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The newspaper of Age Concern Kingston upon Thames
INSIDE:
Britain is in the midst of an energy bill crisis; families and those living alone are facing significant financial hardship especially those with fixed incomes. In the last two years average annual energy bills have already increased by 200. The four leading energy firms are now pushing fuel bills beyond the rate of inflation, potentially adding another 80112 to our bills. The impact will be severe, piling more pressure on severely stretched household budgets and pushing hundreds of thousands more households into fuel poverty.
Profits
Leading energy provider British Gas increased profits by a quarter to 345 million over the first half 2012, yet their customers will still face a 57% hike in prices. Customers of other energy suppliers are expected to see similar price increases. According to Which? the average saving when switching gas and electricity provider is 217, however consumers seem reluctant to change provider or seek help with managing their energy bills.
l Make sure youre getting the financial support youre entitled to call First Contact advice line for more information see page 5. l Dress appropriately, in layers of thinner clothes rather than one thick layer. l Stay active, alternate rest and activity, but dont take risks in wet or icy weather. l Eat well, sip hot drinks regularly throughout the day and stock up on provisions in case you cant get out to the shops. l Set your heating to the right temperature (1821C/6470F) in the rooms you use during the day. l If you dont want to heat your bedroom all the time, make sure its warm before you go to bed and use the timer to make sure its warm when you get up. l If you use an electric blanket, make sure its safe. Its cheaper to replace a worn electric blanket than it is to replace your family and your home. If you are in any doubt about the condition of your blanket, bin it and buy a new one. For more information see www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/ electric-blankets.
Solution
Recent research findings suggest that 55% of people asked would resort to either not using their heating or cutting back on other essentials such as food, 44% of people felt stressed about paying energy bills and 13% were already falling behind with their payments. Few people said they would consider approaching a charity to see if they were eligible for a grant or benefits. Keeping warm in winter is a basic need, yet for vulnerable and older
Switching
The average household could save up to 280 a year on household energy bills by becoming energy efficient alone. Until the end of December 2012 most pensioners are eligible for free or discounted insulation as part of a Government-backed scheme. In January 2013 the Green Deal will offer loans to install energy saving measures which will be paid back through
sales in Kingston
12-19th of November saw the launch of the 2012 National Consumer Week campaign. This years focus was one we see in the newspapers for all the wrong reasons: doorstep salesmen. The message is simple: say NO to cold callers. Salesmen that refuse to go away when asked are committing a criminal offence, which unfortunately not many residents realise, so dont feel pressured to buy on your doorstep and call the police if you feel threatened. To make life easier, you no longer even need to answer the door to get the message across, just use the free sticker enclosed with every copy of this agenda news! If cold callers refuse to go away please report them to the Police or Trading Standards on the helpline below. Door stickers and advice leaflets are available from libraries and doctors surgeries, so if a neighbour or loved one would benefit, pop in to pick one up today. For further advice on buying goods on your doorstep, or if you are having problems with a business, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service helpline 08454 04 05 06.
Winners of the Guardian Public Services Award for Care of Older People 2011
Who we are
How to contact us: Age Concern Kingston upon Thames 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA t: 020 8942 8256 e: admin@ageconcernkingston.org w: www.ageconcernkingston.org twitter: @agekingston agenda news email: agenda@ageconcernkingston.org
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, e: eileen@eh-design.co.uk Print: Park Communications Ltd, t: 020 70556500. Printed on 100% recycled paper
We are the largest, independent charitable organisation dedicated to working with older people in south west London. Kingston upon Thames We have 65 years of experience of supporting older people and carers to live safely and independently in their own homes and over the years have won awards for this, the most recent being the Guardian Award for Care of Older People 2011. Our vision is to make later life a greater life. We have a history of working in innovative ways with local people to deliver the services that they want, and of working in partnership. We provide a range of community-based services which help and support older people to live in their own homes. These include Information, Advice and Advocacy; practical help in the home (e.g. Handyperson services, cleaning and domestic help, shopping, support after a hospital stay) and social activities (social centres, lunch clubs, telephone befriending, dementia club). These services are accessed by hundreds of older people and carers each year. Our workforce of 50 staff is supported by over 100 trained volunteers who add value and huge commitment to all the services we provide.
