Service user resources

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney and should you have one in place?

At some point in the future you may not be able to make your own decisions. A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf. There are separate LPAs for financial affairs and for health and welfare. They can only be set up by you whilst you can understand what you are doing.

If you become unable to make your own decisions, things can become very complicated for your loved ones. Those looking after you may need to go through the Court of Protection to deal with your affairs. The BBC One Show video below shows how hard things became for Heather Bateman managing her husband's affairs.

Can I choose what powers I grant?

LPAs are powerful legal documents. It is important that you think carefully and seek advice about what powers you grant and to whom. You can choose to give an attorney the power to make decisions about money and property for you. This would include managing your bank account, paying bills, selling your home etc. You can also give an attorney the power to make decisions about your health and welfare. This would include things like your medical care, your daily routine (eg washing, dressing, eating), moving into a care home etc.

How do I make a lasting power of attorney?

Attendance allowance – how to apply?

To apply for attendance allowance you need to fill out form AA1A form the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). To request a form call 0345 605 6055 or download from this link. Once completed the form must be printed, signed and posted (not emailed). Expect your claim to take around 40 days to process and they should backdate any payment due. If you are terminally ill, there are special rules to allow your claim to be dealt with more quickly provided you ask for a form DS1500 from your GP or Consultant.

Along with the allowance you may also get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or a Council Tax Reduction – check with the helpline (see below) or office dealing with the benefit.

You will need the following information to complete the form:

National Insurance number
GP name and surgery’s address
Medication details
Details of anyone else you have seen in the last year about your illness or disability.
If you have one, your hospital record number.
Dates of hospital stays with contact details.

Detail how your daily life is affected

Your answers should focus on how your daily life is affected by your health rather than the illness or disability itself – detail all the little daily tasks that you struggle with:

Washing: do you need help getting in and out of the bath or shower, washing your hair, or shaving?
Going to the toilet: do you need help to go to the toilet? Do you suffer from incontinence or need help changing the bed sheets?
Getting dressed or undressed
Mealtimes: do you need help with eating, drinking, preparing meals or doing other things in the kitchen?
Medical treatment: do need help with medication?
Getting around indoors: do you need help to move around your house? Do you have any aids such as a hoist; commode; raised toilet seat; bath rails, shower seat; walking frame; special cutlery etc.
Communicating: do you need help to read post? Can you hear the doorbell?
Supervision: are you in danger of falling? Do you need someone to watch over you?

Don’t underestimate your needs on the form, detail the help needed on bad days, as well as on good ones. Describe how other people help you – or could help you. At the end of the form there is an option for someone who knows your needs to include a statement – doing this will likely help your claim.You must sign the form yourself unless someone holds a power of attorney for you.

To leaver more about the benefits and entitlements that you may be eligible to receive, we suggest the Age UK website.

Every five minutes someone in the UK has a Stroke. It can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time.

You could you save a life if you spot the signs of stroke. Using the FAST test is the best way to do this.

Face: Can the person smile? Has their face fallen on one side?
Arms: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?
Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred?
Time: If you see any of these three signs, it’s time to call 999.

A stroke is a medical emergency. Always dial 999. The quicker they arrive at a specialist stroke unit, the quicker they will receive appropriate treatment.

If you, or someone else, show any of the signs of you must call 999 without delay.

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke

A great story from the Stroke Association

One woman’s quick thinking saved her husband’s life. Meet Terry and Phillip, pictured on the left.

The day of Phillip’s stroke started like any other, he worked an early shift and headed home. But when he got there in the afternoon, he felt more tired than usual. Thinking nothing of it, he had a cup of tea and a shower, then went to sleep. When he woke up, he wasn’t acting normally.His speech was slurred, his face drooped and he had problems with his sight. It’s lucky that Terry had seen the FAST campaign on Facebook a few days before. She recognised that Phillip had some of the symptoms of stroke and knew to call 999 immediately.

