Medwayageuk spring 2014

Medway

AGE UK MAGAZINE SPRING 2014

7 ways to boost your heart health

Barry Norman on bereavement

After losing his wife, he wrote a book about their life together

Cardiovascular disease is still the biggest killer in the UK

Tell us what you would like to see?

Services to cater for the needs of older people in Medway

Social care and support

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What help is available and how to arrange it

HOME FROM HOSPITAL + MORE

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Contents List Spring 2014

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10

10 Home from hospital ..... 6

To support our customers at the most difficult times.

Flexible Outreach dementia service ......... 6 Supporting people with dementia and their families.

Tell us what you would like to see ..................... 7

A range of services to cater for the needs of older people in Medway.

Having a break ............. 8

Spend a lot of time caring for someone? Its important to make time for yourself, too.

Barry Norman on bereavement ................ 8

Losing your life partner is the biggest challenge many of us have to face at old age.

4 | SPRING 2014

06 Bid News .................... 10 Social care and support: where to start ................ 11 Someone you care about needs extra support and care, what help is available and how to arrange it.

Internet Security ........... 14 Protect your computer from viruses and get the software you need.

7 ways to boost your heart health ................. 15 Cardiovascular disease is still the biggest killer in the UK. You will be surprised what can help keep your heart healthy.

Cliff Richard’s greatest personal achievement .. 16 Cliff Richard talks to The Wireless about his happiest memories and why retirement isn’t in his vocabulary.

Coronation memories ... 17 The Queen came to the throne on 2 June 1953 after her father, George VI, died in 1952.

Bogus Callers .............. 18 There is one type of criminal that targets older people, bogus callers.

Fauja Singh .................. 18 Fauja Singh is the world’s oldest marathon runner, at the age of 102.

Brilliant Belfast: a City reborn .......................... 19 Belfast has a positive reputation for its vibrant culture, popular events and beautiful Victorian architecture.

Puzzle Page ............... 20

Unique British foods ... 22 Visit the beautiful regions of the country and taste the best of Britain on your next trip.

Appeals and complaints to your local authority .. 23 If you want to make a decision regarding your care, you have certain rights.

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

Welcome,

07

Medway

from the CEO Welcome to the third edition of your customer magazine, Engage.

Cover Image © Maya Kruchankova/Shutterstock

Meet the team…

18

Editor

John Norley Tel: 01634 572616 Email: johnnorley@ ageukmedway.org.uk

Age UK Medway

The Adirmals Offices, Main Gate Road, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TZ

Designer

16 Moving abroad ........... 23 Moving abroad will offer idyllic retirement, but you need to ensure that its the right decision for you.

Answers&Solutions .... 23 Your rights: Shopping on the high street ...... 25 The high street is the main way we buy items, but not all of us know our consumer rights.

Equity release ............ 25 Equity release refers to the various ways in which you can use your home to generate income.

Let’s get Cooking ....... 26

Emily Robb Tel: 01536 521126 Email: emily@ lancepublishing.co.uk

Sales

Laurence Rowe Tel: 01536 526662 Email: laurence@ lancepublishing.co.uk

Publisher

Lance Publishing Ltd 1st Floor Tailby House Bath Road Kettering NN16 8NL Tel: 01536 512624 Fax: 01536 515481 Email: mike@ lancepublishing.co.uk Web: www.lancepublishing.co.uk

Printer

Lance Print Ltd Tel: (01480) 492183 This magazine is produced on behalf of Age UK Medway by Lance Publishing Ltd. All rights are reserved by the charity and no part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the charity. Age UK Medway will accept no responsibility for, or necessarily agree with, any claims made or views expressed in this publication, nor does the mention of any product, service or advertisement imply a recommendation by Age UK Medway. Reg. Charity No. 1133023

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

T

his edition should reach our customers as the winter fades away and makes way for what promises to be a lovely warm spring and summer. We have been thankful that the weather has not been as nasty in the Medway area as elsewhere in the country, meaning that more of our services have been able to run, uninterrupted throughout the colder winter months, when most of our customers rely on us. We saw bulbs pushing through much earlier this year as a real sign that winter was coming to a

close, but it remains very wet in some areas. Our thoughts have been with all of those who have suffered with the flooding this year.

A very difficult time.

Engage Spring 2014 has lots of interesting articles again, and gives lots of information about what we are up to in the charity, and some interesting articles which we hope are relevant to your interests.

Don’t forget to look at the “engage with us” section of the magazine and write in if you can, or even telephone if you feel you would like to contribute to the magazine in the future, it would be good to hear from you.

SPRING 2014 | 5

Age UK Medway runs a home from hospital service, specifically designed to support our customers at one of the most difficult times.

W

e understand more than most that being discharged from hospital after an operation or illness, can be very worrying. We understand that for many customers, going home again after being fully supported in hospital is a nerve wracking time, and we also recognise that there is lots to do at home, and lots to think about.

Our free service, runs for 6 weeks from when you are discharged from hospital, and can cover a multitude of tasks that you might need assistance with. Whether its understanding your medication, getting to an outpatient appointment, or just help to re-stock your kitchen cupboards, or someone to get the house straight for you, we are here to help.

Our Home from Hospital

6 | SPRING 2014

volunteers will also be able to point you in the right direction, if there are other services that you feel you may need in the longer term. We can link you to our Day services, home care services and our information and advice, meaning that you have a friendly face for 6 weeks to ask anything you want, and help you settle back in at home.

Our service is coordinated by a paid member of staff, Rachel North, who is funded by Medway council to ensure that our group of volunteers have all of the support and information they need to effectively support you at home.

So if you are heading in to hospital for treatment, or have just been discharged, pick up the phone and call Rachel on 014634 722203 and make an arrangement for her to come and see you.

Flexible Outreach – dementia service Supporting people with dementia and their families.

A

ge UK Medway offer a service which is designed to enable individuals who are experiencing the early stages of a dementia type illness to be supported in the community. Trained support workers will spend between one and two hours with each person on a weekly or fortnightly basis with the aim to pursue their interests, take part in meaningful activities, maintain their independence, retaining and or developing social contacts.

Our ethos is to understand the person with dementia and allow them to be themselves in a safe, non-medical, and

stimulating environment. By allowing a person to remain at home longer, enabling them to retain daily living skills and independence and by giving them a sense of achievement and purpose, disruptive or challenging behaviour can be alleviated.

The service helps to reduce social isolation and retain or regain links with their local community and can give the carer some valuable respite time.

The service is for people aged 55 plus and living in the Medway area.

