older people – Page 3 – The NEN

Thousands of older people will be alone this Christmas – but a card can make all the difference

Call out for Edinburgh locals to join schools and businesses in sending a card to a chronically isolated, local older person this Christmas through Vintage Vibes

Edinburgh-based charity project, Vintage Vibes today announced the launch of their Christmas Card Campaign to ensure lonely and isolated older people in the city receive a Christmas card this year.

Since 2017, Vintage Vibes has asked thousands of local people to write Christmas cards to isolated older people in the city by sending them a profile of someone who will be lonely this festive season – and this year more than ever they need the public to get involved!

Edinburgh locals are invited to show their support by visiting Vintage Vibes’ website, where they can donate and receive a profile of a local, lonely older person – from Betty who loves cats and crafting, to Edward who puts tomatoes on his cereal!

They can then write a personalised Christmas card to them and send it on to Vintage Vibes in time to distribute for Christmas. All the family can get involved, with Vintage Vibes VIPs loving to receive children’s drawings and crafts as part of the card!

One female VIP who spent Christmas day alone last year told Vintage Vibes: “Sitting here on my own, receiving your cards and letters gives me something to look forward to. It does make such a difference, thank you.”

With new findings from the University of Glasgow and data from a UK Biobank study, showing the devastating impact social isolation can have on older people – the need for inclusion and meaningful connections has never been greater.

Findings showed, those aged over the age of fifty-seven, who experienced more than one form of social isolation, such as often feeling lonely, not seeing friends or family, or living alone for a prolonged period had a 77% higher risk of dying earlier.

As one of The Edinburgh Playhouse’s Charities of the Year, Vintage Vibes teamed up with staff at the theatre to launch this year’s campaign which is designed to make older people, who might be alone over the festive season, feel valued and remembered.

Georgia Artus, Development Manager at Vintage Vibes said: “During the pandemic, we all got a taste isolation many older people suffer daily.

“Sadly, for a great many, that isolation will continue without the support of Vintage Vibes and our wonderful network of volunteers.

“Edinburgh is one of the loneliest cities in the UK for older people and we know something as simple as receiving a Christmas card can make all the difference to someone who will be alone over the festive period. I would encourage anyone to get involved, it is easy to do and makes such a difference.”

Claire McCarragher, Deputy Customer Experience Manager: “We at The Edinburgh Playhouse are delighted to be taking part in this year’s Vintage Vibes, Christmas Card Campaign.

“The staff are looking forward to connecting with the VIPs and making their festive period a little bit brighter.”

To take part in Vintage Vibes’ Christmas Card Campaign and make this Christmas special for a local lonely older person visit vintagevibes.org.uk.

Up to £600 winter support for pensioners arriving in bank accounts

Payments of up to £600 are landing directly in the bank accounts of around 11.5 million UK pensioners for the second year running

Comes as part of extensive Government package helping people of all ages, including recent £300 Cost of Living payments to more than seven million eligible households.
After meeting our pledge to halve inflation, the UK Government this week also confirmed an 8.5 percent increase to the State Pension next year.

Pensioners across the country have started to receive up to £600 to help with energy bills this winter.

Winter Fuel Payments – boosted again this year by an additional £300 per household Pensioner Cost of Living payment – will land in bank accounts over the next two months, the vast majority automatically.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: “We have delivered on our promise to halve inflation and will continue to support people right across the country, including pensioners who may be facing particular challenges over the colder months.

“As well as up to £600 to help our pensioners stay warm this winter, we’re boosting pensions through the Triple Lock – increasing the full rate of the New State Pension by over £900 next year.”

The money will appear in bank statements with the payment reference starting with the customer’s National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP WFP’ for people in Great Britain, or ‘DFC WFP’ for people in Northern Ireland.

The overwhelming majority of Winter Fuel Payments are paid automatically but some people need to make a claim, such as those who qualify but do not receive benefits or the State Pension and have never previously received a Winter Fuel Payment. The payments deliver additional support to pensioners, the majority of whom are on fixed incomes and also are unable to raise their incomes through fixed employment.

