if you aren’t registered, just ring or email us and ask for a registration form.
Got your hands full on polling day? Apply for a postal vote in advance!
Anyone who wants to can now vote by post at any election. It’s easy to do – just complete a simple application form. Ring or email us and we’ll post one out to you, or you can download one from our website.
Tel: 01494 421223 | email:elections@wycombe.gov.uk | Website:www.wycombe.gov.uk Electoral Services, Wycombe District Council, Queen Victoria Rd, High Wycombe HP11 1BB
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H E A LT H
Live with a healthy heart We all know that we should enjoy healthy eating, be more active and avoid tobacco if we want to live with a healthy heart. Try these top tips and live a heart healthy lifestyle: l Cut down on saturated fat by using semi- skimmed or skimmed milk rather than full fat. l For healthier fats, try cooking with olive, sunflower, corn or rapeseed oil instead of butter or ghee. But remember to use it sparingly! l Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on five days or more a week. l
Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day; in curries, salad or as a snack. If you’d like some help sticking to a heart healthy lifestyle why not join Heart Matters? This FREE service from the British Heart Foundation offers a package of support and information for people with a heart condition or who are simply looking to improve their heart health. You will receive a welcome pack including a quick guide to heart health, a ‘heart risk’ tape measure and a 5 a day food diary when you register. You can then choose to sign up for further supportive materials, including free copies of heart health, their free lifestyle magazine. You’ll also have access to a helpline staffed by friendly heart health advisers and cardiac nurses. Sign up to receive access to this free service: Visit: www.bhf.org.uk/retiredhearts Or call: 0300 330 3300 (Local rate. Lines open Monday–Friday 9 am–6 pm)
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We all know how important it is to look after our own health and the health of our families, so it is reassuring to know that Spire Thames Valley Hospital and the Spire Windsor Clinic are able to offer private healthcare to patients of all ages. Cardiology is one of the specialities at Spire Thames Valley and is the only private hospital in the area to have a full service cardiology unit, which can provide Cardiac Pacemaker implantation. Dr AlObaidi, Consultant Cardiologist since 2006 has been implanting those devices at the Spire Thames Valley since 2008. Dr Al-Obaidi comments “ these devices transformed lives of many patients who otherwise were previously at risk from collapsing and blackouts”. Dr Al-Obaidi in addition provides other services at the hospital, including Transosophageal ECHO (TOE) procedures which is a more advanced ECHO giving clearer pictures of the heart, DC Cardioversion, which restores to normal heart Rhythm abnormalities and implantation of “loop recorders” which are tiny recording machines which help continuous (24/7 up to 3 years) monitoring of the heart to investigate unexplained episodes of palpitations or dizzy spells. Dr Al-Obaidi also runs regular general cardiology out-patient clinics as well as special clinics for patients fitted with pace makers for the purpose of interrogating the devices.
Set in secluded grounds, Spire Thames Valley hospital located near Gerrards Cross offers both adults and children treatment across a wide range of specialties including, Ophthmology, Orthopaedics, Urology, Ear, Nose and Throat and Cardiology. During their stay at Spire Thames Valley, all patients can expect private en-suite facilities and an excellent level of nursing care from a hospital which has more than 25 years experience. Younger patients will be cared for by the specially trained paediatric nursing team who are on hand to ensure that both the patients and their family’s experience is relaxed and comfortable. Located in the heart of Windsor, the Spire Windsor Clinic offers patients a convenient second location for their outpatient appointments and any imaging diagnostics which they may need. The Spire Windsor Clinic houses the local area’s only open MRI scanner. Open MRI Scanning can be a great comfort to patients who suffer from anxiety and claustrophobia and who often find it difficult to be scanned in the more commonly used tunnel shaped MRI scanners.
If you would like more information about the services available at Spire Thames Valley Hospital or the Spire Windsor Clinic, including cardiology, please call the enquiry line: 01753 665 404, or email: cservice-tv@spirehealthcare.com
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Premium private healthcare for all With the launch of our new paediatric service Spire Thames Valley Hospital can offer a wide range of specialities for a wide range of patients. We offer consultations, tests and treatments for the whole family at either our main hospital site or at our clinic in Windsor – and you don’t have to be insured.
You can choose to pay for most specialities – and you can see the consultant of your choice at a time to suit you. For more information about our range of services, call
01753 665 404 or visit
www.spirehealthcare.com/thamesvalley
Wexham Street, Wexham, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6NH
A Guide to Dentures... The Importance of Dentures The eyes, nose and teeth are the focal points of every face; they give the first impressions of your personality. Natural teeth grow in proportion and in harmony with your facial features and your dentures should be made accordingly. Your teeth, or your dentures, have many important functions: to support your facial muscles, to help formulate your speech, and most importantly to chew your food and start the digestive process. It is very important to chew food properly, as poorly chewed food will take longer to digest, especially for the elderly who could risk problems in the digestive system.