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Letters
Do you sometimes wonder what will happen when you can no longer look after yourself? Will you wait for a crisis and hope for the best, or go into a home? These thoughts usually bring with them a measure of unease, an element of fear even Who will look after me? Will I have to sell my home? How much will it cost me? In Kingston, the council, health services and voluntary sector organisations are working together to set up a new model of care entitled Kingston at Home. The majority of older people want to stay at home when they are ill or disabled and can no longer manage alone. Some people have actively made a choice to end their days in a residential setting. However, not only is residential and nursing care costly, finding a place that will meet your needs and wishes can be complicated. The numbers of older people who require care and support are growing at a rate that cannot adequately be financed
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
Failing to reform
The Prime Minister reshuffled his Cabinet in September and, surprisingly, Paul Burstow was removed from his role as Care Minister. Burstow is a great advocate for care reform and has a strong track record of championing the needs and issues of older people. Since his departure there has been a great deal of silence on this subject, particularly around the Dilnot recommendations for long term funding of care.
In the light of proposals to change the way care is provided locally, Ann Macfarlane OBE (pictured below) urges us to think the unthinkable.
does not minimise many of those losses, but familiar surroundings and family and friends in the local community can make a significant difference. A person may have to make a financial contribution to pay for personal care, housework, gardening and household maintenance but it means that they maintain control and have choice in daily living. Rather than waiting for a crisis, or simply assuming that relatives or friends will step in, many feel that they would rather take some control to achieve peace and security for the future. Thinking the unthinkable can lead to depression but proactively planning for future care and support can reduce fear and anxiety. Making arrangements can bring a sense of wellbeing, security and peace rather than leaving your future entirely to chance. Enjoy life now, and maintain dignity and control knowing what you have put in place can help you and trusted relatives and friends.
Proposals
It was hoped that a delayed announcement would be made during the party conference season, but no nothing. Since departing the Government, Burstow has made known his belief that there is resistance to the Dilnot proposals from within the Treasury, which believes the country cannot afford them. Is this about affordability, or is it a question of choosing priorities? It now appears, with the absence of Burstow, the Treasury will get its way. This means either substantially raising the eligibility threshold to a meaningless figure or even the total abandonment of the Dilnot recommendations. At the moment theyre kicking the issue into the long grass, with further talk that the proposals will be reconsidered in the spending review of autumn 2014!
by statutory services. We can no longer expect to be funded to live in nursing and residential establishments unless there is no other option. When entering a residential setting, people can experience several bereavements the loss of health and mobility, death of a partner, stress and depression at leaving home, their local community and separation from family. Above all, it can mean the loss of choice and control over daily life and decision-making. Staying in ones own home
Significant
If this happens, then its significant, because it raises the wider question of how committed this Government is to health and social care reform. Everyone knows its short-sighted not to plan for tomorrow, today. The challenges and opportunities of our ageing society are well documented all the evidence indicates that people living longer is not a burden, or even a problem, for society as long as Government plans accordingly, however this is something the Coalition appears not to understand.
Age Concern Kingston can provide information, advice and support on housing options and things you can do to maintain your independence and stay in control of your life.
Making an impact
Age Concern Kingstons 2012 Impact Report has been published. The report looks back over the year and summarises what we said we would do, what we did, and what were going to do in the year ahead. Here are some of the highlights. l 2,130 successful outcomes for users of Information, Advice and Advocacy service l Increased our users income by 387,554 l More people with dementia and their families accessed the Saturday Club l 362 people received Stay Well at Home assessments l Fit as a Fiddle participation up by 28% l Fit as a Fiddle generated a Social Return on Investment of 3.50 for every 1 invested l Shortlisted for Charity Times Awards l Time donated by volunteers worth 237,236 l Won the Guardian Public Services Award for Care of Older People. The full report can be found on our website ageconcernkingston.org/impact/ or pick up a copy from either of our centres.
age concern
Kingston upon Thames
PuBlIC MEETING
Have your say on the future of health and social care
1.30, Friday 8th March 2013
Mayo Hall, United Reformed Church, Eden Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1HZ
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AGENDA INTERvIEW
Baroness Campbell has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a degenerative condition which means she uses a wheelchair and is increasingly reliant on a ventilator to breathe. Doctors gave Jane a year to live when she was born, and at 53 she is looking towards her future as a pensioner.
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Research shows that households are worried about paying their energy bills this winter. Benefits are available to help the poorest households in England make their homes warmer and cut their energy bills.