The start of the Winter Fuel Payments season comes hot on the heels of the recent £300 Cost of Living payments made by the DWP to more than seven million eligible households across the UK.

This latest payment is the second of up to three Cost of Living Payments being made this financial year. These payments – which are all tax-free and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards – demonstrate the Government’s commitment to supporting low-income families with financial pressures.

Pensioners getting Pension Credit also qualify for this extra support. The average Pension Credit award is now worth £3,900 per year and there is still time for those who are eligible to apply and receive the £300 Cost of Living payment.

This is because an eligible claim for Pension Credit can be backdated by three months provided the entitlement conditions are met throughout that time.

Including measures announced in the Autumn Statement this week, our total commitment to ease cost of living pressures has risen to £104 billion. That includes paying around half the cost of the average energy bill since last October and amounts to an average of £3,700 per household.

Food Train expands support to tackle malnutrition

Any over-65 can now call line for advice on their diet
Malnutrition Awareness Week: Risks for older people highlighted

A charity leading the charge to tackle malnutrition among older people hopes a new advice line will help more Edinburgh residents to eat and live better.

Food Train previously operated a Malnutrition Advice line supporting those aged 65 and over who were concerned they were at risk of becoming malnourished.

It has now rebranded to the Eat Well Age Well Line – 0131 447 8151 – and is available for ANY older person to phone for advice on their diet and how it can be improved.

The broadened support has been announced as part of Malnutrition Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday (November 12th).

Food Train supports people across Edinburgh through its city-based Connects service, which offers one-to-one meal-making and shopping services to older people – ensuring they can enjoy food and company from the volunteer who delivers it to them.

Jen Grant, a dietitian with Food Train who takes calls on the Eat Well Age Well Line, said: “Prevention is the key to tackling malnutrition among older people, so we are delighted to be able to broaden the support available via this line so that people can seek advice on all kinds of issues before they deepen.

“Eating well is key to ageing well and can help maintain independence for longer and prevent a variety of illnesses.

“The advice line aims to provide first-line dietary advice to older people or those that work with/care for them. It is staffed by a registered dietitian who can advise on a number of issues, including struggling to eat or drink enough.”

Jo Dallas who volunteers for The Food Train. Jo calls a core group of seven people who live on their own or who feel isolated. The talking is something Food Train offer as well as help with shopping. Often Jo and the people she calls will talk about food and what they are cooking. Jo regularly talks to a retired home economics teacher and they share tips for making scones.

Others include poor appetite or reduced food intake, healthy eating for ageing well and managing specific conditions such as diabetes or IBS.

Research shared by Food Train last month suggested that significantly more older Scots are in danger of becoming malnourished than official estimates suggest – almost a fifth compared to one in 10. There are fears that problems could deepen due to the cost of living crisis.

Food Train has made repeated calls for malnutrition screening to become mandatory for all statutory agencies that have a role in supporting older people. These are being highlighted again as part of Malnutrition Awareness Week.

By identifying those at risk sooner, the charity says support can be given to stop people becoming unwell, easing pressures on NHS and social care services.

Food Train works with about 3,500 people aged 65 and over across Scotland, tackling malnutrition and loneliness through shopping and meal-sharing services, along with other projects.

Have your say on plans for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment

Consultation on new benefit to help with fuel costs

Views are being sought on the introduction of the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, a new benefit to replace the UK Government’s Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland.

The Scottish Government has previously committed to delivering the new payment on a like-for-like basis with the existing benefit. It will help more than a million pensioners with heating costs in the winter.

The consultation document sets out proposals for implementing the new payment when it is introduced from the winter of 2024 and asks for responses, which can be submitted until 15 January.

The public’s views on issues such as who should be eligible, the timing and format of the payment and the likely impact of the benefit, are being sought – as well as further evidence about issues specific to people who are off the gas grid.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will seek to safely and securely transfer responsibility for the delivery of Winter Fuel Payment to the Scottish Government, ensuring that more than a million pensioners currently eligible for Winter Fuel Payment continue to receive this support.

“This will be an investment of around £180 million in 2024-25 to help older people with the costs of heating their homes throughout the winter.

“Working with individuals and organisations with experience of the benefits system is central to our approach to developing the devolved social security system in Scotland.