Difficulties in Constructing a Good Set of Dentures Constructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth. In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally. We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement. At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science.
Choice of Dentures There are three main quality standards in denture materials: Denture Base Acrylics: standard quality, high impact much stronger non brittle and the latest thermoplastic. Denture Teeth: 2-layer acrylic very basic and cheap, 3-layer acrylic re-enforced much harder, 4-layer composite extra hard and natural looking. However, good materials on their own will not make good dentures. A skilful and experienced clinician and technician are required. The best results are achieved when the whole job is done by the same person. 40
How Long Should Dentures Last? The question we should ask is, how long will my dentures be functional for? Dentures can last twenty or more years, but will lose their function (chewing ability, proper fit etc.) probably after two years. This will depend on many factors: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Quality of dentures. Age of Patient. General health of patient. Any drastic change in weight.
Dentures Need Regular Servicing Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth, being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour. Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to constant bone resorbtion dentures will become loose sooner or later. Loose dentures will increase damage to the gums and bone structure, and increase the risk of breakage. Have them re-lined as soon as possible to get a good fit. It only takes a day or two. Have your dentures inspected by a dentist or denturist at least every two years, or more frequently if necessary. RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011
Your Dentures need Attention 1. When they become loose. 2. When teeth or denture base discolours. 3. When tooth surfaces become flat. 4. When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures). 5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth. 6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores. 7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.
Loose Dentures Can be re-lined by adding a thin layer of the new acrylic to fit the surface of the dentures, making them fit better (takes one or two days).
Dentures with worn down teeth Teeth can be replaced with a new set.
Major improvements in Facial Features Padding dentures to reduce lines and fill up sunken cheeks will require a new set of dentures. It is advisable to have a new set of dentures made every 5 to 10 years.
Should I have a spare set of Dentures made? Yes, it is very important to have a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage.
Where do I go to have a good set of Dentures made? Every dentist can make dentures, but not all of them will specialise in denture making. Denturists will take the greatest care to make your dentures look natural and fit properly. They can give you and your dentures the time and attention you deserve.
Summary 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Clean your dentures daily with a denture brush and denture cream. Have your dentures inspected every two years, and re-lined or ultra-sonically cleaned. Have a new set made every 5 years if possible. Keep a spare set for emergencies. Remember, dentures do not have to hurt and do not need to be uncomfortable. With a new set of dentures, you should receive a written guarantee, a detailed prescription of the materials used in your dentures, cleaning and servicing instructions, and a cleaning kit. Dentures so life-like you’d think they were real.
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Take a slice out of your Rent and Council Tax Up to 4 out of 10 people entitled to Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit miss out.
Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit is help towards paying your Rent/Council Tax Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are national welfare benefits These benefits help those people on low incomes to meet the cost of their rent and/ or Council Tax If you pay rent and /or Council Tax for your home, then you can apply for help if you are: l l l l
On a low income, earnings or pension A student with children or a partner Disabled On Benefits
For pensioners with savings (who are not in receipt of pension credit guarantee) the first £10,000 is ignored. There is a maximum of £16,000 above which there is no entitlement to Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit. Those in receipt of guarantee credit are automatically entitled to maximum benefit.
Don’t miss out. What should you do next? Apply now. You can get a claim form by contacting us on 01494 421 324 or visit our website at www.wycombe.gov.uk where you can use the on line calculator to see if you qualify or email us at: benefits@wycombe.gov.uk
If you are in any doubt - apply! It won’t cost you anything and it could save you money
CARE
Who are you?
We’re all living longer. At one time, if we reached seventy years, we were thought to be doing well. Now we’re living well into our eighties and nineties, and sadly, along with the pleasure of prolonged retirement years, come disadvantages. The biggest of these is the possibility of contracting Alzheimers disease or other forms of dementia.
T
here is no test which can definitely establish whether a person has Alzheimers disease, the most common form of dementia. In the early stages, forgetfulness is the most common symptom, and as the disease progresses, short term memory loss, lack of ability to think clearly and sometimes even the memory of how to get dressed can be lost. The reasons for the onset of this disease are varied, but the results are the same. Brain cells stop communicating with each other. Sometimes, a gradual onset of Dementia occurs after a series of mini strokes, or more suddenly after a stroke. Memory loss in a person with Alzheimers disease is mainly short term. The patient cannot remember events which happened last week, although he can remember events which happened many years ago with complete clarity. There could also be mood changes, and confusion.