Energy bills
Make sure youre paying the lowest price available for your fuel. You may be able to reduce your fuel costs by changing your supplier. If youre behind with payments, contact your fuel supplier straight away. They must offer you an arrangement to pay off the arrears at a rate you can afford. Your supplier must also offer you a method of payment which is the most suitable for you. You may be able to arrange to pay off your arrears in monthly instalments. This is called a payment plan. If youre facing disconnection, or havent been able to keep to a payment plan, your supplier may offer to install a prepayment meter. A prepayment meter will allow you to pay a fixed amount off your arrears at the same time as paying for the fuel you are currently using. You may be able to get a grant to help you pay for fuel arrears as well as some other household bills. To find out if you are eligible, visit the British Gas Energy Trust website britishgasenergytrust.org.uk or EDF Energy Trust edfenergytrust.org.uk.
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Raleigh House
Raleigh House provides a warm and friendly environment for those over 60 who are seeking companionship and daily activity. You can choose to attend for a full day, including a hot lunch, or half a day. Transport is available to and from the centre for those who need it, every day except Wednesday, or we can help you access alternative transport. The centre is spacious, with a large lounge and dining room, an arts and crafts room, a coffee lounge and a pleasant courtyard garden and terrace. One-to-one computer lessons, podiatry and holistic therapies 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, The 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
Cloyda Anniversary
We are grateful to local care home Cloyda, which donated the proceeds of a raffle held at its 50th Anniversary celebrations in September, to Age Concern Kingston.
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DIARY DATES
Age Concern training and events
Raleigh Saturday Club
A service for people living with dementia, their family members and supporters. Second Saturday of the month, 11.00am 2.00pm at Raleigh House. Next dates: 8th December (Christmas Party), 12th January 4 per person including refreshments and a light lunch (served at 12.00 noon). Contact Raleigh House on 020 8942 8256 or email admin@ageconcernkingston.org if you would like to attend or for more information.
Easier
Mr Meadows is now able to live healthily and independently. Seven months on, his Help at Home worker continues to assist him weekly and apart from shopping, cleaning and going out with him for coffee, she has taken him to get his eyes tested, collect his new glasses, and purchase a raised chair. He values this assistance and his house is now clean. According to Mr Meadows, She is always looking at things to make my life easier. The Help at Home worker found out that Mr Meadows had an interest in stamp collecting, particularly first day issues, so she arranged for the local Post Office to hold these for him and she takes him there to collect them, thereby allowing him to continue to pursue a lifelong interest which stimulates him. For further information about any service mentioned in this article please call 020 9942 8942 or visit ageconcernkingston.org.
Successful
Mr Meadows agreed to have the Help at Home service for cleaning each week. He also agreed to a visit from ACKs Information and Advice service volunteer to apply on his behalf for Attendance Allowance. The application was successful and Mr Meadows now receives 51.85 per week (2,696 per annum). Mr Meadows did not want to have an Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment but, as he had the financial means, the Help at Home worker assisted him to access an approved contractor to install a level access shower. He
Christmas Concert
The Bradbury Wednesday 5th December Contact the centre for more details.
Panto Trip
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Wimbledon Theatre Tuesday 8th January 12 noon Call The Bradbury for details 020 8549 1230.
lunch Clubs
In partnership with RBK in Chessington and New Malden. The Fountain Court The Charles lesser lunch Club lunch Club Tuesdays Wednesdays (12.00pm 2.00pm) (12.00pm 2.00pm) Fountain Court, Charles Lesser House, New Malden Chessington For more information call 020 8942 8256.
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.
u3A Kingston
age concern
Kingston upon Thames
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.
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age concern
Kingston upon Thames
Donation Appeal
Here at Age Concern Kingston we believe that everyone deserves a greater life in later life.
The number of older people in Kingston is increasing faster than the national average and every year we provide services to thousands of older people, typically aged over 80. Getting older shouldnt mean losing your dignity. Older people say they feel more confident knowing we are here to provide advice and information, practical and emotional support and opportunities to make new friends and keep socially active. Your donation can help in so many ways: l 10 pays for someone with dementia to enjoy a day out at our Saturday Club l 20 allows four isolated people to receive a friendly telephone call l 100 keeps our Handyperson van on the road for two weeks. Theres a reason why Age Concern Kingston is an awardwinning charity support us so we can continue to keep up the good work. Every little helps! Call 020 8942 8256, donate online at ageconcernkingston.org, send your cheque payable to Age Concern Kingston upon Thames, addressed to Anne Cann, Chair, Age Concern Kingston upon Thames, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden KT3 5EA.
Wills Service
One of the ways you can support Age Concern Kingston is by leaving a legacy or a gift in your will. We are currently developing a service that offers support in preparing basic wills. For more information please phone: 020 8942 8256 or email: admin@ageconcernkingston.org.
Charity Number 299988