Warwickshire Carers Newsletter

October - December 2016 Edition
Warwickshire
Carers Newsletter
Supporting Carers Countywide
43% of Carers in
Warwickshire who provide
50+ hours of care per week
describe their own health as
‘not good’
http://www.warwickshireobservatory.org/the-health-impact-ofproviding-unpaid-care/

Inside you will find the following topics
Page 3 Seasons Greetings & Care Home Availability
Page 4 Carers Rights Day 2016
Page 5 White Stone Surgery
Page 6-7 Protecting Your Pension
Page 7 Warm and Well in Warwickshire
Page 8-9 Shoppa-Hoppa Service
Page 10 Christmas Tips for guests who have dementia
Page 11 Getting a benefits check
Page 12 Who do you know who cares?
Page 13-14 Supporting People with Sight Loss
Page 15 ENRYCH
Page 16 Care Home Availability continued from P3
Page 17-20 Warwickshire HUBs
Page 21-22 Carers Groups
Page 23 North Warwickshire District group information
Page 24 Nuneaton & Bedworth District group information
Page 25 Rugby District group information
Page 26 Stratford District group information
Page 27 Warwick District group information
Page 28-29 Assistive Technology for Carers
Page 29 Carer’s Emergency Card
Page 30 Mental Health & Wellbeing Services
Page 31-34 Talking Therapies Explained
Page 34 GP Online Access for Patients
Page 35 Job Board & Finding Work after Caring
Page 36 Warwickshire Police
Page 36 –37 WCC Emergency Duty Team
Page 38-41 Reducing Fall-Risk at Home
Page 41 Carer and Cared For Group
Page 42-43 Crohns Disease
Page 44-46 Loneliness & Social Isolation
Page 47 Warm Home Discount
Page 47 Make sure your electric blanket is safe
Back Cover Guideposts Contact Information
If you would like to feature in our newsletter or would like to
suggest a topic of interest, please contact us on 02476 385 888
or email carerssupport@guideposts.org.uk
2

Seasons Greetings
from all at Guideposts Carer
Support Service
Are you looking for a care home
that has availability?
Warwickshire Partners in Care (WPIC) is a cooperative
Care Resource website run by the
Warwickshire Association of Care Homes (WACH),
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) and Social Services. It
provides easy access to a large directory of information about care
services in the county and surrounding areas covering:
Elderly Nursing
Residential and Dementia Care
Learning difficulties
Physical and Mental Disabilities
Domiciliary Support
Continued on page 16
3

Whether caring affects your family gradually or suddenly, it is common
to feel unprepared. Rules on benefits and the social care system can
feel like a confusing maze.
Without the right advice and information it is easy to miss out on the
financial and practical support you are entitled to. Caring can be
challenging enough without fighting for the support you need. That’s
why groups up and down the country take part in Carers Rights Day,
to reach out to the UK’s 6.5 million carers with information, advice and
support.
This year Carers Rights Day is being held on Friday 25 th November
2016 and we want every carer to know where to turn for advice,
information and support.
Support from Carers UK
Carers UK’s guide to carers’
rights and benefits, Looking
after someone, is published
every year for Carers Rights
Day. It provides a
comprehensive guide on
what support carers are
entitled to. Carers can
download a copy of the guide
at carersuk.org or order a free
copy from Carers UK by calling
0800 808 7777 or emailing
advice@carersuk.org
Guideposts will be
celebrating Carers Rights
Day at our Hubs and Carers
Groups near you. Between
the 21st and the 25th
November
4

Whitestone Surgery’s Patient Participation Group hosted a ‘digital
future of healthcare’ open day in June. The event took place at the
United Reform Church Hall, near the Ropewalk entrance and offered
bric-a-brac stalls, face painting, bake sales and a tombola.
Diane Kent, chair of WS-PPG commented: “ The increasing role of
digital technology in the health care sector is a cause very important
to WS-PPG, and we enjoyed exploring this in greater detail at the
open day. Not only did the day address the very important issue of
digitisation, it also raised funds for Guideposts Carer Support Service
totaling £450.00”
Andrea Randall, Guideposts Carer Support Manager, said “ We are
delighted to be working closely with Whitestone Surgery PPG and
really appreciate them dedicating the funds raised on the day to
Guideposts. This will enable us to fund items vital for carers to allow
them to continue their caring role.”
If you are a carer in the Whitestone area please join Guideposts
Carer Support Worker, Debbi Doheney at the
Whitestone Surgery, 82 Bulkington Lane, Nuneaton CV11 4SB
Tel: 02476 641 911. Third Thursday of the month 1.30pm - 4pm.
For more information please call Guideposts on 02476 385 888 or
email carerssupport@guideposts.org.uk
Photos credited to: http://www.daveperryphotography.co.uk/
5

2
Protecting your
pension
For every week that Carer’s
Allowance is paid you are
credited with a National Insurance contribution. This is very
important, because if you are unable to work or have cut down
your working hours as a result of caring, your State Retirement
Pension may be at risk because of the reduction in your
National Insurance contributions.
If you are a carer but are not entitled to Carer’s Allowance, you
may be able to claim Carer’s Credit which can help to make
sure you do not miss out on National Insurance contributions
while you are caring.
If you claim Carer’s Allowance and are thinking about deferring
your pension, you need to seek advice as in most cases you will
not be any better off. In some cases you could actually lose out.
For more advice on deferring your pension contact the Pension
Service on 0345 606 0265. http://www.carersuk.org/pension
Five steps to maximise your State Pension
Step 1: make sure you receive all the relevant benefits you are
entitled to.
Step 2: if you are not paying NI contributions through
employment, and are not receiving benefits which will give you
NI credits, check whether you can claim Carer's Credit.
Step 3: check your NI record online https://www.gov.uk/checknational-insurance-record
or by contacting the NI Helpline
on 0300 200 3500 (textphone: 0300 200 3519) or by writing
to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) National Insurance
contributions and Employers Office, HM Revenue and Customs.
BX9 1AN.
6

Step 4: ask for a State Pension forecast either online https://
www.gov.uk/check-state-pension or by contacting the Future
Pension Centre on 0345 3000 168 (textphone: 0345 3000 169) or
by completing a BR19 Form and sending it to the Newcastle
Pension Centre Futures Group, The Pension Service 9, Mail
Handling Site A, Wolverhampton. WV98 1LU.
Step 5: look into what else you could be doing for your State
Pension - contact the Pensions Advisory Service for impartial
advice Tel: 0300 123 1047
http://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support/helpwith-your-pension
Goodbye!
Guideposts would
like to wish Paula
Walkington all the
very best for the
future. Paula left
in August for
ventures new.
Warm and Well in Warwickshire is here to support
those households who have a member with a long term
health condition that is exacerbated by a cold home.
There are a range of services and support available.
CALL FOR FURTHER DETAILS 0800 988 2881
In addition there is support for owner occupier/private
rented households with a member diagnosed with a
long term health condition in receipt of certain benefits /low income*.
*All schemes are subject to eligibility criteria and funding availability
hps://www.nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk/downloads/file/905/
warm_and_well_in_warwickshire
7