How many people are affected? The Alzheimers Society reports that there could be as many as 750,000 living with dementia in the UK, yet only a third of these have been diagnosed. In an ageing population, this figure is expected to double over the next twenty years. THE UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA’S FINDINGS SHOW THAT DEMENTIA RISK IS HIGHER IN PEOPLE WITH BOTH STROKE AND IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT Stroke patients who also suffer from an irregular heartbeat are at double the risk of developing dementia, according to a new study by the University of East Anglia (UEA). Published in the journal Neurology, the findings show that stroke survivors with an irregular heartbeat – or atrial fibrillation - are 2.4 times more
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likely to develop dementia than stroke survivors without the heart condition. The researchers analysed 15 studies with more than 45,000 participants and an average age of 72. They compared patients with and without atrial fibrillation, and followed up to determine which developed dementia over time. Around a quarter of patients with both stroke and atrial fibrillation were subsequently found to have developed dementia. “These results offer convincing evidence of a link between irregular heartbeat and dementia in patients with stroke and could help us identify treatments that delay or even prevent the onset of dementia,” said lead author Dr Phyo Myint of Norwich Medical School at UEA. The study is the first high-quality meta-analysis of the potential role of atrial fibrillation in the development of dementia. Though the results show a clear association in stroke patients, Dr Myint warned that signs of a link in the general population – as suggested by some earlier studies – were inconclusive. “There remains considerable uncertainty about any link in the broader population,” he said. Atrial fibrillation is more common as people age. It affects around one in 20 people over 65 in the UK and more than two million in the US. The heart’s two upper chambers do not beat effectively in the condition, resulting in an irregular heart rhythm. This can lead to blood pooling and clotting which significantly increases the risk of stroke. Around 15 per cent of strokes occur in people with atrial fibrillation. Other risk factors for stroke include smoking, high blood pressure and a sedentary lifestyle.
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60,000 deaths are attributed to the disease every year. The number of dementia cases is expected to rise by around 150 per cent over the next 40 years. The disease is little understood but the risk of developing dementia is thought to be multifactorial. Dr Myint said further high quality research was now needed to establish whether the link between atrial fibrillation and dementia in stroke patients was causal. Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “This important research suggests that those with atrial fibrillation who have previously had a stroke need to be identified and monitored more closely. We now need more Guidelines / A5 involving landscapestroke advertsurvivors / Samplewith 148.5mm x 210mm research this type of cardiovascular disease to determine whether controlling atrial fibrillation with medication could reduce the risk of getting dementia later in life.
at the top of the advert should remain solid process blue where our key message / headline needs to be placed.
“Cardiovascular disease and stroke are well known riskisfactors dementia. best ifway to reduce adverts there scope to for place a secondaryThe message needed. risk of dementia is to take regular exercise, maintain d then hold your phone numbers and contact details. a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables and ensuring that your blood pressure and cholesterol are checked regularly.”
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Many people worried about memory loss are reluctant to visit their doctor, possibly because they fear a diagnosis of Alzheimers Disease. In 2010, The Alzheimer Society relaunched its ‘Worried About our Memory’ campaign, which stressed the importance of seeking help, and since then, some 4000 people have requested more information. An early diagnosis to establish the type of dementia a person has is important. There are drugs which can treat certain types of dementia and most of these work best in the early stages. Most importantly, it helps the person with dementia to make plans for their future while they are still capable of making well judged decisions. Caring for a person with dementia can be frustrating and distressing. The dementia sufferer can be aggressive, and has forgotten the rules of acceptable behaviour. They resent not being able to make themselves understood, they become confused and frightened, and this sometimes causes them to lash out and make hurtful comments or threats. But inside this changed personality is still the person you love. The mother who took you to school, helped with the homework and gave you hugs when things were difficult. Or the father who taught you how to ride your bike and how to drive your first car. The most common worry amongst the relatives of those with dementia is the dreadful
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The we position same p all adve
feeling of loss. That terrible day when the parent you love asks “who are you?” One to one care, in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, can make a huge difference. Reassurance, giving the dementia sufferer a hug, or holding their hand will make them feel safe and talking about events which happened in the past, which they can still recall vividly will give a sense of belonging and personal worth.
can be very aware of our responses . What we might regard as difficult behaviour may in fact be a logical expression of fear, anger or frustration on the part of the person with dementia. We are acutely aware of the therapeutic relationship which often exist between the person with dementia and the person who delivers their care and support. We promote equality of opportunity and value diversity thereby recognising that people with dementia have the same rights as other citizens.'
Make sure they have fresh fruit, vegetables and oily fish and plenty of fluids; dementia sufferers are more prone to dehydration.
For more information on Alzheimers disease, the following websites and helplines are available.
Checking out their clothing. Try to minimise the number of buttons and zips – dementia sufferers find dressing and undressing difficult, so pull on clothing is easier, especially when they need to use the lavatory.
Alzheimers Society Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk elpline¨0845 300 0336 Helpline: 0845 300 0336
Being vigilant on their personal hygiene to avoid infection.