Terry’s knowledge of FAST, and quick thinking, meant Phillip was rushed to hospital, and got the emergency treatment he needed. Acting FAST meant Philip has the best chance of recovery.You never know when stroke may strike. Spotting the signs of a stroke early, and immediately calling 999 gets people the life-saving treatment they need. And it’s not just about saving lives, quick treatment also means a better recovery.

Remembering to act FAST, prepares you to give someone the best chance of recovery.
Forwarding FAST to a friend could make them a lifesaver. Like Terry.

With temperatures dropping it is important to think about how to look after ourselves and other in cold weather. For those of us who venture out, staying safe in cold weather means allowing extra time for any journeys, driving safely and slowly, wearing appropriate warm clothing including outdoor footwear with good grips.

Please watch this video about why staying safe in cold weather is an important issue for elderly or vulnerable people.

Staying safe in cold weather

Keep the warmth in by:

Fitting draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors.
Making sure you have loft insulation. And if you have cavity walls, make sure they are insulated too.
Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes.
Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep heat generated inside your rooms.
Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by furniture or curtains.

Heating homes

Heating homes to at least 18°C (65F) is particularly important for people 65 years and over or with pre-existing medical conditions;
Make sure you are using sufficient bedding, clothing and thermal blankets or heating aids as appropriate.
Keep your home well ventilated to help prevent condensation and damp.
Use your electric blanket as instructed but don’t use a hot water bottle with it as it could be dangerous.
Don’t use a gas cooker or oven to heat your home; there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Make sure you have a supply of heating oil or LPG or sold fuel if you are not on mains gas or electricity.

Look after yourself

Food is a vital source of energy and helps to keep your body warm so have plenty of hot food and drinks.
Aim to include five daily portions of fruit and vegetables. Tinned and frozen vegetables count toward your five a day.
Stock up on tinned and frozen foods so you don’t have to go out too much when it’s cold or icy.
Exercise is good for you all year round and it can keep you warm in winter.
If possible, try to move around at least once an hour. But remember to speak to your GP before starting any exercise plans.
Wear lots of thin layers – clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are particularly good and maintain body heat.
Wear good-fitting slippers with a good grip indoors and shoes with a good grip outside to prevent trips, slips and falls.
Make sure you have spare medication in case you are unable to go out.
Check with Ofgem if you are eligible for inclusion on the priority services register operated by your water and power supplier.

Look after others

Check on older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses to make sure they are safe, warm and well.

Get financial support

There are grants, benefits and sources of advice to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. It’s worthwhile claiming all the benefits you are entitled to before winter sets in. Visit the Which website for more info.

Get moving when it snows

If you live on or near a hill, buy your own supply of salt from local garden centres or builders’ merchants.
Where council salt bins are provided the salt is only intended to be used on the nearby public roads and footpaths.
Buy a snow shovel and to use it before any snowfall compacts.

If you would like to organise a Gardiner’s Care Worker to visit and help keep you or a loved one warn and safe during the cold weather, please click here.

Staying safe in cold weather – other resources

NHS England will once again provide free flu vaccinations for social care staff including domiciliary care workers. The vaccination is available to staff who provide direct care to people in clinical risk groups or who are over 65. Find out more here.

#Jabathon

Between 8–12 October, the NHS flu fighter team are running #jabathon, a week-long social media campaign aimed at encouraging social care staff to share their reasons for getting the flu vaccination and to nominate others to get theirs. Find out more at www.nhsemployers.org/jabathon

To prove that you are eligible for a free flu vaccination, take you Gardiner’s identification badge with you to get the vaccine.

Flu is a serious illness for people in vulnerable circumstances. Getting the flu vaccine helps to protect our staff, their families and the people we care for and support.

Most people who receive care will also qualify for a free flu vaccine. For those who do not qualify for a free vaccine, the cost for you to get the vaccine from you local pharmacy is typically less than £10.

Flu kills

For the majority of people who catch it flu is unpleasant, but for some it can lead to chest infections, severe complications and death. Globally, seasonal flu accounts for about three to five million causes of severe illness annually and between 250,000 and 500,000 deaths.