Referrals can be made by yourself, family or any Health and Social Care Professional. If you would like more information about this service please call 01634 401099.

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

Image Š Alexander Raths/Shutterstock

Home from hospital

Tell us what you would like to see Over the course of the last couple of years, Age UK Medway has continued to develop its range of services to cater for the needs of older people in Medway.

W

e think we have a good range of services, and we feel that the range covers a breadth of needs and aspirations, but we feel that there is an opportunity to do more for the older people of Medway, and we want to do more.

Our current services could be split into three main areas, Engagement services – services that bring older people into contact with our charity for the first time, Support services - services that Age UK Medway provides to customers to allow people to be supported to remain independent at home for as long as

possible, and Care services - services which offer care in people’s homes, from personal care to foot care and Bathing.

We believe that all three of these areas could be increased to include new services, and we have plans to explore the possibility of providing services to include residential care and respite services.

We recognise that older people want a range of services, and we look to you, our customers and stakeholders, to tell us if we have the range of services right, and to tell us what else you feel you might need now, or in the future, to help make later

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

life more enjoyable, less difficult and more fulfilling.

For example, is there a demand out there in Medway for a charitable sports club? One that offers a range of sports to people aged 50 plus, at an affordable charge.

We know that getting older is different for each person, and that some older people are very physically active, very socially active and have every reason to think that for those people facilities provided that are accessible, designed for older people, and priced to ensure that people can financially afford to continue to take part, would be welcomed.

We want to give you an opportunity to help shape our strategic plans for the future. We invite you to get in touch with the Chief Executive and put forward your view about older people’s services in Medway, provided by Age UK Medway. John Norley, our Chief Executive can be contact by telephone on 01634 572616, by email at johnnorley@ ageukmedway.org.uk, or by mail to Age UK Medway, The admirals offices, Main Gate Road, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TZ. We look forward to hearing your views.

SPRING 2014 | 7

Barry Norman on bereavement Losing your life partner is the biggest challenge many of us have to face in old age. Former TV presenter and journalist Barry Norman lost his wife of 54 years, Diana, to heart disease in 2011.

Having a break If you are a full-time carer or spend a lot of your spare time caring for someone, it’s important to make time for yourself, too – both for the sake of your own health and wellbeing and to give you the energy to carry on caring.

H

aving some time to yourself doesn’t mean you are letting the person you care for down. It’s sensible to have time to rest, catch up with friends and pursue your own interests.

You might just want to have a break from your caring role for an hour or two a week, to pursue other activities or simply to have some ‘me time’.

care as a result of your carer’s assessment, or through a community care assessment for the person you look after, the local council should provide it.

If you need a longer break to recharge your batteries, you may be able to get financial help from the council. Otherwise, there are some benevolent funds and charities that may be able to help you with the cost of a holiday.

Get support to take a break

Your Carer’s Allowance

Respite care is the term used for replacement services which enable you to take a break from caring.

This could include a range of things, from employing someone to sit with the person you care for or cook for them, taking them to a day centre or arranging temporary residential care.

If you are identified as needing respite

8 | AUTUMN 2013

You can continue to receive your Carer’s Allowance for up to four weeks in any six-month period if you have a break from caring.

However, the rules are complicated, so you should get specialist advice from the Carer’s Allowance Unit by calling 0845 608 4321.

You should always inform the Carer’s Allowance Unit when you take a break.

H

ere he talks to Nick Smurthwaite about being left on his own, and why he decided to write a book about their life together.

What prompted to you to write ‘See You In The Morning’?

Originally I had no intention of writing a book but a couple of weeks after Diana died I felt I wanted to write something about her. At the time I did it for myself and maybe for the grandchildren when they’re older.

So how come it finished up being a 265 word book?

I had a change of heart. I thought, actually I’d like everyone to know how special and extraordinary she was, so I sent what I’d written to my agent and it was snapped by the Daily Mail who asked me to write more.

Then later, when my agent was at the publishers Transworld, he reminded them about the piece that had appeared in the Daily Mail and they commissioned the book.

Didn’t you find it upsetting to write about happier times together?

Barry Norman and his wife, Diana I actually got a lot of pleasure out of recalling the great fun Diana [right with Barry] was to be with, but, yes, of course there were moments when I felt sad doing it. I hope it’s not mawkish or sentimental because Diana would have hated that.

Did you always think you’d be the first to go?

Yes, but Diana always had the last word and she said she would die before me, and that’s what she did.

It is two and a half years since she died.

Is the grief beginning to lessen now?

The sense of bereavement is still there. I’m coping and trying not to feel sorry for myself because selfpity is self-defeating.

The odd glass of wine helps but when self-pity creeps up on you the only thing to do is to pull yourself together and get on with it.

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

I don’t grieve for Diana because she died very peacefully, propped up in bed, bedside light on, with a book by Patrick O’Brien on her lap. It’s the kind of death you’d happily choose for yourself.

But coming home to an empty house is quite depressing. Before, she would always wait up until I came home, usually asleep in her favourite armchair.

Now I come home to an empty armchair.

You say in the book that, immediately she died, you busied yourself with sorting out all her papers.

Yes, all that admin stuff after someone dies helps you get through it – the death certificate, the funeral arrangements, contacting solicitors, working out who owned what, all that gets you through

the first two or three weeks. Then you have to face the future alone.

Has work been a comfort?

Definitely, a great help. I certainly wouldn’t want to contemplate a future sitting around in carpet slippers watching daytime TV. I do like to have plenty to do because it is important to keep myself busy.

And I gather from the book that your daughters, Samantha and Emma, have been a great support?

The last couple of years would have been intolerable without my daughters and my three grandsons. Emma and her son, Bertie, live a couple of hundred yards from me in the village where Diana lived for more than 50 years, and where I still live.

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

Did you consider moving house after Diana died?

No, not at all. Even though her grave is a few hundred yards from my house, I hardly ever go there because I don’t feel she’s there.

But I do feel her spirit everywhere in the house, and I love that.

I have a couple of favourite photographs of her propped up in the sitting room and every now and then I curse her soundly for dying before me. Of course if I’d done that while she was alive there would have been an instant comeback.

I really miss the clash of wits that went on throughout our married life. I even miss the rows we had.

Do you fear getting old on your own?

Yes, of course. The one

thing I really fear is being stricken with something that makes me a burden on the family. I’d love it if there was some form of euthanasia to relieve them of that. I’ve talked to my daughters about it, just as Diana and I talked about it together when she was alive.

Are there are any advantages to getting old?

