Category: Blog

We had a special visitor this week – the Deputy Lieutenant of Barnet (Her Majesty’s representative) Mr Martin Russell. Lisa introduced and welcomed Martin who gave an inspiring and uplifting talk. It was a great honour to welcome Martin and Lisa thanked him for joining our meeting. Martin had previously attended at the Finchley Memorial Hospital dementia clubs and wanted to join and see what we do at the carers group meetings.

 

Andrew’s presentation started at 7.30pm

Both Andrew and Lisa had some exciting news to share this evening. Andrew announced to members that Dementia Club UK are preparing a certified training programme for carers, families and professionals. People joining the training will receive International Certification, CPD accreditation. The training will deliver an in depth understanding about dementia, the different stages, how dementia progresses, how to deal with the different challenges over time, medication and much more. We aim to deliver this training to businesses, organisations, shops, care homes, hospitals and wherever is required.

Andrew gave a short introduction about dementia and briefly talked about the various topics we aim to include in the training. He also showed the Dementia Club UK BBC1 Inside Out London documentary film. This was featured on the 10th February 2020 and the aim of the film is raising awareness about dementia.

 

Rachel Burley – Stower Solicitors  – ‘Socially Funded Care’

Please see the training booklet (sent to you via email) which Rachel has asked me to provide to you all. It needs slightly updating, so a few things may be out of date. Rachel informs me that If there is anything you need further clarity, Rachel is happy to help.

Her contact details are: Rachel Burley-Stower Rachel@ms-solicitors.co.uk    Mobile No: 07830288327

Rachel has further provided a response below to a question which was asked in the meeting.

“On the question of IHT and joint beneficial interest, If the property that is being left to somebody other than the spouse then there may be IHT if the value is over £325k. However it is bit complicated as there is the transferable and residence nil rate band to consider before tax. They ought to get some Wills and IHT advice on that aspect. And will also depend on whether they have given any lifetime gifts too.”

 

We talked about GP surgeries and how being able to see the doctor has changed since the pandemic.

A discussion was held with different views. One of the members mentioned that there was a Petition ‘To Re Start Face To Face GP Appointments’ and if anyone was interested, they could sign it. Please see the link below

https://chng.it/nrG7qF9J

 

Anyone interested – Dementia Adventure Holiday in Devon 18th – 22nd October 2021

Fulvia had a lovely supported holiday earlier this year in the Lake District which she told us about in one of the sessions.

She had an email from Dementia Adventure recently asking whether she would like to go on a similar trip to Devon, this is the link from Dementia Adventure’s website:

https://dementiaadventure.co.uk/what-we-do/our-holidays/group-holidays/holidays-2021/devon/

Fulvia would like to ask other members whether they would also like to go for company. The dates are 18th – 22nd October 2021. If you are interested, please let Lisa know and she will pass your details to Fulvia.

 

Our speaker next Tuesday 28th September is Zaira De Novellis who will talk to us about Homeshare.

A busy session as usual and thank you to my volunteers – Theresa, Angela Chen, Melvyn and also Arzu who works at Marks & Spencer in Whetstone but loves to also volunteer for Dementia Club UK. Lisa prepared on each table various word searches and puzzles also included some magic painting which was enjoyed by all.

Richard Kravetz then arrived and provided some Yoga exercises which were great fun. The session then continued with music entertainment with Ian James who got everyone singing along and some members even dancing. A very successful session and lovely to see new members too.

Everyone was so pleased to be back to the Finchley Cricket Club and what a beautiful sunny warm day it was too. Some of the members enjoyed sitting out on the benches chatting. Lisa welcomed everyone and especially thanked Julian the owner of the club and his wife Jacqueline who made the lovely sandwiches and cakes for everyone. Lisa also welcomed Rotary Club members- Valerie Chodosh who is also one of our Trustees, Leonard Munasinghe, Satnam Singh and new Rotary Club member Andrew Wrensch for attending to volunteer their services.{gallery}FCC20210913{/gallery}

Lisa had some quizzes on each table for some members which kept them busy but they mostly enjoyed chatting and enjoying the weather. One of the members also brought their dog Hettie who was so cute and a great hit with members. James who was on holiday in Devon last week also wanted to tell everyone about his trip and all the wonderful places he visited and experiences which everyone enjoyed listening to. It was also James’s birthday last Monday and was proud to let everyone know that he was 87 years old. Everyone gave their best wishes. Eon then joined us and gave members a good exercise session. This was then followed with music entertainment with Ian who got some members up dancing and having a good time. Lisa also made sure that Ian played a Happy Birthday song for James. This was a great first session back and members are looking forward to future sessions.