The flu vaccine has an excellent safety record

The risk of having a serious reaction to the seasonal flu vaccine is less than one in a million. This is much lower than the risk of getting seriously ill from having the flu itself.

The flu jab can’t give you the flu

It is impossible to get flu from the having the flu jab because the vaccine doesn’t contain live viruses. A very small number of people experience side effects such as aching muscles, but this is simply the immune system responding to the vaccine.

The side effects of the flu vaccination aren’t bad

For the most part, seasonal flu vaccine side effects are mild or often non-existent. The most common side effect is soreness around the site of the injection and occasionally aching muscles. These symptoms are a lot less serious than having flu.

You need the vaccine every year

If you were vaccinated last year, you won’t be protected against the new strains of flu circulating which are generally best matched by the current seasonal vaccine.

Pregnant women can be vaccinated

Pregnant women can have the flu vaccination at any stage of their pregnancy. Having the vaccination when pregnant is beneficial and helps protect baby from flu over the first few months of life.

Healthy diets won’t prevent flu

Your diet could well be helping to boost your immune system, but eating well will not protect you from flu. The best way to protect yourself, family and patients against flu is by getting the flu jab.

Hand-washing is very important, but it won’t stop flu

It is vital to follow universal infection prevention procedures and wash your hands, but once flu has been passed on to your family, colleagues or your patients, clean hands won’t keep flu at bay. Book your flu jab as soon as possible, and encourage those around you to do the same.

Anyone can get the flu

One of the most common reasons for not getting vaccinated is “I’ve never had flu before”. There’s no such thing as natural immunity to influenza; with new strains circulating this year, it’s best to get vaccinated against flu.

NHS Choices Website: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Flu/Pages/Prevention.aspx

With darker evenings upon us, stay safe at home.

Thames Valley Police are reminding us all to take basic home security measures to help ensure that we stay safe at home.

Tips to help you stay safe at home.

Reduce the chance of your house being targeted:

Invest in a timer light switch. Vary the time it comes on each day to make it look more natural.
Used a radio or TV to give the impression that someone’s home.
Keep valuables out of sight. Mark them with your house number and postcode using a UV pen.
Register your valuables via Immobolise and keep an inventory list. It’s free and takes just a few minutes.
Photograph jewellery for insurance purpose. Store it in a suitable safe.
Lock your doors and windows. Make sure you double lock UPVC doors or windows by lifting the handle and locking with the key. Remove keys from locks and place out of reach.
If you’re going away, don’t post details on social media. Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries. If you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set before you leave
Look out for your neighbours’ houses. Call the police if you see anything suspicious on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Halloween

This halloween, if you don’t want trick-or-treaters to knock at your door, put up a ‘no trick-or-treaters’ sign and close your curtains.

Stay safe at home. If you don’t know who is calling at your door, you don’t have to answer it. Look through a spy-hole or window before opening the door. Have a chain in place if you do answer your door. If you feel threatened in your home, call 999.

Perhaps Gardiner’s can help to ensure that you or a loved one stay safe at home? We frequently visit clients for as little as one hour per week helping to promote confidence, build independence and provide reassurance.

Sepsis or blood poisoning can happen as a result of an infection or injury. Our immune systems normally fight infection however sometimes it can attack our body’s own organs and tissues.

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that can initially look like flu, gastroenteritis or a chest infection. It can be treated if caught early.

HOW TO SPOT SEPSIS IN ADULTS

Seek emergency medical help if you notice any of these symptoms:

Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain
Passing no urine (in a day)
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you’re going to die
Skin mottled or discoloured

HOW TO SPOT SEPSIS IN CHILDREN

If a child is unwell with any of the symptoms below, call 999 and ask could it be sepsis?

Breathing very fast
Has a ‘fit’ or convulsion
Looks mottled, bluish, or pale
Has a rash that does not fade when you press it
Is very lethargic or difficult to wake
Feels abnormally cold to touch

For children under 5, symptoms of Sepsis may include, if they are:

Not feeding
Vomiting repeatedly
Has not passed urine for 12 hours

Sepsis causes around 37,000 deaths a year in the UK. It usually develops from blood poisoning and involves a dramatic reaction by the body’s immune system. If not treated quickly it can lead to organ failure or death. Early symptoms can include a high temperature and a fast heartbeat.

