Tag: older people

Vintage Vibes celebrates 9 years of tackling loneliness in Edinburgh

Edinburgh-based charity project, Vintage Vibes held a week of celebrations, marking 9 years of tackling the loneliness crisis in the city.  

The week of celebratory activity started on Older Peoples’ Day (on 1st October) with Kaukab Stewart MSP, Minister for Equalities, joining the charity project’s VIP Voices group, where people over 60 who are lonely and isolated are invited to meet every two months and share their views on current topics affecting older people.

The topics for discussion with the Minister covered the value of older people in society, over 60s contributing to communities through volunteering, and how to make local heritage and culture venues barrier free for the older population.

Kaukab Stewart MSP, Minister for Equalities said: “I want to congratulate Vintage Vibes for the great work it has been doing over the last nine years to bring generations together and provide companionship and support to older people.

“The Scottish Government has delivered a range of policy measures over the last five years aimed at reducing inequality and promoting health and wellbeing and reducing social isolation for all older people across Scotland.

“We aim to enable better access to a range of services for older people as and when they need them and we want to ensure people are financially secure and supported as they age. We will ensure that older people’s views and aspirations are taken into account as we undertake a refresh of our strategy for older people.”

The VIP Voices group and fellow VIPs (over 60s supported by Vintage Vibes) also came together to celebrate 9 years of friendships and connections at The Broomhouse Hub with a pizza party filled with fun, games, singing, chat and laughter.

Alongside this, the Vintage Vibes team hand-delivered cakes to those who are housebound and unable to attend the birthday celebrations, to ensure every member felt included and shared in the fun.

Vintage Vibes VIP, Shelia said: “Vintage Vibes lifts my spirits enormously. I get on so well with my friendship volunteer, Nicky and we just laugh and laugh when we’re together.

“I love everything about Vintage Vibes, it’s so much fun and I get to be involved in so many things – it’s just lovely.”

Vintage Vibes brings people together through friendship matches, groups, meet-ups and events to tackle social isolation and loneliness in the over the 60s across Edinburgh. Since its creation in 2015, the charity project has now helped over 1200 older people in the city to establish one-to-one friendships and delivered over 30,000 hours of volunteering.

Events, and groups are also available including film, theatre and singing or simply meeting for a chat over a coffee, bringing older people together for friendship, improve their wellbeing and have some much-needed fun.

Alongside this, the charity project has a passion for tackling ageism, changing perceptions and reducing stigma around isolation and ageing.

Gemma Wright, Communications and Fundraising Lead at Vintage Vibes said:“We are incredibly grateful to our fabulous VIPs (older people we support), volunteers and supporters for helping to us to build this amazing, supportive, empowering community.

“Over the past 9 years, Vintage Vibes has changed the lives of so many older people feeling alone for the better.

“We’d like to thank Kaukab Stewart MSP for taking the time to listen to the insightful thoughts, views and ideas of our VIPs and hope that together we can create a brighter future for the circa 11,000 older people in Edinburgh who are often or always alone.

“As we celebrate 9 fabulous years at our pizza party, we are joined by our wonderful VIPs and volunteers. It is always so special to see everyone laughing, chatting and having fun to mark the difference Vintage Vibes makes to so many.

“For those who sadly couldn’t attend due to ill health, we delivered cakes and flowers to their homes and popped in for a chat. We exist to prevent the development of chronic loneliness and bring fun, fulfilment and friendship to older people who are feeling lonely and isolated through our network of amazing friendship volunteers and the support of local people, businesses and funding partnerships.

“We would like to thank all involved for your ongoing support and helping us to ensure everyone is included and feels valued.”

Having successfully delivered over 30,000 hours of volunteering, Vintage Vibes’ 2024 annual survey showed that 97% of their VIPs felt that being involved in the project left them feeling happier and gave them a better quality of life and 91% saying it had improved their mental health.

Vintage Vibes is now seeking amazing new Edinburgh-based volunteers to expand the project and offer support to even more older people across the city.