Another hot day today. Lisa welcomed everyone and new members. There was as usual a variety of activities for members on the table which kept everyone very busy and chatting. Lisa also brought out some games today which got everyone participating. It was lovely to see Mike Rich CEO of Barnet Carers join us today and what a wonderful surprise to see him bring a big sack of red heart shaped pillows. He was like Father Christmas come early. Members were very grateful to receive the pillows. Thank you Mike.{gallery}FMH20210908{/gallery}We had a new exercise instructor today Lynda Keane who was covering for Richard as he was not feeling very well. Lynda was excellent and magical with all the members getting them to exercise in an enjoyable way. As Lisa had given the carers at the start of the session a Scattergories challenge, it was now time at the end of the session to find out their answers. This week they had to find A to Z ‘animals’ They really enjoy playing this game.

It was another successful session and thank you of course to my volunteers Angela Chen and Melvyn for all their help and of course Mark setting up at the beginning of the session.

Lisa welcomed everyone and also welcomed Mike Rich CEO of Barnet Carers, Andrew Wrensch who provides our seminars and training and also Marcelo Navarro who runs a carers company. All contact details have previous been provided in my reports but happy to email them to anyone upon request. (All my previous reports can be read if you go to my website and in the search box type ‘carers’ – you will get a list of all my previous carers reports.)

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

One of the members enquired about wheelchair accessible vehicles. This topic was also raised last week and further searches are still being looked into. There was however a short discussion and few further suggestions which may be helpful. I found in my further searches details about Motability grants and eligibility which can be found here:  https://www.motaclarity.co.uk/charitable-grants

and I also further found some details on another website where automatic wheelchair accessible vehicles can be leased as one of the options

https://www.motability.co.uk/contact/faqs/are-there-any-electric-vehicles-on-the-scheme

I will continue to report on this further.

Presentation Aggression and Dementia

Lisa then introduced Andrew who presented his presentation about ‘Aggression and Dementia’

Andrew talked about how we can identify and deal with aggressive behaviour and the importance of understanding that aggression is one of the symptoms of dementia. It’s not easy and can be very challenging. Andrew however went through explaining in his presentation giving advice and how to deal with aggressive behaviour.

Questions were raised by members which Andrew responded to and Lisa also provided some general advice too from experiences. Lisa mentioned that sometimes aggressive behaviour could be as a result of B12 deficiency, and this should be checked through your GP. It has been known by people who have taken regular B12 injections that they become less agitated.

Lisa also mentioned the importance and the power of music for those living with dementia. Andrew mentioned in his presentation there is the Right song which could trigger happy memories. Lisa also mentioned a very special favourite song called  ‘She’ll be Coming Round the Mountain’ which has been found for people living with dementia – is like turning on the light in a completely dark room.

There were further various other personal discussions. The session finished at 8.40pm.

FOR YOUR DIARIES

Tuesday 14th September

We are delighted to welcome back Rachel Burley-Stower who will be back to talk to us about ‘Socially Funded Care’ – This will be interesting especially after hearing the proposed changes by the Prime Minister today. Rachel will also be happy to take any other questions too.

Tuesday 21st September

We are delighted to welcome the Deputy Lieutenant Martin Russell for The London Borough of Barnet – Her Majesty’s representative. This will be followed by our usual group discussions

Tuesday 28th September

We are delighted to welcome Zaira De Novellis to talk to us about the ‘Homeshare scheme’

Today was our first session at the Eversfield centre and it was a glorious sunny hot day. It was lovely to welcome old and new members. Lisa also introduced and welcomed volunteers from the Rotary Club of Mill Hill – Jeanette and Graham Poulton, Jane and Ken Ferguson and Desmond and Bobsie Gordon who were also celebrating today their 47th wedding anniversary. Congratulations to them. Lisa also welcomed Theresa another volunteer who attends other dementia clubs.{gallery}EVER20210907{/gallery}Members had plenty to occupy them selves with whilst sitting and enjoying their cups of tea and coffee with a selection of biscuits and cakes and savoury cheesy bites.

We are very lucky to have such a fantastic large hall. Chairs were set up on the other side of the hall ready for our music entertainment with Helen Tierney who had everyone singing with lots of favourite songs. Helen was very pleased that the hall already had a piano which she played. Helen also played the accordion which everyone also loved. We also had a birthday to celebrate today. It was Dorothy’s birthday a few days ago and she didn’t mind everyone wishing her a happy birthday. Helen therefore played the happy birthday song and also played another special song for her which Dorothy appreciated.

Eon Walters then joined us for the latter part of the session with exercise to music and had no problems in getting everyone motivated and participating.

There was still some time at the end before the session ended and everyone was happy to chat before leaving.

It was a very successful session. Thank you to all my volunteers. The next session on the 5th October will be during the Silver Sunday week of events and Eversfield will be open for anyone to drop in.