Case study

Julie Bignone nearly died. Feeling feverish, she assumed she had a bad dose of flu. After a weekend in bed, Julie went to her GP and was told to come back if she got worse. Later the same day Julie was taken to hospital. She had pneumonia in both lungs and sepsis, doctors feared she might not survive.

Julie feels now that she should have acted on her instinct early on that she was suffering from something a lot worse than flu. She says: “There’s a lot of scope for getting it wrong with sepsis because the symptoms are not specific enough – we need to get a system where doctors listen to patients more and allow them to have more of an opinion”.

UK Sepsis Trust

Infection leading to sepsis can start anywhere in the body. It can occur following chest or water infections, abdominal problems like burst ulcers, or simple skin cuts and bites. It is a life threatening condition that leads to shock, multiple organ failure and death if not treated early.

The Silver Line helpline for older people in the UK now takes over 10,000 calls a week. It offers a free, confidential, 24-hour, 365-day-a-year helpline.

The helpline number is 0800 4 70 80 90, all calls are free.

It offers information and friendship, and signposting to local organisations for support or social activities. The service is increasing its focus on the mental health issues and loneliness that can affect older people. Other services include a weekly befriending phone call or fortnightly penpal letters by trained volunteers.

Learn more about the Silver Line

The service was created in 2013 by Esther Rantzen (who also created Childline). Many older people don’t want to call the Samaritans because they don’t want to block the line, so the Silver Line fills that gaps. They have no strict age limits but most people they speak to are over 55. Callers are free to express their feelings, describe their lives honestly, and can trust the Silver Line to respect their privacy.

Since its launch the Silver Line Helpline has received over 1.4 million calls. More than two-thirds of calls are made overnight or at weekends when no other helpline is available for older people who may be lonely, isolated or confused. 53% of callers saying they have literally no-one else to speak to.

The are more than 3,000 volunteer Silver Line Friends who make regular friendship calls to older people. The service has also launched Silver Circle group calls for people with shared interests and Silver Letters for people who prefer letters or who are hearing impaired.

Help protect your home from thieves

Protecting homes of those who receive care

Protecting homes of those who receive care is important since they are more vulnerable than most to the exploits of criminals. It is vital that we don't become complacent about home security. In the summer heat, we often tend to leave windows and doors open.

Common cases of opportunist summer burglary involve offenders that:

enter an insecure front door while residents are in the back garden
enter doors that are closed but unlocked at night while residents are asleep
reach through windows to take valuable items

When protecting homes of those who receive care, it is important to strike the right balance between health /welfare on one hand and security on the other. It is vital that we don't become complacent about home security.

Protecting homes of those who receive care - Crime reduction advice

Ensure that windows and doors are closed and locked when you are out. Don’t leave small windows open believing them to be safe.
If you want to leave windows open while you sleep, fit window restrictors so they cannot be fully opened, or make sure they are not large enough to allow access to a burglar.
When out in your garden ensure that windows and doors to the front of the house are secure. It only takes a second for someone to get into your home and take things without you noticing.
Do not leave valuables on display in front of windows or in reach of open windows or doors.
Ensure that all barbecue and garden equipment and tools are securely locked up in a shed and out of sight. Tools can be used by the potential offender to break in to your home.
Consider fitting outside security lighting or a visible alarm to help deter burglars. Even using pea shingle or gravel on a driveway and spiky plants in garden beds can help.
Don’t leave any keys near entry points where they can be ‘fished’ or ‘hooked’ out through the window, letter box or cat flap.
Ensure any internal handle operated locks on UPVC doors are fully secured with a key.

Protecting homes of those who receive care - Sheds - Easy pickings?

Offenders see sheds as easy pickings because they are unprotected and lack basic security measures. The buildings often contain property that can be sold on or implements that can be used to force entry into the owner’s home.

