Case For Change... : Inside
Case For Change... : Inside
Case For Change... : Inside
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The newspaper of Age Concern Kingston upon Thames
INSIDE:
Supported
More needs to be spent on helping people to be supported safely in the community, in their own homes, for longer. How to do this is an issue that is exercising many health and social care managers up and down country. So whats happening locally? Life expectancy for both men and women in Kingston is above the national average and the proportion of over 65s is amongst the top 25% nationally. With the certainty that more people will need care in the future and the reality of financial pressures, local managers of health and social care services are looking to make changes. Under the banner Kingston at Home the Council and Kingston GPs are working together to identify how services can be delivered in a more joined-up way.
A recent study for Kingston at Home explored peoples experience of using health and social care services. It was clear that, for many people, this was bewildering and unsatisfactory on a range of levels. Participants described services which did not operate around the needs of the individual, where access was difficult and communication poor, and several expressed a huge sense of isolation and powerlessness.
Opportunity
Regular readers of agenda news will be familiar with Age Concern Kingstons stance on care. We are totally committed to supporting older people who chose to live in their own homes. For 65 years we have geared everything we do towards combating the corrosive effects of isolation and loneliness. We believe its in everyones interests that health and social care should integrate. We have long argued for this there now seems to be an opportunity to achieve it.
Home
The stated aim of Kingston at Home is to improve the experience for individuals and to deliver services more efficiently and cost-effectively. It is Age Concern Kingstons objective, through participating in the project, to work with older people to influence and shape services in the best interests of those who use them now, and in the future. Kingstons NHS
Blooming marvellous!
Raleigh volunteer and member Michael Whicher bloomed with pride as he picked up the 2nd prize in the community gardens category of Kingston in Bloom, for the back garden at Raleigh House. Greenfingered Michael grows vegetables as well as flowers in the garden, assisted by member John Borley. Michael, who also helps with art groups at Raleigh, accepted the award on behalf of Age Concern Kingston, along with Chair of Trustees Anne Cann, at a ceremony held by Mayor Mary Heathcote at her parlour in the Guildhall. First prize in the competition, which was sponsored by the Surrey Comet and John Lewis, was taken by School Lane estate. Bradbury member Helen Keates also won a prize for her front garden.
age concern
Kingston upon Thames
Editorial Team: Tom Bell, Anne Bren, Shane Brennan, Debbie Cottrell. agenda news email: [email protected] You can view agenda news on our website: www.ageconcernkingston.org and follow the links. The views expressed in agenda news are not necessarily those of the trustees, staff or volunteers. Published by Age Concern Kingston upon Thames. Registered charity no. 299988 Company no. 2272550 Design: Eileen Higgins, email: [email protected] Print: Park Communications Ltd, telephone: 020 70556500. Printed on 100% recycled paper
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Letters
Olympic legacy
My Olympic journey started in 2005 when London won the bid. I remember watching the celebrations in Trafalgar Square knowing that I had to be part of making it happen. I followed media updates and two years ago went through the games maker application process. Theres been an awful lot of work and patience along the way but here I find myself within the Olympic bubble having my papers sent to the Home Office, meeting Lord Coe. My role was to lead the audience at all four ceremonies cue them in for their dancing and singing parts. The best thing about my experience is what I hope for every Londoner: that the Olympic legacy will inspire a generation to create sustainability for our environment, respect for one another and aim high for personal achievement. Im very excited for the future of London. It is the proudest contribution I have made to this wonderful city. Jyoti Patel
Please send your letters & feedback to agenda news Age Concern Kingston upon thames 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, Kt3 5EA or send an email to [email protected]
AGENDA EDItORIAL
Fixing care
It is universally accepted that care in Britain is in crisis. The Government has now begun to develop legislation to fix Britains creaking and outdated care system. However, Britain is also in the grip of a recession and the Governments austerity measures mean reductions in public spending. So there is pressure on local authorities to make savings that will directly affect their existing care services. As a result, around the country local councils are doing less for fewer people. Meanwhile, the numbers of frailer, older people are increasing, a trend that will continue for the next 30 to 40 years. Councils simply do not have the money to support people in the same way they have in the past; old ways of providing services are no longer viable. Kingstons combined health and social care costs run into tens of millions, yet, as the study referenced on page 2 shows, peoples experience of statutory health and social services is variable and services are sometimes inadequate. Care services should reflect the needs of the community they are there to serve. Under the current arrangements, what is available is only accessible if you meet strict criteria of need, often described as critical or substantial. If you dont meet the criteria, there is very little, or nothing, the council can do for you and its not until your situation deteriorates that you will be offered any services.
