Scotland’s vaccination programme has now delivered second doses of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to more than half of care home residents.
In total, 17,258 care home residents (58% of residents in older adult care homes and 54% of residents in all care homes) have received the second dose which offers longer lasting protection.
Supplies of vaccines were specifically deployed in order that second doses could be delivered on time to these cohorts, who are among those at greatest risk from coronavirus (COVID-19).
For the population as a whole 1,743,869 have received their first dose, and 114,081 have been given their second dose. Invitations are now being issued to all groups in phase one of the roll-out and subject to supply, the programme remains on track to offer first doses to all over 50 year olds, unpaid carers and those with particular underlying health conditions by the middle of April.
Heath Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “I am pleased to see that more than half of care home residents have received their second doses, giving them longer lasting protection.
“I want to thank all those who have taken up their offer of a vaccination – the high take up in these settings has contributed to a reduction in outbreaks of the virus in care homes.
“Alongside other protections in place, vaccination has also helped to enable the resumption of indoor visiting, reuniting families with their loved ones.
“Scotland’s COVID-19 vaccination programme continues to deliver at pace, which is down to the enormous efforts of our vaccination teams and I want to thank everyone who is working tirelessly to make this a success.
“The vaccination programme is one of three key ways we are working to beat this virus, along with our expanded testing programme to identify cases and break chains of transmission and the important lockdown restrictions everyone in Scotland must follow. All these measures work to greatest effect when they work together.”
A key-worker project based at Ocean Terminal has been working hard to keep older people connected during lockdown.
The Wee Museum of Memory (based on the second floor of the waterfront centre in Leith) is run by The Living Memory Association and prior to lockdown welcomed around 150 visitors per day. Now, they’ve had to take the project online to help keep people connected while restrictions are still in place.
The museum is home to over 10,000 objects from 1930s school desks and 1970s record players to Leith/Edinburgh boundary plaque and a 6ft model of a Granton trawler.
The pieces in the museum help stimulate memories and get people talking to each other. With the physical location closed, the project co-ordinator Miles Tubb and his volunteers wanted to make sure there were still opportunities for people to connect through sharing stories and life experiences.
Working closely with the team at Ocean Terminal they have been able to continue to bring people together albeit virtually through a series of podcasts and videos recorded at the museum’s studio at the centre.
These weekly podcasts feature some of Edinburgh’s most loved residents including 76-year-old Evelyn Whitfield (above), one of the team’s longstanding volunteers. Evelyn has volunteered at the museum for 15 years.
During lockdown, whilst caring for her husband, Evelyn has been working alongside Miles to manage the project’s social media channels and compile their newsletters. In the latest episode of the podcast Evelyn joins Miles to reminisce about her memories of Leith.
Another guest on the series is 75-year-old Edinburgh musician, John Robertson. John has been involved with the Edinburgh music scene for over 40 years and even played in a support band for The Who.
Michelle MacLeod, Centre Manager at Ocean Terminal, said: “The Wee Museum of Memory at Ocean Terminal is hugely popular, attracting people of all ages and from all over the world.
“A lot of the museum’s older visitors and volunteers are among those more likely to feel cut off and isolated during these times so we have been only too happy to find a way to help.
“By making it possible for them to access the museum’s facilities at the centre, I’m delighted that Miles and his amazing volunteers can continue to reach out to people via their podcasts.”
Miles Tubb, Project Co-Ordinator, The Wee Museum of Memory (above) added: “As a key worker project, we’re immensely grateful to be able to access our resources within Ocean Terminal during lockdown.
“It allows us to keep sharing memories and to do our best to keep people connected and lessen isolation during lockdown. We don’t want to let lockdown stop our visitors being able to reminisce about the good times and our weekly podcasts and YoutTube videos have been a great way to keep connected and let our visitors know that we’re still here.”
Tune into the podcast series here. New episodes are live every Tuesday.
You can view The Wee Memory Museum’s YouTube channel here.
Age Scotland is seeking the views of older people in the first comprehensive survey of what it is like to grow older in Scotland.
The Big Survey explores all areas of life for older people including health and wellbeing, housing, media representation and the impact of Covid-19.
The national charity hopes to gain a better insight into what older people think, experience and care about. Survey responses will help prioritise its future campaigns and shape policy.