Many sheds whilst being of good construction fall short on basic security.
It is easy to unscrew the ironmongery, steal contents and in some cases replace the screws to make it look as if the shed has not been tampered with.
By using tamper proof screws or coach bolts together with a good quality pad bar or hasp and staple and close shackled padlock, the shed owner will make it harder for the would-be thief.
It is also a good idea to bond any window glass in, with mastic to prevent easy removal.
Ensure all tools and equipment are locked away when not in use.
High-quality locks should be used on doors. Windows can be fitted with a grille or, as a cheaper alternative, chicken wire, to slow a thief down.
A shed alarm can also be installed.
Post-coding or indelibly marking all property such as lawnmowers, bikes, and tools using ultra-violet pens, forensic marking such as Selecta DNA or Smartwater or engravers.
Installing security lighting as a deterrent, and plants such as thorny shrubs to act as a barrier at potential access points.
If building a shed, putting it where it is most visible to you and neighbours.

Going away or on holiday?

Make your home look occupied.
If you're out or going away, ask a trusted neighbour to open and close your curtains for you.
Ask a neighbour if they don't mind parking their car on your driveway and trimming your garden to make your home look occupied.
Cut the front and back lawns before you go away and trim any plants that burglars could hide behind.
Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries.
Before your holiday, don’t advertise that you are going away on Facebook, Twitter etc.
Register for the Royal Mail 'Keepsafe' service.

https://gardinersnursing.co.uk/

Heatwave care advice – we all love the sun but heat or a heatwave can be very dangerous for some older people living alone and for those with conditions such as heart or respiratory disease, diabetes or Alzheimer’s. The main risks posed by a heatwave are dehydration(not having enough water), overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing, heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Heatwave care advice- top tips for staying safe during the very hot weather:

Drink lots of fluid – even if you aren’t thirsty – opt for water rather than tea, coffee, alcohol or sugary drinks. Carers should make sure that they leave plenty of water or dilute drinks available.
Eat normally – even if you aren’t hungry, you need a normal diet to replace salt losses from sweating. In addition, try to have more cold foods, particularly salads and fruit, as these contain a lot of water.
Don’t spend long periods sitting or working outside during the hottest time of the day: late morning to mid-afternoon.
Avoid strenuous activity, and limit activities like housework and gardening to the early morning or evening when it’s cooler.
When inside, try to stay in the coolest parts of your home. Keep curtains and blinds closed in rooms that catch the sun.
Keep windows shut while it’s cooler inside than out and open them when it gets hotter inside. If it’s safe, you could leave a window open at night when it’s cooler.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-coloured, cotton clothing.
Take cool baths or showers.
Splash your face with cool (not very cold) water, or place a damp cloth on the back of your neck to help you cool off.
If you’re travelling by car or public transport always take a bottle of water. Try to avoid long journeys.

Heatwave care advice – what else can you do?

If you live alone, consider asking a relative, friend or carer to visit or phone to check that you’re not having difficulties.
If you know a neighbour who lives alone, check regularly that they are OK.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Get help quickly if you become unwell.
If you have breathing problems or a heart condition, your symptoms might get worse when it’s very hot. Contact your GP for advice.

Perhaps an extra visits each day from Gardiner’s during this hot weather would help?

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/

How do I know if someone needs help?

Seek help from a GP or contact NHS 111 if someone is feeling unwell and shows symptoms of:

breathlessness
chest pain
confusion
intense thirst
weakness
dizziness
cramps which get worse or don’t go away

Get the person somewhere cool to rest. Give them plenty of fluids to drink.

The importance of sight tests for those receiving care at home

By the time we are 65 years old, almost all of us will need to wear glasses or contact lenses. Poor vision is a significant factor in a great many falls for people aged over 60 and that is one of the reasons why sight tests for those receiving care at home is so important.

Having regular eye tests is really important since wearing the right glasses helps to improve balance, co-ordination and mobility. Sight tests can also pick up age-related changes, as well as eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts, as well as general health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure. These conditions can be detected at an early stage, usually before you’ve even noticed that anything is wrong.

If you notice any changes in your vision, get it checked as soon as possible.