I find it much easier to speak my mind freely now.

It’s not OK to be rude to people, just because you’re old, but it is easier to go against received opinion, to have the courage of your convictions.

That’s very liberating.

See You In the Morning

by Barry Norman will be out in paperback on 13 March.

AUTUMN 2013 | 9

Bid News Age UK Medway was disappointed to hear the news that we were unsuccessful in our bid to secure tablet computer devices for our customers.

B

ut never to be put off, our staff are checking other grant giving organisations for an eligible pot of money to re-submit that bid, we will make it happen as soon as we can.

On a brighter note, we were successful in our bid to the EON fund for assistance for older

1 0 | AUTUMN 2013

people with keeping warm in the winter. EON awarded us £7,500 to ensure that we can have staff available to carry out benefit checks to ensure that Medway’s older people are receiving the winter fuel allowances that they are entitled to help heat homes in the winter.

We have also submitted

a bid to the Age UK text Santa fund. Age UK was one of six nominated charities to receive donations generated from the Text Santa campaign in December 2013. The event raised over 4 million pounds during the TV program, which is split between 6 charities. We had an opportunity to

apply for a grant due to Age UK Medway’s involvement in the film footage that was shown.

We hope to receive something in the region of £5000 to help support our free information and advice service that has already made so much difference to our customers in the Medway area.

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

Social care and support: where to start When you or someone you care about starts to have difficulty managing daily tasks at home and needs extra support and care, it can feel daunting and you might not know what help is available or how to arrange it.

Let us help you try to understand the social care and support system.

The care and support system is complex and can be confusing, with many organisations involved in assessment, arrangement and provision of care. The rules on how you pay for care and support can also be difficult to understand and it’s important to know what you are entitled to.

However, there is help and advice available and, with a bit of planning, it ‘is’ possible to find good care which helps your needs.

What social care services are available?

The type of services available to help with care and support needs can include: • Help at home with shopping, • laundry and cleaning.

• Intensive home care • such as washing, dressing • and preparing a meal.

• 24 hour care in a care • home or a housing with • care scheme (also known as • sheltered accommodation).

If you do qualify for local authority support, instead of receiving directly-funded and arranged services, you can ask for cash payments so that you can arrange your own care.

You may also be entitled to the provision of equipment and adaptations to help make your home more suitable to meet your needs.

Where do I start?

Your first port of call should

be your Local Authority contact its social services department or contact centre.

Staff will be able to let you know about the local rules which operate in your area (every Local Authority can decide what level of eligibility for care they will provide as well as its charging policy).

Local authorities will also provide an up-to-date list of local providers and can signpost to services. Be prepared to answer questions about your care and support needs, as well as your finances.

Assessment of needs

You should also be offered an assessment of your needs.

This means that a social worker (or sometimes an occupational therapist or nurse) will ask you questions about what you find difficult on a daily basis.

This assessment will be used to work out what your levels of need are and what support can be provided.

A needs assessment must always lead to the production of an agreed care and support plan. You should be provided with a copy of this plan.

Generally councils will not provide services for people whose needs fall into these lower categories. If you are in this position, you can still find services locally, but you will need to pay for these from your income or using savings.

Eligible needs

If you have eligible needs the Local Authority has a legal duty to meet them. To meet your needs the council may allocate a personal budget for your care. This means that you can choose to have services arranged on your behalf or a cash payment paid to you to arrange your own care. This is called a Direct Payment.

As part of your assessment you should receive appropriate advice about how your needs should be met.

The new personal budget system is intended to allow service users greater choice and control over how their needs are met and funding arrangements.

Finances and how it affects charges for support

Care arranged by a Local Authority is not usually free.

Your Local Authority will therefore ask about your finances and income.

Paying for care and support at home

There are national rules for charging care home fees which means you will pay the full cost of care if you have more than £23,250 in savings (the limits vary slightly in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland).

If you own your own home and no one else lives in it when you move into a care home, the council is able to take into account the value of the property and use it to pay for care home fees.

In charging for home care, most Local Authorities will use the £23,250 savings limit, but it can vary. However, the value of your property will not be taken into account.

Charges for care are complex, and you should seek more detailed advice from the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 169 6565.

It’s also very important to ensure that you get all of your benefits and entitlements.

For example, there is a no means-tested benefit called Attendance Allowance which provides a weekly income to help meet additional costs which arise from a disability or difficulty with everyday activities.

Qualifying care needs

Most Local Authorities provide care for people who are categorised as having ‘critical’ or ‘substantial’ levels of need. These are the top two categories in the banding system (called Fair Access to Care Services) that is used by Local Authorities.

The bottom two categories are ‘moderate’ and ‘low’.

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

AUTUMN 2013 | 11

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Internet Security A computer connected to the internet is at risk from rogue programs called viruses. They spread from computer to computer in email attachments and files downloaded from the internet.

If a virus infects your computer, it can make it slow and even leave you open to identity theft. To keep your computer safe, you should have security software installed and up to date. You will need: • Anti-virus software • to look for and • remove viruses • Firewall software to • create a barrier between • • your computer and the • internet, which will • block viruses and • prevent anyone • from connecting to • your computer • without permission • Anti-spyware software • to prevent programs that

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• allow unwanted adverts to • pop up, track your • activities or scan your • computer for private • data, such as credit • card numbers.

How to choose security software

There are many types of anti-spyware, anti-virus and firewall software available, but the best option for beginners is to purchase a complete suite from a reputable provider, such as McAfee or Norton. You can download these programs from the internet or visit a computer store on the high street to ask for guidance.

It’s a good idea to check with your internet service provider, because they will often offer security software as part of your broadband deal.

There are also popular free alternatives available online, such as AVG, Avast and Microsoft Security Essentials (if you have Windows 7, Vista or XP).

Keep your computer updated

Whatever operating system your computer runs (e.g. Windows or Mac OS), keep it updated because this will give you stronger protection from new viruses. You should receive notifications when new updates are available, but you can also update your software manually.

If you use Windows, find the ‘Windows Update’ icon – this could be in your ‘Start’ menu or listed in ‘All Programs’. You can also go to the Windows Update site, where you will find instructions on how to enable your computer to automatically download and install updates as they become available.

You can get the latest software updates for Mac OS through the Mac App Store. Visit the Apple site for instructions on how to update your software.

Protect your wireless network

If you have a wireless router, check that your wireless network is secure so that people living nearby can’t access it. It should be the case that only people with a wireless ‘key’ (i.e. password) can connect to your network.

