news agenda

FREE!
The newspaper of Age Concern Kingston upon Thames

Issue 14 l Autumn 2012

INSIDE:

Doorstep cowboys page 5

Helping at home page 7

Interview with Philip Lowrie page 4

Case for change...

Anyone walking down their local high street will have noticed that our population is changing. We dont need the media to remind us that one in six of the UK population is aged 65 or above the evidence is all around us. There is now widespread acceptance that in order to meet our future needs for care there has to be a change in the way resources are used. The Care and Support White Paper and the Care and Support Bill were both published over the summer these set out the Governments plans to transform the social care system from one that reacts to crises to one that focuses on prevention.

Kingston at Home planned changes

l Establishing a single point of contact for people rather than separate assessment processes with multiple referral points l Integrated Health and Adult Social Care Teams with a single information sharing system l Up to six weeks, free intensive social care support package for all eligible adults in Kingston community healthcare provider, Your Healthcare CIC, is the lead partner in the project helping to design a new model of care. Weve been working with Your Healthcare for a number of years to develop new services for example some services now provided by our Stay Well at Home scheme evolved from this partnership. l A single professional to work with people throughout the period l Greater use of technology to keep people independent and safe in their own home, including sensors and alarms l A 50 per cent reduction in discharges from hospital into long term residential accommodation l Increased use of community beds for short term support to enable people to return home sooner l Increased dementia care provision l A greater focus on home based rehabilitation to ensure better results for patients

More help and support at home is needed

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

Read our editorial Fixing care on page 3.

Champion a local champion

Age Concern Kingston has declared a branch of timber specialists Champion a true local champion, after it presented them with a cheque for 1,200 in August. Champions Mike Bird believes its important to support older people with their maintenance at home: It was great to be able to support a local charity, people need shelves put up or light bulbs changed; with an ageing population more and more people are going to need this service. It was a very generous donation, said Heather Bruneau, Handyperson scheme coordinator, It will help with the cost of running our Handy-van, especially as the Council have stopped providing financial support for the service. For more information on the Handyperson service please contact us.

Blooming marvellous!

Mike Bird, Heather Bruneau and Handyperson Ian Klyne

Getting the message across

Go to YouTube and type in Age Concern Kingston and youll be able to watch our new promotional film. With animation by Sean Sears (prawnimation.com) and music by Kevin Dawson, the film, Making Later Life a Greater Life, gives an overview of our services and our core values all in less than two minutes. At the end of September well also be launching our new website, built by design agency Deckchair (deckchair.co.uk). Deckchairs mission is to use the web to facilitate positive, social change; they have worked with other not-forprofits including Reviive and Developing Health and Independence. It has always been important to Age Concern Kingston for all members of the community to have easy access to information. The new website meets the latest accessibility standards to ensure people with disabilities can navigate the site with ease. If you would like to learn more about the website, promotional film or would like the opportunity to brush up on your computer skills then please get in touch. How to contact us: Age Concern Kingston upon Thames 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA Telephone: 020 8942 8256 Email: admin@ageconcernkingston.org Website: www.ageconcernkingston.org

transport is a top priority says research

This spring Age Concern Kingston conducted a series of focus groups and one-to-one interviews with local older people in order to research their experience of health and social care services. Lack of suitable transport was a major issue for most participants, making it challenging to access GP and hospital appointments, or socialise with friends and family. Inconsistent GP and hospital staff; being treated as a number rather than an individual; aftercare treatment implemented too late after medical procedures and difficulty in gaining information when isolated, were all common themes. The report, commissioned for Kingston at Home, recommends more effective partnering of NHS services, the Council, social services and other agencies, to make it easier for people to access services and get the most from them. Report author Debbie Cottrell said: There must be open discussion around transport, hospital discharge, mobility within GP/hospital buildings and housing. If you are interested in reading a summary of the report please contact us.

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.

Men more isolated than women

190,000 British men over 75, who live alone, are lonely, according to new WRVS research, and are more likely to be lonely than women. However men are less likely to confide in friends and family about their feelings, with 75% of those who admitted to feeling depressed never having sought help. Loss of confidence was another consequence of loneliness, for both men and women, creating a vicious circle in which those who feel lonely start to go out and have social contact even less. The research found that feeling lonely had wide ranging effects and one in eight who were lonely said they worry about their mental health because they have nobody to talk to. What should we do to counter loneliness and isolation? Send your views to agenda news see page 3 for contact details.

age concern
Kingston upon Thames

Editorial Team: Tom Bell, Anne Bren, Shane Brennan, Debbie Cottrell. agenda news email: agenda@ageconcernkingston.org 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: eileen@eh-design.co.uk Print: Park Communications Ltd, telephone: 020 70556500. Printed on 100% recycled paper

2 l

ISSuE FOuRtEEN

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 agenda@ageconcernkingston.org

AGENDA EDItORIAL

the Olympics a generation inspired

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.

