Year Book 2017 - 2018 Free Service Information Guide (see our appeal on page 5)

Working for Older People Throughout the District

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Companion Driving Service We offer a safe, friendly and reliable community companion driving service for the elderly and anyone who is unable to drive but wishes to remain independent. We have a wheelchair accessible vehicle and can help if you: • Would like to go shopping or have several stops to make • Have a hospital, doctor’s or hairdressing appointment to keep Are visiting family or friends Dementia who Friendslive locally or some distance away • First-Aid trained • Would like to go on a social outingFully licensed with others (Independently owned and operated franchise business) • Need an airport or train stationwww.drivingmissdaisyUK.co.uk drop off and collection Call Katherine Eglington for Malvern and surrounding areas Book your Daisy! 07525 873 089

DBS checked Fully Licensed Dementia friend First-Aid trained

(Independently owned and operated franchise business) www.drivingmissdaisy.co.uk 1 BEFRIENDING and PHONE-A-FRIEND SERVICE This is a service offering a life line for the elderly within the District who may feel lonely and vulnerable. Befriending Are you lonely, feeling isolated? Then call us and we will arrange for one of our volunteers to visit you in your home, providing companionship and improving your wellbeing. Phone a friend Alternatively, if you would prefer it, we could ring you on a regular basis for a chat to see how you are. For more information about these services please contact: Charmain Selkirk, Co-Ordinator, on 01684 560585 or [email protected]

As well as the Befriending Service Age UK Malvern and District also supports the -Wide Reconnections service. Funded, amongst others, by Worcestershire County Council and the local NHS this is the first service in the UK to focus entirely on loneliness, the causes, its impact on the lives of older people and how it can be tackled in a long term, sustainable way. It aims to do this by ‘reconnecting’ people with activities, groups and individuals in their communities. Reconnections works with individuals aged 50 and over, as well as with volunteers of all ages – a combination that delivers life-changing results on both sides! More information about Reconnections can be found at: http://www.reconnectionsservice.ork.uk or http://www.ageuk.org.uk/herefordshireandworcestershire/ support-services/reconnections/ or ring either 0800 1958040 or 01905 740954

2 WELCOME Welcome to the 2017-18 Age UK Malvern & District Year Book. As always we aim to provide up to date information on a range of services and activities across the District that we think are likely to be of a particular interest and relevance to residents. Once again our grateful thanks go to the advertisers whose input has largely enabled us to provide this book free of charge to its readers (but please see our appeal on P5). Grateful thanks are also due to Aspect Design for their support and unstinting help, and to our volunteers and contributors who ensure that the information in the book is as up to date as we can make it. Thanks also to those of you who have taken the time to let us know what you thought was good, or not so good, about last year’s book and what we might do to improve it; your feedback has been incorporated into this edition. We do hope you find the information you need but if not please feel free to contact us and we’ll do our best to help. Happy reading!

AGE UK MALVERN and DISTRICT Contact us at our offices Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday l0am–3pm, Wednesday 10am–1pm Address: Railway Station, Station Approach, Malvern, Worcs. WR14 3AU Tel: 01684 560666 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ageukmalvern.org.uk Fax: 01684 891063

3 Emergency Numbers Police/Fire Brigade/Ambulance: 999 Electricity (24 hour power loss helpline): 0800 6783105 Gas (e.g.. if you smell gas): 0800 111999

Other useful numbers Police non-emergency (24 hour service): 101 Smoke Alarm and Fire Safety Check: 0800 0321155 Severn Trent Water: 0800 7834444 Social Services (Access Centre): 0845 6072000 Council: 01684 862151 Age UK Malvern Office: 01684 560666 Age UK Malvern Handyperson: 01684 899003 Age UK Malvern, Footcare: 01684 576655 Age UK Malvern, Happy Home Workers: 01684 565829 Age UK Shop: Malvern 01684 568127 01584 810209 Dementia Adviser 07460 836511 Visiting (Befriending) Service 01684 560585

Personal useful numbers

4 AGE UK MALVERN & DISTRICT: AN APPEAL Age UK Malvern & District is a small local charity providing services to people in need and over the age of 50 in the Malvern Hills District. Although we are affiliated to the national Age UK charity and provide services under that name we are based in Malvern and provide services purely on a local level. To many local people those services are a life line, literally in some cases. In 2016-17 we received 4644 separate enquiries for information and advice on a whole range of issues including benefits, estate planning, home help, loneliness, dementia and what to do when a loved one dies. We helped people across the district access well over £1,000,000 in benefit entitlement, largely for Attendance Allowance which pays for personal care and enables older people to maintain their independence, health and wellbeing for as long as possible. Our services are in demand and, with more people living longer that demand is only going to grow; it is estimated that by 2026 31% of the population of Malvern Hills District will be aged 65 or over. However, at the same time as demand is set to rise, securing funding for these services is getting harder. In recent years we have seen the levels of local authority funding shrink to virtually nothing and, as a charity providing services to the vulnerable and those in need, we aim to keep the costs of our charged for services to a minimum. We also work hard to minimise our costs e.g. by working in partnership with other organisations to share costs, and regularly review ways to diversify and increase our income from alternative sources e.g. we have this year moved our Malvern shop to a more prominent location in the Link in a – so far successful - bid to boost independent revenue. All of which brings us to this appeal. Could you make a donation to Age UK Malvern and help secure the future of these vital services? As an example, a donation of £25.00 would fund one advice session which could potentially result in an older vulnerable person receiving up to £83.10 per week, or £4,321.20 per year, in Attendance Allowance. This makes a massive difference to the individual, but don’t just take our word for it, take the word of one our many clients: ‘Thank you very much for your time and help during my recent visit. I am very pleased to report that I now have a Blue Badge and am receiving Attendance Allowance. These will help me and my daughter enormously and would not have been achieved without your advice’ You don’t have to donate £25.00 though, you could donate more! Or less!

5 However much you decide to donate it all helps and we are enormously grateful. Lastly if you are UK tax payer please complete the Gift Aid form over leaf and send it in with your donation. That enables us to claim the tax back making your donation worth an extra 25% to us, which is invaluable. Thank you for taking the time to read this appeal. We hope you find the Year Book a great help and may we take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your kind and generous donation.

Great Malvern Station Station Approach Great Malvern WR14 3AU

GIFT AID DECLARATION Name and address of donor (in capitals please):

Title...... Forename & Surname......

Address......

......

...... Post code ......

I want you to treat this donation of £...... which I have made to you, Age UK Malvern & District on

Date...... Month...... Year...... and all donations I make to you hereafter, until I notify you otherwise as Gift Aid Donations

Signature of donor...... Date ...... Notes to donor: You must pay an amount of income tax and / or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax the charity reclaims on your donations in the tax year to 5th April (currently 25p for each £1 you give). You can cancel this declaration at any time by notifying the charity. If in the future your circumstances change and you no longer pay tax equal to the tax that the charity reclaims, please cancel your declaration. Please also notify the charity if you change your name or address. Working for all older people – registered charity No 1143090

6 ACCESS GUIDE For further details ring the Occupational Therapist between 9.30am–1pm. A guide put together by the Malvern Tel: 01905 681637 Access Group is available free, from: Age UK Malvern and District Alterations Citizens Advice Bureau Age UK Malvern runs a Handyperson Tourist Information Scheme covering minor repairs and alterations. If interested please call: Activity Referral 01684 899003. Scheme ADULT EDUCATION Malvern Splash is offering a tailored SOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE activity programme for individuals COLLEGE who may be suffering from chronic conditions or just need that extra little South Worcestershire College offers a support to start exercising to improve variety of courses suitable for people their healthy lifestyle. Patients are of all ages and talents. They aim to referred onto the scheme via their GP. help their students achieve new skills or knowledge through enjoyment. This 12 week programme aims to motivate people into changing their For the current prospectus or further lifestyle to include an increase in details call: 01684 565351 or email: physical activity and a healthy diet, [email protected] improve mobility, mental health and well being and help people to make new ADVOCACY, friends, For more information about ONSIDE INDEPENDENT the programme itself please contact Onside Independent Advocacy trains Mark Cawthorne (Fitness Manager) at volunteers to act as advocates for people Malvern Splash. with a health problem or disability. Tel: 01684 893423 Advocates do not provide advice but E-mail: help you to access information, to fill in [email protected] forms, or to express your views at care meetings etc. ADAPTATIONS Connected plus Mentoring/Visiting. TO THE HOME Tel: 01905 27525 / 08442 489248 Assessment and Advice Affordable warmth The Community Occupational Therapy In Malvern Hills we are lucky to have Service offers an assessment and specific projects that support residents advice service to disabled people living who find themselves in fuel poverty. at home on matters relating to practical Firstly, there is an Affordable Warmth difficulties in daily living. The provision Grant that can be used towards the of equipment and adaptations to the cost of heating, i.e. radiators, loft and home would be considered. cavity wall insulation and clearance. To

7 find out if you are eligible for a grant AgeUKIG08 Housing options. contact George Waugh. AgeUKIG10 Useful contacts. E-mail: [email protected] AgeUKIG13 Advice for carers. Tel: 01684 560666 AgeUKIG14 Staying steady. Secondly, Act on Energy who are our AgeUKIG15 Bladder and bowel local energy advice centre. Information problems. is provided to help residents understand AgeUKIG17 Adapting your home. current bills, access to social tariffs AgeUKIG21 Powers of attorney. and energy-saving tips. For more AgeUKIG23 Getting help at home. information please contact Act on AgeUKIG24 Healthy living. Energy on 0800 988 2881 AgeUKIG27 Winter wrapped up. Age UK INFORMATION AgeUKIG30 Save energy, pay less. AgeUKIG31 Wills and estate planning. Booklets, Fact Sheets, AgeUKIG32 Bereavement. Catalogues and Specialist AgeUKIG38 Healthy eating. Books AgeUKIG43 More money in your pocket. Age UK produce a wide and diverse AgeUKIG44 In the driving seat. range of publications which can be acquired through the Malvern office. AgeUKIG45 Protecting yourself. AgeUKIG47 Care for someone with The range includes: Fact Sheets, dementia. Information Sheets and Guides. AgeUKIG48 Living with early stage Booklets on legal and health issues, dementia. mobility aids and equipment – all AgeUKIG49 Allowance attendance. available from the Malvern office. Tel: AgeUKIG50 Pension Credits. 01684 560666 AgeUKIG51 Before you go. Age UK’s fact sheets cover many of AgeUKIG52 Carer’s Allowance. the problems of concern to older AgeUKIG53 State Pension. people. They fill the gap between their AgeUKIG54 Council Tax Support. regularly updated annual publications AgeUKIL1 Staying cool in a and cover changes which take place heatwave. during the year. Enquiries via the office. AgeUKIL4 Internet security. Tel 01684 560666 AgeUKIL5 Care home checklist. Information Guides AgeUKIL6 Equity release. AgeUKIG01 Staying safe. AgeUKIL8 How to be an executor. AgeUKIG02 Lesbian, gay or bisexual. AgeUKIL7 Home safety checker. AgeUKIG03 When someone dies. Strength and balance exercises for healthy AgeUKIG05 Avoiding scams. ageing. AgeUKIG06 Care homes. Information guide AgeUKIG07 Your hospital stay. catalogue.

8 Factsheets FS39 Paying for care in a care home if Later life in the UK. you have a partner. FS1 Help with heating costs. FS40 Deprivation of assets in the means test for care home FS2 Buying retirement housing. provision. FS5 Dental care – NHS and private FS41 How to get care and support. treatment. FS42 Disability equipment and how to FS6 Finding help at home. get it. FS7 Making a Will. FS43 Getting legal advice. FS8 Council and housing association FS44 NHS services. housing. FS46 Paying for care and support at FS9 Anti-social behaviour in housing. home. FS10 Paying for permanent residential FS48 Pension Credit. care. FS49 The Social Fund, Advances FS12 Planning for retirement of Benefit and Local Welfare money and tax. Provision. FS14 Dealing with an estate. FS55 Carer’s Allowance. FS16 Transgender issues in later life. FS56 Guide to benefits for people FS17 Housing Benefit. under state pension age. FS19 State Pension. FS58 Paying for temporary care in a FS20 NHS continuing healthcare and care home. NHS-funded nursing care. FS59 How to resolve problems and FS21 Council Tax. make a complaint about social FS22 Arranging for someone to make care. decisions about your finance or FS61 Help with health costs. welfare. FS62 Deprivation of Liberty FS24 Personal budgets & direct Safeguards. payments in adult social care. FS63 Finding private rented FS25 Returning from abroad. accommodation. FS27 Planning for a funeral. FS64 Retirement (sheltered) housing. FS29 Finding care home FS65 Equity release. accommodation. FS66 Resolving problems and making FS34 Attendance Allowance. a complaint about NHS care. FS35 Tenants rights: rent. FS67 Tenants rights: repairs. FS37 Hospital discharge FS68 Tenants rights: security of tenure. arrangements. FS69 Water advice. FS38 Treatment of property in the FS71 Park Homes. means test for permanent care FS72 Advance decisions, advance home provision. statements and living wills.