Users will be prompted for the key when they try to access the network for the first time. If this doesn’t happen and no padlock symbol is displayed next to your wireless network, your network is currently not protected.

Read the instructions that came with your router to find out how to set up a wireless key and make your network more secure.

For more information about anti-virus software and protecting your wireless network, visit the Get Safe Online website.

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

Image © Berishafjolla/Wikimediacommons

Protect your computer

7 ways to boost your heart health Cardiovascular disease is still the biggest killer in the UK, but you might be surprised by some of the ways that can help to keep your heart healthy...

1. Snack on a handful of nuts

‘Walnuts are a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids, which can help to decrease inflammation in the arteries and protect the heart,’ explains British Dietetic Association spokesperson Gaynor Bussell.

‘Nuts in general can help to lower cholesterol levels and they will also help to fill you up. But don’t have more than a handful as they are high in calories.’

2. Meet up with friends

According to social psychologist John Cacioppo from the University of Chicago, loneliness is linked to hardening of the arteries, which leads to

high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease.

He claims that loneliness also raises the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can interfere with circulation, making the heart work harder.

His research shows the fruit flies that are isolated have worse health and die sooner than those that interact with others.

So if you’re feeling lonely, try to reconnect with old friends or find a new hobby or join a club or class to help you get out and about and meet new people.

3. Cut down on booze

There are regular reports in the news that moderate drinking – specifically of red wine - may be beneficial for your heart, but the key word here is ‘may’.

There’s still no conclusive proof carried out in controlled studies of the benefits of alcohol on heart disease – meaning that the best thing to do is limit your consumption.

Drinking too much booze can cause abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, damage to the heart muscle and other diseases such as stroke, liver problems and some cancers.

4. Drink coffee

You might have heard that drinking coffee is bad for your health, but new research from the American Heart Association suggests that the opposite might be true.

Researchers in Boston have found that moderate

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

coffee consumption - the equivalent of about 2 coffeeshop coffees per day - could reduce the risk of heart failure by as much as 11%.

But don’t get too carried away - research suggests that drinking much more than that could increase the risk of developing serious heart problems.

5. Learn how to meditate

Scientists have discovered that people with heart disease who practised Transcendental Meditation - which was made popular by The Beatles in the 1960s - can cut their risk of heart attack and stroke by half, compared to those that don’t.

This is thought to be because meditation helps to lower blood pressure - a major risk factor for CVD. In the most recent study, from the University of Iowa, scientists found that practising this type of meditation for 20 minutes per day was enough to make a difference.

Deep breathing exercises and yoga breathing are believed to have similar benefits.

6. Sprinkle on some flaxseeds

‘Flaxseeds, also known as linseeds, are little seeds that are high in Omega 3 fatty acids.

So, like nuts, they can help a little in lowering cholesterol,’ explains Gaynor Bussell.

‘They are sometimes added to foods in order to help with constipation as they increase

fibre intake, and having more fibre in the diet can also help to lower cholesterol.’

You can buy these small ground seeds from heath food shops, and sprinkle them on breakfast cereals or salads or add to yoghurt.

‘If you want to try them, start with half a teaspoon and build up to about 2 teaspoons a day,’ says Gaynor. ‘The slow build up is advisable, as they can cause flatulence and bloating if you’re not used to them.’

7. Lose 5% of your body weight

We all know that losing weight can improve our health - and just a few pounds can make a big difference.

‘Experts have found evidence that losing just 5-10% of your body weight if you are overweight or obese improves your metabolic profile. This means that if you have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol, these levels come down,’ explains Gaynor Bussell.

‘Eating fewer calories is the only way to successfully lose weight and this is best coupled with some exercise.

Don’t lose weight too quickly, 1-2lb per week is fine.

‘Experts believe that one of the healthiest types of diet to follow is the Mediterranean diet, which is high in fruits, vegetables and pulses, along with some meat, fish, nuts and seeds, a little olive oil and a glass or two or red wine daily - but no more than this!’

SPRING 2014 | 15

Image © Ocskay Bence/Shutterstock

A

lthough mortality rates are falling, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still the UK’s biggest killer. In 2010, almost 180,000 died from CVD, with around 80,000 of these deaths being from coronary heart disease and 49,000 from strokes.

Eating five or more servings of fruit and vegetables each day, taking regular exercise and stopping smoking will all help to improve heart health.

Of course, we all know that this can be easier said than done. But fortunately, there’s plenty we can do to reduce our risk without having to give up all the things we enjoy.

Research suggests that making just a few simple tweaks to your daily routine really can make a difference.

Cliff Richard’s greatest personal achievement Following the release of his landmark 100th album, Cliff Richard talks to The Wireless about his happiest memories, selling in excess of 250 million records and why retirement isn’t in his vocabulary.

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liff Richard has enjoyed many successes throughout his long and celebrated career, such as having over 130 UK top 20 hits and global record sales of beyond 250 million. However, the personal achievement he’s most proud of came in 1995 when he became the first rock singer to be awarded a knighthood in recognition for his services to music and charity.

Speaking to The Wireless, Cliff said: ‘it was so off the wall; it wasn’t in my radar… you know if you make a record you think it could be gold, you know, it may not, but it could. It never crossed my mind that I might be invited to be a knight… I still enjoy being a knight; it’s fabulous.’

55 years of storming the charts

Cliff is currently promoting his

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latest top 10 hit, The Fabulous Rock ‘n’ Roll Songbook, which is his 100th album - an incredible feat, and he says he would ‘never have dreamed’ that he’d still be storming the charts 55 years on from the release of Move It. Neither does he have an answer for those hoping to discover the secret behind his success: ‘Join the queue, I’m at the head of the queue; I have no idea why.’

On his new album, Cliff covers classics songs from the early years of rock ‘n’ roll, such as Little Richard’s Rip It Up and Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode. He calls it a ‘fantastically productive time’ that we’re unlikely to see again.

He explains: ‘Yeah, people say what’s the difference between then and now...

Nowadays you can be number 1 in Britain and sell 35,000 or 40,000 copies of something or downloads of something

in a week. When we were selling our million sellers we were selling up to 80,000 in a day and on those weekends would be 120,000 a day.’

If he had the chance to relive one of those years, it would be his breakthrough year in 1985. He says: ‘There’s so many good years I’ve had, but if I was going to live it again, I’d love to go back and have that year, where we went to Norrie Paramours for an audition.