The Big Survey launches after an exceptionally challenging year for older people. This was the age group most severely affected by Covid. Older people were asked to shield, the overwhelming majority of deaths took place among the over 75s and care home residents faced months of separation from family and friends.
Lockdown has contributed to soaring levels of loneliness and the absence of regular exercise activities and sports has had an impact on physical fitness.
Age Scotland wants to hear from as many older people across Scotland as possible to find out what their lives are like now, what issues are important to them and their expectations of later life.
Brian Sloan, chief executive of Age Scotland, said: “We are pleased to be launching The Big Survey at such an opportune time. This has been a tumultuous time for older people and undoubtedly the past 12 months have had a profound impact across society.
“We want to hear how older people’s lives have been affected by Covid, what their expectations are now, how they want to live and what their requirements are for enjoying a fulfilling and happy later life.
“I would urge as many older people as possible to take part. Each and every response will be considered and they will help shape our policies and our work in the coming years.
“So please take the time to share your views and help us be there to support older people throughout Scotland in ways that make a real difference. We look forward to hearing from you.”
LifeCare Edinburgh, the older people’s support charity, is today announcing it is extending its ‘meals on wheels’ service launched last year as increased support for the elderly through the crisis.
The charity set up the new service in September thanks to securing significant funding from Barclays 100×100 UK COVID-19 Community Relief Fund.
The hot food delivery programme has rapidly become an integral part of the charity’s service plan supporting those most in need through the pandemic. In just over three months, LifeCare has provided over 2,000 fresh and nutritious two-course meals delivered safely, hot and ready to eat.
Meals are prepared in the charity’s community café on Cheyne Street in Stockbridge and delivered by their Help at Home service.
Meal deliveries have been hailed as ‘lifesaving’ by those accessing the service. In particular, the programme is proving to be a huge help for those struggling with mobility issues which may be worsening through the crisis as people remain in the home.
Others lack the energy to cater for themselves, for those who live alone it is something to look forward to, and it provides comfort and assurance for friends and family members who live elsewhere and are unable to visit to care for their loved ones.
An additional benefit is that delivering the meals to those most vulnerable acts as an important regular ‘check-in’ service where the trained team can safely make sure that the individual is coping OK and assess/refer any new needs.
Damian McGown CEO of LifeCare, (above) said: “We are hugely proud of our vital new meals on wheels service which has already provided positive, practical support to over 100 local older people who are truly suffering through this difficult time.
“The colder, darker months have always been a challenge for older people, but this is a winter like no other. The elderly have been disproportionately affected by the virus and as restrictions increase once again those in our communities remain very worried, fearful, often lonely and chronically isolated. Family and friends can no longer visit, activities are cancelled, and day services closed. The most vulnerable are shielding once again.
“We are therefore announcing that, thanks to the support from Barclays, LifeCare will be extending our meals on wheels service to offer double the existing support – we are now able to reach 200 local older people most in need.
“Those eligible will receive a fresh, nutritious two-course meal delivered hot and ready to eat. Please contact us if you or someone you know could benefit from LifeCare’s free meals on wheels service.”
Scott Stewart, Head of Barclays Scotland, said: “LifeCare is playing a vital role in this crisis. The charity has amplified its offering to elderly people with the donation provided by Barclays and we are delighted to support their work.”
Meals are delivered at lunchtime and there is a choice of two main courses each day with one choice always being vegetarian. All special dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for.
If you, or someone you know, would like to benefit from the meals on wheels service please call 0131 343 0940 to discuss.
I learned this morning of the deaths of two local people who were discovered at home by their neighbours last week. Both were older, and both lived alone.
Voluntary organisations have been doing a sterling job during the pandemic, maintaining contact with some of the most vulnerable members of the community and making sure they have food and other essentials and are able to stay warm.
Community organisations can only reach out to those people they know about, however; their members or client group. There may be many more vulnerable people out there who are not active in local groups, some of whom have no family support. Suffering quietly. Alone.
What can we do to help?
AGE CONCERN offers the following advice:
Saying hello seems like such a small thing. But 1.9 million older people often feel ignored or invisible. A smile and a wave could make a huge difference to those people.