“We are now looking for the public’s views, as well as those of relevant experts and organisations – through this consultation – to finalise our policy on this important benefit.”

Pension Age Winter Heating Payment consultation

Edinburgh care home awarded top marks by Care Inspectorate

A FAMILY-owned care home can lay claim to being one of the best in Edinburgh, after becoming one of the only care homes in the city to score a rarely awarded six out of six, following an annual inspection by the sector watchdog.

Cluny Lodge Care Home, owned by Elder Homes Ltd, received top marks for supporting the wellbeing of its residents and staff in its most recent Care Inspectorate report.

Scored as ‘excellent’, the highest mark awarded, the report commended the home’s excellent health and wellbeing outcomes, co-production and the relationships between staff, residents, and relatives.

The care home has a holistic approach contributing to the high health and wellbeing outcomes of the residents. In addition to the usual roles it takes to make a care home work well, the team also includes in-house physiotherapists, social & leisure team and nutritional support workers.

Marcela Patriche, Care Homes Manager at Elder homes, said: “We really believe that elderly living should come with a purpose, as moving into a care home should be a new chapter in your life.

“This outstanding inspection result reflects our team’s commitment to providing truly person-centred care.

“I continue to be amazed by the outstanding feedback from our staff, residents and families. We’re all so proud of the work we do creating an at home environment whilst providing high quality care.

“We work with our residents and staff to innovate new ways of enhancing wellbeing and quality of life, and it’s so rewarding to have this reflected in such a glowing report.”

With over 180 members of staff, many of whom have worked for the care home for over 20 years, the care home is able to consistently provide one on one care meeting the residents’ varying needs. The home has a dedicated training team, ensuring each team memberfrom senior leadership to support staff, receive dementia awareness and role specific training.

The report also scored Cluny Lodge’s leadership as ‘very good’, highlighting that staff were provided with regular support and supervision, whilst praising the care homes inclusion of family representatives in quality and improvement-based discussions.

Residents at Cluny Lodge, and sister care home, Chamberlain, have access to a wide range of activities, outings, concerts, and events aimed at providing social, mental, and physical stimulation. The home also provides one-on-one interactions that help residents maintain connections to their local community.

In addition to social events, the care home utilises innovative technologies including electronic medication dispensaries and Artificial Intelligence to assess pain levels to assist in managing the use of pain medication.

The Morningside care home is currently home to 65 residents, who come from a wide range of backgrounds, all of whom receive 24-hour care who according to the Inspectorate are receiving the best care possible.

Driven by a personal need for exceptional later in life care, Loren and Julie Hufstetler established the family-run Elder Homes in 1984. For almost 40 years, Elder Homes has provided individualised support and compassionate service to seniors requiring assistance with daily living.

The full inspection took place in August, and the full report can be found here: https://www.carehomeedinburgh.co.uk/docs/cluny-inspection-report.pdf

To find out more about Elder Homes, please visit:

https://www.carehomeedinburgh.co.uk/

PEP seeks Trustees

BECOME A VOLUNTEER TRUSTEE AT PILTON EQUALITIES PROJECT

Make a difference in your local community:

PEP is overseen by a Board of Trustees who have overall responsibility and ac-countability for the Project. They set and maintain PEP’s vision, mission and values; support strategic development of services, establish and monitor policies, monitor employment procedures alongside the Manager, support the Manager and ensure good governance.

About Pilton Equalities Project:

Aims to enhance the quality of life for older people in North Edinburgh by continuing to develop services that measurably reduce isolation and which enable people and other vulnerable and isolated adults to actively participate in community life.

Experience Required:

Good independent judgement, ability to think creatively, willingness to speak your mind, an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of the charity.

Training Details:

PEP, 3 West Pilton Park, Edinburgh, EH4 4EL . Training will be given on commencement of volunteering.

Location/Travel Details:

Board meet once a month for 2 hours, normally meetings are held in the PEP Office.

Expenses:

Public transport and out of pocket expenses paid.