‘Ian Samwell happened on the bus to write Move It. We played it in the audition, it got us our contract, we did the studio stuff, did Move It and it was number 2 by 14 October 1958. So I would go back to ’58 and just live that again. It was so unbelievable – that’s why it was fantastic.’

‘I don’t want to start all over again’ That doesn’t mean Cliff wants to ‘be younger’ or ‘start all over again’. In his view, he’s already had the best parts of the industry: ‘I’ve sold in excess – they keep saying I’ve sold 250 million records – but that figure was got to 30 years ago when they’d checked out how much I’d sold around the planet, and so I’ve got to have sold… 5 million more!

So those were wonderful days and I’ve lived through that...’

He also enjoys being older

and wiser, being able to look back on past achievements: ‘It means that I can now look back and say I did that, that’s happened to me. And also by being older, and you are definitely wiser if you’re older, because you’ve been through everything - you’ve experienced all sorts of emotions.’

At 77, Cliff still insists that retirement isn’t part of his vocabulary, but he is open to having a break: ‘If I say I retire, I’d have to come back out of retirement. I don’t want to come back.

‘I’d rather just stop and maybe 2 years later I’ll phone up my office and say: “Now listen, I want to build a new extension. How many concerts can I do to earn the money to make that?” Then I can have fun, because I do like…

I mean recording is fabulous.

Going live is so much fun.’

At the moment, Cliff is enjoying his continued success and considering a follow-up to The Fabulous Rock ‘n’ Roll Songbook. He says: ‘If this album sells well enough for the record company to have made money, and for me to have made some money and have enough money to make another album, I can’t wait to get back to Nashville. If I can get the same 5 musicians, I would and just do another volume 2.’

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

The Queen came to the throne when her father, George VI, died in 1952. Her coronation took place on 2 June 1953.

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any of us have vivid memories of the Coronation as a time of joy and optimism. 4 women share their personal memories of the big day below:

Trisha’s memories: ‘My brilliant dad made our TV

On the Queen’s Coronation Day I was only 6 and a half years old.

It was very difficult to get a television in those days, but my father was a brilliant electrical engineer, and he made our first television.

And the living room was full of all neighbours and family and friends watching this tiny black and white television of the Queen’s coronation. There was plenty of food on the table, and in those days of course there was a big range, with the fire going on, and the kettle was always full of water and boiling to make lots and lots of tea.

And I also have this memory that when the crown actually went on the Queen’s head, everybody

in the room stood up. All I can remember of the day is such happiness of everybody watching this tiny little screen.

Marjorie’s memories: ‘They thought I was old enough to toast the Queen’

I remember the Coronation very well. At the time I was 17, almost 18, and I worked for a couple in a shop. They had a television; very few people did have in those days. So I was invited round for the day.

Of course the shop was closed - everything was closed – and I was invited around for the day to watch the Coronation on television, which I was thoroughly thrilled to do.

King George VI had been very well loved, so there was a mixture of sadness that he’d died as well as looking forward to the future, to what was said at the time to be a new Elizabethan era.

When they put the crown on her head, we all had glasses of champagne

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

Eileen’s memories: ‘My poem, aged 5’

My name’s Eileen, and I was 5 when the Queen was crowned and this is my poem!

The day they coronated the Queen - by Eileen Ward, age 5: On this telly had a 12 inch screen, The day they coronated the Queen, All us girls sat on Granny’s settee, Granny, Auntie, Mummy and me.

The men sat round on wooden chairs, Nobody joined in with the prayers, The men drank beer, the girls had tea, There was some orange squash for me.

The soldiers marched, the drums beat, There were lots of people in the street, I saw it on the 12 inch screen, The day they coronated the Queen.

There was a party at the pub my dad went to across the road. All the kids had a tea party and games, and because there were

so many of us we played ‘the big ship sails through the alley-alley-oo’ and stuff like that, you know, which you can do when you’ve got a big gang.

Edna’s memories: ‘It was like something out of a fairy tale’

I was only just turned 7 at the time. I remember more the preparations for it.

Everywhere you went was decorations. And in school, it seemed like for weeks and weeks and weeks we were making these crowns.

They had lots of cotton wool on, and silver and gold paper. And every child in the school made a crown.

Anyway, I was disappointed because there was a small street party in my street that day, and my mother insisted, no, we were going to my auntie’s.

And my auntie was the posh one in the family.

She had the telly, which was like a little tiny box in them days in the corner of the room, but everybody had been invited to her house. The room seemed to be full of all these people watching this little tiny box.

And the Coronation seemed to go on and on forever. So when you’re only like just turned 7, it’s rather boring. And she rode in a golden coach in this lovely gown.

The exciting part for me was seeing the Queen with a crown on. It was magical.

It was like something out of a fairy tale. That was lovely.

SPRING 2014 | 17

Image © oaktree_b/wikimediacommons

Coronation memories

ready. He knew I wasn’t quite 18, but he thought I was old enough to toast the Queen. It wasn’t a full glass, but it took me all the time to drink what he gave me. [Laughs]

Bogus Callers

Fauja Singh

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lder people are less likely than any other age group to be victims of crime. But there is one type of criminal that target older people: bogus callers.

Also known as distraction burglars, bogus callers trick their way into people’s homes to steal money and valuables while the householder’s attention is elsewhere.

Most callers are genuine and mean you no harm, but bogus callers can often seem very plausible and will try to fool you.

For advice on how to keep yourself safe at home, contact Age UK Medway on 01634 572616 for one of our information leaflets.

1 8 | SPRING 2014

Fauja Singh is the world’s oldest marathon runner - at the age of 102 he still jogs every day near his home in West London. t the age of 89, after losing his wife and his son, Fauja decided to take up running. Since then, he has completed 9 marathons, broken agegroup world records in 8 categories, and carried the Olymic torch.

We caught up with Fauja to hear some of his wisdom...

What makes for a happy life?

We all define being happy differently, but being positive in all situations and accepting what will be will be, plus seeing the happiness in children’s faces makes me happy.

What opportunities does a longer life bring?

A longer life gives you the chance to learn

more about nature, meet more people, see more places, and to help more people. For me as a Sikh, I can thank God for longer for all that he does for me and others.

How do you think society views age and older people?

Depending on where you are in the world, society views age and older people differently. In the East, culturally, older people are seen as wise and to be respected.

I’ve noticed that in more fast-moving societies, everyone is categorised depending on their current contribution to the world and quite often the older person’s previous contributions and sacrifices are forgotten.

Not all old people are wise, but they should be respected.

How do you approach your own later life?

Since the tragedy of losing my son, I have moved on and decided to help others for as long as God allows me - I have lost the concept of time.