Warwickshire Vision Support
Serving people with sight loss in Warwickshire and
Coventry
What is the Shoppa-Hoppa Service?
Warwickshire Vision Support and Back & 4th Community
Transport have developed a new community transport service in
Warwick District.
The Shoppa-Hoppa service operates every
Monday and Wednesday collecting
passengers from their homes, transporting
them to the Shires Shopping Centre and
taking them home again.
Monday
Aylesford, Barford, Bishops
Tachbrook, Budbrooke, Emscote, Hampton
Magna, Hampton on the
Hill, Hatton, Heathcote, Myton, Norton
Lindsey, Saltisford, Sherbourne, Warwick Town, Wasperton
and Woodloes.
Ring Monday to Thursday to book
Wednesday
Brunswick, Cubbington, Eathorpe, Milverton, Newbold, Offchurch,
Radford Semele, Sydenham, Wappenbury, Weston under
Wetherly and Whitnash.
Ring Wednesday to Monday to book
The vehicle is staffed by a volunteer driver and passenger
assistant whilst volunteer escorts meet passengers at the
supermarket to assist with their shopping.
8

How much will it cost?
The Shoppa-Hoppa costs £6.00 for a return journey payable in cash
on the day to the driver.
How long will I have at the shops?
This will depend on how many passengers travel each week,
however we would aim to have at least 2 hours between dropping
off and collecting passengers.
How much shopping can I buy?
The Shoppa-Hoppa will run using a minibus so space will be limited.
We request that passengers limit the shopping they buy to an
amount they could reasonably carry themselves.
How do I book my transport?
Transport needs to be booked by telephoning the Back and 4th
office on 01789 471595. Bookings can be made between the hours
of 9 am & 4 pm Monday to Thursday for travel on the following
Monday.
Passengers will then be contacted on Friday and informed of the
approximate collection time.
Can I provide my own escort?
Yes, if you have a carer or family member who can accompany you
to do your shopping, they can travel with you for free. Alternately
you can ask for a volunteer escort to accompany you, just ask when
you are making your booking. Back & 4th is also happy to transport
guide dogs.
For more information:
Website: http://warwickshire.vision/
Post: 5 Charles Court, Budbrooke Road, Warwick CV34 5LZ
Tel: 01926 411331 Email: enquiries@warwickshire.vision
9

Christmas tips for your guests who have dementia
Plan ahead: If the house is unfamiliar to your guest, putting
labels on doors could help – for example, the bathroom, the
kitchen.
Think about safety: make sure you leave lights on and doors
open so the person with dementia is less likely to get confused
if they’re up at night. Remind people to close
outside doors securely if needed.
Food and mealtimes: Don’t overload your
guest’s plate. Although many people eat a lot at
Christmas, a full plate can be quite daunting for
someone who has difficulties eating.
The person with dementia may feel self-conscious at a large
dinner table, so avoid making them feel like the centre of
attention.
Drinking excessively can cause arguments and accidents.
Ensure drinking stays within sensible limits.
Emotional needs: Think of some activities the person may enjoy
doing in quieter moments. Do you have any old photos you
could look at together? Try to involve people in your own
activities, such as walking or cooking and cleaning.
Think about their usual or past religious attitudes. Would they
like to go to church or listen to hymns?
If the house becomes very busy, designate a 'quiet room' and
agree not to watch television or listen to music in there.
It might be enjoyable for the person to sing carols – it’s good to
do something jointly with other people but singing also
stimulates both mind and body.
10. Remember your needs! Try to pace yourself and set realistic
goals and remember to take time for yourself
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/
documents_info.php?documentID=2085
10

Getting a benefits check
The benefits system has been subject to a lot of changes over
the past few years, and more changes are underway. By
getting a benefits check you can make sure you are claiming
all the benefits you are entitled to.
Online
You can get a benefits check online by visiting either of the
following websites:
www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator
www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx
This will take about 20 minutes to complete.
These online tools are not suitable for everyone. Special rules
apply to some groups of people, for example: students, people
under 18, people in permanent residential care, UK nationals
who live abroad and people who are not British or Irish citizens.
Face-to-face
You may be able to get a face-to-face benefits
check from a local advice centre, such as your
local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Contact the social services department of the
person you look after and ask them what advice
services there are in your area. You could also
ask about getting a benefits check locally when
you have your Carer’s Assessment.
https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/campaigns/
carers-rights-day
11

?
?
Who do you know, who cares?
Guideposts would like your help in identifying
carers in your community.
This could be your:
Mum or Dad
Wife, Husband or Partner
Grandma or Grandpa
Auntie or Uncle
Neighbour
Person who lives down the street
A friend
Do they help some one who is aged 18 or over
who has a medical condition or disability?
Please share our number with them
Our service is FREE and confidential
02476 385 888
If you require help or support completing these forms,
we can help:
Carer’s Allowance
Attendance Allowance
P.I.P
Blue Badge
Carer’s Credit
Employment Support Allowance
Universal Credit
Please use our service
12

Registering your sight loss
What is registration?
“Registration” simply means being on your local social service’s
register of people who are either severely sight impaired (blind) or
sight impaired (partially sighted). It's voluntary and is completely
confidential and your details won’t be shared.
How do I get registered?
Step one: getting a referral to an eye specialist If you are having
problems with your sight, visit a high street optician (an optometrist)
or your GP for an initial check-up. If necessary, they will then refer
you to an eye clinic for an appointment. At your appointment in the
eye clinic, an eye specialist (called an ophthalmologist) will examine
the health of your eyes and your eyesight.
Step two: the ophthalmologist decides if you can be certified. Your
eye specialist will measure how good you are at seeing detail at a
distance (your visual acuity) and how much you can see from the
side of your eye when you’re looking straight ahead (your field of
vision). If your ophthalmologist judges that you can be certified, they
will complete an official certificate with the results of your eye
examination, as well as information about your circumstances. This
certificate is called the Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI)
Step three: registration with your local social services. After
receiving a copy of your certificate, your local social services team
should contact you to ask if you wish to be included on its register of
blind and partially sighted people. If you say “yes” then you become
registered. If you choose not to be registered, you can still get
support from social services to help you remain independent.
What happens after you’re registered?
Social services should contact you to discuss carrying out a needs
assessment, also known as a Social Care and Rehabilitation
13

Assessment. The aim of this assessment is for social services to find
out what help and advice you need to remain independent. For
example, this could include help with everyday tasks such as
cleaning and cooking, keeping in touch with friends and family, or
with transport.
The advantages of registering
There are some very significant advantages to getting registered.
Firstly, it can make life more affordable by enabling you to claim a
wide range of concessions. These include a
half-price TV Licence
help with some NHS costs
help with your Council Tax bill and tax allowances
leisure discounts
free public transport
Which concessions you are entitled to depends on whether you are
registered as severely sight impaired or sight impaired.
Although being registered does not automatically entitle you to any
particular welfare benefits, it does often make it easier for you to
claim some of them. Your registration confirms your sight loss and
helps as evidence in your claim.
Your local council will often give you a registration card that proves
your registration status. Having this can help to prove your
entitlement to concessions, including when you’re visiting places of
interest.
http://www.rnib.org.uk/about-rnib
Local Action Teams
Action for blind people has teams ready to offer support with a variety
of services including living with sight loss courses, employment
guidance, clubs and technology advice.
Local Office: 0121 665 4200
14