9 FS74 Challenging welfare benefit as a Fall Detector. When your alarm decisions. is activated you are automatically FS75 Dealing with debt. connected, via your telephone line, FS76 Intermediate care and to Worcestershire TeleCare’s specially re-ablement. trained staff who will be able to deal FS78 Safeguarding older people from with an emergency, give advice or abuse. contact friends or relatives on your behalf. For further information call: FS79 The Equality Act 2010: the Public 0845 130 1469 (Telecare) Sector Equality Duty. or 0800 032 9425 (Age UK). FS82 Switching energy supplier. FS87 Personal Independence Payment Loan of Alarms (PIP). Age UK Malvern offers alarms (the FS89 Homelessness. TeleCare type) for short term loan. This FS91 Pension freedom & benefits. might help to support prompt discharge from hospital (see entry ‘Home from Age UK MALVERN Hospital’) for someone who lives alone DISABILITY SHOP or someone considering/awaiting a From time to time Age UK receive permanent alarm. Tel: 01684 899003 second hand equipment for use within Alcohol the home e.g. bathing aids or out and about e.g. walking aids etc. If you For more information and guidance need equipment or indeed if you have on the safe limits of alcohol please visit equipment surplus to your requirements, www.nhs.uk please contact us on: 01684 560666. ARTHRITIS ALARMS There are over 200 different forms of Individual Units arthritis and related conditions with osteo and rheumatoid being the most Worcestershire TeleCare, and Age common. UK Personal Alarms provide a service designed to enable people to continue Arthritis Care living independently in their own UK wide voluntary organisation offering homes, safe in the knowledge that help practical advice and emotional support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days to those with arthritis and related a year. conditions. They publish numerous A personal alarm is a system that booklets, e.g. ‘Talk about Pain’, you can control by pressing either a ‘Reaching Independence’, ‘Benefits for button on the main alarm unit or on Beginners’. Their bi-monthly magazine a conveniently sized pendant that you Arthritis News addresses ongoing carry around with you. The alarm can issues around access to treatments, also be activated automatically if you attitudes to arthritis, mobility and suffer a fall, using a device known access all written by people who endure

10 arthritis. They run pain management or income nor does it depend on and personal development courses National Insurance contributions. It is and offer practical, confidential support payable to help people over the age of from their helplines team. Membership 65 who are assessed as needing help and donations welcome but free with mobility and/or personal care. We information available. have the forms at the Age UK Malvern office and can advise on completing Helpline (9.30–5pm weekdays) them. Freephone: 0808 800 4050 Arthritis Research UK Personal Independence Payments Daily Living Component A pro-active research and fund raising organisation. They publish a Standard...... £55.65 wide range of factual booklets on the Enhanced...... £83.10 various forms of arthritis. Membership Mobility Component fee also includes a quarterly magazine with an update on the latest research Standard...... £22.00 developments. Enhanced...... £58.00 For more information contact: Earnings Rules 0300 7900 4000 Website: www.arc.org.uk Carer’s Allowance...... £110.00 Permitted Work Earnings Limit..£116.00 BENEFITS ADVICE Help PIP: 0800 9172222 The service responsible for pensions and benefits for older people is known Incapacity Benefit as the Department for Work and Long-Term...... £106.40 Pensions (DWP). The DWP is responsible for the calculation and administration Short-Term (over pension age) of a range of benefits including Higher Rate...... £106.40 Retirement Pension and many others. Lower Rate...... £102.20 Call: 0345 6060265 Retirement Pension What can you claim as an Basic Pension...... £122.30 older person per week? Married Woman...... £73.30 Couple on Husband’s Insurance Contributory and ...... £190.80 Non-Income-Related Benefits New State Pension...... £159.55

Attendance Allowance Bereavement Benefits Higher Rate...... £83.10 Bereavement Payment (lump sum) Lower Rate...... £55.65 ...... £2,000.00 Attendance Allowance is not means Bereavement Allowance (standard rate) tested i.e. is not affected by savings ...... £113.70

11 Income-Related Benefits Income Tax

Pension Credit Personal Tax Allowance Standard Minimum Guarantee Born after 5 April 1948....£11,500.00 Single...... £159.35 Born between 6 April 1938 Couple...... £243.25 and 5 April 1948...... £11,500.00 Housing Benefit/Council Tax Support Carer’s Allowance Personal Allowance Carer’s Allowance (CA) is a benefit Single (65+)...... £172.55 paid to all people who spend at least Couple (65+)...... £258.15 35 hours a week caring for a severely disabled person. It does not matter Benefits Pension Credits whether you live with the person From the 6th October 2003 a new you care for or live somewhere else. entitlement called Pension Credit Since October 2002 there is no upper replaced Minimum Income Guarantee. age limit for CA. To qualify you must be caring for someone who either People aged 65 or over who have receives: made modest arrangements for their retirement, (for example through a 1. Attendance Allowance. pension or savings), may also be 2. Disability Living Allowance care rewarded. paid at the middle or highest rate. 3. Constant Attendance Allowance To apply call The Pension Service. paid with War Pensions or Industrial Freephone: 0345 6060265 Disablement Benefit. For more information contact the Age For more information contact the UK Office Tel: 01684 560666 office. Tel: 01684 560666 Council Tax Benefit or Further Information Housing Benefit The above is simply an indication If you have a low income and/or of those benefits with particular savings below £10,000 (with effect application to many older people from Nov. ‘09) – on a sliding scale but of course there are other benefits up to £16,000 – this could make you dependant on personal circumstance eligible for lower Council Tax or help to which you may be entitled to claim. with your rent. There are a number of Check! Every year more than £1 billion variables so you need to check your benefits goes unclaimed. You might be own particular situation. Information entitled to additional income which leaflets and forms from Malvern Hills could improve the quality of your life. District Council, The Library, Graham Get further information from: Road, Malvern. Age UK Malvern for a range of information leaflets, forms and help to apply for Attendance Allowance etc.

12 The Citizens Advice Bureau (see ‘CAB’ BEREAVEMENT entry) for a range of help. Age UK Malvern Pension Payments – how you Have a number of leaflets and fact get your pension sheets regarding bereavement contact There are three ways in which you may the office on 01684 560666. receive your pension: Bereavement Register Current Bank Account The Bereavement Register removes This is for people who already have names and addresses of the deceased a bank account or wish to open one. from companies mailing lists and Pensions and other benefits are then databases to prevent unnecessary paid in there automatically and the distress to relatives. You can register by payment day will remain the same. calling the Bereavement Register on: 02070 896403 or pick up a leaflet Basic Bank Account from your local funeral director. This is a new type of account being BOOKS ON offered by all the main high street providers aimed largely at people who PRESCRIPTION do not have a current bank account. Worcestershire County Libraries Money can be drawn from the account and Learning Service are working in in cash at Post Offices from April and partnership with Worcestershire NHS, from cash machines and over the to provide quality self-help information counter at some banks. to enable you to manage your health through reading. A prescription for a Post Office Card Account recommended book is issued by your This is the ‘modern’ alternative to the doctor or health professional, and can pension and benefit book. It comes be exchanged for a book at your local with a swipe card for use with the PIN library. For more information: pads installed on Post Office counters, Web: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/libraries you use your own personal 4 digit PIN (Personal Identification Number). BREATHE EASY For information or help call us at the Breathe Easy is a support group for office. Tel: 01684 560666. people living with lung disease and their carers. It is supported by the BEFRIENDING and British Lung Foundation – the only PHONE a FRIEND SERVICE charity which provides information and support for people with lung disease, This is a service offering a life line for the and research into the prevention and elderly within the Malvern Hills District, cure of all lung diseases. who may feel lonely and vulnerable. For further details see page 2. For further information call: 0116 2495780

13 BUS SERVICES Buses also run every 15 minutes to Worcester and Worcestershire Royal Information Hospital Monday to Saturday, and every For local and national route planning two hours on a Sunday. Most Monday and general information, Travel Line: to Saturday daytime services on this 0871 2002233 route are Easylink – with an easy-to- understand timetable and regular, Full details of bus and rail services in easy-to-access buses. Buses run every the county can be found in the library ten minutes from 7am–7pm between and tourist information office. Worcester Bus Station and Worcester Names of others can be found in the Royal Hospital. timetable book or Yellow Pages. You can also travel from Worcester to the Alexandra Hospital in Concessions, i.e. Bus Passes on Easylink Service bus 350 Monday If you are of retirement age or disabled to Friday. The bus will run seven and live in the Malvern Hills District you times a day, starting from Worcester are entitled to a bus pass free of charge Crowngate Bus Station and will serve which allows the holder to travel for the Alexandra Hospital on its way to free anywhere in . You need to Redditch Bus Station. Most buses call present a completed application form in at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on together with proof of retirement age or the way. disability, to: Christmas/Boxing Day: no service. All The Hub, The Library, Graham other bank holidays as Sunday Service. Road, Malvern; or Upton Library; or Travel Line: 0871 2002233 Tenbury Area Office, Tenbury Wells. This concession is only valid between CAR BADGES 9.30am–11pm The Blue badge Scheme is a European If you need further information call replacement for the orange Badge 01684 862151 Scheme. National Express offer a pass for 1 or 3 years which entitles the holder to a Eligibility Criteria: discount and access to occasional a) Automatic. If you receive the high special offers. rate mobility component of disability Travelling to the hospitals in Worcester living allowance (applied for if under or Redditch from is easy, 65) or if you receive a war pensioner’s thanks to our link-up with the bus mobility supplement or you are service. registered blind (not partially sighted) or you have a severe disability in both Buses now run every fifteen minutes upper limbs, regularly drive a motor from Kidderminster to Redditch, and on vehicle but cannot turn the steering to the Alexandra Hospital, seven days wheel by hand even if that wheel is a week. fitted with a turning knob.

14 b) Discretionary. You may apply if information related to care homes you have a permanent and substantial including access to the minimum disability which means you are unable standards you can expect in any to walk or have very considerable registered home. Web: www.cqc.org.uk difficulty in walking. (People with a psychological disorder will not normally CARERS qualify unless their impairment causes Information Website very considerable, not intermittent, difficulty in walking) The most up to date information provided by the Government concerning N.B. A badge holder can be a support and benefits for carers can now passenger or a driver in their own or be found online at: someone else’s vehicle but it should www.direct.gov.uk only be displayed when the badge holder gets in/out of the vehicle. Adult and Community Services Otherwise the badge should not be Formerly known as Worcestershire displayed, neither should it whilst the Carer’s Unit. The unit provides car is moving. Misuse of the badge can moderate to high level carer support result in a fine. including Carers Assessment, Back Me For more information contact: Up scheme, Flexible Breaks, Practical MHDC, The Hub, The Library, courses and Carer Direct Payments. Graham Road, Malvern. Tel: 01905 768053 (option 2) Tel: 01684 862151 Web: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/ or Age UK: 01684 560666 health-and-social-care/carers/carers- A badge expires after 3 years when re- unit.aspx application should be made if you still The Worcestershire Integrated consider yourself to meet the criteria. Carers Hub CARE QUALITY An independent source of information, COMMISSION (C.Q.C.) advice and support for all adult carers in Worcestershire. The CQC is a new independent body which, from 1 April 2009, W.I.C. provides information and became exclusively responsible for the support for carers through the helpline, inspection, monitoring and regulation carer support groups, practical sessions of health and social care in England. and Caring With Confidence courses, Carers Emergency Card, newsletters You can contact them for lists of care and regular updates. homes in the area, to give feedback on care services, to access inspection Polysec House, Blackpole Trading Estate reports or seek general advice on West, Hindlip Lane, Worcester WR3 8TJ residential care. 24-hour helpline: 0300 0124272 Tel: 01905 751340 Tel: 03000 61 61 61 Fax: 01905 457121 The CQC website gives a range of Email: [email protected]

15 Carer Support Groups at: 33–35, Church Street, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 2AE Malvern Tel: 01684 572905 Meet 1st Tuesday of each month at 2.30–4.00pm at Williams Court, Evans Pharmacy Burrows Close. Contact Andria Cooper: 231, Worcester Road, , 0300 0124272 or 01905 750980 Worcestershire WR14 1SU Tel: 01684 575216 Tenbury Wells Meet 2nd Tuesday of each month at J Hoots 1.30–3.30pm at Tenbury Wells Library Claremont House Pharmacy 24 Teme Street. 121, Church Street, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 2AJ Carer Talk Time Befriending Tel: 01684 575686 Contact Alison: 01905 751347 Lloyds Pharmacy CATS PROTECTION 93–95, Road, WORCESTER & DISTRICT Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3LT Tel: 01684 573811 If you have found a cat, are looking for a new pet, could be a cat fosterer or Lygon Pharmacy help in the fostering process, need help 84, Worcester Road, Malvern, and advice on looking after your cat or Worcestershire WR14 1NY just want to help cats. Tel: 01684 561196 Tel: 03000 121212 Malvern Pharmacy Web: www.worcestercatsonline.org.uk 75, Church Street, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 2AE CHEMISTS/PHARMACISTS Tel: 01684 891082 If you live on your own and are unable Malvern Pharmacies Group to get to a chemist shop, your doctor Maple Road, Malvern, will be able to advise you on having Worcestershire WR14 1GQ your prescriptions made up and Tel: 01684 891940 delivered. Late duty opening hours for Murrays Healthcare chemists are published in the Malvern Malvern Health Centre Surgery, Gazette and on display in GP surgeries Pickersleigh Road, Malvern, and chemist shops. Worcestershire WR14 2GP The pharmacist (the chemist) is a highly Tel: 01684 567281 qualified professional who can give Rowlands Pharmacy advice and information on medications 7–9 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells, and other preparations – just ask. WR15 8AE Boots UK Tel: 01584 810480 Malvern Retail Park, Roman Way, Victoria Pharmacy Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1JQ 146, Worcester Road, Malvern, Tel: 01684 566839 Worcestershire WR14 1SS and Tel: 01684 575990