Lisa welcomed everyone and introduced the speaker for this evening Mr Michael Shann – from Carers UK – Head of Membership and Volunteering.

Carers UK – 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX
Tel: 0207378 4978
Mobile: 07920 557 207

Michael had some presentation slides and a video which he shared and talked about. He talked a little about the history and how Carers UK was founded in 1965 by the Reverend Mary Webster. In 1963 The carers’ movement started when Mary Webster wrote a letter to the newspapers about the difficulties of working and caring for ageing parents. There are 40,000 Carers UK members and 900 volunteers. Carers UK mission is ‘to make life better for carers’ Michael then showed a short video which showed carers talking – which was insightful.

There were a few questions and answers after Michael’s talk and Michael also informed Lisa that he would email and provide the further information which was requested by members. Please see below Michael’s further information emailed to me below for your information.

State of Caring survey

The UK’s most comprehensive research into the lives and experience of carers. The survey takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and is open until 13 September.

https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/state-of-caring-survey-2021

Joining Carers UK

Membership is free and it only takes a couple of minutes to sign up. Carers who join will be able to post in our online Forum, will receive our quarterly Caring magazine and will receive monthly emails and invites to events.

www.carersuk.org/join

Care for a Cuppa – a weekly online drop in session for carers to connect with each other, share tips on caring and discuss any challenges they are having at the moment.

http://www.carersuk.org/cuppa

Share and Learn – a series of online sessions where guest speakers cover many topics ranging from yoga and creative writing to book-binding and Latin dance.

http://www.carersuk.org/shareandlearn

Carers UK helpline – please email advice@carersuk.org for advice on the financial and practical aspects of caring

Carers breaks – a series of videos and other information on the importance of taking a break and how to go about it

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/supporting-you-to-take-a-break

Carers UK campaigns – an overview of our current campaigns and how to get involved

https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/campaigns

Volunteering opportunities – our current online roles (note that our community volunteering roles are currently suspended due to the pandemic).

http://www.carersuk.org/volunteer

Michael then left the meeting and Lisa and everyone in the meeting thanked him. Members now had the opportunity to raise and discuss other matters.

One of the members asked about Homeshare.

Homeshare is someone who is unrelated to you shares your home and offers companionship and practical help in and around your home. I have also referred to Homeshare in my previous reports on the 10th and 17th August. There was however particular interest to the following lady and members asked Lisa to perhaps also invite her to join one of our future carers group meetings.

Lisa has invited Zaira and she has confirmed she will be joining our carers group meeting on the 28th September.

Zaira De Novellis,

Managing Director: Homeshare Coordinator

London Office: 020 36336066

Head Office:  016 04905517

Mobile:  078 47 072490

Email:  zaira@supportmatch.co.uk

Web:  www.supportmatch.co.uk

Supportmatch Homeshare  Service  is built on referrals, so please feel free to pass on our details to anybody that you think would benefit from our services

 

One of the members asked about vehicles which can take a wheelchair with the person already in the chair. A discussion followed with various recommendations from other members. Lisa also mentioned that she would provide further details from the Barnet Council website and will also try and find out if there are any car manufacturers who provided vehicles for wheelchairs.

Please see link below from the Barnet Council website which provides details of various transport options which may be of interest for anyone to apply;

https://www.barnet.gov.uk/adult-social-care/stay-connected-and-well/transport-options

1. Blue Badge – Helps disabled people with severe mobility problems to access goods and services by allowing them to park close to their destination.
2. Freedom Pass – Freedom Passes for older and disabled people are funded by your local council and give free travel on most public transport in London 24 hours a day including weekends and public holidays.
3. Mobility Aid Recognition Card (TfL) – For people who use mobility scooters, manual and powered wheelchairs, mobility walkers or shopping trolleys. If your mobility aid is one of the 86 types that will fit into the wheelchair space on London buses, then you can order a Mobility Aid card to show to bus drivers so they can ensure you have access to the bus.
4. Motability Car Scheme – Buying and adapting a car can be expensive. The Car Scheme, run by the independent not-for-profit organisation Motability gives disabled people the opportunity to own or lease a car at an affordable price.
5. North London Dial-a-Ride – Dial-a-Ride is a door-to-door multi-occupancy vehicle for disabled people and older people who cannot use buses, trains and tubes. It can be used for many different journeys, such as shopping, visiting friends and family, doctor and dentist appointments, and going out at night. You must have a permanent or long-term disability or health problem, which makes you unable or virtually unable to use public transport.
6. Shopmobility at Brent Cross shopping centre –  Brent Cross shopping centre run a Shopmobility service which offers people with limited mobility wheelchairs and powered scooters free of charge. Shopmobility is about the freedom to get around. You do not need to be registered disabled to use it.
7. Taxicard –  The London Taxicard schemeExternal link enables people with physical disabilities to travel in licensed black cabs for a reduced fare. You can apply for membership of the scheme if you are a Barnet resident:
   1. in receipt of Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate mobility component
   2. have a permanent or substantial disability
   3. in receipt of a War Pensioners’ Mobility supplement
   4. registered as blind (not partially sighted)
8. Travel Mentoring Service – Learn to use public transport through TfL’s travel mentoring service. A mentor comes with you for your first few journeys to help you gain confidence to become an independent traveller. It can also provide help to people who use mobility scooters and other mobility aids on London bus services.
9. Travel Support Card – Use the card to ask for help from TfL staff when travelling on any form of public transport in London. For example: help with directions, planning your journey if there are delays, making sure you have time to sit down on a bus before it moves off and help getting on or off river boats.