Enriching the lives of
disabled people every day
Enrych is a charity that supports disabled people to
enjoy active and independent lives. Everyone has
the right to enjoy life and make choices about what
they do. However, many people with disabilities
face barriers every day that can limit their options
or independence and may lead to isolation or
depression.
Enrych helps people identify what would make a real difference in
their lives (especially through leisure and learning opportunities) and
then find ways to help make it happen. This might be a volunteer
partnership, an activity group, Enrych social events or through oneto-one
support. There are two core services:
Enrych Support:
Carefully matched with a volunteer to pursue an activity or
shared interest.
Activity Groups e.g. art, photography, bowling, seated keep fit
Accessible and fun social events and trips.
Introductions and support to access local clubs, groups and
activities.
Access to the wider Enrych network.
Free service to members.
Enrych Assist:
Active and independent living with a Personal Support
Assistant.
One-to-one support with everyday activities.
Personal Assistants are fully trained and DBS checked.
Personal budget holders and self-funding clients welcome for
this chargeable service.
Referrals from health care professionals and self-referrals
accepted.
For more information please contact 01926 485 446 or email
info@enrych.org.uk www.enrych.org.uk
15

Continued from Page 3
Warwickshire Association of Care Homes (WACH) is an
organisation representing the independent sector nursing and
residential homes of the county.
http://www.wpic.co.uk/about/
By visiting the above link, you
can search for the type of care
you require in the district you
want.
You will then see a box as
shown opposite, of all care
homes that have availability for
the service you require.
For more information please visit the link in pink above, email
info@wpic.co.uk or call 07801 863 616
16

Warwickshire HUBs
What is a HUB? The official definition of a HUB is ‘the effective centre
of an activity, region, or network’.
Guideposts’ HUBS are easily accessible throughout the five districts
of Warwickshire.
A Carer Support Worker will be available for support, information
and advice. They can also help complete forms for PIP, Attendance
Allowance, Blue Badge, Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Credit.
You can just drop in, however for form completing an appointment
will be required.
See following pages for HUBs in
your area
Contact information for HUBs
Main office: 02476 385 555 carerssupport@guideposts.org.uk
Each area has a dedicated Carer Support Worker
Kayleigh Harris - Warwick District
Jo Hancox & Corinne Walcott - North Warwickshire District
Michelle Sawyer - Rugby District
Mario Jaco - Stratford District
Debbi Doheney - Nuneaton & Bedworth District
Michelle Cooke - Countywide Mental Health
John Webberley - Countywide Learning Disability & Autism
Mental Health HUB LD & Autism Generic HUB
17

HUBs - in the North
Nuneaton & Bedworth District
St Nicolas Church, Nuneaton CV11 4AZ 12pm - 3pm Weekly on
Wednesdays and every 4th Wednesday
Hospital League of Friends Café, GEH, Nuneaton 9.30am-11am
3rd Thursday of the month
Sikh Mission, Marlborough Road, Nuneaton 10.30am—12 noon
last Friday of the month
North Warwickshire District
St Michaels Community Centre, New Arley 9.30am-12.30pm 1st
Wednesday of the month
Polesworth Library 10am - 12pm 4th Tuesday of the month
Coleshill Town Hall 10am - 1pm 1st & 3rd Monday of the month
Baddesley Village Hall, 11am-1pm 3rd Wednesday of the month
Hartshill Community Centre 12noon - 2pm 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of
the month
Polesworth Library 10am - 12noon 2nd Tuesday of the month
New Hubs starting soon in Dordon Village Centre and Athersone
St Marys Church. Look out locally for details.
18

Rugby District
Wellbeing Centre, Rugby 9.15am -12pm Weekly on Mondays
Overslade Community Centre 1pm - 3.00pm Weekly on
Wednesdays
Revel Surgery, Brinklow 2pm - 4pm 1st Monday of the month
Bilton Green Surgery 2pm - 4pm 2nd Thursday of the month
HUBs - in the South
Warwick District Hubs
Sydni Centre, Leamington, 9.30 - 1.30pm Weekly on Mondays
(except 1st Monday of the month)
The GAP, Warwick, 9.30am - 1.30pm Weekly on Wednesdays
(except 1st Wednesday of the month)
Warwick Hospital, 2pm - 3.30pm Weekly on Mondays (except 3rd
Monday of the month)
Memory Café, Woodloes Tavern, 2pm - 4pm 3rd Monday of month
Brunswick Healthy Living Centre, Leamington, 11am -12.30pm 1st
Monday of month
The GAP Warwick, 9.30am - 11am last Monday of month. Please
note this is a Springfield Mind Wellbeing HUB, which Guideposts
attends
Springfield Mind Hub, 2 Southborough Terrace, Leamington CV31
2DT 9.30am - 11am 2nd Tuesday of month Please note this is a
Springfield Mind Wellbeing HUB, which Guideposts attends
The GAP, Warwick, 10am - 12pm 1st Thursday of the month) with
Learning Disability Specialist John Webberley
19

Stratford District Hubs
Jubilee Centre, Alcester, 9.30am — 12.30pm weekly on Fridays
Bishopton Community Centre, Bishopton, 1.30 pm 5.00 pm
alternate Fridays
Ellen Badger Hospital, Shipston-on-Stour 2.00 pm—6.00pm
Studley Village Hall, 9.30am -12.30pm Weekly on Tuesdays
Bidford Surgery, Bidford Dementia Café, 10.30am —12.30pm Every
Monday
Tythe Lodge, Southam, 10am - 2pm 1st, 2nd & 4th Mondays of the
month
Tyler House, Stratford, 1pm-5pm Weekly on Fridays
Wellesbourne Village Hall, Memory Clinic, CV35 9NH 2pm - 4pm
Weekly Wednesdays. Please note this is a Warwickshire
Reminiscence Action Project (WRAP) Clinic, which Guideposts
attends
Mind Office at Cygnet Court, Timothy’s Bridge Road, Stratford
1pm - 2.30pm 1st Monday of month. Please note this is a
Springfield Mind Wellbeing HUB, which Guideposts attends
Compton Verney, Compton Verney Dementia Café, 10.30 am—
12.30 pm 2nd Tuesday of the Month
For more information about Hubs, Carer Support
Groups and other advice and support that we offer
please call
Guideposts 02476 385 888
20

Carers’
Groups
“A friendly place for carers to meet,
share stories, tips and build friendships”
A carer support worker will be
on hand to answer any questions you
may have in relation to your caring role
and speakers from another organisation
will be invited to attend the group,
regularly, to keep you informed of the
latest information. (Please note some
groups do not have speakers due to
carers’ preference)
See pages 21 - 26 for
Carers’ Groups in your area
GP Surgery Partnership working
Whitestone Surgery, 82 Bulkington Lane, Nuneaton CV11 4SB
Tel: 02476 641 911 3rd Thursday of the month 1.30pm - 4pm
Manor Court Surgery, 5 Manor Court Avenue, Nuneaton, CV11
5HX Tel: 02476 381 999 1st Thursday of the month 9.30pm -
11.30am
Budbrooke Medical Centre, Slade Hill, Hampton Magna,
Budbrooke CV35 8SA Tel: 01926 403800 (Sarah / Sue) Third
Tuesday of the month 2pm - 4pm
Carers do not need to be a registered patient of the surgery to use
these information support points. For more information - Guideposts
02476 385 888
21