For more information on becoming a Vintage Vibes volunteer, please contact Vintage Vibes by emailing hello@vintagevibes.org.uk or visit vintagevibes.org.uk.

LifeCare launches urgent appeal to help older people get through ‘very difficult winter ahead’

Edinburgh charity anticipates 30% growth in demand for free support

This winter will be much harder for many local older people.  Cuts to winter fuel benefits alongside continued high prices will force more older people in Edinburgh to make difficult choices.

Local charity LifeCare delivers vital services and activities which makes an immediate difference to the lives of those that need it most – but urgently needs support to help meet increasing demand. 

LifeCare Edinburgh has over 80 years’ experience offering the vital care and support older people need all year round, and supports over 900 individuals a year.  The charity reported unprecedented levels of enquiries for support through the pandemic and continues to experience rising demand for their free and subsidised services through the cost of living crisis, with enquiries up over 67% from those living on a low income.  

The charity responded to these growing local needs by extending its vital programme of free support.  

This includes free ‘meals on wheels’ delivering hot, freshly-cooked two-course meals to the homes of local older people, free ‘help at home’ services helping with cleaning, shopping and prescription collections – even more important during the icy cold months, free wellbeing activities and hot drinks for the growing numbers of struggling unpaid carers and a growing programme of free community engagement activities for local people.  

They also run their free Saturday Social warm space providing hot food, activities and companionship from their Cheyne Street community hub every week. 

However, the charity is struggling to sustain these services through this period of high need. The organisation’s own costs are increasing with food, fuel and staff costs all rising significantly plus the charity has been impacted by the recent Local Authority budget cuts with further reductions anticipated next year.  

The charity is calling on local people and businesses to get involved and give a donation to help deliver support to those that need it most this winter.

Sarah van Putten, Chief Executive of LifeCare said “Local older people right here in Edinburgh face a very difficult winter ahead.  With the 10% increase on energy costs, continued high food prices and a reduction in benefits, it will be devastating for many. 

“Last year we delivered over 5,000 free meals to those living on a low income.  This year we anticipate needing to grow the service by a further 30% to help meet growing demand for this important service as more local older people struggle. 

We urgently need the support from local people and local businesses, to enable LifeCare to deliver services such as this which make a real difference to those struggling most.  

“Thanks to our services, older people keep well in their homes, they have a warm place to visit, hot nutritious food to eat, have company to look forward to and are able to get out and about to activities safely.  

“Over 75% of the people we support live alone, rising to over 85% of our Meals on Wheels clients.  And as many of our clients can’t leave their homes unaided, they would go for a very long time without any contact without our support.  

“The frustration is that we know we can deliver the care that people want and need, but we are facing increased costs too. We are asking local people and businesses to consider giving a one-off or regular gift through our Winter Warmer appeal.  

“Donations can be made on our website or alternatively people can come along to our community café on Cheyne Street to pledge their support.  Even choosing to have your coffee or lunch from our café will help us to deliver the care local older people need to ensure they continue to thrive at home.” 

All money raised through Winter Warmer will go directly towards supporting older people in the city.  For more information about LifeCare’s services visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/ or call 0131 343 0940 to chat with the friendly team. 

Horseplay at Queen’s Manor!

Care Home Residents Enjoy A Visit From Miniature Shetland Ponies

Queens Manor Care Home, on Queensferry Road, was full of fun when two miniature Shetland ponies came to visit.

Residents at Queens Manor Care Home were pleasantly surprised to see their new furry friends roaming around the home as John and Elaine from Therapy Ponies Scotland paid a visit with Wilson & Flicker.

Residents, staff and visitors alike loved seeing them wandering the home and into rooms, paying everyone a special visit.

Resident Frank Heathcote was surprised by Flicker as he appeared in his room: “It’s not everyday you see a Shetland pony in your come walking into your room – he was so friendly and soft!”

Senior Head of Lifestyle & Enrichment, Shannon Cullen said: “Our residents really loved their visit from the adorable pair.

“We are such an animal loving home and knew that having the two miniature Shetland ponies here would be a bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult to go on many outings in our minibus. 