Peugeot Partner Tepee cars

Lisa has also found that Peugeot Partner Tepee cars that can carry people in wheelchairs. The following link shows second hand and low mileage cars that can be bought or new cars.

https://www.motors.co.uk/peugeot/partner-tepee/used-cars/

OTHER INFORMATION WHICH MAY BE OF INTEREST WHICH WAS RAISED IN THE TUESDAY AFTERNOON ZOOM SESSION. One of the members recommended this as being excellent

Mini size Ear Sound Amplifier for Elderly.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B082TTBHCX?psc=1&pldnSite=1

From Amazon -this costs £26.89.

PLEASE NOTE – TOPICS FOR NEXT 2 CARERS GROUP MEETINGS

• Andrew Wrensch will be doing a seminar presentation next week Tuesday 7th September – and his topic will be ‘Dealing with Aggression’
• I am happy to report that Rachel Burley-Stower from Martin Searle Solicitors will be back to talk to us on Tuesday 14th September. Her topic will be on Social Funded Care. She will however be happy to take any other questions – time permitting.

I would like to wish all our Jewish members Shanah Tovah on the 7th September and our Hindu members a Happy Hindu Holiday on the 10th September.

We had 14 members today. As we can no longer hold any sing-a-long sessions as we did during the pandemic, it has been decided that we start the zoom afternoon sessions at 2.30pm. This will start with our usual chat time followed with music entertainment starting at 3pm with James Le Bec and then followed with exercises with Eon and as usual our Bingo at the end.

As we had extra time today before James joined us, Lisa did a short food and drink quiz with members and Karin and Corrado got 4 out of 5 answers correct.

The music entertainment with James was great and the music quiz is very popular and members love the challenge playing the word search ‘Countdown game’ at the end.

Eon’s exercises are also great and gets everyone working out. Lisa then called out the Bingo numbers with her special assistant Chrystalla and the winners today were Helen and Chrystalla.

The booking system at the Finchley Memorial Hospital is running smoothly and everyone knows to contact Lisa if they like to attend. We had no music entertainment today as this is every other week. Members were kept busy with colouring, puzzles, word searches and today they also had a multiple-choice quiz which was challenging but great fun as they all worked together. It was one of the members birthday a few days ago and Lisa surprised Brian with a chocolate cup cake and a firework candle. Everyone sang to wish Brian Happy Birthday. Richard Kravetz then joined us for the Yoga which was again great fun. Lisa then read out some jokes which made everyone laugh and then the session ended with some sing-a-longs.{gallery}FMH20210825{/gallery}It was a very successful and enjoyable session.

A big thank you to Keren for taking the first half hour of the meeting in my absence. Our speaker today from Carers UK had to reschedule for next week and Andrew was unable to join us as he had a work emergency.

The session today was therefore open to all members to raise and talk about any concerns and challenges.  As some of the discussions referred to previous matters discussed, I have copied some of my last week’s report below for everyone’s information.

There was also some discussion about choosing care homes. Please see the link below which provides a directory of all the care homes in Barnet and also provides advice.

https://www.barnet.gov.uk/adult-social-care/independence-your-home/find-right-housing-option-you/care-homes

I have included Mike Rich CEO of Barnet Carers in this report and also Marcelo Navarro -Director of a care company for your information if you need to contact them.

Please also see below the contact details of our speaker last week – Rachel Burley-Stower a solicitor from Martin Searle Solicitors 

Rachel@ms-solicitors.co.uk    Mobile number:  07830288327

Our speaker for next week’s carers group meeting is Michael Shann from Carers UK

As always if you would like to speak to me at any time on a one-to-one basis I am always happy to chat.

Thank you to Keren, Dr Angela Parker who is also one of our Trustees, Mike Rich and Marcelo Navarro