Meaningful
Locally, one clear reason for change is that many of the Councils buildings for older peoples care are dated and will need upgrading to remain fit for purpose into the future rebuilding them would cost millions. As reported on our front page, Kingston Council has embarked on a process of change in the way it supports older people. One thing they are looking at is reducing the number of residential and community care beds with more people being cared for at home for longer. Certainly, this will initially save money and it chimes with what older people want. But unless the Council combines this change with meaningful investment in community-based services there will be negligible impact on peoples ability to live independently and safely at home. The consequence will be an increasingly unmanageable demand for acute (hospital) services. A higher level of care means a higher level of costs. If more people could get more support earlier services that provide help when it is needed then fewer people would end up dependent on higher (acute) level services. Far more needs to be done to support people who want to continue to live independently, particularly those who are frail and have limited mobility. Tell us what you think.
users need to queue up like non-disabled passengers as the driver cannot see the central door from the cab and they do not always respond to the push bell. Where possible, wheelchair users, on seeing the bus approaching should indicate they wish to access that particular bus so the driver can quickly assess the available internal space. 3. Buggy pushers need to know that wheelchair and scooter users have priority irrespective of whether the buggy users have arrived before them. This situation is often the cause of most friction. 4. Drivers may need more training and to feel confident in their role. Many drivers know the rules but can have difficulty in applying them and dont want to upset anyone. Most bus spaces can only accommodate one wheelchair user or two
buggies. Now that the rules enable some scooter users to access buses the demand for space will be even greater. There are no easy answers but TfL could tighten the rules further, make sure every driver has adequate training and re-evaluate the size of bus spaces as new buses are commissioned. While nondisabled passengers may produce the most revenue, there is a need to address the issue of equality for all. Ann Macfarlane OBE
Winners of the Guardian Public Services Award for Care of Older People 2011
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AGENDA INtERvIEw
Record breaker
Philip Lowrie had his first television break in 1960 playing the original Coronation Street bad boy, Dennis Tanner. He featured in the first ever episode where his mother, the iconic Elsie Tanner, scolded him for never having a proper job. The character left in 1968, returning in 2011 as a homeless, down on his luck 70 year-old, who finds love and companionship in the arms of Rita Sullivan, played by Barbara Knox. Philip spoke with agenda news about being in Corrie past and present.