On the Buses or Off!

Transport for London is issuing cards that tell a bus driver a wheelchair user wants to board the bus. As a wheelchair user who uses local buses on a daily basis, I do not wish to carry a card and sit at a bus stop holding it up. I have enough difficulty with carrying and holding things but, more importantly, I do not want any more labels and ways in which I am segregated out. I am, like all other people, first and foremost a passenger. What would be a pro-active approach is to further educate drivers, wheelchair and scooters users, buggy pushers and the public. 1. The bus doors have to be shut in order for the driver to activate the ramp. There is no need to shout, swear and abuse drivers. Their job is not always easy. 2. It is against the rules for drivers to leave their cab. Wheelchair and scooter

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

Care costs cap back on table

Rumours that Andrew Dilnots recommendations on the care system had been buried by the Coalition seem exaggerated, according to recent press reports. In an apparent U-turn, it seems that a revised care and support bill, to be launched in the autumn, will include a cap of 35,000 on the amount people will have to contribute to the cost of their care, as recommended by the Dilnot Commission last year. Currently people pay their own care costs if they have assets of over 23,350 this threshold could rise to 100,000, meaning fewer people would have to sell their homes to pay for care.

Winners of the Guardian Public Services Award for Care of Older People 2011

ISSuE FOuRtEEN l

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.

4 l

ISSuE FOuRtEEN

First Contact l 020 8408 8170

Age Concern Kingston telephone helpline number, open Monday to Friday 10.00am 12.00 noon

Not wanted doorstep cowboys!

Age Concern Kingston is often contacted by people who are worried about doorstep salesmen and Kingston Trading Standards also say they get lots of complaints from people who have been ripped off by cold callers trying to get them to agree to a having property repair or improvement. These cold callers may overcharge (by misleading as to the value of the work done, or by charging a higher price than was originally agreed), carry out unnecessary work, carry out poor quality work or leave it unfinished and become impossible to contact when something goes wrong later. Not all cold callers are cowboys some are, of course, legitimate traders but why take the chance? Rogue traders may use illegal pressure selling tactics to make you buy and can ignore your legal rights. If you need work doing, or want to buy something, its much better to do this in your own time, when youve had the chance to shop around and check that the price and the product is right for you, perhaps with advice or help from someone you trust.
Image obtained and used with permission from the Trading Standards Institute

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.

Mobility Aid card launched

Transport for London (TfL) has introduced a new card which will identify which mobility aids can be used on the capitals buses. The Mobility Aid Recognition card will identify approved aids such as wheelchairs, mobility walkers and scooters. TfL says it hopes the card will remove confusion from passengers and bus drivers over which aids can be taken onto a bus, giving people more confidence when travelling. However, Age Concern Kingston has received reports from wheelchair users refused entry to buses by drivers claiming that there is a new TfL policy and that they are not allowed to use the bus. We have raised this with Kingston Centre for Independent Living (KCiL) who have taken up the issue with TfL. To apply for a card, call 020 3054 4361 or email travelmentor@tfl.gov.uk. Call Age Concern Kingston First Contact on 020 8408 8170 for further information about accessible transport, or if you need help applying for a card.

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.

ISSuE FOuRtEEN

l 5

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: dcadmin@ageconcernkingston.org 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: bradbury@ageconcernkingston.org Centre Manager: Laura OBrien

Mayor visits Saturday Club birthday party

Survey: what you said

Throughout spring, I went because I heard good members of The reports from other people. I Bradbury were invited to enjoyed my first visit and actually complete satisfaction took part in a keep fit class which surveys. 76 members to this day I still enjoy. That was replied out of 260 (30%). about 5 years ago. Most people who took part had joined The The centre is very light and Bradbury in order to make open, full of friendly and friends, learn a new skill or join helpful people and staff. in with an activity. It was apparent that the welcoming staff, friendly people and Having a place where you can fantastic food were the main attractions, leading get information for our age group is very valuable. It to members attending helped me fill a big hole in my on average once a week. life that appeared when I Members said the centre made a significant retired late at 78 and stops me difference to their lives. getting depressed. The majority felt they had made connections and companionships as well Since joining Im able to go to as gaining a sense of Kingston on my own and look purpose and focus to the around the shops, which I wasnt week. Overall members able to do before. I can get on were very satisfied; buses more than before. I have many took a personal interest in the future of more independence and Im able to get to know more people. The Bradbury; one respondent commented that losing it would be like losing a limb. For its members, the Bradbury provides meaning, connection and a place where they go to feel valued and part of a mutually supportive community. Thanks to all those who took part. We always welcome feedback, so if you have something to say, please get in touch. If youre not yet a member, but you like the sound of whats on offer at The Bradbury, why not give us a call, or pop in during opening hours?