Groups- in the South
Briar Croft, Alcester Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV27 6PH
2.00pm-4.00pm Second Tuesday of the month,
11th October, 8th November, 13th December
Brunswick Healthy Living Centre, Shrubland Street,
Leamington Spa, CV31 3BD 11.00am-12.30pm first Monday of
the month 3rd October, 7th November, 5th December
Southam Clinic, Pendicke Street, Southam, CV47 1PF
10.30am-12.30pm first Wednesday of the month
5th October, 2nd November, 7th December
Village Hall, High Street, Studley, B80 7HJ 2.00pm—4.00 pm
Third Monday of the month
17th October, 21st November, 19th December
Groups- in the North
Brookes Restaurant, 15 Bank Street, Rugby, CV21 2QE 11.00
am—1.00pm First Wednesday of the month
5th October, 2nd November, 7th December
CAB (1st floor) Congreve Walk, Bedworth, CV12 8LX 1.30
pm—3.30pm first Wednesday of the month,
5th October, 2nd November, 7th December
For more information on Bedworth Carers Group please contact:
Gordon Nash 02476 758200 or Will Roe 02476 491383
Hatters Space, Abbey Street, Nuneaton, CV11 5DN 1.00pm-
3.00pm second Monday of the month Carer & Cared For
Group 10th October, 14th November, 12th December
For more details on any of the groups above
please call 02476 385 888
22

North Warwickshire
District
Parkinson’s Support Group
Mancetter. St Peters Church,
Mancetter Rd, CV9 1NL 3rd Thursday of
the month 2pm
Jan Naylor 01675 464802
p.j.naylor@btinternet.com
Arley Dementia Cafe
Arley & St Michaels Community Centre,
Gun Hill CV7 8HA
1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month
2pm-4pm This group is for both carer
and cared for person.
For more details: Michelle Cooke on
mcooke@guideposts.org.uk or 02476
385 888
Hartshill over 50’s
Club
Community Centre,
Church Road, CV10
0LY Contact: Beryl and Rodger
Todd 024 7639 4591
Wednesday 1.00 - 3.00pm
Social chat with refreshments
plus indoor games, quizzes,
bingo, visiting speakers and day
trips.
The Recovery Partnership offers
drug and alcohol advice,
information, needle exchange
services, a range of treatment
options including prescribing,
detoxification, 1 to1 support,
structured day programmes,
aftercare and support for
parents and carers.
Covering Nuneaton & North
Warwickshire
37-38 Coton Rd, Nuneaton
CV11 5TW Tel 02476 641100
Mental Health Carers’ Group
Hartshill Community Centre,
Church Road, Nuneaton CV10 0LY
First Thursday of the month,
2.00 pm - 4.00pm. For carers
supporting someone with a
mental health condition
Tel: Michelle C on 02476 385 888
Email: mcooke@guideposts.org.uk
Buddies - Female Cancer Support
1st Monday of the month 7pm-9pm
Tel 01827 311 665
Buddies - Male Cancer Support
1st Wednesday of the month 7pm-
9pm Tel 07790 029887 Rob.
The Sharon Fox Cancer Centre,
5 Mitchells Court, Lower Gungate,
Tamworth B79 7AS
North Warwickshire Citizens Advice Bureau - Money Plan Project
CAB now offers appointments for free generic financial advice on any aspect
of financial advice such as mortgages, endowments, equity release, financial
planning, pensions, tax and savings and investments.
Please call 01827 712852 to arrange your appointment.
23

Nuneaton
& Bedworth District
Are you a
parent or
carer of
someone with Asperger’s, Autism,
ADHD/ADD & other associated
conditions? Why not come along
to our support group:
2nd Monday of the month 8pm
start (finishing times vary
dependant on agenda)
Windmill Sports and Social
Club, Mancetter Road,
Nuneaton CV10 0HW
Tel: 07580 522 338
www.aspergers-united.co.uk
Friendship Care and Housing -
Strictly Five ways to Dance
Following the 5 Ways to
Wellbeing of ... exercise, healthy
eating, managing your weight,
give up smoking, making new
friends. Friendship Care and
Housing is running FREE dance
classes at the Nuneaton Co-op
Club, 23 Dugdale Street, CV11
5QJ every Wednesday 12.30pm
– 2.30pm
Contact Gary Bromley
02476 848 128
Nuneaton
‘Singing with a
new spirit’
10am - 12 noon
Tuesdays, at
St Nicolas Church Centre,
Nuneaton CV11 4AZ
Creating a fun outlet through singing
for carers and their cared for person.
For more information please contact
Sally-Ann Veasey, Project Leader or
Rev Kelly Beveridge on 02476 344
553 or office@stnicolaschurch.org.uk
http://www.stnicolaschurch.org.uk
Meetings held on
the 3rd
Wednesday of the
month, start at
7.30pm Chilvers Coton Heritage
Centre, Avenue Road, Nuneaton CV11
4LT. Car park is at the rear of the
building, by the craft centre.
www.georgeeliotdiabetessupportgroup.org.uk/
Exercise for over 55s - Zumba type
exercise for anyone, including those
who need to or want to sit down whilst
exercising.
Stockingford Community Centre,
Haunchwood Road, CV10 8DY Weekly
Fridays 10am-10.45am £2 session
Tel 02476 388 507 info@stockingfordcc.org
Mental Health Carers’ Group
Hartshill Community Hub, Church Rd,
CV10 0LY 1st Thursday of the month
2pm-4pm contact Michelle Cooke on
02476 385 888
mcooke@guideposts.org.uk
Friday Friends: For people with dementia and their family and carers.
First Friday of the month 1.30pm - 3.30pm £1 for unlimited refreshments
Bulkington Village Conference Centre, Bulkington CV12 9JB
Tel 02476 733 020
Run by Bulkington Surgery in partnership with the Patient Participation Group
24

Rugby District
A volunteer run
group, formed to
help those with
dementia and
those who care for them.
First Friday Together 10.30am-
12pm 1st Friday of the month at
Claremont Centre, 43 Clifton Rd,
Rugby CV21 3QE
Music Sessions: Monthly music
sessions. 3rd Friday of the month
10.30am-12pm at The Friends
Meeting House, 28 Regent Place,
Rugby CV21 2PN
Understanding Dementia: 3
hour training sessions for all who
are interested in understanding
more about dementia. Small
charge of £5 pp to cover costs
If you would like further
information contact: Jane Muers
01788 576 854
jane.muers@btinternet.com
Website: www.rdsg.org.uk
Mental Health Carers’ Group
Rugby Fourth Thursday of the
month, 2.00 pm - 3.30pm. Rugby
Firestation, 28th July, 25th Aug,
22 Sept
For carers supporting someone
with a mental health condition
Tel: Michelle C on 02476 385 888
Parkinson’s Support Group
Rugby, United Reform Church, 40
Hillmorton Rd, CV22 5AD Last
Thursday of the month 2pm - 4pm
Jim Cave 01788 573399
jimcave@mypostoffice.co.uk
Supporting anyone affected
by cancer.
Drop in for friendship,
information and support,
refreshments
28 Regent Place, Rugby CV21 2PN
Tel: 07927 037 928
www.thehummingbirdcentre.org
Thursdays 10am-4pm
Rugby Bipolar Support
Group offers support to
anyone affected by
bipolar.
The group meets on the fourth
Tuesday of every month 7pm - 9pm.
Benn Partnership Centre, Railway
Terrace, Rugby. CV21 3HR
rugby@bipolarukgroups.org.uk
http://www.bipolaruk.org.uk/
Tel: 020 7931 6480
Rugby Fibromyalgia Support Group
Second Thursday of the month, 7pm -
8.30pm. The Exchange, 32-42 Albert
Street, Rugby CV21 2SA
Group for both carer and cared for. The
group has speakers, informal chat
nights, a summer party, Christmas meal
and party. Newsletter with information
about the latest findings, hints and tips
etc. For more details please contact:
Hilary Brocklehurst on 01788 560 406
or badgerhc@gmail.com
25