Had you always aspired to be an actor? I wanted to be an actor from the age of eight; everybody said you mustnt do it, but I was really determined. I wrote to the Royal Academy asking how I could join and at 16 I left school, did my auditions and got my scholarship. Dennis Tanner was my big break into television. Dennis was a bit of a Jack the lad what was it like playing him? Well, its always good playing the bad parts; its very difficult to play the goody as its hard to make those characters interesting. Do you think your audience loved you because of that? Oh yes, especially the women; because I was the naughty son. People would stop in the street and say: Dont act that way to your mother. I got chased down the street by the girls but it doesnt happen anymore; Im everybodys grandmothers favourite. You reappeared in the show in 2011 how was it going back after such a long time? There were two things: going back socially and going back professionally. The going back socially was astonishing because I was made to feel so welcome. There was a professional difference of course now its all filmed; before it was live television. If something went wrong you just had to keep going, you were constantly thinking on your feet. Were you excited to go back to the Street as Dennis Tanner? For many years I said no to going back. I left in 1968 because I was 32 and they were still writing the character as a 22 year-old, and I wanted to develop as an actor. My agent, without me knowing, contacted the producer, Phil Collinson, about a potential return. I was given the opportunity to come back as Dennis, homeless and sleeping rough. I thought: Thats wonderful, and this great love affair grew from there. Dennis married Rita, which was a major storyline, what happens now? I dont know how the role is going to develop; I said to Barbara Knox, it would so nice to end up one of those couples sitting up in bed talking, like in As Time Goes By. Its such a lovely story line. Two people who found each other again; one was down and out and the others quite wealthy and theyve helped each other. Rita has had a lot of bad relationships with men, so shes found someone to settle down with and I think that hes just grateful. Hes very much in love and protects her. But apparently Dennis will be going back to his old ways, there will be a bit of drama, but they dont tell you, you see. Does that add to your performance? Or would you prefer to know? I would prefer to know. In fact when I first took the part I wrote to the producer asking specific questions so that I could understand what kind of homeless person Dennis was, so that I had some context to the character. Where does your real life end and the characters begin? I can easily shake off what Im doing professionally. If youre working on something particularly intense, until you have the lines and performance
wedded bliss Dennis and Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox) and left, Philip as Dennis tanner 1961.
right in your head, you probably do come home and carry that intensity. However, theres the old saying, You dont have to be a murderer to play Macbeth. It seems that the Street has an older cast. What is being a 70 year-old all about for you? Starting again at my time of life has been fantastic. I absolutely love the work, going up to Manchester and the people I work with. I have a very dear friend, Peter, who lives in Manchester and soon after I got the part we met and he said that Im absolutely transformed. It just has given me a lift; Im so lucky at my age to have this chance. I hear that youre a record breaker? Oh yes, its for the longest gap achieved whilst playing the same part 43 years between appearances. Im a world record holder, working in a world record breaking show.
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Here are our ten top tips to help you avoid being ripped off. 1 Never agree to have property maintenance or improvement work done by a cold caller. 2 Always get several written quotes before agreeing to have work done. 3 Consider using a TrustMark approved trader: a firm which has been approved and inspected as meeting Government endorsed criteria. 4 Never be pressurised into agreeing quickly by promises of lower prices. 5 Remember: you have 7 days to cancel a purchase made at home if it costs over 35 (with some very limited exceptions) and you must be given written notice of this right to cancel. 6 If a cold caller asks to check your kitchen pipes or taps, claims to be from a utility company without an appointment, or wants to access your property to get to your garden, then you should be suspicious. They are probably not genuine and have other motives. Ask them to wait, close the door, contact a friend, relative or the company they represent (do not accept any telephone numbers they give you, look it up in the telephone directory). 7 If someone cold calls you or a neighbour and you are suspicious about their trading practices, please call the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline on 08454 04 05 06, who will pass information to Trading Standards. 8 If you feel threatened, intimidated or harassed, contact your local Police. 9 Dont be embarrassed to call 999 if you are suspicious. 10 Display a notice informing callers that you do not buy at the door (stickers are available free of charge at Tolworth, Kingston and Surbiton Libraries, at Guildhall 2 reception or from Age Concern Kingston). And remember: if in doubt, keep them out!
useful contacts
Trustmark: 01344 630 804, www.trustmark.org.uk Kingston Police: 0300 123 1212 www.kingston.gov.uk/trading_standards For more information about consumer issues, or if you have a problem, contact us.
taxicard scheme
The London Taxicard Scheme provides door-to-door transport for people who have serious mobility impairment lasting more than 12 months, and who have difficulty using public transport. Users may make up to 104 trips per year at a subsidised rate. You will automatically qualify for a Taxicard if you are: l registered blind l in receipt of DLA Higher Rate Mobility component l in receipt of War Pensioners Mobility supplement Application forms are available from Kingston Council 020 8547 5005. Call us for more information about accessible transport or if you would like help to apply for a Taxicard.