“We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we reconfirmed the level of enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”

Resident Joyce Shand was very excited by the little duo: “I have always loved ponies and horses of all sizes and today was great!

“It was wonderful that Wilson & Flicker were able to come into see everyone. I really enjoyed seeing them trotting along the corridor and seeing them both wearing their little shoes!” 

Queens Manor 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. 

Queens Manor Care Home provides residential care and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Senior appointment announced at Cramond Residence

ONE of Scotland’s most premier luxury care homes has revealed it has secured the appointment of a new Head of Sales and Marketing, who is set to bring a wealth of experience to the home.

Richard Annan, 58, has joined Edinburgh-based care home Cramond Residence to help further elevate the homes prestigious status as one of Scotland’s finest residences.

Richard said: “Joining Cramond Residence is an exciting new challenge for me. The home has an outstanding reputation for the best care in class.

“I’m eager to continue to build on the homes success by further improving our resident’s experience during their time with us and I want to ensure that every resident feels at home here, with activities and services tailored to their individual needs.

“It’s vital that residents truly enjoy their time here and we provide their families with peace of mind that they are receiving the best care possible.

“Whether it’s dementia care or general residential living, we want to cater to everyone’s needs and ensure they have a fulfilling experience.

“We have outstanding facilities that cater to all our resident’s needs, from round the clock care to luxurious and spacious rooms as well as a wide range of activities on offer for residents to enjoy. Those who stay with us can expect nothing but the very best.”

With a marketing career spanning 30 years, Richard has since spent the last five years working for some of the UK’s largest care providers working in a number of homes across the country building an impressive track record.

Now, Richard’s key focus is enhancing the activities programme at Cramond Residence, ensuring that all residents—especially those living with dementia—enjoy meaningful and stimulating experiences.

Ross Bijak, General Manager for Cramond Residence said: “Richard’s passion for the care sector, combined with his impressive track record, makes him a perfect fit for Cramond Residence.

“We’re confident that with his arrival the home will continue to grow and provide the highest standards of care for all our residents.”

Cramond Residence combines luxury accommodation with the highest quality of care, offering a unique small-group living experience within its purpose-built, five-star facility.

With a resident-to-staff ratio designed to ensure personalized attention, the residence provides a range of specialised services, including dementia care, to meet the diverse needs of its residents.

The home also uniquely offers post-operative care rehabilitation, recently helping Cramond Residence Charge Nurse, Eileen Crawford, with her recovery after a hip replacement procedure.

Opened in October 2018 at a cost of £8 million, Cramond Residence continues to deliver outstanding clinical standards in a setting designed for comfort and community.

For more information about Cramond Residence, visit: 

https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Winter Fuel Payment: Protecting the poorest ‘was a lie’

A Freedom of Information request made by financial journalist, broadcaster, and speaker PAUL LEWIS has revealed the likely impact of cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment.

Mr Lewis says the DWP response (below) that shows the Labour government knew:

* 1.6m disabled pensioners would lose winter fuel payment

* 780,000 of the poorest pensioners who were entitled still would not get it – so ‘protecting the poorest’ was a lie.

* 2.7m over-80s would lose £300.

FOI-Paul-LewisDownload

Pension Credit is now key to keeping your Winter Fuel Payment

A major change to this year’s Winter Fuel Payment means that to get the allowance that’s worth up to £300, you must also receive Pension Credit. If you don’t currently get Pension Credit, but think you could be eligible, it’s vital to check now and apply, otherwise you could miss out.

The allowance is now linked to certain means-tested benefits including Pension Credit. Pension Credit helps those over State Pension age who are living on a low income. It works by topping up income to a minimum level and can be worth more than £3,900 a year.

To keep getting your Winter Fuel Payment you must be eligible for Pension Credit or one of the other following benefits during the ‘qualifying week’ of 16 to 22 September 2024:

  • Universal Credit
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income Support

Our Benefits calculator will show you if you’re entitled to any of these benefits

In Scotland the Winter Fuel Payment will be replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, worth up to £300.