Stratford District
Warwickshire Reminiscence
Action Project (WRAP)
Dementia Friendly Café WRAP at
Bishopton Primary School
Community Centre, Drayton
Avenue, Stratford CV37 9PB
Fridays 2pm - 4pm 07803729894
Carers 4 Carers Group Kineton
meets on the fourth Friday of the
month, from 10.30am-12.00pm, at
Kineton Village Hall, Mill Street,
Kineton, CV35 0LB
Gillian Grason Smith : 01926
640203 or 07947 893504
Stour Valley Carers’ Group:
Supporting dementia carers in
Shipston and surrounding areas.
Meets on 3rd Friday of the month
in Shipston. Carol Ruthven
01608 662706 or Lizzy Feather
on 01608 686013
Mental Health
Carers Group
Stratford-upon-Avon Second
Wednesday of the month,
2.30pm - 4.00pm. Lifeways, 30
Albany Road, CV37 6PG
For carers supporting someone
with a mental health condition
Tel: Michelle C 02476 385 888
Dementia Café Stour Court, Shipstonon-Stour,
CV36 4HF
Alzheimer’s Society Warwickshire,
01926 888899 First Friday of the
month 2.00pm to 3.30pm
New Man: A group just for men
Looking at physical, social and mental
well being in a fun, relaxed and
supportive way.
Wednesdays 10.30am-12.30pm at
Avon Support, Junction 21, Western
Road, Stratford upon Avon, CV37
0AH. Tel 02476 361 800
Parkinson’s Support Group
Stratford Sports Club, Swans Nest
Lane CV37 7LS meets 4th Monday of
the month (except August) 1.30pm -
4pm. Carol Longden 01789 721798 or
Cecillia Evans 01386 872762
Alcester Café is a drop-in café, held
twice weekly, dedicated to help
support people with memory
problems / dementia, their families,
carers, former carers and interested
professional people.
Held weekly, every Tuesday and
Friday from 10.30am-12.30pm, at the
Jubilee Centre, Jubilee Hall, (off St
Faith’s Road) Alcester, B49 6AG
www.alcesterdementiacafe.org
Carole Zambonini
Autistic Adults Spectrum Plus
Stratford-upon-Avon First
Wednesday of the month 7pm-
9pm. Junction 21, Western Road
CV37 0AH Contact 0787 357 4657
Warwickshire Reminiscence Action Project (WRAP) Café at Wellesbourne
Wellesbourne Village Hall, School Road. Weekly on a Wednesday 2pm -
4pm Please contact Heather Brown 07964 683 146 for more information
26

Warwick District
Waverley Carers’ Group -
Dementia Kenilworth meets on
the 3rd Saturday of the month,
from 10.30am-12.30pm, at
Waverley Day Centre, Waverley
Road, Kenilworth, CV8 1JL.
Carers and cared for welcome.
Call Rosemary Jones on 01926
858433
Memory Café meets fortnightly
on the 1st and 3rd Mondays from
2.00pm-4.00pm, at The Woodloes
Tavern, Woodloes, Warwick,
CV34 5RN. Tel 0750 764 6030.
Stour Valley Carers’ Group:
Supporting dementia carers in
Shipston and surrounding areas.
Meets on 3rd Friday of the month
Carol Ruthven 01608 662706 or
Lizzy Feather on 01608 686013
Parkinson’s Support Group
Leamington & District
Helen Ley, Bericote Road, CV32
6QP
Second Thursday of the month
2pm - 4pm
Pam Marchant 01926 850869
pamjanemarchant@yahoo.co.uk
Warwick District Money Advice
Need help with money worries?
Thursdays 10am-2pm Brunswick
Hub, Shrubland Street, CV31 3BD
Tel: 01926 422123 or email
frontdesk@bhlc.services
Dementia Café Blackdown
Meets last Friday of the month, from
11am-12.30pm, at Priors House, Old
Milverton Lane, Blackdown, CV32
6RW. For more information or to
book your free place call 0333 321
1924 or email
mawson.chipchase.careuk.com
Learning Disabilities’ Carers Group
Warwick
Third Wednesday of the month
10.30am-12.30pm. Hill Close
Gardens, Bread & Meat Close, CV34
6HF Contact John Webberley
Guideposts, 02476 385 888
Brunswick Hub
Dementia Café
First and Third Wednesday of the
month. 11am - 1pm, 98 - 100
Shrubland Street, Leamington Spa,
CV31 3BD Tel 01926 422123
frontdesk@bhlc.services
Free of Charge
Why not come along to one
of the friendly, free,
informal job clubs where you can
meet people and get help from
Employment Advisors.
Lillington: The Chain 10am-2pm
Mondays
Leamington Spa: Brunswick Hub
9.30am-2.30pm Tuesdays &
Thursdays
Warwick: The Gap Community
Centre 10am-2pm Wednesdays
Tel 01926 422123
27

Assistive Technology?
‘Assistive Technology’ describes a wide range of
equipment, technologies and services that can help people to do
tasks they find difficult, so they can continue to live at home safely
with as much independence as possible.
Assistive technology can be:
Simple aids – large handled cutlery or the
‘magiplug’, which is a special plug that lets water out of
a sink or bath if it gets too full, to prevent flooding.
Monitored service – equipment or sensors that are linked to a
control centre 24 hours a day. If the sensors in your home raise an
alert someone at the control centre will talk to you, see what the
problem is and take appropriate action; such as calling a family
member, friend or the emergency services.
Standalone– equipment that is linked to a family member’s or
carer’s pager.
Examples of assistive technology
Personal trigger – A call for help can be raised from anywhere in
the home or garden.
Bogus caller button – A discreet button placed near a door,
which can be used to call for help when a stranger asks for entry into
your home.
Smoke/carbon monoxide detector – A life-saving device, the
detector provides additional protection by raising an instant alarm call
to the control centre if anything is detected.
Fall detector – Automatically detects a serious fall and raises an
alert with the 24-hour control centre.
Property Exit Sensor – Automatically detects if someone has
walked out of their door and not returned, especially at unusual hours
of the day or night so carers or a family member could check on their
welfare.
Movement detector – This allows the control centre to detect
inactivity and raise an alert, or alternatively to audibly verify and
record the presence of an intruder.
28