Being illiterate, I do not even know what date it is - how would knowing the date help me? I go to events and appointments as guided, share my experiences if invited, and enjoy each day as it comes.

If you could go back and speak to yourself at 16, knowing what you do now, what advice would you give yourself?

I am not sure if I know much more now than when I was 16, but I have collected a lot of pleasant experiences.

The advice I would give myself if I was 16 again is to get an education or a skill, savour every moment, avoid bad and negative company and any habits that destroy the mind and body - such as drugs and alcohol - not that I have ever consumed drugs anyway.

Respect everyone equally and remember God always.

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

Brilliant Belfast: a city reborn of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance.

You can take walking tours around the city, or the Red Bus Tour for 90 minutes which allows you to hop on and off to take in places of interest.

There is of course the option of a private taxi tour too.

The other areas of the city are Gaeltacht, Queens and Titanic, the latter being home to the fantastic Titanic Belfast monument and tourist attraction.

It is impossible to ignore the signs of the troubles in the Gaeltacht Quarter, the Falls Road and the Shanklin area, which are best visited as part of an organised tour.

Many visitors will go to see the political murals and wall.

and old alike. Belfast Zoo and the Titanic Belfast for starters, upmarket restaurants, smart shops, along with great theatre of all kinds.

There are also fabulous golf courses and fishing hotspots around the area, which have always been popular with enthusiasts ‘in the know’.

The food scene in Belfast is comparable to that of any major European city; as is the music, with Irish music on offer at pubs and clubs around the city. Robinson’s in the city centre is one of the best known, and the famous Crown pub in the Cathedral Quarter is a wonderful slice of Victorian history, with cosy booths and traditional stained glass windows.

The Stormont Parliament Building is another interesting place to visit and it is located within a public park. If you wish to actually enter the building and see the Great Hall, you must organise this well before you go to Belfast because you need to be sponsored by a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

You can however enjoy the park at leisure and see the monument of Carson, take the glen walk and stroll along Prince of Wales Avenue.

Things to do

Titanic Belfast

Belfast has undergone a dramatic re-birth in recent years and is fast growing a positive reputation for its vibrant culture, popular events and beautiful Victorian architecture.

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There really is a huge variety of activities for young

The Titanic building, built of hull-shaped sections, is

Getting there

You can reach Belfast quite easily by air or sea.

Flights arrive at the city’s 2 airports from most major airports in the UK. George Best Belfast City Airport is approximately 3 miles from the city centre and Belfast International is only 19 miles from the city centre.

You can also take a ferry across the Irish Sea from Liverpool or Cairnryan, which is a relaxing way to start your holiday.

For more details of attractions and visiting Northern Ireland, visit the Discover Ireland website.

Image © Wknight94 & Agadant/Wikimedia Commons

elfast these days is a dynamic city, with a growing city centre and a great revival taking place in the dockside area, similar to what’s been seen in Bristol - another city based around the sea and trade.

With an interesting history to explore - from the textile industry to tobacco imports, and of course the famous Harland and Wolff shipbuilders - a tour around Belfast will really lift the lid on its previous life and is well worth doing.

There are great hotels available to suit all budgets, and some of the most upmarket establishments have played host to presidents, rock stars and sports people over the years.

Belfast’s main shopping and nightlife scene is in the Cathedral Quarter, and most

in the centre of Belfast and houses the Titanic exhibition. It is located where the RMS Titanic was built and tracks the creation of the ship through to the tragic maiden voyage and the final recovery from the ocean floor.

It’s a well-organised exhibition, with informed staff and good access for all, including wheelchair users.

The whole experience takes about 2 hours, possibly slightly longer, with a cup of tea a good reward at the end. The trip round does evoke all kinds of emotions and it’s likely to be the highlight for many people on their visit to the city.

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

SPRING 2014 | 19

Puzzle Page Solutions to all three puzzles can be found on page 23

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The Game of Logic Place each of the digits 1 to 9 in each row, column and 3x3 box. There is only one solution.

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Can you find which one of these Spring Flowers from the list below is missing?

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e are looking to create a ‘Engage with us’ page where readers write into the Magazine with their thoughts, views on topics raised in the magazine or support they have received from Age UK Medway or your story.

Please write to the editor at Engage Magazine, Age UK Medway, The Admirals

2 0 | SPRING 2014

Test your Spring knowledge in our Quick Quiz.

1. What is the Spring Equinox traditionally known as?

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Suduko

CROCUS DAFFODIL TULIP BLUEBELL PANSY PRIMROSE DAHLIA PETUNIA

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Quick Quiz

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Offices, Main Gate Road, Chatham Historic dockyard, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TZ. We look forward to hearing from you next time… the next edition will be the Spring edition so if you have any thoughts, concerns or stories to tell please write in and we will feature it in our next magazine. It could be about your summer holiday, new years or Valentine’s day.

2. Alice Springs is located in which Australian state?

3. Narcissus pseudonarcissus is the Latin name for which Spring flower?

4. The ‘Springtime of the Peoples’ occurred in Europe in which year?

5. The play Springtime for Hitler features in which comedy film?

6. Spring Symphony is the nickname of which of Schumann’s symphonies?

7. Which vegetable is known as a scallion in Northern Ireland?

8. Which marmot is traditionally used as indicator of an early spring in Northern Hemisphere countries?

9. In Greek mythology, who is the Goddess of Spring Growth?

10. What was the season previously known as before we called it Spring?

11. Which annual Spring event in Medway takes place this year between 3-5 May? 12. In which century was spring water first bottled in Malvern?

13. What is the Italian word for Spring?

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

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Think Print

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At Lance we combine skill, experience & knowledge to provide a complete professional service.

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

Call Today:

(01480) 492183 www.lanceprint.co.uk

Unique British foods We’ve put together a list of some of the most famous and unique foods in Britain that have been granted Protected Geographical Status under EU Law to protect and promote regional delicacies.

Visit these beautiful regions of the country and taste the best of Britain on your next trip: From Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, the Melton Mowbray pork pie became popular in the late 19th-century as a snack eaten when fox hunting.

This pork pie is made of chopped meat and the pie shape is formed by hand and baked free standing, giving it a bow shape.

Visit Melton Mowbray to sample these golden pies and maybe even try making them yourself.

The Cornish Pasty

A genuine Cornish Pasty is filled with a chunky mixture of sliced beef, potato, swede and onion.