Accessibility Details:

Named Contact for Volunteer. Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet

Contact:

Diane.palmer@pepscot.org

Hello@pepscot.org or tel. 0131 315 4466

Website www.pepscot.org

Facebook: Piltonequalitiesproject

Age Scotland: 41% of over 50s in Scotland feel financially squeezed

AGE SCOTLAND’s BIG SURVEY 2023 LAUNCHED

New research from Age Scotland has revealed a substantial increase in the number of older people facing financial hardship.

The national charity for older people’s Big Survey, launched in full yesterday (Thursday 28th September), identified that 41% of over 50s in Scotland feel financially squeezed and a further 35% think they will be within a year. This is an increase of more than 60% in two years since the charity’s first Big Survey in 2021 where 26% felt financially squeezed.

Age Scotland and Scotinform surveyed more than 4,100 over 50s covering every local authority area in Scotland and the research paints a worrying picture of just how many older people are struggling with the current cost of living.

Nearly all respondents who are squeezed (97%) were struggling with energy bills, an increase from 82% in 2021. Food was in second place for 76%, which didn’t feature in the charity’s 2021 list of most concerning bills. In third place was Council Tax which had risen sharply to 62% from 46% in 2021.

Eight in ten people over the age of 50 (79%) reported cutting back on energy and heating, 55% on holidays, 49% on food, 46% on socialising and 41% on savings.

Of real concern for the future is the 26% of those aged 50-54 and 27% aged 55-59 cutting back on saving for retirement.

15% of respondents with less than £10,000 annual gross household income were using credit or taking on debt to cope with their finances.
Only 16% felt optimistic about their future.

Katherine Crawford, CEO of Age Scotland, said: “Our Big Survey findings drive home the devastating toll the cost-of-living crisis is taking on older people’s financial wellbeing.

“Far too many pensioners are affected by poverty, and the stark reality for 2023 is older people in Scotland are getting colder, poorer and less optimistic about their future. In fact, many are cutting back on all life’s necessities and pleasures – from heating and food to holidays and social activities – and still struggling to make ends meet.

“Our helpline is hearing from an increasing number of older people who are finding it near impossible to pay their bills, having cut down on all but the essentials, and are at risk of falling into unmanageable debt as a result.

“Looking at the huge number of working age older people cutting back on saving for retirement also paints a grim image of the future, so it’s vital to ensure we have a labour market that is prepared for and able to properly support older people to work flexibly for as long as they want and need to.

“As we head into the colder months, it’s vital older people are claiming every penny they are entitled to. A quick call to our free 0800 12 44 222 can help you make sure you’re not missing out.

“Given the strain facing older households due to cost of living, if there was ever a time for big ideas and action from the Scottish and UK governments on how to tackle poverty and get more money in older people’s pockets – it is now.”

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Dementia care specialists to host Open Day event

ONE of Scotland’s most luxurious care homes will open its doors to the public this week with an exclusive tour around its facilities.

Located in north Edinburgh, Cramond Residence is offering people the chance to view its high-end care home on Friday 15 September from 3pm.

Fronted by a guided tour, guests will able be able to enjoy home baking and a ‘cuppa’ as they learn more about the benefits of the home; from its care package offerings to its bespoke digital care systems – ensuring that all residents have their individual needs met.

Client Liaison Manager Christian Daraio said: “This Open Day offers a unique opportunity for individuals and families to explore the top-notch care and facilities offered by the residence.

“If you or a loved one are considering residential, respite, or recuperative care, the Cramond Residence Open Day is a must-attend event.

“Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the residence, enjoying a cup of tea and sampling delightful home baking, while also having the chance to ask any questions they might have.

“This event also provides a chance to meet the dedicated team as well as engage in conversations with our current residents.”

Cramond Residence is divided into nine individual homes, each named after an area of Edinburgh, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among residents.

With private dining and living rooms in each home, socialising and forming lasting connections are a natural part of life at Cramond Residence.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the main communal areas, including a spacious dining rooms, a well-stocked library, a private ‘fine dining’ room, a cinema, a physiotherapy area, and a hairdressing salon.

Additionally, Cramond Residence offers cutting-edge facilities, such as high-tech therapy baths, to cater to the diverse needs of its residents.