This will also be linked to Pension Credit and certain means-tested benefits.

It’s the Pension Credit Week of Action and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall recommends checking if you, a loved one or a friend could be eligible for Pension Credit.

For someone aged 66 or over it could entitle them to the Winter Fuel Payment and other benefits: https://ow.ly/NRPh50Tcu6m

#PensionCredit

#WinterFuelPaymen

t#PensionCreditWeekOfAction

Elderly patients in Scotland stuck in hospital due to failing discharge system

Scottish care providers call for reform as postcode lottery for elderly patients revealed

Wide regional discrepancies in the speed with which elderly patients declared medically fit to leave hospital are discharged are exposed in ground-breaking new research by the UK’s largest and most comprehensive later-life care directory, Autumna.

The survey of more than 500 care homes and home care agencies has revealed the best and worst performing regions for speed of discharge from hospital, as well as communication between hospital discharge teams and social care providers, with nine in ten providers calling for reform of the system.

100% of care providers questioned in Scotland want the government to reform the hospital discharge process, regardless of whether or not they receive referrals from it. This reflects that the system is among the worst performing in the country.

42.9% of respondents say they don’t have a positive relationship with hospital discharge teams (34% nationally). Only one in five providers receive referrals at least weekly, suggesting a lack of effective communication which may also contribute to slow patient admission: 50% of providers say discharge from hospital takes more than a week (24.3% nationally), with 14.3% saying it takes three weeks or more (nearly twice the national average).

93% of care providers nationally would like to see government reform of the hospital discharge process, with the figure ranging from 85.7% in the North East to 100% of providers in Scotland. Nationally, 85% of care providers who have a positive relationship with their local hospital discharge teams still want the process reformed.                

Full national and regional findings: www.autumna.co.uk/hospital-discharge-report-2024/

“Our survey, which is the first to probe the experiences of social care providers of the hospital discharge system, shows a system that is failing due to poor relationships caused by poor communication,” warns Debbie Harris, the founder and Managing Director of Autumna, which has developed a digital solution to speed up hospital discharge*.

“Our findings are a wake-up call to Kier Starmer and Wes Streeting that the system is broken and urgently needs reforming. The pressures are only going to get worse as our population gets older, so we need to fix the system now, before it completely breaks down,” she adds.

Delayed hospital discharge costs the NHS around £4.8 million a day1. It also results in: worse health outcomes for elderly patients; other patients not being able to access hospital services; and increased pressure on local authorities, as elderly patients who are stuck in hospital end up with greater care needs.

“Autumna’s Hospital Discharge Report: Care Providers’ Perspectives clearly outlines a system that is failing and will only get worse unless remedial action is taken,” comments Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England.

“However, this report also highlights the fact that there are solutions, and if people worked effectively with the social care sector and gave it the needed resources, the solutions would be easily and readily available.”

Autumna’s research shows that four in ten social care providers do not receive referrals from hospital discharge teams.

“We have elderly patients stuck in hospital when there is sufficient care to support their discharge, either in a care home or with support at home,” comments Harris. “Hospital discharge teams do not have effective tools to identify available, appropriate care quickly and are overly reliant on some providers, meaning elderly patients are denied access to the full range of appropriate support available to get them out of hospital.”

48.7% of care providers do not feel the hospital discharge teams understand the care they offer. A third of providers (33.4%) say they can’t talk to discharge teams when they need to. Of the care providers who do receive referrals from hospital discharge teams, a similar number (34.0%) say they don’t have a positive relationship with them.

17.0% of care providers questioned say the average length of time for discharge into their care after a patient has been declared fit to leave hospital is one to two weeks, while 7.3% say the average length of time is three or more weeks.

The top reasons for delays in patient transfer to social care providers are because the funding is not agreed, there is insufficient information and lack of communication. 45.5% of care providers say information provided by hospital discharge teams is not accurate. 44.6% of care providers think the information provided by hospital discharge teams is insufficient to make an initial assessment on admission suitability.