Monitored technology
Benefits of the telecare
service
Complete reassurance –
24-hour link between your
home and the control
centre;
Instant response – the
operators at the control
centre will respond to your
call or equipment alerts,
they will ask what the problem is and take appropriate action
such as calling a family member, neighbour or the emergency
services;
Reassurance to your family and friends that help is on hand if
you need it;
Minimal changes to your home – all you need to set up
Telecare is a telephone line and an electrical power point
within six feet of each other.
How do I get assistive technology?
You can speak to your occupational therapist or social worker about
any type of assistive technology or call 01926 410410 and ask about
assistive technology services.
For more information: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/telecare
Have you received your FREE Carers’
emergency card?
You can download a form from our
website:
http://www.guideposts.org.uk/warwickshirecarers-support-service-information-forcarers/
alternatively call 02476 385 888 and we will send you a form
29

Mental Health and
Wellbeing Services
available to
support you:
If you are struggling to cope or feeling low, don’t wait for things to get
too much. There are a range of mental health and wellbeing
services and support available across Warwickshire that can help
you to improve your wellbeing and support you during difficult times.
The range of services can be accessed in different ways: there are
face-to-face services, books, e-books and audio CDs, an online
community resource and a telephone helpline.
All are there to support you if you are struggling to cope, feeling low,
or overwhelmed. Your mental health and wellbeing is really
important, and can be improved. The first thing is to recognise you
may need a bit of extra support to take control and seek help.
Wellbeing for Warwickshire offers support, information and
signposting for individuals 16 years and over living in Warwickshire
who would like to improve their mental health and wellbeing. The
programme of services is provided through a mixture of one to one
confidential support, walk-ins, workshops, peer support drop-in
networks, and information outreaches at various locations across
Warwickshire.
The aim of the service is to:
Increase awareness of mental health and promote wellbeing
and resilience building for everyone through the use of 5 ways
to wellbeing.
Offer targeted support for people at risk of developing mental
health issues
Offer early help ideas that will support people with ongoing
mental health issues to keep well.
Telephone : 02477 712288 Website: www.cwmind.org.uk/wbw
30

Talking Therapies Explained
The term 'talking therapy' covers all the psychological therapies
that involve a person talking to a therapist about their problems.
For some problems and conditions, one type of talking therapy may
be better than another. Different talking therapies also suit different
people.
Below is a brief explanation of some common talking therapies and
how they can help. Your GP or mental health worker can help you
decide which one would be best for you.
Counselling
Counselling is probably the best known talking therapy and the one
most likely to be available on the NHS at your GP surgery.
Counselling on the NHS usually consists of 6 to 12 sessions, each
about an hour long. You talk in confidence to a counsellor, who helps
you to think about your situation.
Counselling is ideal for people who are basically healthy, but need
help coping with a current crisis, such as:
anger
relationship issues
bereavement
redundancy
infertility
the onset of a serious illness
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
The aim of CBT is to help you think more positively about life and
free yourself from unhelpful patterns of behaviour. In CBT, you set
goals with your therapist and may carry out tasks between sessions.
A course typically involves around 6 to 15 sessions, which last about
an hour each. Like counselling, CBT deals with current situations
more than events in your past or childhood. CBT has been shown to
work for a variety of mental health problems. This doesn't mean it's
better than other therapies – it’s just that others may not have been
31

studied as much. In particular, CBT can help with:
depression
anxiety
panic attacks
phobias
obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
some eating disorders, especially bulimia
CBT is available on the NHS for people with depression, anxiety and
other mental health problems that it has been shown to help.
Psychotherapy
Unlike counselling and CBT, psychotherapy involves talking more
about how your past influences what happens in the present and the
choices you make. It tends to last longer than CBT and counselling.
Sessions are an hour long and can continue for a year or more.
There are different types of psychotherapy, but they all aim to help
you understand more about yourself, improve your relationships and
get more out of life. Psychotherapy can be especially useful for
people with long-term or recurring problems to find the cause of their
difficulties.
There's some evidence that psychotherapy can help depression and
some eating disorders.
NHS psychotherapists normally work in a hospital or clinic, where
you'll see them as an outpatient. Private psychotherapists often work
from home.
Family therapy
In family therapy, a therapist (or pair of therapists) works with the
whole family. The therapist explores their views and relationships to
understand the problems the family is having. It helps family
members communicate better with each other.
Sessions can last from 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half, and usually
take place several weeks apart.
You may be offered family therapy if the whole family is in difficulty.
This may be because one member of the family has a serious
problem that’s affecting the rest of the family. Family therapists deal
with lots of different issues, including:
child and adolescent behavioural problems
mental health conditions, illness and disability in the family
32

separation, divorce and step-family life
domestic violence
drug addiction or alcohol addiction
Relationship counselling
Relationship counselling, or couples therapy, can help when a
relationship is in crisis (after an affair, for example). Both partners talk
in confidence to a counsellor or therapist to explore what has gone
wrong in the relationship and how to change things for the better. It
can help couples learn more about each other's needs and
communicate better.
Ideally, both partners should attend the weekly hour-long sessions,
but they can still help if just one person attends.
Group therapy
In group therapy, up to 12 people meet, together with a therapist. It’s
a useful way for people who share a common problem to get support
and advice from each other. It can help you realise you’re not alone
in your experiences, which is itself beneficial. Some people prefer to
be part of a group or find that it suits them better than individual
therapy.
Interpersonal therapy
This is a talking treatment that helps people with depression to
identify and address problems in their relationships with family,
partners and friends.
Behavioural activation
Behavioural activation is a talking therapy that encourages people to
develop more positive behaviour, such as planning activities and
doing constructive things that they would usually avoid doing.
Mindfulness-based therapies
Mindfulness-based therapies help you focus on your thoughts and
feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them. They can be used
to help treat depression, stress, anxiety and addiction.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) incorporates techniques
such as meditation, gentle yoga and mind-body exercises to help
people learn how to cope with stress.
.
33

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combines mindfulness
techniques like meditation and breathing exercises with cognitive
therapy. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
recommends MBCT to help people avoid repeated bouts of
depression.
Many GPs offer online
services to their patients
and since April 2016 all
GPs should provide their
patients with online
access to detailed
information in their GP
record.
Online services do not replace traditional ways of contacting your GP
practice, over the phone or in person. They simply offer additional
ways to interact with your GP, making it easier and more convenient.
For example, you can book and cancel appointments any time of the
day, order your repeat prescription from home or at work, save
yourself a trip to the GP practice, or look up your medications online.
In return, it's hoped the services will free up phone lines for people
with no internet access, and enable GP practices to manage
appointments and telephone calls more efficiently.
There are currently three transactional services available:
Booking appointments
Repeat prescriptions
Access to GP records
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/Typesof-therapy.aspx#mindfulness
http://www.nhs.uk/aboutNHSChoices/aboutnhschoices/find-andchoose-services/Pages/gp-online-services.aspx
34