How to have organise sight tests for those receiving care at home

Even if you think your sight is fine, you should have an eye test at least every 2 years. If you receive care at home or if you are aged over 60 you will most likely qualify for free NHS funded eye tests. If you find it difficult to attend appointments, you could ask a Gardiner’s care worker to come with you. Another option is to request a home visit, your usual optician may offer this service. Opticians that offer home visits locally include:

Specsavers – home eye tests

Registering as blind or partially sighted

If you have serious sight loss, you can register as blind or partially sighted. This doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t see at all, you may still have some useful vision. Registering entitles you to certain benefits including a disabled person’s rail card, tax allowances, parking concessions and a half price TV licence. To register, ask your doctor or optician to refer you to an eye specialist, who will examine your eyes to see if you’re eligible.

Further advice about eye sight and sight tests for those receiving care at home

Practical help for those with sight loss – https://www.rnib.org.uk
Practical help for those with sight loss – http://www.pocklington-trust.org.uk/
Advice about eye health – http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/over60s/Pages/eyehealth.aspx
More advice about eye health & sight tests – http://www.ageuk.org.uk/health-wellbeing/keeping-your-body-healthy/better-sight-/sight-tests/

Home Fire Safety

If you or a loved one receives care at home, it is vital that you think seriously about Home Fire Safety. Most fires which involve death or serious injury takes place in people's homes.

Free Home Fire Safety Checks

Local fire services offer free home fire safety checks to the elderly, people with mobility issues, people who receive care at home and those with any visual or auditory impairment. To find out more, visit the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service website or call 08005876679. If you live in Oxfordshire, click here to visit the website or call 01865842999.

Escape plan

Would you be able to escape if there was a fire in the middle of the night? Your house may be dark and full of smoke, making it even more difficult to find a way out. Making an escape plan in advance, practising it and talking to those who visit or live with you about it can save lives.

The best escape route is your usual way in and out of your house. Choose a second route, just in case the first one is blocked. Keep both routes clear of obstructions. Always keep door and window keys in the same place and make sure everyone knows where they are.

If you can’t escape, you will need to find a room to take refuge in, especially if you have difficulty moving around or going downstairs on your own. The refuge room should have a window and a phone. Keep a copy of your address by the phone, so children or visitors can read it out to the emergency services.

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms should be installed at the bottom of the stairs and on each stair landing. The alarm should be positioned on the ceiling near the centre of the room. If you have any elderly relatives or neighbours, please test their smoke alarms for them since they are at far great risk.

If you have a smoke alarm, you should test the batteries every week, change the batteries every year, every six months gently vacuum to remove dust and every ten years replace the entire smoke alarm. One option to consider is a monitored smoke alarm. Telecare service such as Forest care will regularly test your alarm for you, also if the alarm goes off they will call you and if needed call the emergency services.

Cooking safely

Always keep looking when cooking, don’t get distracted - Never leave cooking unattended
Take extra care when cooking with oil as it can set alight easily
Keep the oven, hob and grill clean
Keep tea towels, cloths and other items away from the oven and hob area
Take care if you are wearing loose clothing
Don’t cook if you’ve been drinking alcohol or taking medication

Electrical safety

Look out for loose wiring, scorch marks, hot plugs / sockets, flickering lights, fuses that blow or circuit that trip. If you spot this, stop using the device and get it seen to or replaced. Always unplug electrical appliances and chargers when not in use, including when you go out or to bed. Be sure to never overload sockets. Keep appliances clean and in good working order.

Smoking

If a Gardiner's care worker is present, you must agree not to let anyone if your home smoke whilst the care worker is there or for an hour beforehand, If someone does smoke in your home, make sure they use a proper ashtray, never a wastepaper basket. Lit cigarettes should never be left unattended. Never smoke in bed and take extra care if you smoke when you’re tired, taking medication, or if you have been drinking.

Oxygen users

Never use oxygen equipment near an open flame. When using oxygen equipment, never let anyone smoke or use e-cigarettes near you. Be aware also never to let anyone change or charge batteries near you.