16 CHURCHES Malvern Advice in person or via the telephone, We would need a book on its own to Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays list every church in Malvern and District and Fridays, 10:00am–4.00pm. and the many activities and support Tel: 01684 563611 services they offer. Contact your local Wednesday: specialist appointments church for information. only. If you have a particular query contact Malvern Heights, Chequers Close, Enigma us at the Age UK Office, and we will Business Park, Malvern, WR14 1BF. do our best to help you with nearest Tenbury Wells churches, name of appropriate contact, The Library, 24 Teme Street. particular denominations. Tel: 01684 563611 CITIZENS ADVICE Thursdays: 9.00am–3.00pm. BUREAU (C.A.B.) Upton-upon-Severn The Library, School Lane The Citizens Advice Bureau provides: Friday: 10am–12.30pm Impartial, free, independent and confidential information and advice CLUBS AND on a range of topics including debt, COFFEE MORNINGS housing, welfare rights, employment, family and personal. Clubs in Malvern St. Mary’s’ Senior Residents Club Welfare Rights 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 2.30pm, Specialist help with reviews, appeals, St. Mary’s Church Hall, form-filling and representation. Sherrards Green Road. Money Advice Contact Mrs June Compton Tel: 01684 561506 For people with multiple debts, help with budgeting, negotiation with creditors Lunch Clubs and advice on insolvency procedures You may have lunch at 12.30pm at where appropriate. Storer Court, Barnards Green. Lunches The CAB is non-political and available will need to be booked in advance. There to everyone regardless of race, sexuality, is also the option of activities starting at gender, disability, age or religion. 10.30am and Extend exercise classes at 2.30pm and 10.30am on Wednesdays. The Bureau has a trustee board made Tel: 01684 560120 up of representatives from various local A lunch costs from £5.85 main, £2.45 organisations and agencies. The 65 dessert. volunteer advisers have all completed a comprehensive training programme Clubs around the District in order to offer accurate and up-to- date advice to the public. Services are Thursday Club provided in the district from a number Ken Lucas: 01886 822287 of offices. 2pm–4.30pm alternating Thursdays

17 Cameo Club Coffee Mornings Tenbury Methodist Church Malvern Age UK runs a coffee centre on Tel: 01584 811843 Tuesday mornings from l0am–12pm at First Thursday of the month the Scout Hall in Redland Road, Malvern Clarence park Link. Lunches and outings are also arranged occasionally. Do ‘drop in’ to Become a friend and you will have the coffee centre and meet your friends, access to café, hairdressers, gym and make new friends and meet Age UK. discount to certain activities. Contact Transport is available, ring the office for admin on: information, or just come along. Tel: 01684 583000 The Octagon Cordery Club Over 60s Zest For Life, Wednesdays 12noon– Welland Village Hall 2.00pm. Lunch for between 1 penny Mrs Margaret Smith: 01684 833252 and £1.50. First Thursday of month, 2.30–4.30pm Tai Chi chair exercise class, Wednesdays Cornflower Club 2.00pm. Costs £4.00. Kempsey Village Hall Alternate Wednesdays: 2.30–4.30pm Coffee Shop, Thursdays from 9.00am– 1.30pm Friendship Club This now well-established event attracts Clifton-upon-Teme about 30 people each week. For £1.50 01886 812681 you can get as much tea or coffee First and third Thursday of month as you can drink, along with toast, Freetime Clubs biscuits, and jacket potatoes with up to five different fillings. Geraldine Court Contact: Joan 01684 565411 or Gwen There is also an optional £1 raffle, 01684 5775537 profits from which provide an annual Bingo on Monday, 2.00-4.00pm. Christmas dinner. Storer Court Lunch Club These great people just love to welcome new diners, and ensure that you have Wednesday, 10am-2pm, Exercise, the very best experience. If you wish entertainment. Further information: to reveal your birthday (not year) we Paula Morris 01684 583000 will endeavour to provide a cake to Tuesday Chat Club celebrate your important day. For more information telephone Martin Astley Lawrence: 07505 053175 Pauline Sheldon: 01299 878581 Tuesday Friendship Club St Mary’s Church Kempsey The Firs, Old Road, North, Kempsey Mr Henry Morris: 01905 820601 Ann Norton: 01905 820401

18 Welland Coffee Morning COMPLAINTS Alternating Thursdays, 10.30–11.30am Methodist Church There are many organisations to whom Geoff Blackmore: 01684 311282 you can turn for help if you have a complaint which you cannot resolve, Exercise Club and Indoor Bowls e.g. Mondays 2.30pm • Mediation Upper Welland Methodist Church Geoff Blackmore: 01684 311282 • National Care Standards Commission (see index) COMMUNITY ACTION • Trading Standards Office Exists to help voluntary groups with information, advice and resources. They Or contact us at Age UK Malvern so provide printing facilities, a computer, we can direct you to the appropriate minibus and library of relevant agency. information. To obtain more details of COMPLEMENTARY these and other services they operate including a variety of volunteering MEDICal association opportunities. Only a few complementary Tel: 01684 892381 medicines are available on the NHS or visit Monday to Thursday: 9.30am– (e.g. homeopathy) but for further 3.30pm, Friday: 9.30am–12.30pm information consult your GP surgery. 3rd Floor, 28–30 Belle Vue Terrace, Consult Yellow Pages for local Malvern, WR14 4PZ practitioners or contact: Complementary Medical Association COMMUNITY Tel: 0845 1298434 PHYSIOTHERAPY www.the-cma.org.uk This is a service for people who, for COMPUTER whatever reason, cannot get to the out patient department at the hospital. TECHNOLOGY Assessment and treatment where A computer can help with letter writing, necessary is given for many conditions can store your accounts, and can help where problems with mobility develop. you understand what your children A stroke and multiple sclerosis exercise and grandchildren are doing – you group is run at regular intervals with might even find you are wizard at referrals generally from GPs, the hospital computer games! With a connection to or other healthcare professionals, but the internet a computer can give you any enquiries can be made to: access to all kinds of information and a survey commissioned by Age UK and Malvern Hospital Barclays, published in August 2002, Tel: 01684 612600 revealed that two thirds of Information Tenbury Hospital Technology (IT) users in the 55+ age Tel: 01584 810643 group agree that the internet has had

19 a positive impact on their lives. The Age UK Malvern Computer Courses internet provides a way of linking your See page 66. Tel: 01684 560666 home computer via the telephone to a vast array of computers around the The Baby Boomer Bistro globe, giving access to a huge amount A chat site in the UK developed for the of information on almost any topic you over 50s and offers the opportunity can imagine. It also lets you keep in to make friends, express your views, touch with friends and relatives around access useful information. Have a look the world, can introduce you to people at: www.babyboomerbistro.org.uk sharing your interests, can enable you to access travel timetables and book South Worcestershire College tickets and even to do your grocery Offers a range of computer courses shopping. from beginners to more advanced use of particular software packages. Call in For those who are already using the for a brochure! internet you may wish to contact us by e-mail: [email protected] CONTINENCE and or look at our web site at: INCONTINENCE www.ageukmalvern.org.uk People who suffer from urinary Sources of Information for incontinence can feel isolated and Beginners/Improvers embarrassed and can find it difficult to talk about this problem, even to a For those of us who did not have the caring relative or friend. It is, however, opportunity to use computers at school a very common problem – there are or work and are just starting out estimated to be over 3 million sufferers with no experience, it can seem a bit in the UK – and help is available. At daunting! So below are some sources Age UK Malvern we have information of information which we think you could leaflets giving advice and there isa find helpful. local Continence Promotion Service. Age Resource The continence advisor is a trained Part of Age UK’s Active Age Unit and nurse with special interest in continence encourages older people to use and promotion. She has experience of enjoy information technology by joint medical and nursing evaluation providing a range of services. So you of the range of conditions covering could for example: incontinence, and she provides a Send by post for the free information service to patients and carers. She booklet, ‘Making the Most of the is based at Isaac Maddox House. Internet’, covering computer basics, Tel: 01905 681601 getting on-line, using e-mail, etc. DATALINK Order from: This is a voluntary scheme which Age UK Advise 0800 169 6565 or means essential medical information contact the office on 01684 560666 is readily available to the emergency

20 services should you suffer an accident contact the local Social Security office or sudden illness in the home. Like most 0345 6088545 and ask for advice. good ideas it is very simple. Your details are stored in a clearly labelled plastic Support and Counselling container which is kept in your fridge. Two labels, known to the emergency CRUSE services are displayed in your home, A national organisation offering one on the fridge door and one at eye bereavement care. 0844 4779400 level inside your front door. Contact the Lyttelton Well Age UK office for a pack of containers For bereavement support call 01684 and labels. 563456. This is an automated service, DAY CENTRES respond to the questions and someone will call you back. Kempsey Day Centre PEAL (Parents Experiencing Adult Loss) Henry Morris: 01905 820601 A support service for parents bereaved Welland Day Centre of a child aged 16 years or over. Linda Roper: 01684 310570 Tel: 01905 723001

St. Martin’s Day Centre Other Information Maria McKeowen: 01886 832609 Age UK Malvern has a number of publications you may find useful. Nora Parsons Day Centre Dementia Advice Contact: 01886 888374 Service For further information please contact the office at Age UK Malvern: 01684 Living well with memory loss 560666. or dementia.

DEATH What is the Dementia Advice A sad subject but one we all have to Service? face at one time or another, and it is The Dementia Advice Service offers often at this time that many practical help, advice and information to people things need to be done. At the office we who are experiencing memory loss have information on what to do when or who have received a diagnosis of someone dies and below are some dementia. Specially trained advisors, further sources of help. based at local Age UK offices around the county, will provide information, Financial Help advice and reassurance to clients, their ‘What to do After a Death’ is a Social carers and families. Security leaflet (D49) giving information Who is eligible? on financial help available when someone dies. The leaflet is available You can use this service if: at the Age UK Malvern office and/or • You are over 18 and experiencing

21 memory loss or have a diagnosis of If you cannot wait for treatment phone dementia. the information line which indicates • You live in Worcestershire or have a who to contact in your area in an Worcestershire GP. emergency. Or call the Worcester Dental Health How to contact us Clinic which runs an ‘access’ service. There are three ways to contact a Tel: 01905 681796 Dementia Advisor: Or call NHS Direct (non emergency Telephone us free on 0800 008 6077 care) for more information. Tel: 111 Call your local Malvern and District Age UK office 01684 560666 Non NHS patients Email us The charge structure for private dental [email protected] work varies by practice and according to what you need to have done. Talk to DENTAL CARE your dentist who can give an estimate Existing NHS patients of cost and will also advise on dental insurance. If you receive Pension Credit/Income Support or have a low income, treatment Dental Surgeries (including dentures) may be free or at reduced cost. Discuss with the dental Malvern: practice before commencing treatment 202 Dental – they will advise on the necessary 202 Pickersleigh Road, Malvern Social Security form if it applies – and Tel: 01684 563723 thereafter ensure with each new course of treatment that your dentist is aware Beacon Dental Care of your circumstances. It is advisable 5 Pickersleigh Road, Malvern to see the Dentist regularly (certainly Tel: 01684 899492 within a year) not only for good dental care but to ensure you remain on his/ Buckingham House Dental Surgery her NHS patient list. Graham Road, Malvern Tel: 01684 573109 DENTISTS C.A. and K.J. Stokes New NHS Patients House Dental Surgery, 367 Worcester Road, Malvern Link In Malvern, as nationally, few dentists 01684 572357 are taking on new NHS patients. You can either contact the local dentists and Malvern Hills Dental Care ask, or: 172 Worcester Road, Malvern Link Tel: 01684 574131 The Health Authority can advise you of any dentists in the area with NHS Malvern Spring Dental Practice places. There could be a wait of some 58 Spring Lane, Malvern months for an appointment. Tel: 01684 567111