JOB BOARD AND FREE JOBSEARCH ADVICE
FOR CUSTOMERS WITH DISABILITIES
Evenbreak is a not-for-profit social enterprise and
was formed to help disabled people find jobs and
careers. They also assist employers with their
equality agenda. They have a job board with
vacancies for disabled applicants with inclusive employers. On the
job board there are vacancies across the country in a variety of
sectors. John Lewis and Lloyds Bank and other companies place all
their jobs with Evenbreak.
The job board can be found at: http://www.evenbreak.co.uk/home/
Finding work after caring
If you want to start or return to work, there are lots of things to
consider and many schemes that can help you as a carer.
You may need to return to work to earn money. For some carers
who haven't worked for some time, this can be daunting. You may
have lost your confidence, or feel you no longer have the skills you
once had or the skills you need to re-start your career.
The kind of support that’s available to help you ease back into the
workplace includes:
training, guidance and work placement programmes
work experience, volunteering and job trials
help with starting your own business
help with child care or caring responsibilities
If you are a carer and want to return to work, you may be able to get
help from Jobcentre Plus. The Work Preparation Support for Carers
scheme offers advice and training.
You may also be able to get replacement care paid for while you
are taking part in approved activities. For more information, contact
your local Jobcentre Plus office or call the Jobcentre Plus phone
service on 0845 6060 234 (Textphone: 0845 6055 255), Monday to
Friday, 8am to 6pm). For more information : www.nhs.uk/
35

Use of emergency numbers over the
Christmas period
Traditionally, Christmas and New Year's
Eve celebrations can be amongst the
busiest times of the year for the
emergency services. To ensure that Warwickshire Police can
dedicate their time and resources to genuine police matters, please
think before automatically dialling 999 if it's not an emergency.
People are always encouraged to use 999 in a genuine emergency
and never put themselves at risk. The police
should be called on 999 when:
There is a danger to life or a risk of injury.
Examples include serious road traffic
collisions, assaults or serious disorders.
A crime is in progress. Examples include
assault, burglary, and theft or if an offender
is still on the scene, or has just left the
scene.
Police attendance is required immediately
to prevent a breach of peace, someone
acting suspiciously or someone who is
about to commit an offence.
Do not call 999 for calls which are not an emergency. It will tie up an
operator and delay a police response to someone who may actually
require the police, but is unable to get through.
For non-emergency police matters, the 101 number provides a vital
service for people.
https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/article/15580/Use-of-emergencynumbers-over-the-Christmas-period
Warwickshire County Council Emergency Duty Team
(EDT)
The Social Services Department provides an emergency social work
service at night, at weekends and on all public and local-authority
holidays.
All staff who are part of the Emergency Duty Service are social
36

workers trained to deal with emergencies when normal support
is not available.
What sort of problems can EDT deal with?
Difficulties with children and young people, including - advice to
carers; and - appropriate adult representation with the Police. Child
protection issues within or outside the family. Older people who are
at risk or who need immediate help. Concerns about a person with a
physical or a sensory disability. Domestic problems within a
family. Support in coping with someone who has severe learning
difficulties or mental health problems.
If English is not your first language or if you have any communication
difficulties, it would help if you had somebody with you who is
comfortable speaking English when you contact us. We can arrange
for an interpreter to be made available if necessary.
Who will answer the phone? You will first be put through to an
operator who will ask you for your name and a contact phone
number. You do not need to tell the operator anything about your
problem. The operator will then contact an officer from the
Emergency Duty Service who will phone you back, usually within half
an hour.
What happens next? The Emergency Duty Officer will discuss your
problem with you. If it is a problem that needs to be dealt with by
another agency, the officer will tell you and give you their phone
number or address. In an emergency only the officer will contact
that agency on your behalf. If the problem cannot be sorted out over
the phone, arrangements will be made to visit you or the person with
the problem.
https://directory.warwickshire.gov.uk/service.php?key=126892344
Emergency Duty Team Tel: 01926 886 922
For outside office hours only
37

To Reduce Fall Risk: Start at Home
For the older adult worried about falls,
one of the most important tasks is to
"fall-proof" your home. There are
numerous organisations you can
contact to install grab bars, improve lighting, and do various other
things to help make falls less likely.
But how do you know they have done the right things? And, if you are
the friend or family of an older adult, how can you do a "check" to
make sure the house of the person you care for is relatively well "fallproofed"?
You can use this checklist to see how well
your home is fall proofed, and to guide
decisions about what to improve.
Exterior entrances and exits
Are walk and drive surfaces even?
Is there a curb cut?
Are there handrails at the steps?
Are the handrails in good condition
(Left, Right)?
Is there light in the driveway, walk,
porch?
Do door and window locks work?
Interior doors, stairs and halls
Are doors wide enough for walker / wheelchairs?
Are there railings along the stairway? (And are they in good
condition?)
Are there steps in the house? Is it easy to see the change in the
steps? Is it easy to notice the first and last steps?
Is there adequate lighting? (Right level)?
Are there light switches at both ends of the stairs? Hallways?
Is there clutter in the hallways or on the stairs?
38

Bathroom
Are the sink and bath/shower taps and drain plugs
manageable?
Are hot water pipes covered?
Is the mirror height appropriate, sit and stand?
Is the cared for person able to reach the shelves
Is the cared for person able to step in and out of the bath and
shower?
Is there a bath seat/shower stool available to use?
Are there grab bars for shower / bath access?
Is the cared for person able to easily reach the toilet paper?
Flush the toilet? Come from sit to stand posture?
Is there space available for the carer to assist?
Is there good lighting in the room, and for tasks (eg makeup,
shaving)?
Kitchen
Is kitchen adequately lit?
Can the cared for person comfortably reach / use sink and
counter? Too high?
Are shelves and storage in reach of cared for person?
Are "most used" items at level easily reached?
Are under sink hot water pipes covered?
Is there under-counter knee space?
Is there a nearby surface to rest hot foods on when removed
from oven?
Are stove controls located in rear or front of stove?
Living, dining, bedroom
Do chair, sofa, bed heights allow easy transition from sitting to
standing?
Do rugs have non-slip pad or rug tape?
Do chairs have arm rests? (to support when standing)?
Is the cared for person able to turn on light, radio, TV, take a
phone call from bed, chair, and sofa?
39

Laundry
Is the cared for person able to hand-wash and
hang clothes to dry?
Is the cared for person able to access automatic
washer / dryer?
Are detergents and wash materials within easy
reach?
Telephone and door
Is the phone socket location near bed, sofa, chair?
Is the cared for person able to get to the
phone, dial, hear caller?
Is the cared for person able to identify
visitors, hear doorbell?
Is the cared for person able to reach/ bend
and collect any mail?
Storage space
Is the cared for person able to reach wardrobe/cupboard rails or
hooks?
Is the cared for person able to open drawers?
Is there a light inside the cupboards/closets?
Windows
Are handles at about 42 inches from floor?
Are windows easy to lock? Easy to operate?
Electric sockets and controls
Are there sufficient sockets?
Are sockets at reachable height?
Are sockets located in convenient
areas on wall?
Are there any extension lead hazards?
40

Heat, light, ventilation, security, carbon monoxide, water
temperature control
Are there smoke alarms, CO detectors, and a fire extinguisher?
Is the thermometer display easily readable?
Can the cared for person access heating controls?
Is the cared for person able to open windows?
Is the cared for person able to slide patio doors?
Is the cared for person able to open curtains?
https://www.techenhancedlife.com/articles/fall-proofing-your-housechecklist
CARER
You are invited to join Corinne
At our Carer and Cared For group.
2nd Monday of the month 1pm-3pm
at Hatters Space, Nuneaton
AND
CARED FOR
Free parking on site
Good disabled access
Free refreshments
Excellent socializing opportunity
Fun activities
Please call Corinne on
02476 385888
Mon - Wed
GROUP
41