The Cornish Pasty is authentically ‘D’ shaped with its braid or crimped pattern on the side and never on the top. One of the stories about the origin of the pastry was that it was made for local tin and copper miners to eat while in the mines.

Enjoy your pasty during a walk along the coast or from the comfort of one of Cornwall’s cosy tea rooms.

The Arbroath Smokie

Produced in Arbroath on the east coast of Scotland, the smokie is a whole wood-smoked haddock.

Not your average smoked fish, the unique process of salting the fish overnight and smoking them in a humid smoky fire causes

2 2 | SPRING 2014

the outside of the fish to have a golden brown colour while the insides remain deliciously creamy.

Look out for the smokie on the menu of all good Scottish restaurants along with national delicacies such as Aberdeen Angus beef, Loch Fyne kippers and Orkney cheeses.

Stilton

Although having links to Stilton in Cambridgeshire, according to the protected designation of origin status granted to Stilton by the EU, the name ‘Stilton’ can only be used if it is produced in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

Either way, Stilton, the King of English cheese is a true British delicacy famous around the world, with its blue-green veins and velvety texture.

Image © Jeffery Loo, David Johnson, John McMillan, Designgeist & Diádoco/Wikimedia Commons

Melton Mowbray Pork Pie

Cumberland Sausages

A local speciality for the last 500 years, Cumberland sausage is readily available throughout the country. A true Cumberland sausage has a high meat content made up of coarsely chopped pork giving it a chunky texture.

The white and black pepper sausage is then structured into a long coil rather than linked. The sausages are one of the Lakelands most popular dishes, be sure to sample them when you visit.

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

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suppor ting older people for over 50 years

Answers&Solutions from page 20

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Firstly, you should try to resolve the problem by having an informal conversation about it with your local social services department. You should have been given the name of somebody to talk to if you have a problem. If you’re not happy with the outcome, ask for a copy of your local authority’s formal complaints procedure.

Each local authority must have one and make it available to the public.

You can also inform the Care Quality Commission, which regulates social care services in England.

While they can’t help you directly, they may decide to investigate the care provider or enforce changes as a result.

Questions you should ask yourself include: • What health and social care facilities are available?

• How will the move affect • your pension and benefits?

• How will you manage • financially?

• How will you integrate • (particularly if you do not • yet speak the language)?

Renting a property in the area you are moving to is a good way to experience life there all year round and find out more about the local housing market before trying to buy. If you decide to buy a property, speak to an independent legal adviser who knows the local laws.

When you’re choosing a property, consider factors such as whether the location is suitable and facilities are accessible, whether there are good public transport links nearby, and whether you have neighbours.

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First steps

If you’re unhappy with the outcome of the complaints procedure carried out by your local authority, you can go to the Local Government Ombudsman.

You have the right to have your views and wishes respected and to be treated with dignity at all times. If you experience any kind of mistreatment by someone who is caring for you, you can contact Age UK or call the Action on Elder Abuse confidential help line to discuss the situation. You can also contact your local authority, which has a duty to follow up concerns.

If your care is provided by an independent agency on behalf of the council, you can still complain to the council about any difficulties, as the council remains responsible for making sure you receive suitable care.

There are also new rights of complaint for self funders of care services. If you fund your own care and you need to make a complaint, contact the Local Government Ombudsman and ask about its independent complaints review service. If you have concerns about a registered provider of a social care service, report it to the Care Quality Commission.

Property options

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What next?

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tart by thinking about why you want to move abroad, and what you expect from your chosen country.

Then do plenty of research to make sure the culture and lifestyle will suit you.

You also need to consider the practical aspects of moving to that country.

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ou may want to complain because: • The local • authority has • assessed you as not needing a service but you believe you need it.

There have been delays or errors in dealing with your case.

The services arranged for you are not meeting your needs.

You’re being asked to wait a long time for equipment or adaptations.

It can be tempting to think that moving abroad will offer an idyllic retirement, but it’s important to be realistic and to ensure that this is the right decision for you.

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If you have a complaint about the social care you have received or want to make an appeal about a decision regarding your care, you have certain rights, which are explained below.

Moving abroad

1. The Vernal Equinox 2. Northern Territory 3. Daffodil 4. 1848 5. The Producers 6. Symphony Number 1 7. Spring onion 8. The groundhog 9. Persephone 10. Lent or Lenten 11. The Sweeps Festival 12. Seventeenth Century 13. La primavera

Appeals and complaints to your local authority

SPRING 2014 | 23

You could be in the Algarve, relaxing in the sun...

Situated on the top floor of a three storey block the apartment has its own residents’ swimming pool. It has the advantage of being away from the bustle of the town centre but within walking distance (10 minutes to the marina and another 5 to the town centre).

It has a twin bedroom, open plan kitchen and lounge. The kitchen has a 4-ring hob, oven, microwave, toaster and washing machine. There is a family sized bathroom. The lounge has a sofa (which converts into two more single beds) and a table to seat four. A TV, DVD and CD player are also available. Both the lounge and bedroom have patio doors which open onto the balcony offering views over the swimming pool and across Lagos.

There is ample car parking space in front of the building.

www.algarveestatemanagement.co.uk apt meia

PRICES:

Nov to Mar £190 Apr & Oct £255 May & Sept £290 June £330 July & Aug £410

To book accommodation please contact Judith Hall on 01536 711884 Apartments can also be booked very competitively at judith.hall6@btinternet.com

Your rights: Shopping on the high street For many of us, shopping on the high street is the main way we buy new items. But not all of us know or understand our consumer rights.

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hen it comes to returning goods that we’re not happy with, it can be hard to know whether we’re entitled to a refund, credit voucher, repair, replacement – or anything at all.

Fit for purpose

When you buy goods, they should be as described, fit for purpose, and of satisfactory quality.

For example, if you buy a dress that’s labelled silk and it turns out to be cotton, it’s not as described. Or if you buy a television and the picture is fuzzy, it’s not of satisfactory quality.

Shops don’t have to give you a refund just because you’ve changed your mind about an item, although some will if you have a receipt.

However, if you’re returning faulty goods, you’re entitled to have them mended or replaced or to get your money back, even on sale items.

This doesn’t apply if you caused the fault, for example, by dropping a laptop so the screen breaks.

Timescales

In general, if you return goods: • Within 4 weeks: you can expect • a full refund as you’re not seen • as having ‘accepted’ the goods.

• Within 6 months: the shop • has to prove they weren’t faulty • when you bought them. You • can expect a repair, exchange • or part-refund, even if you’ve • had good use out of them.