Carers Direct Website www.nhs.uk/carersdirect Helpline: 0808 802 0202
Making sure that risks in the home are cut to the minimum.
Dementia UKH HH Website: www.dementiauk.org Helpline: 0845 257 9406
Fall alarms, door alarms, infrared sensors, help pendants and continence alert systems are all available to help protect vulnerable people.
National Dementia Strategy Website: http://www.dh.gov.uk
Most importantly of all, on difficult days, remember this person is being overtaken by a disease which they cannot control. It’s the disease which has made them behave in irrational or aggressive ways. At times like this, try to give them a sense of personal worth, focus on happier times in the past, and talk to them in a way which makes them feel they are still in control and able to make decisions. 'When looking at care options for someone suffering with Dementia or Alzheimer’s, Care at home from Bluebird Care is an ideal as it removes the confusion that can come with new surroundings or routines. A familiar environment, with care on a one-to-one basis, will allow clients to receive the permanent support they need whilst remaining in the comfort of their own home. Care at home is responsive and can adapt as needs change, supporting complex medication administration. In their own home, clients are more likely to feel safe. Taking somebody with Dementia out of their familiar surroundings can make them feel exposed and vulnerable, which, of course, can be very distressing to all concerned.' 'We extensively train our carers so they know what type of dementia the client suffers from, so are better able to predict or understand the behaviour of the person affected and enables them to recognize how the impact of dementia on individuals can vary. Our carers understand how a person with dementia RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011
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Forestcare Lifeline Alarms Help at the touch of a button Forestcare is Bracknell Council’s Emergency Control Centre. We rent Lifeline alarms and related sensors to over 3,000 individuals across Berkshire. This equipment means that people are able to remain in their own homes and feel safe knowing that help is available if they need it. The alarm is connected to your phone line and a nearby electrical socket. Forestcare is accredited by the Telecare Services Association, and has been classified as a premium member.
T
he Lifeline alarm consists of a base unit connected to your phone line and a pendant worn around your wrist or neck. This personal alarm works anywhere in your home or garden and means that you can connect to us by pushing the red button on the pendant or base unit at any time. When your call comes through to us we will offer you help and reassurance and ensure that you get the correct assistance quickly.
Our Lifeline alarms are available to anyone who feels vulnerable at home. This may be due to age, disability, ill health or simply because you live alone.
Keyholder and Keysafe Unit When we call help for you, the emergency services or your keyholder will need quick access to your home. We can install a keysafe outside your property for your door key(s). The keysafe we use is secured by design and is the only Police and insurance approved design on the market.
Every day in the UK 8,000 older and frail people fall over With a Forestcare Lifeline you can get help at the push of a button We are here day or night, 365 days a year. 46
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Additional sensors As well as looking after you, Forestcare can also help you to look after your home. A range of sensors can also be connected to your Lifeline alarm which will alert us if there is a fire, flood, intruder or the cooker has been left on - depending on the type of sensor you choose. The benefit of having these monitored sensors is that when they activate, the Control Centre will receive a call. This is particularly valuable for people suffering from Dementia who may hear the alarm going off but be confused about what to do. If you are worried about being burgled you can use motion sensors (PIRs), in conjunction with your Lifeline unit, to ensure the control centre receives a call in the event of a breakin. We can then ensure that you are safe and that the Police are called.
Motion Sensor (PIR) - can be used to detect intruders
Wireless Smoke Detector
Wireless Carbon Monoxide Sensor
Our commitment to you Our customers will tell you that we provide an excellent service which includes: Answering all alarm calls promptly and well within TSA guidelines. l Responding to faults and replacing equipment by the next day. l Respecting your individual needs and treating you with dignity. l Ensuring the team is fully trained to deal with any emergency. l Having local knowledge because we are locally based. l Being committed to continuous improvements and customer satisfaction. l
To find out more about Forestcare
Contact details:
Forestcare Lifeline alarms and the additional sensors are available to anyone living in the region. Please get in touch with us for more information or to arrange a free no obligation demonstration. We will make an appointment to visit you within the next week. Only if you are completely satisfied will we then install your Lifeline alarm. Our services and equipment are rented weekly. You can pay by either monthly direct debit or quarterly invoice.
Telephone: 01344 786500 (24 hours a day) Email: forestcare@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Fax: 01344 786520
Prices • •
Lifeline units can be rented from as little as £3.55 per week. If you have a Lifeline unit, additional sensors can be rented for £0.82 each per week.
Website: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/forestcare Forestcare Commercial Centre Old Bracknell Lane West Bracknell RG12 7QT. Please note all calls are recorded for quality control purposes.
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0800 015 8995 fraudinvestigations@wycombe.gov.uk 24