Crohn’s disease is a disease that causes
inflammation, or swelling, and irritation of any part
of the digestive tract—also called the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
The GI tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube
from the mouth to the anus. The movement of muscles in the GI tract,
along with the release of hormones and enzymes, allows for the
digestion of food.
In Crohn’s disease, inflammation extends deep into the lining of the
affected part of the GI tract. Swelling can cause pain and can make
the intestine—also called the bowel—empty frequently, resulting in
diarrhoea.
Chronic—or long-lasting—inflammation may produce scar tissue that
builds up inside the intestine to create a stricture. A stricture is a
narrowed passageway that can slow the movement of food through
the intestine, causing pain or cramps.
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the general
name for diseases that cause inflammation and irritation in the
intestines. Crohn’s disease can be difficult to diagnose because its
symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders, such as ulcerative
colitis and other IBDs, and irritable bowel syndrome. For example,
ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease both cause abdominal pain and
diarrhoea.
Crohn’s disease may also be called ileitis or enteritis.
What are the five types of Crohn’s disease?
The types of Crohn’s disease with their symptoms, as identified by
their location are:
42

Ileocolic: ileocolitis is the most
common type of Crohn’s disease. It
affects the small intestine, known as
the ileum, and the colon. People
who have ileocolitis experience
considerable weight loss, diarrhoea,
and cramping or pain in the middle
or lower right part of the abdomen.
Terminal ileal: this type of Crohn’s
disease affects the last part of the
small bowel called the ileum.
Symptoms are the same as those
for ileocolitis. In addition, fistulas, or
inflammatory abscesses, may form
in the lower right section of the
abdomen.
Upper gastrointestinal: this form of
Crohn’s disease involves the
stomach, duodenum and jejunum,
which are the first parts of the small
intestine. People with this type of
Crohn’s disease suffer nausea,
weight loss, and loss of appetite. In addition, if the narrow
segments of bowel are obstructed, they experience vomiting.
Colonic: this form of Crohn’s disease involves only the colon.
Symptoms include skin lesions, joint pains, diarrhoea, rectal
bleeding, and the formation of ulcers, fistulas, and abscesses
around the anus.
Further classification of Crohn’s disease can be made according to
the pattern of the disease. This may be mainly inflammation, the
formation of fistulas, or the occurrence of strictures (narrowing of the
bowel). About 5% of patients with IBD affecting the colon cannot be
classified because they have some features of both Crohn’s disease
and ulcerative colitis. This is called indeterminate colitis.
www.crohnsupport.com/ibd-support/what-is-crohns-disease/
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http://publichealth.warwickshire.gov.uk/loneliness
-and-social-isolation/
Loneliness and Social Isolation
Whilst loneliness and social isolation is a problem present across all
age groups in society, it is a significant and growing issue for older
people in particular. It is estimated that approximately 25% of the
population will be aged 60 or above within the next 20 to 40 years, so
it is important that we intervene now in order to address loneliness
and social isolation.
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Almost half of adults in England say they experience feelings of
loneliness. On average, 10% of the population aged over 65 are
often or always lonely. Furthermore, Help the Aged’s Spotlight on
Older People in the UK 2007 showed that the percentage of over 65s
who said that they are often or always lonely was increasing
dramatically. The reasons for this are complex, to do with changing
family relationships, people living at greater distances from their
relatives, and often a less strong desire to be the mainstay of frail
older relatives.
The 2014 Living in Warwickshire survey revealed that in
Warwickshire, when compared to the population as a whole,
those aged 65+ are;
more likely to know people in their immediate neighbourhood
more likely to feel that they ‘belong’ to their immediate
neighbourhood
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slightly more likely to volunteer
less likely to report ‘very good’ or ‘good’ health and much more
likely to report ‘fair’ health
This suggests a real difference in perceptions of community, and
health across the life course.
Loneliness and social isolation harm physical and mental health by
increasing the risk of depression, high blood pressure, sleep
problems, reduced immunity and dementia. It has a greater impact
than other risk factors such as physical inactivity and obesity. A
recent study found that loneliness and social isolation has an
equivalent risk factor for early mortality to smoking 15 cigarettes per
day.
On a positive front, people are able to ‘recover’ from loneliness,
which means that there is scope for interventions to improve the
situation for individuals. Loneliness is responsive to a number of
effective interventions, which are often low cost, particularly when
voluntary effort is harnessed and taking action to address loneliness
can reduce the need for health and care services in future.
Action to tackle loneliness include one-to-one interventions, such as
befriending, Community Navigators and mentoring; and also social
group schemes (e.g. art, discussion or writing groups); and wider
community engagement. There is evidence that all of these schemes
can help to reduce loneliness and improve health and wellbeing. It
would appear that overall, group interventions are more effective
than one-to-one support.
With reducing budgets and projected increasing demand for services
identifying successful and cost effective early actions, particularly
involving sustainable community and volunteering approaches , will
present good opportunities to combat loneliness and social isolation
in the future.
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Warm Home Discount
This winter you could get £140 off your electricity bill through the
Warm Home Discount Scheme. The money isn’t paid to you - it’s a
one-off discount on your electricity bill between October and April.
You can also qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-asyou-go
electricity meter.
You qualify for the discount if on 10 July 2016 all of the following
applied:
your electricity supplier was part of the scheme
your name (or your partner’s) was on the bill
you were getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
If you don’t qualify you may be able to apply directly to your
electricity supplier for help if you don’t get the Guarantee Credit
element of Pension Credit but you’re on a low income and you get
certain means-tested benefits
Check with your supplier to see if you’re eligible and how to apply or
visit www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
Make sure your Electric
Blanket is safe
Warwickshire Trading Standards Service is
providing FREE electric Blanket Testing for
over 50s in Warwickshire.
Date
Monday 3rd October 2016
Tuesday 4th October 2016
Venue
Rugby Library
Nuneaton Asda Community Room
Wednesday 5th October 2016
Thursday 6th October 2016
Leamington Spa Library
Kenilworth Library
Friday 7th October 2016
Stratford Briar Croft Residential
Home
Book today by calling 01926 414 080 9am – 5pm
Or email ebtesting@warwickshire.gov.uk
47

Postal Address:
Guideposts Carer Support Service
Eliot Park Innovation Centre
4 Barling Way
Nuneaton
CV10 7RH
02476 385 888
Email:
carerssupport@guideposts.org.uk
Website:
http://www.guideposts.org.uk/warwickshire-carers-supportservice/
Guideposts is open
Monday - Friday*
9am - 5pm
Answer phone for out of hours
*except Bank Holidays
In an emergency you can
contact the
duty social worker at
Warwickshire County Council
by calling
01926 410 410
Registered Office: Guideposts Trust, Willow Tree House, Two Rivers, Station Lane, Witney,
Oxfordshire, OX28 4BH
Guideposts Trust Limited is registered in England as a company No. 1282361 and registered
with the Charity Commission No. 272619
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