• Over 6 months since you • bought them: you may have

• to prove you didn’t cause • the fault, such as by getting • a second opinion from • an independent expert.

Each situation is different, so speak to the shop as soon as possible. Goods should last for a ‘reasonable’ amount of time, which will vary depending on what you’ve bought. For example, if you bought a washing machine 7 months ago and it breaks down, the trader should repair it for you.

Proof of purchase

If you’re returning a faulty item, find proof of purchase – preferably the receipt, but otherwise other documentation like a bank or credit card statement.

Explain calmly to shop staff what the problem is, when you bought the item, and what you’d like them to do – replace or repair it, or refund you. Shops will usually offer a refund if you have proof of purchase, or you haven’t used the item yet or only used it a few times.

If a repair or replacement isn’t practical – if it would take too long or it’s too costly for the trader, for example – then you should get some money back as a partial refund or reduction.

However, the law is complex so you may need legal advice about whether you should get a repair, replacement or refund.

Not happy?

If you’re not happy with what the shop offers, the make a complaint in writing to them.

If you’re still not happy, contact Consumer Direct.

suppor ting older people for over 50 years

Equity releas­e What is equity release?

Equity release refers to the various ways in which you can use your home to generate income.

This means that you can release cash from your home without the hassle of having to move.

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here are usually certain conditions that you must meet before taking out equity release. These may include: • A minimum age, usually 60, • but some schemes may be • open to people over 5.

• You must own your • own home and have no • dependents living with you.

• You have little or no • mortgage left.

• Your property must be • in a reasonable condition • and over a certain value.

Things to consider

Raising income from your home is a big decision and might not be your best or only solution. Make sure you think about all of your options before making a decision.

For example: • Do you have other • investments or assets that • could boost your income or • • give you the money that • you need?

• You may be entitled to • benefits such as Pension • Credit, Council Tax • Reduction, and Attendance • • allowance. Use our benefits •

9calculator to find out what • you’re entitled to.

• If you’re struggling to pay • off debts, take a look at our • • debt advice.

• If you need help with repairs • improvements or • adaptations to your home, • find out first if you can • get help from your local • council or other agency.

Costs

The costs and fees of setting up equity release plans will vary between different providers.

Typically the costs will include: • Completion, arrangement • or application fees that • cover administration cost.

• Valuation fees that will • depend on how much • your home is worth, with • higher prices for more • expensive properties.

• Solicitors’ fees that cover • the legal work carried out • on your property.

• Early repayment charge if • you want to pay off your • loan early.

• Make sure you get specialist • independent financial and • legal advice before signing • up for equity release.

AUTUMN 2013 | 25

Let’s get cooking ns ore For the bu t milk, plus 2 tbsp m

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Hot Cross Buns How to make it

1. Bring the milk to the boil, then remove from the heat and add the butter. Leave to cool until it reaches hand temperature. Put the flour, salt, sugar and yeast (see Tip, below) into a bowl. Make a well in the centre. Pour in the warm milk and butter mixture, then add the egg. Using a wooden spoon, mix well, then bring everything together with your hands until you have a sticky dough.

2. Tip on to a lightly floured surface and knead by holding the dough with one hand and stretching it with the heal of the other hand, then folding it back on itself. Repeat for 5 mins until smooth and elastic. Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with oiled cling film and leave to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size and a finger pressed into it leaves a dent.

3. With the dough still in the bowl, tip in the sultanas, mixed peel, orange zest, apple and cinnamon. Knead into the dough, making sure everything is well distributed. Leave to rise for 1 hour more, or until doubled in size, again covered by some well-oiled cling film to stop the dough getting a crust.

4. Divide the dough into 15 even pieces (about 75g per piece). Roll each piece into a smooth ball on a lightly floured work surface. Arrange the buns on one or two baking trays lined with parchment, leaving enough space for the dough to expand. Cover (but don’t wrap) with more oiled cling film, or a clean tea towel, then set aside to prove for 1 hour more.

5. Heat oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas 7. Mix the flour with about 5 tbsp water to make the paste for the cross – add the water 1 tbsp at a time, so you add just enough for a thick paste. Spoon into a piping bag with a small nozzle. Pipe a line along each row of buns, then repeat in the other direction to create crosses (see Tip below). Bake for 20 mins on the middle shelf of the oven, until golden brown.

6. Gently heat the apricot jam to melt, then sieve to get rid of any chunks. While the jam is still warm, brush over the top of the warm buns and leave to cool.

2 6 | SPRING 2014

www.ageuk.org.uk/medway

Image © Shebeko/Shutterstock & Lausanne Morgan, U.S. Air Force/Wikimedia Commoms

need What you

Bluebird Care Medway operates as part of the internationally recognised and accredited Bluebird Care Group, one of Britain’s foremost care in the home service providers, delivering consistently high quality care and support to our local customers within their own homes.

Home Care Services Area Our home care service area extends throughout the ME1 to ME9 postcode stretching from Rainham to Rochester and throughout the Peninsula including Allhallows, Borstal, Chatham, Cliffe, Cliffe Woods, Cooling, Cuxton, Frinsbury Extra, Gillingham, Rainham, Halling, High Halstow, Hoo St Werburgh, Isle of Grain, Lordswood, St Mary, Hoo, Stoke, Strood, Wainscott, Chattenden, Hempstead, Upper Halling, Walderslade and Rochester.

What we do We respect and support each of our customers individual wishes and needs in maintaining their own independence, dignity and privacy to ensure that they enjoy the highest standards and quality of living in their homes and on their own terms. We provide our customers with the care they deserve in the home they love.

Our customers are of all ages, from very young children to senior citizens, and our service offers and provides the full range of an individual care requirements from assistance with specific daily tasks such as preparing meals and assisting with personal hygiene to companionship and the provision of complete ‘live in’ arrangements where our staff provide 24 hour care to our customers with the greatest needs.

We specialise in providing support and care for individuals and their families in addressing: • Physical impairments; • A learning difficulty or Autistic Spectrum Disorder; • Dementia and in particular Alzheimer’s • Long or short term injury or illness.

What makes Bluebird Care different...?

• We are one of over 185 offices in the UK and Ireland • Over 20 years experience serving our Community • A highly specialised and experienced Occupational Therapist on board • We offer a unique service of tailored care visits from 15 minutes to full live care • High quality care staff. We have stringent criteria for recruitment.

• Attention to customer standards • Strong commitment to training and staff development • Highly professional, first class customer care • We regularly monitor the quality of our service • Our aim is to maintain your independence and dignity • 24 Hour Emergency On Call Care.