We all feel awkward sometimes, so it’s totally understandable that you might not want to stop and have a conversation. Never underestimate the power of a quick ‘good morning’ though.
How else can I support an older neighbour?
It’s easy to forget that older people sometimes just want someone to pass the time of day with.
Even a small act can make a big difference. Knock on your neighbour’s door and ask them if they need anything. You could:
invite them round for a cup of tea and a slice of cake
drive them to a medical appointment
pick up some shopping for them
ask if they have anything that needs taking to the tip
offer to sweep up leaves or salt an icy front step
offer a mince pie and mulled wine at Christmas.
A word of caution
Do make sure you’ve introduced yourself properly first, telling them who you are and where you live.
Not everyone wants to be friendly with their neighbours, so try to judge the mood when you first approach them.
Once you’ve got that good rapport with your neighbour, it’ll be much easier to do something nice for them.
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT HELPLINE
The Scottish Government has set up a helpline for vulnerable or isolated people who do not have family or community support but need assistance.
If you, or someone you know, needs help call the Scottish Government helpline on 0800 111 4000. The helpline is open from 9am-5pm.
LOCAL COMMUNITY HELPLINE
A coalition of North Edinburgh voluntary sector organisations has set up a community helpline for local people.
Advice and support is available on 0131 356 0220 from 9 – 4pm Monday – Thursday and from 9 – 3pm on Fridays.
As we return to stricter lockdown regulations or to shielding, charity Sporting Memories rolls out its latest national resource: the Sporting Memories #KITbag. Delivered to people’s homes, the KITbag pack includes exercise equipment, a DVD, reminiscence resources and personalised record books. However, the KITbag is about so much more than what arrives in the post.
Since the start of the pandemic, Sporting Memories – the charity which in ‘normal’ times brings together older people across Scotland at over 130 Clubs for companionship and physical exercise – has reacted quickly. They have developed ways of keeping in touch and a wide range of physical, online and radio resources.
Through their #TalkAboutSport campaign, they encourage everyone to use the power of sporting memories to tackle loneliness and depression, and spark positive memories for people living with dementia. The campaign has attracted practical support from many well-known personalities from the world of sport.
Their latest national project is the Sporting Memories KITbag, which in Scotland has received funding from the ScottishPower Foundation, the National Lottery Community Fund, the CORRA Foundation and Spirit of 2012.
Delivered to people’s homes, the KITbag pack contains inclusive equipment for helping with being active, a DVD with magazine programmes, an exercise guide, Sporting Memories sports articles and quizzes, and a personal record book.
Donna Mackey, Sporting Memories Partnership Manager, is one of the team behind the KITbag. “Recipients receive either regular keep-in-touch (KIT) phone calls or participate in weekly online or telephone Sporting Memories Clubs where we offer motivation and general conversation.
“Our Club members tell us how Sporting Memories Clubs bring them enjoyment and something that often becomes the highlight of their week. We spark conversations and fond memories. That is exactly what we will also be doing with those who receive our KITbag when we keep in touch each week.”
Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “The ScottishPower Foundation is passionate about supporting projects that help bring people together to create deep and lasting connections.
“During these challenging times, this has never been so important and it’s brilliant to see the way the Sporting Memories Foundation is adapting to provide vital support despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic. The KITbag helps tackle loneliness and isolation so we’re proud that our funding has been able to support such an amazing project that brings joy for so many people.”
Chris Wilkins, Sporting Memories Co-Founder, says: “As a team and working with partners, Sporting Memories Club members, our volunteers and carers, we have been working on our own, longer-term solutions, just like the health sector has been working on COVID treatments and vaccines.
“We are delighted to have received ScottishPower Foundation and National Lottery Community funding, along with funding from the CORRA Foundation and Spirit of 2012, meaning that this service has been made possible and we will be able to support even more people to be active at home.
“We have been conscious throughout the pandemic that many of our Club members either could not engage with online activities or their conditions meant that these were not suitable. At the same time, so many of our members were not getting out of their homes, some through those early and now current months of shielding, and others through fear and inactivity. For some, reduced mobility has really taken hold.”
The charity accepts that the Sporting Memories KITbag is no panacea – but it is a project that brings long-term and ongoing benefits, both physical and in terms of companionship.