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.

103 years young!

Gwyneth Bevan has celebrated three more birthdays at Raleigh since she proudly shared her birthday card from the Queen back in 2009. Here she is, with friends and staff, enjoying a celebratory cup of tea in August. Gwyneth (centre) has been a Raleigh member since 2004.

6 l

ISSuE FOuRtEEN

Age Concern Kingstons projects and services

Making later life a greater life

the right help, when you need it

Mr Olivers story
86 year-old Mr Oliver was living alone in a sparsely furnished, sheltered flat. He had reduced mobility and suffered from debilitating health conditions. At times he was also quite confused. He was referred to our Stay Well at Home service by an occupational therapist, but had also been identified as at risk by his GP practice. The key concerns were about Mr Olivers increasing frailty and social isolation following an admission to hospital with a urinary tract infection. He had been going out regularly for his lunch, but had lost the confidence to do this. Age Concern Kingston offers a range of services and projects, both building-based and in the community, designed to support peoples independence and well-being. Our approach is personcentred, so that when someone first approaches us, a whole array of services is made easily accessible. There are four main strands to our activities: l Information, advice and advocacy to inform people of their choices and ensure they are not missing out on any financial or other entitlements. l Practical support in the home to enable people to continue living independently and safely, and stay out of hospital and residential care. l Health and wellbeing to encourage people to keep fit, stay active and maintain health. l Meaningful social activities to reduce social isolation, which can lead to depression and worsen conditions such as dementia, and

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 admin@ageconcernkingston.org if you would like to attend or for more information.

Iris Murdoch Festival at the Bradbury

that little bit of help

For further information please contact the Centre Manager, Laura OBrien on 020 8549 1230, or email bradbury@ageconcernkingston.org.

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.

Free Fit as a Fiddle courses

Are you over 50, live in the borough of Kingston, and want to lose weight, get fit, and improve your wellbeing? Why not join a free 6 week course starting in November 2012? try Nordic Walking: North Kingston, Tues 6th November 10.00am Or Aquacise: Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Wed 7th November 9.30 am Or Body Balance: The Malden Centre, Thurs 8th November 11.45am Or chair-based exercises, Fri 9th November. All courses include healthy lifestyle/weight loss workshops. For more information and to book a place, please contact: Grace, Fit as a Fiddle Coordinator Tel: 020 8942 8256 email: grace@ageconcernkingston.org.

age concern
Kingston upon Thames

ISSuE FOuRtEEN

l 7

age concern
Kingston upon Thames

Delivering Help at Home!

Do you or anyone you know, need help with any of the following?
l Cleaning l Laundry and ironing l Shopping, collecting prescriptions and posting letters l Cooking and other household tasks l Regular social outings
Managing the everyday practicalities and tasks of a home in later years can be both difficult and daunting and can also be a worry for our family and friends. Help at Home provides support with a range of practical tasks in and around the home, as well as social support and a direct link to all of Age Concern Kingstons other services, such as our In Touch telephone befriending scheme and Handyperson service. All staff members are trained, fully insured and CRB checked and can make sure that you get the right help if your circumstances change.

How does the Help at Home service work?

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.

How much does the Help at Home service cost?

There is a straightforward hourly charge of 15 (plus any expenses such as petrol for shopping trips). To find out more contact us at Age Concern Kingston on 020 8942 8256 or email: admin@ageconcernkingston.org.

Little jobs need doing?

Our Handyperson service can carry out small repairs, maintenance and adaptations which you might find difficult to do yourself, such as fitting a grab rail or curtain rail, changing a light bulb, hanging a shelf or fitting window locks and door chains. We aim to ensure that our customers remain safe and secure within their homes. We can carry out tasks that help prevent falls and improve home safety. The service is open to anyone over 55 years old and any adult with a disability who lives in the Borough of Kingston. It costs 20 for the first hour and then 15 an hour thereafter. Grass cutting and garden tidy also available. Plus! We can provide one to one computer tuition and help with setting up laptops, tuning in digiboxes, DVD recorders and players. For more information or to book an appointment call Heather on 020 8942 8256 or email: heather@ageconcernkingston.org.

Charity Number 299988