“The care sector has the capacity, the expertise and the enthusiasm to be part of the solution,” advises Harris. “What’s more, speeding up hospital discharge will help the commercial viability of providers who face increasingly squeezed margins; 518 care homes closed in 20232, with a loss of 14,169 beds2.

More than 15 million people are projected to be over the pensionable age by 20453, with the number aged 85 and over expected to increase by 1 million to 2.6 million over the same period4.

“With an ever-ageing population, continuing to fail to find a solution to speedy, efficient and appropriate hospital discharges is unsustainable – for the NHS, for local authorities, for the taxpayer, and – most importantly – for our elderly,” urges Harris. “We challenge the government, health and social care leaders to think imaginatively to rise to the challenge.”

For a summary of regional discrepancies, see page 4. For full national and regional results, incl. quotes from local care providers, download the full report: www.autumna.co.uk/hospital-discharge-report-2024/

Are YOU losing out on Pension Credit?

SUPPORT and ADVICE from GRANTON INFORMATION CENTRE

THE Scottish Government has confirmed it will no longer provide Winter Fuel Payments to all pensioners in Scotland. Replicating the recent decision announced by the UK Government, Winter Fuel Payments will now be means-tested, which means only individuals in receipt of Pension Credit and certain other benefits will receive it.

Because Pension Credit is a ‘gateway benefit’, which opens up access to other support including Winter Fuel Payments, it is now more crucial than ever that individuals claim Pension Credit so that they don’t miss out on additional money they are entitled to.

If you’ve reached State Pension age, you can claim Pension Credit if your weekly income is less than:

£218.15 if you’re single

£332.95 if you’re a couple.

Even if your weekly income is higher than these thresholds, you could still claim Guarantee Credit if you meet one of the following criteria:

*you’re a carer

*you have a severe disability

*you have certain housing costs, such as service charges

*you’re responsible for a child or young person who usually lives with you.

If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments this will not affect your Pension Credit. If you have more than £10,000, every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income a week. For example, if you have £11,000 in savings, this counts as £2 income a week.

MANY, MANY, ELIGIBLE PENSIONERS ARE MISSING OUT ON PENSION CREDIT!

To claim Pension Credit, you can either:

*claim online on GOV.UK (if you already claim State Pension and there aren’t any children or young people included in your claim)

*call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 and they can fill in the application for you over the phone (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm).

To discuss your benefit entitlements and to find out what you can claim, get in touch with us at Granton Information Centre.

Our Welfare Rights Advisers are here to help!

Call 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458 or email info@gic.org.uk

Care home residents enjoy third annual Fringe Cares Festival

Care Home Residents Enjoy The 3rd Annual Fringe Cares Festival

2024 Fringe Cares Festival – conceived by The Edinburgh Interfaith Association back in 2023 – started once again with a very successful event at Queen’s Manor Care Home on Queensferry Road.  

Performers from all over the world take part in the Fringe Cares Festival which brings a taste of the musical & theatrical talents of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to all residents of 7 care homes in the city, in a partnership sponsored by Barchester Healthcare, The Edinburgh Interfaith Association, Scottish Care and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.

Queens Manor Care Home, the founding care home Residents, relatives, friends and staff – along with several guests from the local community, were able to participate in a full afternoon of entertainment.

Lord Provost Councillor Robert Aldridge attended and said, “This is my favourite part of the Fringe!”

The event included a piper on arrival, drinks canapes and cocktails.  Street performer Andie Mars with her impressive hula hoops displays, forget me Nots Children’s’ Parties provided face painting and visiting Princess Ariel.   Matthew Shiel, award winning classical pianist played in the foyer. 

The main act – “Ella, Etta and Eartha”, singer Melissa Western and her accompanists rounded off the show in a performance inspired by those legendary female singers. 

Professor Joe Goldblatt, who inspired and instigated the Fringe Cares Festival explained: “The first year my wife and I sponsored one performer and I was amazed when residents who had not spoken for months suddenly burst forth into song, in French, when a Fringe performer began to sing the Edith Piaf classic ‘La vie en rose’.  