22 Morris and Fleming DISABLEMENT 143 Barnards Green Road, Malvern INFORMATION Tel: 01684 573314 ADVICE LINE (D.I.A.L.) Richmond Dental Practice Richmond Road, Malvern Link DIAL provides information for disabled Tel: 01684 561249 people and their carers and has a Welfare Benefits Advisor who can assist Tenbury Wells: with representation at Disability Benefits Appeal Tribunals. The Cottage Dental Practice 12 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells For information: 01905 27790 or Tel: 01584 811311 Benefit Adviser: 01905 22191 Tenbury Dental Centre DISTRICT NURSING 32 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells SERVICE Tel: 01584 810514 District Nurses provide comprehensive Upton-upon-Severn: nursing and healthcare in response to the needs of the local community. K.J. Lewin Tunnel Hill Surgery, Upton-upon-Severn District Nurses work within each GP Tel: 01684 592954 Practice and can be contacted through your GP, or Twilight Nurses can be For general advice talk to your dentist contacted between 5pm–8.30am. (see above) or dental technician Tel: 07798 686071 about dental repairs, replacement or copy dentures. See colour section for Tenbury District Nurse emergency repairs or spare sets. Tel: 01584 810197 DENTURES DOCTORS/ GENERAL PRACTITIONERS For general advice talk to your dentist (see above) or dental technician about Your GP and the practice team not dental repairs, replacements or copy only directly provide you with health dentures. Also see Kevin Cave’s advert care support but can refer you to other in the colour section. sources of help if necessary, e.g. mental health, specialists, podiatry, social Diabetes Group services, etc. (Malvern) If you are new to the area you can find We meet on the last Monday of the which surgeries serve your district by month at the Octagon, Brook Farm contacting the Health Authority. Drive, Malvern at 2.00pm. This will give Tel: 01905 760000 ext. 31305 you the opportunity to meet and discuss To register with a doctor call or visit your problems with like-minded people the surgery of your choice and the in a relaxed, social atmosphere. receptionist will tell you if the doctor

23 can take you on, provide details of Upton-upon-Severn: services, times of surgeries, etc. If you are dissatisfied with your doctor/surgery Upton Surgery services, first try to discuss the problem Tunnel Hill, Upton-upon-Severn with the doctor or practice manager. Tel: 01684 592696 If you remain dissatisfied contact : Age UK on 01684 560666 Great Witley Surgery Surgeries in Malvern and Worcester Road, Great Witley District Tel: 01299 896788 Malvern: : Knightwick Surgery Link End Surgery Road, Knightwick, Worcester 39 Pickersleigh Road, Malvern Tel: 01886 821279 Tel: 01684 568466 Malvern Health Centre Donations to Prospect View, 300 Pickersleigh Road, Age UK Malvern Malvern Whether a coin towards the cost of this Tel: 01684 584050 booklet or a contribution towards the New Court Surgery running of one of our many schemes or Prospect View, 300 Pickersleigh Road, a legacy (see separate entry), donations Malvern are much appreciated at Age UK Tel: 01684 573161 Malvern and District and are put to use in providing services within this area. St Saviours Surgery Merick Road, Malvern Link ELDERLY ABUSE Tel: 01684 572323 Preventing the abuse of vulnerable Whiteacres Medical Centre people is a government priority (see the Maple Road, Malvern Government publication ‘No Secrets’) Tel: 01684 577029 and all areas must have a procedure to investigate allegations of abuse : whether this takes the form of physical, sexual or mental abuse or neglect or The Surgery financial exploitation. Stone Drive, Colwall, Malvern Tel: 01684 540323 If you, or someone you know needs protection contact the Duty Social Tenbury Wells: Worker: 01905 7768053 Teme Street Surgery Elder Abuse Response offers emotional 34 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells support and information to anyone Tel: 01584 810343 concerned about an older person being abused, neglected or financially exploited. Helpline: 0808 8088141

24 ELDERLY your supplier, how to pay less for your ACCOMMODATION energy, etc. Tel: 01789 472691 COUNSEL Gas Safety Check (free) Tel: 0800 0728625 The EAC has created a central, national (for British Gas customers only). register of information, on computer, of all types of accommodation in the Health and Safety Executive charity, voluntary and private sectors, Gas Safety Advice Line: 0800 300363 for sale or for rent, suitable to meet the Energy Company needs of retired and elderly people. Obligation (E.C.O.) Advice can be given on eligibility for statutory benefits or possible sources for Affordable warmth obligation: to ‘top up’ funding and they have various provide heating and insulation information leaflets available at Age improvements for low-income and UK Malvern and District. EAC will in all vulnerable households (social housing circumstances do their best to help. tenants are not eligible). There are complex eligibility criteria for this Tel: 020 7820 1343 means-tested scheme. Call the Energy 3rd Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, Saving Advice Service 0300 123 1234 SE1 7TP to check whether you might be eligible and apply if you are. ELECTRICITY and GAS EQUIPMENT LOANS/ Are you sure that you are getting all the help to which you are entitled? Ask MEDICAL LOANS your supplier (their telephone number The British Red Cross can provide is on the bill) for energy efficient advice a range of equipment including and make sure they know you are on commodes, wheelchairs, back rests, the Priority Service Register. You should and walking frames, on a short term be on this if you are of pensionable loan. Tel: 01905 450403 Thursday age, disabled or chronically sick and it only 9.30am–1.30pm entitles you to receive benefits such as a We can also help with the loan of free safety check of your gas appliances wheelchairs and other equipment at every year and advanced notice of any Age UK Malvern. Tel: 01684 560666 planned interruptions to your electricity supply. EYESIGHT and VISUAL Other Sources of Help IMPAIRMENT Age UK Malvern’s Handyperson Eye Tests Scheme will provide a carbon monoxide detection test for your home for £15.00 As we grow older our sight tends to Tel: 01684 899003 change so that almost everyone over the age of 65 needs to wear glasses. Act on Energy can give advice on a Eye tests are recommended at least range of topics e.g. how to change every 2 years and more if you notice any 25 change in vision. Eye tests are free for Holland Opticians people over 60 or with certain medical 16 Graham Road, Malvern conditions. People on low incomes may Tel: 01684 573942 be eligible for vouchers to help with the cost of glasses. Ask the optician for John and Diane Miller Optometrists Leaflet G11 Chartwell House, 38 Church Street, Malvern Blind or Partially Sighted Tel: 01684 564766 An ophthalmic consultant registers Stephen Tromans* someone as blind or partially sighted 255 Worcester Road, Malvern following the appropriate assessments. Tel: 01684 565145 You are usually referred for low vision aids and signposted to Social Services Waller and Waller* and/or Sight Concern for other Lambert House, Edith Walk, Malvern specialist assessment and advice. Tel: 01684 892727

Royal National Institute for the Blind Tenbury Wells Opticians A wide range of services and publications for visually impaired people. A.C. Jelley* R.N.I.B. 105 Judd Street, London, WC1 18 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells. H9NE Tel: 01584 811445 Tel: 0207 3881266 * These opticians make home visits. Sight Concern Worcestershire EXECUTORS and (For questions on eyesight concerns) NEXT OF KIN Tel: 01905 723245 If you are one of those tidy people, this Local Contacts Ray Worth and Jenny could be for you. Age UK has published Douglas a simple ‘Life Book’ enabling you to set Tel: 01684 892772 out your wishes very clearly, to list where for details of social support. papers and documents are kept, who Trained Sight Concern Worcestershire you would like notified and the names volunteers visit visually impaired people of your solicitor, bank manager, etc. and can deal with correspondence, For more information contact Age UK shop, share hobbies, etc. Malvern on 01684 560666 Social Services Sensory Impairment Team EXERCISE and FITNESS Tel: 0845 607 2000 Exercise is a vital component of good health and successful ageing. At the Malvern Opticians Age UK office we have a fact sheet on fitness for later life covering all sorts of Barnards Green Opticians aspects from getting started on physical 113 Barnards Green Road, Malvern activities to study holidays. Tel: 01684 892586

26 Below are just a few details of some Strength and Balance Classes local activities you might consider: For further information contact Emma Gardner. Tel: 01905 855498 Extend and Rehab Extend E-mail: egardner@worcs Extend is a seated exercise class for Swimming people with limited mobility. There are Malvern Splash a number of classes running across Monday–Sunday: 6.30am–10pm the district, many of which are at Fortis Tel: 01684 893423 Housing owned facilities. There is also Rehab Extend classes for people who Tai Chi chair exercises have been referred by a healthcare The Octagon professional as a continuing part of their Wednesdays 2.00pm. Costs £4.00. rehabilitation. For more information Tenbury Swimming Pool on when and where the classes are Monday–Friday 7.30am–9pm being delivered please contact Melanie Saturday: 8.15am–4pm Whistance. Tel: 01684 862283 Sunday: 8.30am–3pm Ladies Keep-Fit Tel: 01584 810448 Every Tuesday at 11am Walking for Health Village Hall As part of the Worcestershire Walking Contact Margaret Davis for Health scheme there are a number Tel: 01886 884301 of walking groups across the district who Parkinsons UK Yoga Classes meet on a weekly basis. These include: Every Tuesday at 10.00am, Malvern Sole Mates commencing 7 May 2013. Sufferers, Pickersleigh Community Centre their drivers, supporters and carers are keenly invited to take part. Meetings Upton Walkers are held at the Lyttelton Well, for details Upton Surgery contact trainer Jean Danford. Tenbury Health Walkers Tel: 01531 640067 or 07977 901918. Tenbury Swimming Pool E-mail: [email protected] For more information on the times and Seated Yoga days of the walks please contact Enjoy the benefits of yoga at a gentle Ann Benbow. Tel: 01584 810890 pace. Exercise to keep the joints moving, co-ordination to help balance Age UK Malvern and District and keep the brain working, relaxation and breathing practises to calm body We run an accompanied walk each and mind and aid restful sleep. month, usually the first Wednesday. Normally it starts at 10am and there’s Monday morning classes at the Friends the option of a pub lunch. If you require Meeting House, Great Malvern. Contact transport to get to the start or would like Annette Brown. Tel: 01684 566652 or further details call Alan. 07882 724496. Tel: 01684 301033 or 560666 or 07739 115802

27 FALLS and BROKEN HIPS a course then please contact Jackie Threshie, Worcester Falls Prevention An estimated 1000 older people die Co-ordinator. Tel: 01905 761313 or each year as a result of a fall on the E-mail: [email protected] stairs and many thousands more are injured in falls, often sustaining a Or contact Lisa Kenney, administrator broken hip. The risk of falling can be Tel: 01905 681769 reduced by: FINANCIAL ADVICE • Regular physical exercise such as Tai Chi or walking to improve balance Financial advice in later Life, a and strength. three-step guide • Medication reviews by your GP to A good place to start is the Society of check for side effects. Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) a not for profit organisation formed in 2008 • Shoes with thin soles and high with the aim of ensuring consumers are collars to support balance. better informed about finincial issues • Good lighting, eye sight checks, a of later life. To gain full membership of safer environment, e.g. clutter free, the society, advisers have to undergo grab rails, etc. a rigorous accreditation process, as well as holding the relevant additional • Sensible actions, e.g. never stand on qualifications. a chair to reach something. www.societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk Visit the website: Next, decide whether you want www.preventinghomefalls.gov.uk independent or restricted advice. Falls Prevention Independent financial advisers are able to offer advice from the entire market In Worcestershire there is a higher than place on an unrestricted and unbiased national average of hip fracture in the basis. over 65s. In order to address this, there is a Falls Care Pathway being rolled And finally, would you prefer to pay out across the county. One element is your adviser directly for their advice to offer a programme of activity called and work, or would you prefer they Ready Steady Go. The programme is were paid by way of a charge which is available to older people who are having contingent upon the sale of a financial difficulties in maintaining their balance, product? If the latter, consider whether it consists of a 33 week (minimum) this would cause a conflict of interest. exercise course, also referred to as Before seeking advice from a financial Postural Stability Instruction (PSI), that consultant – or buying any product from aims to improve strength and balance a broker, you should keep the following to help people feel more confident points in mind: when they are out and about and First make sure the company or reduce the risk of falling. If you would individual giving the advice belongs to a like more information or how to join professional organisation. For example

28 the British Insurance and Investment worth more than your most precious Brokers Association (B.I.I.B.A.) requires belongings. that its members are indemnified i.e. a For further information, help and advice registered broker must be covered by contact your local fire station. insurance to protect clients in the event Tel: 01684 572948. of negligence. For a free home fire safety check call Secondly, find out from friends about Freephone: 0800 0321155. reputable sources of financial advice, or ask the Citizens Advice Bureau. Home Fire Safety Checks Thirdly, be prepared to discuss all and Worcester Fire Servics are circumstances which might have a offering free home fire safety checks, bearing on how your money should be where information and advice can be invested. given on how to prevent fires occurring, Finally, to keep yourself informed, do planning your escape route and fitting read the financial newspapers and free fire alarms. For further information magazines and keep up with money on how you can book your own fire programmes on TV and the radio. safety check, contact us on Another good source of information E-mail: [email protected] are the Money Shows, held annually Tel: 0800 0321155 in London and Glasgow. Exhibitors FLU, Shingles and at the shows include banks, building societies, unit trusts, financial advisors PNEUMONIA JABS and National Savings. The Department of Health recommends that people aged 65 years or older Self Funded Care Tel: 01299 851560 and people living in residential FIRE homes should have a flu vaccination every year. Check with your doctor or Nationally more than 500 people died practice nurse before October as the last year in fires in their homes. Many of vaccination is usually made available in them were like us, not too quick on our the autumn. feet. We can do a lot to keep ourselves safe at home: fit a smoke alarm. If you are over 70 you are eligible for the shingles vaccine, contact your GP. If you have a fire: FOOD SAFETY • Get out. The food we eat is one of the keys to • Stay out. good health, but the risk from bacteria • Call the fire brigade out – it’s still in food must be taken seriously. Food 999 from any kind of telephone and poisoning can make you feel anything it’s still free. from a bit off colour to so seriously ill that you need medical attention. In a • Don’t go back until a fire officer tells few rare cases people can die from you it’s safe. Remember, your life is food poisoning.