For organisations who would like to find out more about the #KITBag services and how to become involved, there is further information on the Sporting Memories website, at thesmf.co.uk
PENSIONERS at a local care home are set to celebrate Scotland’s most famous poet virtually with food and song thanks to dedicated care staff and the latest technology.
Staff at Cramond Residence have pulled out all the stops to create a virtual Burns Night to ensure residents did not miss out on celebrating the occasion with fellow friends at the home.
Lockdown restrictions and the current strain of Covid-19 led to Cramond Residence utilising its self-contained, small-group living units, which were built into the architectural designs, to help with infection control.
It means that while the residents at the 74-room care home remain separated by the 9 houses, they’ll be able to celebrate as one through video conferencing set up in each house. Every house has a comfy lounge with a private television for use by the small group of residents in it.
James McDiarmid, Lifestyle Coordinator at the 74-room care home in Edinburgh will pre-record an address to the haggis which will be shared and watched via a virtual link, before residents get a chance to raise a dram to the bard and catch up with their friends shielding at other parts of the home.
James said: “We are looking to make the best out of this situation and our home is really lucky to be able to continue facilitating the Burns Night celebration, as every resident has access to a tablet or television.
“The virtual Burns Night will offer something different for our residents and it is a wonderful safe way to bring everyone together.
“Staff at the home have had to think outside the box to make sure resident continue to have rich, stimulating group experiences and everyone has worked really hard to adapt the activities to a virtual setting.
“The staff are looking forward to the celebration just as much as the residents, I’m sure it will be a good laugh – especially since I’m kicking off the night with the address.”
Residents will celebrate the day with a poetry group discussion and a presentation of the history of Burns Night.
Every year Scots across the world celebrate the life and poetry of Robert Burns, with Haggis, Irn Bru and Whisky normally consumed.
Cramond Residence’s catering team will serve the classic Burns Night menu with residents tucking into a starter of cook a leekie soup, followed by a main of haggis, neeps and tatties and for dessert it is cranachan or even a “wee dram”.
James added: “Events like these give the residents the chance to do something outside of their normal routine and everyone usually enjoys celebrating the patriotic event, albeit this year might be a bit different.
“We can’t wait to welcome family and friends back into the home to enjoy these events with our residents when it is safe to do so”.
Throughout lockdown the care home staff have been working with residents to help them become more comfortable with technology. Residents were encouraged to chat with loved ones over Skype and other video platforms, this has branched into individuals learning how to use an app called Pl@ntNet to identify what flowers are in the garden.
Cramond Residence is a purpose-built care combining luxury, five-star accommodation with outstanding clinical standards – with places available from £1850 per week.
The home offers high quality care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from our highly-trained team.
Older people’s care charity enters its 80th year with new Chief Executive
LifeCare Edinburgh has announced the appointment of Damian McGowan as its new Chief Executive.
The renowned Stockbridge-based charity offers registered care and outreach support for older people in need living across the North of the city. Established in 1941, the organisation supports over 800 elderly clients every year supporting a variety of issues including dementia, loneliness, mobility issues, food poverty, mental health problems and carer support.
Damian McGowan, a trained social worker, brings with him over 30 years’ experience in social work, social care and adult care services. He is joining the charity following 20 years leading Gowrie Care, part of Hillcrest Group, and most recently as Managing Director at Corcare in Cornwall.
Announcing the appointment Jock Miller, Chair of the Board of Trustees said: “Damian brings a wealth experience and leadership talents which will immediately benefit everyone within the charity and will have a hugely positive impact on all of our important care services.
“We are thrilled that in the year in which we will celebrate our 80-year anniversary, and in which we will continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19, Damian is joining us to drive forward and continue our well-known success offering first-class care for older people in our communities.”
Damian McGowan, CEO of LifeCare Edinburgh, said:“LifeCare delivers incredible high-quality care and support to hundreds of local older people within our communities every year.
“The care which my new colleagues deliver daily enables older people to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible; they support both their physical and mental wellbeing. This is always vital, but never more so than through this shocking pandemic which has disproportionately affected older people who are otherwise left chronically isolated and vulnerable.
“I am extremely proud and honoured to be joining LifeCare at this crucial time. Collectively the board and all the staff have worked tirelessly to continue to safely deliver the key support our hundreds of elderly clients continue to need to survive this crisis.