“As they sang along, I was speechless and in awe of the power of musical memories to inspire their strong positive emotions and awaken their senses. The events of this year so far at Queens Manor were no less than spectacular – offering the same level of amazement that we had in our founding year!” 

Margaret-Ann Davidson, General Manager of Queens Manor in Edinburgh, said: “I am delighted the Queens Manor Team is able to support our residents to participate in such an exciting initiative, which has grown each year; and we are proud to be part of   Barchester Healthcare, the founding sponsor for this special programme. 

“Music, entertainment, time with loved ones and friends are key elements of life enrichment for all care home residents.    In years gone by the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe would have been part of the lives of many of those in our care.  

“Through the Fringe Cares Festival, we are able to bring a flavour of the excitement, fun, and delights of the Festival Fringe to our residents at home. The long-term aim of this project is to help ensure that all care home residents in Edinburgh have access to the Fringe Cares Festival in the next 10 years – regardless of care provider.   

“There are many other entertainers participating at the other 6 care homes.  We look forward to the feedback and photographs”.  

The executive director of the Edinburgh Interfaith Association, Iain Stewart said: “EIFA is very proud to have conceived this programme as part of our commitment to bringing people together to celebrate, communicate, and appreciate one another through music. 

“The 36-year-old EIFA is the oldest interfaith association and represents all faiths and none promoting respect, understanding, peace and love.

The Fringe Cares Festival at Barchester dramatically demonstrates that we may all come together and benefit through music”.   

We are already looking at inspiration and planning for this event in 2025 – if you would like to be involved or become a sponsor, please reach out to either Joe Goldblatt at joe@joegoldblatt.scot or margaretann-davidson@barchester.com.

UK Government decision ends universal fuel payments for Scots

Scottish Government left with “no choice” following funding cut

Plans to means-test Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales will see the Scottish Government’s funding cut by up to £160 million.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed the Scottish Government therefore has ‘no alternative’ but to replicate the decision in Scotland and restrict payments to pensioners who receive eligible benefits.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Despite all efforts to review our financial position we have been left with no choice but to follow the UK Government and restrict payments to older people who receive relevant eligible benefits.

“This is a necessary decision when faced with such a deep cut to our funding and in the most challenging financial circumstances since devolution. The reduction we are facing amounts to as much as 90% of the cost of Scotland’s replacement benefit, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

“Given the UK Government’s decision to restrict payments to those in receipt of means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, and the implications for the Scottish Government detailed above, I have urged the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to undertake a benefits take-up campaign for Pension Credit and to move forward with plans for a social energy tariff.

“Both of these measures will provide some further protection to energy customers in greatest need.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes commented:

Scottish Parliament: Written answer

Age Scotland: Winter Fuel Payment decision ‘brutal’ for Scottish pensioners

Age Scotland is continuing to urge the UK government to reconsider plans to scrap the winter fuel payment for pensioners who do not receive pension credit.

The charity has responded to news that, following the UK Government’s plans to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, the Scottish Government will have no alternative but to replicate the decision in Scotland.

Age Scotland’s Policy Director, Adam Stachura, said: “It’s infuriating that huge numbers of older people will miss out on the vital Winter Fuel Payment when it is devolved to Scotland.

“We recognise the financial challenge the Scottish Government would face to make up the shortfall to keep the payment universal, but we desperately hoped there could be a more effective delivery of this payment and that it could have looked more generous than the UK Government’s new, and meagre, approach.

“At minimum, a quarter of a million pensioners in Scotland on the lowest incomes or living in fuel poverty will no longer receive this vital financial support over the winter months, while hundreds of thousands more on modest incomes are going to struggle with their energy bills even more than normal as a result.

“This brutal decision by the UK Government was made too fast, cuts too deep and its impact will be severe. It’s important that they rethink this move, as it has a huge impact on the devolution of social security and the needs of Scottish pensioners who live in some of the coldest homes in the UK.”

Visit www.age.scot/SaveWFP to sign Age Scotland’s petition to save the Winter Fuel Payment.