29 It is important to guard against the Fortis living free time risk of contaminating food and use common sense in the way we prepare A Healthy Lifestyle Club named Free and cook our food. A booklet from Time has been established in Malvern the Government is available from the Hills to improve the health, well-being Library or the CAB or you can obtain a and social engagement of older people. copy from the Age UK office. There are two weekly clubs: FOOTCARE Mondays: Williams Court, Malvern Podiatry is the name now being adopted Wednesdays: Storer Court, Malvern nationwide for what many of us used to know as chiropody. It is the same If you would like more information service. or to join a club then please contact Sharon Adams. NHS Podiatry Services Tel: 01684 576233 or 07918 169821 NHS podiatry (chiropody) services are In addition to the ALL Welcome Club, free to anyone in the Malvern area Storer Court Lunch Club offers lunches referred by a healthcare professional. served weekdays from 12:15pm Full details and appointments can be and costs from £5.85 main, £2.45 obtained by ringing Malvern Health dessert. For menu details and bookings Centre, Prospect View. (giving 7 days’ notice) contact us on Tel: 01684 584050 Tel: 01684 560120 Private Podiatrists/Chiropodists FORUM OF For information on a range of private MOBILITY CENTRES footcare providers consult Yellow The Forum of Mobility Centres provides Pages. Alternatively contact the Society advice and information to disabled of Chiropodists and Podiatrists for people about selecting, adapting and details of State Registered Chiropodists driving motor vehicles. in the area or ask for a copy of Age UK : 0845 337 1540 Traders Directory. Tel: 020 7234 8620 Fuel Poverty/ Malvern Age UK’s Service Affordable Warmth Age UK offer a footcare service, based at Act on Energy who are our local Prospect View on Tuesdays and Fridays energy advise centre are now offering and in the medical centre Upton-upon- free Home Energy Visits to all elderly Severn as well as Great Witley, Alfrick, residents. Information is provided to and Footcare at Clarence Park help residents understand current bills, venues. The price is £13 per visit. For access to social tariffs and energy further information call 01684 560666 saving tips. For more information or 01684 576655. Tel: 0800 9882881 E-mail: actonenergy.org.uk

30 FUNERAL PLANNING Healthy Lifestyle hub The cost of funerals and the way they For all healthy lifestyle services there is are conducted are of great concern to now one central number, many people. When people get older, Tel: 01905 766124 spouses die or become frail and where To talk to an advisor, please call children and relatives move away, the Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. matter becomes more important. Many people ask Age UK for help and HEARING advice about planning their funeral Hearing difficulties should be discussed arrangements. Since Age UK has with your GP who will if necessary refer been informing people about Age UK you to a hospital for tests. NHS hearing Funeral Plans, they have been in great aids are available on free loan. demand. Deaf Direct: 01905 746301 For more information: 01905 740950 or Text: 01905 746300 See Age UK fact sheet no. FS27 Offers a range of services including Help may be available with funeral advice on a special system for your payments. Contact Age UK or Social doorbell. Services for more information. A Hearing Aid clinic is run at Prospect HANDYPERSON SCHEME View Medical Centre, Upton Surgery, and Great Witley Surgery by the We will carry out a security check, give Worcester Royal Hospital Audiology you advice, provide and fit a spyhole, Department on the last Monday of or door chain free of charge and other every month by appointment only. For small jobs. There is a call out charge an appointment call: of £15.00 We also have a stock of key 01905 760171 or 01905 733432 safes that we will supply and fit for £55. Tel: 01684 899003 Hearing aid batteries available from Tenbury Hospital anytime between Healthy Eating 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday. Telephone: 01562 826323 or 01562 826324 for In Worcestershire we have a number an appointment. of Healthy Weight Trainers who work with children, families and communities Royal National Institute for the Deaf in partnership to maintain healthy publish a large range of leaflets on lifestyles by being more active and many topics including buying a hearing eating a healthier diet. For information aid, benefits and services for deaf on making healthy changes to your people, equipment, etc. daily eating plan, and for a number of Tel: 020 7296 8000 fantastic resources on how the whole Textphone: 0207 296 8001 family can eat a healthy, balanced Tinnitus, a condition involving problems diet, go to the Change 4 Life website: with ringing in the ears, can be most www.nhs.uk/change4Iife. disabling yet because the sufferer’s pain

31 is not a visible thing, it is one of those • Rest frequently and avoid excessive complaints that sometimes attracts exertion when it is hot. little sympathy from the world at large. • Wear loose clothing. To help redress this balance a little, you can go to tinnitus self help group • Try to sit in the shade. meetings in Malvern, Kidderminster or • Wear a hat and protect your skin Worcester. To find out more call with protective sun cream. Linden Suite, Worcester Hospital 01905 763333 HOME – HEATING COSTS HAVING WORK DONE Fuel Bills Work on our homes comes If you are having difficulty paying fuel under one of three headings: bills, tell the electricity or gas company Work to improve and freshen it up at once. They will suggest ways in which they can help. There is a code of practice We all feel better when our favourite stating that gas or electricity supplies room has had a lick of paint. Even the to pensioners cannot be disconnected choice of colour can help. If a room between October 1st and March 31st. looks warm it feels warm, and the cost Electricity and gas companies have of the paint is very similar, regardless payment schemes which enable fuel of colour. costs to be spread over the whole year There are many groups such as Schools and a variety of budget schemes – ask that can help in providing the labour your supplier for information. to perform this work, usually under HEATSTROKE skilled supervision. Malvern Age UK can arrange the help, but of course Many people are aware of the steps they there could be a wait depending on the need to take to protect them from the demand. cold weather but do not realise that they also need to protect themselves against Work to avoid a bigger bill in the the hot weather. High temperatures can future affect the way you feel and can put you Often a ‘stitch in time’ can apply as at risk from illness. The following are much to your house as a garment. tips to help you cope with the heat. Regular attention to the outside can be Remember: a lot cheaper than waiting for bigger problems to show themselves. It is not • Drink plenty of water – normally you necessary to run up ladders to keep an should drink 3 pints of fluid a day. eye on it yourself, a pair of field glasses • Increase the amount in hot weather or, better still, a neighbour you know – water is best but avoid alcohol. will soon give you a clear picture of any (Your urine should be pale in colour real problems. Under no circumstances – if it is dark it could be a sign that allow a stranger to frighten you with a you are not taking enough fluids). tale of woe.

32 Work that cannot wait Minor Injury Unit These emergency jobs are certainly Malvern the most annoying – water leaks, gas If you have had a minor accident leaks, fuses going – we all know the visit Malvern Community Hospital, problem and the need to move quickly Worcester Road, Malvern. to avoid even more work. A little thought beforehand can help to make Between 9am–9pm daily, no the emergency less annoying: appointments necessary. Tel: 01684 612600 Do you know where and how to turn off your water and gas? Tenbury How often do you turn off the valves? Tenbury Community Hospital. They can stick and usually at the wrong 24 hour access. Tel: 01584 810643 time. Home from Hospital Have you the phone numbers of the Leaving hospital can be a worry correct services easily available? particularly for someone who lives alone Most of the major utilities such as gas, Will there be any food in the house? water and electricity will provide free Can they manage the household tasks? checks for the elderly. Their phone Being at home may seem lonely after numbers are listed below: the bustle of the hospital. Energy Saving Advice Line: Age UK and 0300 123 1234 Worcestershire run a Home from Hospital Service to help people settle Age UK Handyperson Scheme and Local back into their homes comfortably and Traders’ Directory: 01684 899003 with as few worries as possible after HOSPITALS hospital treatment. The Home from Hospital Service is a short term addition Accident and Emergency to help which is based at Worcester Hospital. These are some of the tasks The Accident and Emergency Home from Hospital volunteers do: department serving Malvern and district is the new Royal Worcestershire • Encourage Confidence Hospital, Newtown Road, Worcester, • Help with Meals WR5 1ZL Tel: 01905 763333 • Help with Mobility The hospital has various in-patient and • Prepare the Home out-patient services; such as a restaurant • Provide Companionship and parking (pay and display). • Shop For information on bus services call • Welcome the Person Home Traveline: 0871 200 22 33 For further information call: There is also a free complaints service 01905 740953 helpline. Tel: 0300 123 17 33 E-mail: [email protected]

33 Howbury Long Term Care Unit Opening Times Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: Howbury House, Pickersleigh Road, 9am–5pm WR14 2LU. Tel: 01684 571754. Wednesday: 9.30am–5pm Malvern and Tenbury Community Malvern Library, Graham Road, Hospitals Malvern, WR14 2HU Tel: 01684 862151 or 01905 763000 Both Community Hospitals have in- Web: patient wards, general rehabilitation [email protected] and consultant out-patient services. Both have a nurse led Minor Injuries Working together for a better Unit and undertakes some Day Surgery. community. Each hospital has an active League HYPOTHERMIA of Friends and welcomes help from Older people are particularly prone volunteers: Malvern: 01684 612600 to suffer from hypothermia because Tenbury: 01584 810643 they often have associated disabilities, HUB which restrict their movements and cause falls. In addition, because of Malvern Hills Customer Service financial problems, they may be afraid Centre to heat their homes properly or have an ‘People like us serving people like you’ inadequate diet. in Malvern and the surrounding rural If a person is found in cold areas. Your first call for access to all surroundings, and is suspected to Malvern Hills District Council and be suffering from hypothermia, Worcestershire County Council services. check the following points: Contact us for all enquiries relating to: • Their skin will feel very cold to the • Benefits Information touch and will be pale or blue. • Car Park Passes • They may be confused, in a state of • Council Tax collapse, drowsy or unconscious. • Highways • There is often no shivering present and they may be fully clothed. • Housing • The pulse will be weak, slow or • Licensing imperceptible, breathing is slow and • Payments shallow. • Planning Treatment: • Schools Information • Get medical assistance at once. • Street Lighting If no doctor is immediately available In excess of 90% of all District and ring 999 for an ambulance. County Council enquiries are currently • Raise the room temperature as dealt with straight away. quickly as possible.

34 • Place the sick person between INSURANCE SERVICES blankets. Insurance Services for people aged • If conscious, give warm sweetened 50 and over drinks such as tea, coffee and cocoa. Age UK Insurance Services (A.C.I.S.) Actions to be avoided: recognize the need for persons aged • DO NOT place the sick person 50 and over to have adequate but immediately in front of a fire. inexpensive insurance protection on • DO NOT apply hot water bottles or their homes and contents, cars and an electric blanket. travel. ACIS are therefore pleased to offer you this protection with a special • DO NOT give alcohol of any kind. Home Insurance which covers the • DO NOT rub exposed or other parts buildings and/or contents of your of the body. home against the more common causes • DO NOT leave the sick person until of loss or damage. There are also help has arrived except to make the insurances for Car, Motor Breakdown, initial emergency call. Travel and Injury Cash Plan. For more information call the Age UK Office. N.B. The symptoms described above can be confused with those of carbon Tel: 01684 560666 monoxide poisoning. To avoid the KEEPING YOUR possibility of such poisoning – ensure your appliances are checked annually. HOME SAFE INFORMATION SERVICE Security Check The aim of our Information Service is to Age UK is running a home security give information, advice and support to initiative in conjunction with the Police the elderly and their carers in Malvern’s and Malvern Hills District Council. Older rural areas who are unable to visit us in victims of burglary can ask for a security our office. We have now recruited 10 check to be carried out by a trained volunteers covering the Malvern Hills member of staff and security items District area who would be only too deemed necessary will be installed free pleased to discuss with you any worries of charge. If you haven’t been burgled or concerns you may have. For further you can still ask for the check, although information please contact us. there is a £15.00 standing charge, plus Tel: 01684 560666 you may have to pay for any items to be fitted. Information Tenbury Wells Contact the office for more information. The Information Centre is located at 1 Tel: 01684 899003 Church Walk off Teme Street. Opening hours are Monday 9am–12 noon. Advice for Householders Thursday–Friday 9.30am–1.30pm. There are many steps which you can Tel: 01584 811856 take at home to prevent crime and to protect yourself. Crime Risk Manager See page 60 for your local contact.