The stunning gardens and summer house also invite attendees to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Cramond Residence is proud of its commitment to providing a high quality of life to its residents and invites the community to witness it firsthand. There is no need to book in advance; simply come along on the day.

For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.

To get in touch directly, please email enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

Strachan House hosts a fairytale start as part of new Fringe Cares initiative

Strachan House Care Home in Blackhall was one of four Barchester homes who set their stage by hosting their first of many Edinburgh Fringe Cares events on Saturday.

Following on from the success of our Edinburgh Fringe Cares events last year at Barchester’s Queens Manor and the ongoing community links that were built, Barchester became the founding sponsor of an even bigger event this year and for years to come – The Edinburgh Fringe Festival Care Fest.

Eventually, the long term goal would be for all Edinburgh care homes to be part of this amazing initiative, no matter what company, but in the meantime Barchester got to go first, with 4 of their Edinburgh homes taking part!

It’s hoped this year’s events will shape the foundations for other care providers to follow suit in the coming years.

Strachan House immerse their residents and families into a spectacular performance from their nominated Edinburgh Fringe performer’s Octovoce, who took the audience through a magical journey of cappella style song.

The promotional event was one of four that Barchester Healthcare sponsored to showcase how the Edinburgh Fringe should be made accessible to everyone in care homes.

Strachan House was one of the four homes to demonstrate how successful these events can be and how it can benefit residents wellbeing.

Mandy, Head of Activities, said: “This was a fun event to do. Staff and residents loved getting on board by dressing up in character and our chefs prepared a themed menu of goodies for the special occasion.

“The home was transformed into a colourful castle of colour as our residents were taken on a magical afternoon of music. But the biggest success has been to be part of the four Barchester homes to showcase how every home in Edinburgh can do this.

“Along with Queens Manor, Archview and Drummond Grange, who also hosted their Edinburgh Fringe Cares events, we hope that this is something that will continue for years to come for everyone living in a care home.

“Putting this event together and having the residents on board with all their ideas has been amazing and to support them to bring it all together has been an honour.

“Professor Joe Goldblatt who attended the event and created the idea behind Edinburgh Fringe Cares has been truly inspiring.”

General Manager, Gordon Philp said, “Our residents and staff have been very excited about this event and the team worked so hard behind the scenes to ensure it is was great success.

“We do our best to provide a wide range of activities and entertainment at Strachan House as part of the lifestyle enrichment programme for residents, and this was will certainly be outstanding, and certainly will be remembered for years to come.

“Our aim was to demonstrate to other care providers how this can be achieved and the benefits of delivering it within a care home setting.”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Edinburgh Fringe comedians bring laughter to care home residents

Residents at two of the capital’s care homes felt the buzz of this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival after a series of on-site comedy performances at Randolph Hill Nursing Homes over the weekend.

Stand-up comedians Carey Marx and Jojo Sutherland brought their shows to Randolph Hill nursing homes across Scotland, including its Ashley Court and Blenham House sites located in the capital, enabling residents to share in the Edinburgh Fringe experience.

The stand-up shows were part of a series of performances by the pair which were held at each of Randolph Hill’s sites located in Edinburgh, The Lothians, and Stirlingshire over the course of last week.

Carey performs regularly across the UK comedy circuit and has appeared in numerous television programmes including Comedy Cuts, BBC Breakfast and Loose Women. In 2009 he gained global recognition after winning Best International Show at the New Zealand Comedy Festival.

Jojo has worked in the UK entertainment industry for more than two decades as a writer, actor, broadcaster, and comedian. A regular at the Edinburgh Fringe, she was a 2022 finalist for the title of British Comedian of the Year.

Randolph Hill currently cares for more than 350 residents and employs over 600 members of staff at its seven sites across east and central Scotland.

Randolph Hill Managing Director Peter McCormick said: “We were delighted to bring this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival to our nursing homes including our two sites in the capital.

“With two highly regarded comedians bringing their acts to all of our seven sites, this series of performances brought a real festival buzz to our residents and enabled them to enjoy the Fringe experience in a familiar setting.

“We are grateful to Carey and Jojo for their great performances which were warmly received and thoroughly enjoyed by our residents, family members and our staff.”