“They have quickly adapted, redesigned, and introduced new key services to make sure that all essential needs have been met. Once we are able, I very much look forward to getting out into the community to safely meet with the people we support and to working with our board, staff and all of our dedicated volunteers.”
LifeCare Edinburgh is a registered charity and relies on the support of its funders. Key relationships include Barclays, Lothian Buses, Tesco Bank Edinburgh and all the many local people who take part in community fundraising events.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a huge increase in the use of video calls as a way to stay connected with others and improve wellbeing.
Staying connected is especially important for people aged 70 and above who have been advised to self-isolate for long periods of time.
However, there may be barriers to video call use, including difficulties with hearing.
We are interested in finding out how and to what extent older people with hearing loss have been using video calls, focusing on ease or difficulty of use and any effects on feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Take part in our survey
We’ve launched a survey to find out about these things and we’d love you to take part, whether you use video calls frequently or hardly at all and whether you love them or loathe them (or something in between). You can complete the survey online or, if you prefer, fill in a paper copy.
It should take roughly half an hour. We will also conduct a smaller number of in-depth interviews to find out more detail about people’s experiences; you can volunteer for an interview via the survey.
If you’re interested, please register here. If you’d like any more information, please email ear.vcp@ucl.ac.uk or phone 02076798904.
If you prefer to fill in the survey on paper, we can send you a copy in the post.
All respondents can choose to be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £50 shopping vouchers.
This project is a collaboration between four different UCL departments: the Ear Institute, Centre for Behaviour Change, Division of Psychiatry and Institute of Health Informatics.
We will use the results of our investigations to write recommendations about making video conferencing more accessible to older people with hearing loss. We believe that the information we gather will be valuable in helping older people with hearing loss cope with further periods of isolation, either due to the pandemic or other life events.
A UK package coach holiday operator is reporting signs of growing confidence from the ‘grey pound’ in their ability to start to travel again in 2021.
The package coach holiday division of National Express, which includes Lucketts Travel and Woods Tours, has seen a 185% increase in bookings for Spring and Summer 2021 compared to figures for 2020 (pre-Covid)*.
Jit Desai, head of holidays and travel at National Express explains: “98% of our customer base is over 65 and we’ve seen an increased appetite for travel in the last week or two with an uplift in enquiries and bookings every time there’s been an announcement about new vaccine approvals and the roll-out programme.
“Some of this is postponed travel carried over from last year. But there’s definitely a trend of customers being comfortable that they will have had their vaccination and be protected from Spring onwards, so can start to make travel plans. Some are telling us that they’ve already had their jab and can’t wait to go on holiday once guidance allows again. ”
Lucketts Travel and Woods Tours provide package coach holidays across the UK and Europe which include accommodation, meals, excursions and return coach travel. They are currently taking bookings for travel from May onwards.
The top 10 most popular UK destinations for 2021 bookings to date are:
The Cotswolds
Isle of Wight
York
The Lake District
North Wales
The Isle of Man
Northumbria
Isles of Scilly
Scotland
Cornwall
“Customers are telling us that they are choosing the UK because of the uncertainty around international travel and flights. They are worried about the possibility of cancellations and the potential that they may have to quarantine on return to the UK.”
National Express is offering the option of £1 deposits and a no-quibble 100% refund, or a free transfer to another departure date of the customers’ choice if their holiday is cancelled due to Covid-19.
“This flexibility has been an important part of our discussions when customers are making enquiries and bookings, along with the details of the covid-secure measures we have put in place.”
Enhanced cleaning regimes ensure vehicles are sanitised multiple times a day; including the disinfection of all high-contact areas with antiviral products and fogging systems. New air filtration systems have also been installed to regularly purify the air on board the vehicle throughout the coach journey.
All coaches have limited seating capacity with passengers required to only use designated seats to comply with social distancing rules.
Drivers are temperature checked prior to starting their shift and all passengers must be temperature checked before they can board the vehicle.
“We’ve worked hard to make sure we can offer the same great coach holidays with added reassurance in 2021 and look forward to being back on the road when the time is right.”
National Express temporarily suspended all coach services on Sunday 10 January.