35 36 Mike Stephenson has this advice for something strange – call the police. Join householders: the local Neighbourhood Watch if there is one. Or talk to the crime prevention Bogus Callers officer or beat manager at your local Always be on your guard when anyone station about setting one up. If you you are not expecting – a man, a woman belong to a social or lunch club ask or even a child – turns up at your door. them to get the police or other speakers Thieves come in many guises: they may to give you advice on stopping crime. be smartly dressed, claim to be builders, Your Practical Guide to Crime or to be from the health authority, gas or Prevention is available from your local water board. Bogus workmen may say police station. they need to come in to make urgent repairs or to check something such as your water taps. KEEP WARM, KEEP WELL IN COLD WEATHER Don’t let anyone in unless you are sure they are who they say they are. • Stop heat escaping from your home Always ask for identification and, if in with effective insulation. doubt, check it out by ringing their local • Heat your home, ideally the living office. Don’t use the phone number on room should be 21°C. Warm the the identity card but look it up in the bed with a hot water bottle or electric phone book. While you do this leave the blanket (never both) and sleep with caller outside; a genuine caller will not the window closed. mind waiting while you check. • Try to eat at least one hot meal every If you are worried about the caller day and take regular hot drinks contact the police: 0300 33 33 000 including one at bed time. Your Money • Wear several thin layers of clothing – they are more effective than one Never keep money in the house, put it in thick layer – and always wear a hat the building society or bank. Don’t keep and stout footwear when you go out. your cheque book and cheque card together – a thief who steals both could • Take some moderate exercise use the card to forge your signature on regularly. Spread activities/chores cheques. Also, always keep your PIN out so you alternate between rest number separate from your card as this and activity – do not stay sitting still could be used to draw cash from your for long periods. bank account. • Age UK Malvern have emergency Keep an Eye Out pack, available for those in desperate need, contact 01684 It is advisable to keep an eye out for 560666. your neighbours, they will keep an eye out for you in return. If you see anyone or anything that worries you – like someone acting suspiciously or

37 LAUNDRY SERVICES The Library Service at Home There are various agencies in Malvern. Now available to all residents of Consult Yellow Pages but remember to Worcestershire who are housebound ask the cost before you commit yourself. and have no one to visit a mobile library for them. It delivers books, videos and LEGACIES audiotapes and has a wide range of large print and audio books. If you Without a generous legacy Age UK know someone who would benefit call Malvern & District would not be the the library service on: 01905 822722 organisation that it is today with the ability to deliver a range of services Listening Books across the district. A legacy is a wonderful The National Listening Library way for you to be remembered and for 12 Lant Street, London SE1 1QH your estate to continue working for the Tel: 020 7407 9417 benefit of people in need. Also it’s worth Fax: 020 7403 1377 remembering that all gifts to registered E-mail: [email protected] charities are tax free; in fact as a tax Web: www.listening-books.org.uk payer your gift could be increased by 25% if given in the form of Gift Aid. Malvern Library Graham Road, Malvern Before you make a legacy you should Tel: 01905 822722 discuss it with your solicitor or advisor Opening Times when you are making or updating Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: your will. If you do decide to leave a 9am–5.30pm. Tuesday, Wednesday: gift to Age UK Malvern please ensure 9am–8pm your instructions say Age UK Malvern ; if you just leave it to Age UK it will Malvern Talking Newspapers go to the national Age UK and will not Tel: 01684 561935 necessarily be used for the benefit of Call for more information. people in Malvern. Talking Books Thank you for reading this and thank R.N.I.B. you, in advance, for your generosity. Tel: 0303 123 99 99 LIBRARY SERVICES Tenbury Wells Library Tel: 01905 822722 The library offers standard and large Opening Times: Monday, Tuesday, print books, audio tapes and videos. Friday 9.30am– 5pm. These are available at the library Wednesday, Saturday 9.30am–1pm itself, on a mobile library or, if you Thursday 9.30am–5pm are housebound, it may be possible to arrange to bring a selection to your Upton Library home. For further information on any of Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9.30am– these services contact the library. 4.30pm. Saturday 9.30am–1pm Tel: 01905 822722

38 Loans LOCAL TRADERS’ The Tenbury No Interest Loan Scheme DIRECTORY (NILS) offers assistance to individuals A large number of you are now using or families living in the Malvern Hills our Local Traders’ Directory. We must District who are in receipt of benefits emphasize that this is not a low cost or on a low income by providing loans scheme. Age UK would only be finding of up to £400 for essential items such reliable and trustworthy professional as white goods and school uniforms. people to work for you at normal rates We do not offer cash, but instead pay of pay. If you are interested in this suppliers direct with our customers service give us a ring. paying back the loan in manageable Tel: 01684 899003 weekly instalments over 12 or even 24 months – with no interest to be paid. If you need help but cannot pay the normal rates we may still be able to We work within a radius of 15 miles help you, ask about the Handyperson from Tenbury including and Scheme. Tel: 01684 899003 . Opening hours are 10am– 2pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 Loneliness Teme Courts, Teme Street, Tenbury See page 2. Wells, WR15 8AA. Tel/Fax: 01584 811512. There is also an office in Lyttelton Well Malvern at Malvern Heights, Chequers Close, Enigma Business Park, Malvern, This project, incorporating 15 Malvern WR14 1BF. Tel: 07783 899519 please Churches, is in Church Street. There is a ring to book an appointment. book shop and a coffee shop together with a range of other facilities. To find Local Public Health out more about Lyttelton Well ring or just call in! Tel: 01684 573702 Locality Health Improvement www.lytteltonwell.co.uk Co-ordinator, Melanie Whistance, Malvern Hills District Council, Malvern The Council House, Avenue Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3AF Community Hospital Tel: 01684 766124 The new twenty-four bed community Email: hospital has recently opened its doors [email protected] in Malvern. As part of offering a suit For all lifestyle services there is now one of healthy lifestyle services there is a central referral number, Community Garden which local schools Tel: 01905 363909 and community groups can adopt. To talk to our adviser please call between Tel: 01684 612600 Monday and Friday, 9am–5pm.

39 MEDICAL ALERTS, volunteers. Membership is available to anyone. Call for more information. S0S DEVICES and Tel: 01684 567811 SERVICES Opening Times Several products are available which Easter–October 10.30am–5pm contain vital information about your Tenbury Museum condition and can be worn on the body: Tel: 07722 820983

Medic-Alert MUSIC – Saga 105.7fm Body worn bracelets or necklaces bearing the Medic-Alert symbol Elvis? Glen Miller? Bing? The Beatles? supported by 24 hour emergency For those of us who still like the music of phone service. our youth try Saga 105.7, it’s a regional Freephone: 01908 951045 radio service for today’s over 50s which Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm by chance we can get in Malvern.

Medi-Tag NHS COSTS Operated internationally by West Prescriptions and sight tests are free Ambulance Service NHS Trust. to men and women aged 60 or In addition to information engraved on more. If you receive Minimum Pension your Medi-Tag, you have more details Credits (M.P.C.) you can receive free held on a secure computer database prescriptions, dental treatment, travel which can be updated – allows medical costs to hospital, sight tests and help professionals to access additional towards glasses. If you do not receive details. MPC, you may get help towards these costs by filling in form HC1 to get a Brochure enquiry line: 0121 200 1717 certificate. The form is available from Monday to Thursday: your dentist, optician or Social Services. 9am–12pm, 1pm–4.30pm Discuss with your dentist or optician Fridays: 9am–1.30pm before paying for treatment. N.B. There are various alarm call systems offering maximum reassurance NHS 111 to older people and their relatives. NHS 111 is a new service being Tel: 01684 560666 introduced to make it easier for you to access local NHS healthcare MIND services in England. It is not for 999 emergencies. 111 is available 24 Helpline: 0300 123 3393 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls For more information and support for are free. You use this service if you people suffering mental health issues. need medical attention or advice and it is not a life threatening situation. Museums Malvern Museum is open April to October and is run entirely by

40 NHS South time building strong relationships with our partner organisations, I believe we worcestershire c.C.G. can make great strides in improving the NHS South Worcestershire Clinical health and well being of local people.’ Commissioning Group was formed in Some key priorities for South 2012 as part of the changes proposed Worcestershire CCG are to tackle to the NHS under the Health and increasing emergency admissions, Social Care Act 2012. The CCG covers securing a range of community services Worcestershire, , Tenbury, and reducing health inequalities. , Droitwich, and Malvern, and is responsible for commissioning If you would like more information (buying and arranging) hospital, about NHS South Worcestershire CCG, community, and mental health services please visit our website: for local people. The CCG represents www.southworcsccg.nhs.uk 31 GP practices and serves a patient population of 292,000 patients NOISE overseeing budget of approximately Age UK publishes a fact sheet on the £320 million. subject of noisy neighbours. South Worcestershire CCG is led See fact sheet no. FS9 on ‘Anti-Social by local GPs who have day-to-day Behaviour in Housing’. knowledge of the health problems that You can talk to the Worcestershire residents face. Dr Carl Ellison is a local Regulatory Services about noise contact: GP and chief clinical officer for NHS Environmental Health Services Unit South Worcestershire CCG. Tel: 01905 822799 Dr Carl Ellson said, ‘Our role as a CCG OUT-OF-HOURS is to ensure we commission the most appropriate and highest quality health MEDICAL SERVICE services for local people and, because An enhanced and improved out- we work so closely with patients on a of-hours medical service has been daily basis, we are the best placed to do established in Worcestershire. The aim this efficiently. So much work has gone is to provide a safe and supportive in to developing our CCG over the last service, tailored to local need. The 18 months or so, we are really excited team is made up of experienced, well- to finally reach the point where we are trained local clinicians who will advise fully responsible for commissioning and assess each caller’s needs. Trained local NHS services. doctors and nurses will diagnose, treat and/or refer patients locally. Across South Worcestershire we face The service is commissioned to provide a number of challenges and we have care for patients who are suffering from established a clear plan for how we conditions that cannot wait until their will begin to tackle some of the health GP can see them inside normal working inequalities in the area. By working with hours. local residents and involving them in the decisions we make, whilst at the same The six Primary Care Centres are not

41 walk-in centres; patients should call in further information or call Petlog. advance. Tel: 0870 6066751 The six centres are in Worcester, Lost & found pets. Tel: 01296 336579 Kidderminster, Tenbury Wells, Redditch, or visit their website: www.petlog.org.uk Evesham and Malvern. PETS AS THERAPY (PAT) Out-of-Hours Service. Tel: 111 The PAT voluntary scheme enables those PARKINSONS UK in hospitals, care homes and hospices to have the opportunity to stroke and talk to Helpline: 0808 800 0303 visiting dogs. Anyone who has seen the Malvern Group sheer pleasure in someone’s face who Meet at Clarence Park, Malvern. 3rd has the opportunity to be in contact with Thursday of the month, 2.30pm–4.30pm a friendly visiting dog will know of the We offer information, friendship and comforting and therapeutic effects of this support to local people with Parkinson’s, service. There are currently some 4,000 their families and carers. For more dogs (and some cats!) in the scheme information call Hazel Haslam. nationwide. If you think you and your Tel: 01684 563172 pet could contribute to this enjoyable and rewarding service contact: Patient relations team Pets as Therapy If you have a suggestion or concern Clare Charity Centre, Wycombe Road, about aspects of patient care, call Saunderton, High Wycombe HP14 4BF 01905 681517 Tel: 01494 569130 PETLOG E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.petsastherapy.org Every year many pets are lost – and found – but not reunited with their Regional contacts appear on their owners because the pet cannot be website. identified. Recommended by vets, the police and animal welfare charities, PETS IN CARE Petlog involves your pet being micro More and more elderly people would chipped with a unique identification like to take their pets into care with them, number which together with your contact don’t leave a friend behind! The Elderly details can be registered by the vet with Accommodation Council (E.A.C.) – see Petlog. The microchipping process is separate heading – and The Cinnamon quick, easy and painless and done by Trust can give advice on which sheltered your local vet. Petlog is on hand 24 housing or residential care homes will hours a day to authorised bodies such accept pets. as the dog warden service or animal welfare centres who can scan the chips Cinnamon Trust in found animals and trace their owners Tel: 01736 757900 via the Petlog database. Remember you Elderly Accommodation Council are now requied by law to ensure your Tel: 020 7820 13 43 dog is ‘chipped’. Contact your vet for

42 PETS WHILST IN HOSPITAL Radar Keys The Cinnamon Trust, based in Cornwall Radar Keys are available from the Age but covering the whole country, can UK, Malvern office and Tenbury Wells arrange to exercise your dog or foster shop for £4.00 your pet if you are taken ill or need to go into hospital. They also welcome RAIL TRAVEL volunteer helpers. Local Train Services Tel: 01736 757900 Web: www.cinnamon.org.uk Timetables and journey advice are available at the stations together with PHYSIOTHERAPY various leaflets describing special services, or call: This can help you regain mobility and strength by exercises. Access to these National Rail Enquires services is usually by GP referral. Tel: 03457 484950 QUEEN’S TELEGRAM There are two companies operating in the immediate Malvern area: Buckingham Palace will arrange for a tele-message to be sent from the G.W.R. Queen to British Citizens for: Tickets and Reservation • 100th Birthdays Tel: 0345 7000125 www.gwr.com • 105th and Subsequent Birthdays Senior Railcard • A Diamond Wedding Anniversary A Senior Railcard costing £30 is • 65th, 70th and Subsequent available to anyone over 60 years old. Anniversaries Proof of age is required, e.g. passport, For birthdays and anniversaries an birth certificate or medical card. Valid application can be made direct to for a year, the railcard allows a third Buckingham Palace enclosing the off most rail fares in Britain and can be person’s birth certificate or marriage used to buy tickets on many bus and certificate, or a copy. The envelope ship links. should be marked ‘anniversaries’. If the client is a British Citizen by RED CROSS naturalization or registration, copies of British Red Cross Society, Worcester these papers will need to be sent. Tel: 01905 450400. The application should be sent giving Contact the Worcester office for full as much notice as possible to: details of: The Private Secretary’s Office • Medical Equipment Loans: e.g. Buckingham Palace, London, SW1 1AA commodes, wheelchairs, walking frames. • Message Service: Bringing Vital