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Raleigh House
Raleigh House provides a warm and friendly environment for those over 60 who are seeking companionship and daily activity. You can choose to attend for a full day, including a hot lunch, or half a day. Transport is available to and from the centre for those who need it, every day except Wednesday, or we can help you access alternative transport. The centre is spacious, with a large lounge and dining room, an arts and crafts room, a coffee lounge and a pleasant courtyard garden and terrace. One-to-one computer lessons are also available for members and non-members. Opening times: Monday Friday: 10.00am 4.00pm Raleigh House, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden Kt3 5EA Telephone: 020 8949 4244 Email: [email protected] Centre Manager: Cathy weight
the Bradbury
the Bradbury is a drop in centre for the over 50s. With a lively, vibrant and friendly atmosphere, Bradbury offers a wide range of activities, from tai chi and yoga, to dancing classes or computer lessons. Just a ten minute walk from Kingston town, The Bradbury is a good place to come for a bite to eat. Our caf serves drinks, snacks, lunches (including a roast lunch on a Wednesday) and plenty of homemade cakes. In the summer you can eat al fresco as we have a pleasant patio garden. the Bradbury, 37b Grange Road, Kingston Kt1 2RA Telephone: 020 8549 1230 Email: [email protected] Centre Manager: Laura OBrien
The Saturday Club celebrated its second birthday in June with a visit from the Mayor, Councillor Mary Heathcote OBE. After members enjoyed a delicious barbeque, the Mayor and her consort, her husband Dr Roger Heathcote, chatted to club members, volunteers and staff. The Saturday Club is for people living with dementia, and their relatives and carers. It is held on the second Saturday of each month and provides an opportunity to relax, socialise and enjoy a freshly prepared buffet lunch. See Diary Dates for more information.
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DIARy DAtES
Age Concern training and events
Raleigh Saturday Club
A service for people living with dementia, their family members and supporters. Second Saturday of the month, 11.00am 2.00pm at Raleigh House, 13th October, 10th November 3 per person including refreshments and a light lunch (served at 12.00 noon). Contact Raleigh House on 020 8942 8256/020 8949 4244 or email [email protected] if you would like to attend or for more information.
For further information please contact the Centre Manager, Laura OBrien on 020 8549 1230, or email [email protected].
Lunch Clubs
foster connections which help build strong and cohesive communities. Evidence consistently shows that older people place great value on services that provide that little bit of help and enable them to stay living independently in their own homes. Our Help at Home and Handyperson services do exactly that. All our services and our people work in an integrated way together. We also work cooperatively with our partners in health and social services to try and make sure people get the right help, at the right time. In partnership with RBK in Chessington and New Malden. the Fountain Court the Charles Lesser Lunch Club Lunch Club Wednesdays Tuesdays (12.00pm 2.00pm) (12.00pm 2.00pm) Fountain Court, Charles Lesser House, Chessington New Malden For more information call 020 8942 8256.
Persistence
When we met Mr Oliver he was shaking, depressed, in tears and was resistant to the involvement of any services. He didnt appear to be looking after himself, and his mobility had deteriorated. Following a home assessment, it took some time, further visits and persistence to engage Mr Oliver with accepting support.
whats on in Kingston
Kingston Pensioners Forum
Second Monday of the month at Richard Mayo Hall, United Reformed Church, Eden Street, Kingston. For more info call the Secretary on 020 8241 9913.
Support
A referral was made to our Help at Home service, who now see Mr Oliver once a week in his flat to keep it clean and shop for any key household items. The service also keeps a watchful eye on Mr Oliver in his home setting. He was gradually introduced to the idea of attending Raleigh House through taster visits, and some months later now attends four days a week. We also referred Mr Oliver to Social Services for a full care assessment. Following this, daily support from carers with his personal care has been introduced, and mobile meals on the days he doesnt attend Raleigh House.
u3A Kingston
First Monday of the month, 1.30pm at the Richard Mayo Hall. For more information see the website www.kingstonu3a.org.uk or call 020 8399 0163.
age concern
Kingston upon Thames
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age concern
Kingston upon Thames
We will arrange an initial home assessment at a convenient time for you, and then match you with an experienced Home Helper. You will also receive an information pack about our full range of services.