43 News to Families: The Red Cross Garden waste must not be placed in message service provides a way for black sacks with household waste. You families to keep in contact and share can hire a wheelie bin by calling 01684 family news when war or disaster 862151. For help concerning this has broken down communication service call the Age UK office. networks. It is free to all users. In these Tel: 01684 560666 anxious times, when families are no longer able to keep in contact, we Road Safety are there to pass on some of the most As part of the continued work to improve important messages in the world. In road safety across the District a leaflet the first instance, call 01905 450400 was produced that provides information for more information. and advice to people driving whilst • Skin Camouflage: Highly trained taking medications. It provides volunteers assist to lessen the information on how medications can impact of disfiguring marks or skin affect your driving, whether you still conditions after referral from health drive safely, what you can do to limit professionals. Contact the above the risk and what options are available also for details of other British Red if you need to stop driving. Leaflets Cross projects assisting those in the are available from GP surgeries and UK and overseas. pharmacies. If you would like a copy please contact Melanie Whistance. • Therapeutic Care: Well trained Tel: 01684 862283 volunteers offer therapeutic care involving gentle massage of hands, ROYAL BRITISH LEGION lower arms, back and shoulder Helpline: 0808 8028080. massage over clothing. This is beneficial to those feeling tense, Safe and Sound anxious or ill. Security Scheme • Transport: A specialist service for Have you been a victim of crime? Are those with mobility difficulty with no you concerned about your personal or access to suitable private transport. home security? Journeys are in an adapted minibus or volunteers’ cars. There is a charge Malvern Hills Community Safety to cover fuel and vehicle maintenance Partnership is offering victims or costs. vulnerable members of the community a FREE security health check. REFUSE COLLECTION You could receive: Waste other than normal household refuse can be removed by arrangement. • A home security check by trained There is a charge. staff. For information call: 01684 862151 • Advice on home and personal www.malvernhills.gov.uk security. Also call to book fridge/freezer • A range of security equipment i.e. collection date.

44 window alarms, locks, personal to individuals and families in need. attack alarms and much more. Evesham Roundabout For more information on receiving a Tel: 01386 833030 home visit contact the Community Safety Web: www.roundaboutevesham.org.uk Team at Malvern Hills District Council. Tel: 01684 862151/560666 SHELTERED Web: www.malvernhills.gov.uk ACCOMMODATION SALVATION ARMY The term ‘sheltered housing’ covers a range of specialist retirement We invite you to join us in worship accommodation provided by the private every Sunday at 10.30am. On the first and voluntary sectors and housing Sunday of every month there is a Songs associations. of Praise service at 4pm. Tel: 01684 574458 or 560066 Their common features are usually: Web: www.salvationarmy.org.uk • Easy Access. Church Lunch Club • A Warden, Manager or Support Third Wednesday of every month at Worker. 12.15pm £3 for three courses • An Emergency Alarm System. Family Tracing Service: • Internal Features, e.g. waist high Tel: 0845 634 4747 power sockets, properly designed baths, etc. SAMARITANS • High Level of Insulation. Samaritans provide a befriending and • Greater Security. listening service for people who are in distress, lonely or depressed. You can • Management Organisation find them at: • Community Facilities 10 Sansome Place, Worcester • A Guest Room for Visitors. Open: 9am–l0pm daily. Tel: 01905 21125 (24 hours) For a list of local projects contact us at the office where we also have the Age UK SECOND HAND ITEMS fact sheet on sheltered accommodation. Age UK Malvern & District operate two Information on the pros and cons of charity shops; one in Malvern Link and sheltered housing can also be found one in Tenbury Wells. They both stock a through the Elderly Accommodation wide variety of goods including clothes, Counsel (see entry), Counsel and Care shoes, accessories, glass ware, bric-a- and locally: Partnership Care Services brac, books and CDs. Please see our (Housing) can offer advice on options. advert on P62. Fortis Living, Malvern Roundabout distributes donated Tel: 01684 579579 clean and serviceable household items Stonewater, Leominster Reception. including furniture and electrical goods Tel: 01568 610100

45 SHOPPING Social care SERVICES Discount Days The aim of this service is to give practical Age UK Malvern would like to compile help to people living in their own homes and make available information on any who could not otherwise manage service operating special low prices for satisfactorily. Home care assistants retired people – so if you run such a undertake essential household tasks. service or know of any, please drop us They assist with personal hygiene for a line so that we can start compiling a sick, disabled and frail people, but list to share. cannot undertake duties which come within the sphere of the District Nurse. Shoparound Needs are assessed by the social care Shoparound is a door-to-door service assessor and, depending on income, which takes housebound and older a charge per unit levied. From April people shopping in a specially 2003 domiciliary care agencies must converted minibus. Volunteer escorts be registered with the National Care await you at your destination. They will Standards Commission and work to push your wheelchair, offer an arm national standards of service provision. to lean on, carry your shopping and For further information, help or advice, help you in any way they can. There is please contact Social Services. also an escort travelling with the bus. Shoparound operates on Monday and Tel: 01905 768053 Thursday mornings. Because of the large number of people we try to help, SOCIAL WORKERS you will be offered a seat about every 5 Social Workers aim to assist people who weeks. A small charge, based on county are experiencing significant personal or bus fares, is made for each trip, which family difficulties by helping them to you can pay with bus tokens or cash. solve problems, maintain or achieve If you would like to go on Shoparound or maximum independence and exercise know someone who would benefit from personal choice. In order to spend getting out of the house occasionally, money wisely, priority is given to people please contact: who are most vulnerable or at risk. Community Action Each person requesting a service is 28–30 Belle Vue Terrace, assessed to determine needs and the Malvern, WR14 4PZ needs of the carers will also be looked Tel: 01684 892381 at. Services which can be arranged for people assessed as eligible include: Shop Mobility At Worcester’s Crowngate Shopping • Adaptations to the Home Centre wheelchairs and scooters can • Advice be hired on a visitor basis at £7 a day • Blue Badge Parking Scheme for or £10 for a years membership plus £3 Disabled People per day. All daily charges include your car park fee. • Daycare Tel: 01905 610523 • Direct Payments

46 • Equipment to Help Daily Living free initial consultations. It therefore • Homecare: focus on retaining skills pays to call and ask what is possible. • Meals-on-Wheels Names and addresses can be found in Yellow Pages or contact us at the office. • Registration of Disabled People For free advice see Gaynor-Smith, Owen • Residential and Nursing Home Care and Co. Solicitors; other solicitors may be • Short Term Breaks able to offer free advice; or call the Age These services may be provided UK office for more advice. Tel: 01684 directly by Social Services or by other 560666 public, private and voluntary sector STAYING HEALTHY AND providers. In many instances there will be a charge for services supplied, but CAMPAIGNS this is normally related to a person’s Public health creates a number of ability to pay. provocative campaigns that engage Tel: 01905 768053 with the public to support them to live a healthy lifestyle. To date there have South Worcestershire Physical been campaigns on the following Disability Team healthy living topics: stop smoking, Specialist Social Work Team undertaking healthy weight, breast-feeding, sexual care assessments and arranging service health, alcohol awareness, oral health, delivery to clients aged 18–65 with and men’s health. If you would like complex health and mobility problems. to view any of the campaign material Tel: 01905 768053 please visit the website: www.worcestershire.nhs.uk/public- Soldiers’, Sailors’ health/staying-healthy-campaigns.aspx and Airmens’ Families Alternatively you can always visit the Association (S.S.A.F.A.) change 4 Life website that has some The SSAFA provides support by fantastic information and resource tools volunteers to those who have served on how to live a healthy lifestyle www. in the armed forces, their families and nhs.uk/change4life dependants. Secretary: Col. B Burke Stop Smoking Tel: 01684 564922 NHS Worcestershire Stop Smoking SOLICITORS Services are here to help you kick the All solicitors understand well the habit, providing you with free, friendly, problems facing the older person and in non-judgemental support, a personal particular those who live alone and need quitting plan and access to medicines to look to a third party when arranging to help you stop smoking. You are four their affairs. Some solicitors are able times more likely to quit using their to give legal advice under the Legal service than going it alone and not only Community Service, some are available will your health improve but you will also to visit you in your home and some offer be financially better off. With a packet of

47 cigarettes costing on average £7·50, if TOP is a registered charity which runs you are a twenty-a-day smoker you will tax surgeries in partnership with Age cough up a staggering £2,737 a year. UKs across the UK. Eligible clients (usually 60+ with a household income To find your local NHS Worcestershire of up to £15,000 a year) receive a Stop Smoking Service you can email: completely confidential service to [email protected] help them understand their rights or contact your local pharmacy (see and responsibilities, assist them with page 16). tax problems, liaise with the Inland STROKE ASSOCIATION Revenue on their behalf, and set their minds to rest about their tax position. An organisation offering advice and support to the person affected by stroke For an appointment call the local and/or their families. helpline. Tel: 0845 6013321 National Helpline: 0303 303 3100 Or, if you prefer, call Age UK direct and they will arrange one for you. Dysphasic Support Service helps people Tel: 01684 560666 regain their communication skills by working with them individually or in TaxHelp for Older people is a service groups. People are usually referred to provided by Tax Volunteers. this service by hospital staff including a Charity No. 1102276 speech therapist. Your local contact is Sharon Bouston. Tel: 01885 482485 TELEPHONES Swimming Unwanted Phone Calls Telephone Preference Service (T.P.S.) is Swim 4 Life in partnership with MHDC a free service to anyone with a home provides unlimited swimming for a phone. Tel: 0345 0700707 year at the cost of £10. Please contact, BT customers: 0800 398893 Malvern Splash Tel: 01684 893423 or Free Telephone calls Tenbury Wells Swimming Pool Tel: 01584 810448 Any department or company that offers a Free Phone number should give you TAX HELP a number to use starting with the code 0800 or 0300. When this code is used Worried about tax? the call is charged to the Free Number Can’t afford to pay for advice? that follows it and not to you. Free advice from professional tax TV Licences advisers is now provided at: Age UK A TV Licence costs £147.00 for colour, Malvern and District, Great Malvern and £49.50 for black and white, per Railway Station, Station Approach. annum. The service is for older people on low incomes by TaxHelp for Older People Anyone over the age of 75 is entitled (T.O.P.) to a free licence. This is limited to your

48 principal residence, but is not affected be able to advise and refer to other if there are younger people in the same sources of help such as specialist household – so long as the licence is in nurses, hospices, etc. your name. TINNITUS To apply for a free licence call: 0843 5068873 Freephone helpline: 0800 018 0527 To help speed up your application, be TRADING STANDARDS ready with the following information: The Trading Standards Service advises • Your name and address consumers about their rights when • Your date of birth buying goods and services and helps to resolve complaints. • Your National Insurance number (if you have one) For further advice or to report suspicious callers call 01905 822799 • Your current TV Licence number (if you have one) TRANSPORT, COMMUNITY You can pay for your licence in a TRANSPORT variety of ways: Direct Debit, credit or and CAR SCHEMES debit card, TV Licensing savings card, These are available for people who PayPoint outlet, cash payment plan or cannot use other means of transport cheque. to make a journey. A fare, based on You can spread the cost of your TV mileage, is usually payable to the driver. Licence by setting up a Direct Debit, this lets you pay in manageable Bromyard Community Transport instalments. Tel: 01885 488452 Monday–Friday: 9am –1pm Tenbury Wells Runs a voluntary car service and has Customer Service Centre a minibus with a tail lift. The scheme The Library, 24 Teme Street, covers the northern part of Malvern Tenbury Wells, WR15 8AA Hills district. Tel: 01684 862151 Community Transport Helpline Monday–Friday: 9.30am–5.30pm Covers Wyre Forest area (closed Wednesday) Tel: 01299 405820, Serving people in Tenbury Wells and Monday–Friday, 9am–2pm. the surrounding area. Provides a simple point of contact where any council Malvern Dial-a-Ride related enquiry can be dealt with. Tel: 01684 891121 Based in Malvern town offers transport TERMINAL CARE to appointments or for social activities. For help with caring for terminally ill A minimum of 24 hours notice is relatives first see your GP who will required for bookings.

49 Malvern Social Car Scheme obtained from here. Community Action www.malvernu3a.org.uk Tel: 01684 892381 Membership Secretary, Robin Clarke 9.30am –12.30pm Tel: 01886 288123 until November 2017 Runs a voluntary car scheme and a E-mail: ‘shop around’ minibus. See separate [email protected] entry for further details. Tenbury Upton Community Care Tel: 01584 810751 Covers Upton and the surrounding area. Tel: 01684 593633. UPTON Upton Shuttle COMMUNITY CARE Fridays only. Upton Community Care has 70 Tel: 01684 592273 volunteers offering their time to help To catch the Shuttle: either arrive in people in Upton-upon-Severn and the good time at one of the stops, hail it on nearby district. If you need transport to its route (be in good time) or to book appointments or to visit someone who a seat call the number above no later is in residential care or in hospital they than 12pm on the Thursday – this is will collect you from home, wait and essential if a deviation from the route return you home. They ask 30p per is required or if you are a wheelchair mile towards the petrol costs. You may user. have friends that are housebound: we can collect prescriptions and change Worcester Wheels library books/tapes at no charge. Covers the city and parishes to the Tel: 01684 593633 south and west. Call between 9.30–11.30am weekdays Tel: 01905 724274 or leave a message on the answer Monday–Friday: 8am–5pm phone at any time. UNIVERSITY OF First Floor, 15 High Street (above the Map Shop) Upton-upon-Severn. THE THIRD AGE U3A is an organization providing VOLUNTEERING opportunities for education and Age UK recreation for the over 50s. No Volunteers are required for all of the academic qualifications are required, services we administrate on behalf none are awarded and professional of the elderly, including our shops in tutors are not usually employed. The Malvern and Tenbury Wells. motto is ‘learning with pleasure’. Monthly meetings are held at 2pm on Enquiries to: the last Tuesday of each month at: Great Malvern Railway Station, Station Approach, Malvern, Worcs. The Cube, Victoria Road WR14 3AU. Details of study groups can also be Tel: 01684 560666

50 Regular Visits a look at www.do-it.org for further Spare a few minutes every day to check details or see below. up on an old person you know. A friendly Malvern Hills Volunteering can help you call to make sure that everything is OK get started... is all that’s needed. To make sure that everybody gets regular visits you may You’re donating your valuable time, so like to organize a group of visitors to it’s important that you enjoy and benefit your area, with each person taking a from your volunteering. To make sure street or block. Find out about local your volunteer role is a good fit, contact organizations already involved in this Malvern Hills Volunteering – our services kind of work: Age UK, local churches, are free of charge: older peoples’ clubs, etc. Tel: 07510 012092 Malvern Hills Volunteering Email: [email protected] The benefits of volunteering can be Website: great to you and your community. www.malvernhillsvolunteering.org.uk The right match can help you to find friends, reach out to the community and Or come to a ‘drop-in’ session at Malvern learn new skills. Volunteering can also Library on Wed & Friday mornings from help protect your mental and physical 9.30am-12.30pm (Appointments can health, reducing stress, keeping you also be made in advance). mentally stimulated and providing a WAR PENSIONS sense of purpose. In the first instance contact: Volunteering brings fun and fulfilment to The British Legion your life. Tel: 0808 8028080 Doing volunteer work you find meaningful and interesting, can be a WHEELCHAIRS relaxing, energising escape from your If you require a wheelchair for long day-to-day routines and provide a term use, a physiotherapist will visit you structure to your day. to agree on a suitable chair. Volunteering can help you build upon Tel: 01684 612637 skills and wisdom you already have and ‘FreeWheels’, an Age UK Malvern use them to benefit the community. service, has manual wheelchairs and Age is not necessarily a barrier but electric scooters available on loan for check that the group where you apply up to four weeks. Both manual and has suitable insurance cover before you electric scooters are of the folding, car start. portable variety and can be used inside the house (they will fit through the You may be surprised at the range of average doorway) or outdoors. volunteer roles that are available from Tel: 01684 560666 telephone befriending (from your own home), receptionist at a museum, or The Red Cross can provide wheelchairs retail assistant in a bookshop. Take after a hospital stay – to visit friends or

51 family – or while people are awaiting any seven consecutive days. You may the arrival of a long term wheelchair. be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment Thursdays only 9.30am–1.30pm if you are getting: Income Support, Tel: 01905 450403 income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and WIDOWS Support Allowance, and have one of the following: Widows Bereavement For a copy of the leaflet • A pensioner/higher pensioner/ ‘New Bereavement Benefits’ enhanced pensioner premium. call: 0345 731 3233 • A disability/enhanced disability/ Or call the Age UK Office severe disability premium. Tel: 01684 560666 • A child premium. WILLS • A Child Tax Credit that includes It is amazing how many people avoid a disability or severe disability making a will, but if you die without a element. will the Government decides who gets • Or a child who is under five in the your money and possessions. A simple family. will does not cost a great deal of money and it means that your intentions are For further information there is an Age clearly set down for others to follow. UK fact sheet or contact the helpline: 0345 9151515 If you have not yet made a will – or brought an old one up-to-date – now WORCESTERSHIRE would be a good time to do it. You can ANIMAL RESCUE SHELTER do it yourself with the help of a pack purchased at any good stationer’s WARS aim to give shelter, medical shop, or we have a number of relevant treatment and care to animals who fact sheets in the office. have been left abandoned or suffering. They have a number of dogs and other Age UK Malvern and District have a animals who need to be re-homed. will making service, call the office for more information. Tel: 01684 560666 Hawthorn Lane, Newland, WR13 5BD Tel: 01905 831651 WINTER FUEL and COLD Web: www.wars.org.uk WEATHER PAYMENTS WORCESTERSHIRE Health Winter Fuel Payment: eligible people and CARE NHS TRUST aged 60–79 can get up to £300 and up to £400 if they are aged 80 or over. The Worcestershire Health and Care Cold Weather Payments of £25 per cold NHS Trust is managed by a board weather period are automatically paid with a lay majority and an executive when the average temperature drops to committee with a professional majority, 0°C or below, or is forecast to do so, over the stated vision for the Trust is to:

52 “Improve the health and well-being • Specialist Palliative Care. of the people of South Worcestershire They manage a number of sites including through the provision of good quality, Health Centres and Neighbourhood locally sensitive care that is centred Clinics, Malvern Community Hospital around the needs of individual patients.” and Tenbury Community Hospital. The Worcestershire Health and Care For all enquiries call: 01905 763333 NHS Trust has overall responsibility for the provision of a range of services You can apply for Continuing Health including: Care Funding, this is for people with continuing health care needs, either • District Nursing. in their own home or in a care home. • Health Visiting. The funding is based on a health • Nurse Advisors to the Elderly. assessment prior to discharge. The funding is entirely separate from County • Occupational Therapy. Council Social Services for personal • Physiotherapy. care. Please ring the Age UK Office for • Podiatry (Chiropody). further information: 01684 560666

Your Notes

53 Your Notes

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55 Who performs the foot care? The foot care service is undertaken by volunteers who have been trained by the Health Promotions Podiatrist for the South Worcestershire Trust. It is available at the following venues: Cartwright Court on fourth Tuesday of the month Clarence Park, Malvern on first Wednesday of the month Prospect View, Malvern on every Tuesday & Friday Martley Surgery on alternative Mondays Great Witley Surgery on first Wednesday of the month Upton Surgery monthly on Monday & Thursdays Alfrick monthly on first Wednesday of the month What does it cost? The cost of the service is £13.00 per visit. For further information and appointments please ring 01684 576655

56 57 HANDY PERSON SCHEME Available to anyone living in the Malvern Hills District and designed to enable you to feel more secure and comfortable in your own home for as long as you want, this scheme covers: • Minor repairs e.g. replacing faulty taps or repairs to doors and windows. • Fitting aids and adaptations such as hand rails and grab rails. • Home safety and security checks including the fitting of locks and other safety features. This is a charged for service and currently costs £15.00 per hour + materials. • FREE Home energy efficiency checks. Funded by E.ON and First Utility we will assess your home for energy efficiency and fit energy saving devices such as draft excluders. For further information please contact Heather Nesbitt, Handy Person Co-ordinator Tel: 01684 899003 (24hr answerphone) or email [email protected]

HAPPY HOME WORKERS PROJECT The aim of the Happy Home Workers scheme is to support older people who are unable to clean for themselves by providing house workers who will not only help with the housework but generally befriend and monitor clients. To be eligible for the service you must: • Be over 50 years of age • Be resident in the Malvern Hills District area • Be unable to undertake cleaning yourself; we will assess this during a home visit. This is a charged for service. For further information please contact Annie Surman, Happy Home Workers Co-ordinator Tel: 01684 565829

58 The Gables, 17 Avenue Rd. Malvern, WR14 3AY

Tel: 01684 572420 Fax: 01684 576683 Surgery hours daily by appointment 24 hour service

Lady Foley’s Tea Rooms Award Winning Tea Room at Great Malvern Station next to Age UK. Serving Light Lunches, Social Mornings Teas, Coffees, and Delicious Homemade Cakes. These are held every Tuesday Open Mon–Sat 9.00am–6.00pm morning at: Scout Hall, Redland Road, Malvern Link From 10 am to 12 noon. We do arrange lunches and outings occasionally, by mini-bus or coach. Lucy Jones Come and join us for a chat, the [email protected] weekly raffle and to make new www.shrinking-violet.com friends. Great malvern Railway Station, Imperial Road, Malvern, WR14 3AU Some transport available - ring the office (01684) 560666 ‘Flowers give you happiness in abundance’

59 Who’s Who in your Local Age UK Malvern and District

Patron: Lady Morrison Rural Information Officers: Founder: Olive G. Beechey, LVO Geoffrey Blackmore , Hanley Chairman: Anthony Hartley-Woolley and Upper Welland Vice Chairman: Collette Clifford Christine Humphries Treasurer: Vacant Welland Chief Executive: Chris Ashcroft Maureen Charles Office Manager: Lynne Mole and Malvern Shop Manager: Margaret Hamilton Lisa Bonomini Glover , Leigh and Tenbury Shop Manager: Vacant Linda Jeary and Information Officer: Lynne Mole Janet Pitt Berrow, , Assistant Information Officer (Tenbury): and Elderfield Annie Greenlees Henry Morris Handyperson Co-Ordinator: Kempsey Heather Nesbitt Brenda Collins Handyperson: Tony Sparrey Alfrick Foot Care Co-Ordinator: Marrie Thompson Lynne Mole Clifton-upon-Teme Happy Home Workers Project: Vacant Annie Surman Hallow, Grimley and Holt Befriending Co-ordinator: Hanley Rockford, Chairman Selkirk Longdon Executive Committee Members: Vacant Collette Clifford Astley and Dunley Anthony Hartley-Woolley Vacant Almagir Khan Eastham John McKenzie Sue Moreve Vacant Jaqui Rudge Upton-upon-Severn Amanda Smith

To make contact with your nearest Deputy Information Officer, in the first instance call Age UK Malvern Tel: 01684 560666

60 Finally a Plea, well several! Readers, please Give us feedback: Help us to keep the information in this book up to date, relevant to your needs and easy to use. Tell us what you think of the 2017–18 version. We welcome your feedback and your input so write or call with your thoughts or fill in the form at the end of the book and send it to the office. Donate: This book is made available free of charge but if you would like to give something towards its cost, your contribution will be put towards the cost of next year’s edition. See page 5. Providers of services, please Correct us: If you have an existing entry in this book be sure to let us know at the office if there are any changes to your service. This will enable us to put it right and to give the correct information to the many local people who call. Inform Us: If your service is not in the Year Book but is of benefit to older people, contact the editor – preferably in writing if possible – outlining what support service you offer. Advertise: It’s how we finance the printing costs so we are grateful but advertising offers you benefits too, i.e. access through the year book to a substantial local audience of residents and professionals. Contact the editor to book space for 2018/2019, request a space, costings list or to discuss your requirements. Your 2017–2018 Guide to Services This publication could not be produced and distributed free without the generous support of its advertisers and its publishers. We wish to thank all the sponsors/advertisers who have generously helped in the production of this book. However, the endorsement of any product or service is not guaranteed nor can the accuracy of any statements be warranted. GAYNOR-SMITH, OWEN and CO SOLICITORS 133–135 Barnards Green Road, Malvern, WR14 3LT Tel: 0800 619 1837 Opening Hours: 9.00am–5.30pm Home visits at no extra charge can be arranged by appointment. We will advise you in the following aspects of law: Wills, Inheritance Tax, Powers of Attorney, Housing or other Elderly Client Issues.

In addition we offer a free consultation to elderly clients, their carers or relatives who are acting on their behalf, which will take place on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Age UK Malvern and District, Great Malvern Railway Station, Station Approach, Malvern. To arrange an appointment call 01684 560666

61 Charity Shops

Age UK Malvern & District operate two charity shops in the district; one on Worcester Road in Malvern Link and one in Market Square in Tenbury Wells. Both shops stock a wide variety of goods including clothes, shoes, accessories, glass ware, bric-a-brac, books and CDs. So, why not come down and visit us? Spend some money in a good cause and grab yourself a bargain at the same time! Alternatively if you’ve got good quality items and you were wondering where to take them, why not bring them down to us! Are you interested in volunteering and always fancied working in a shop? Get in touch and see if we have any vacancies! Contact: Lisa, Malvern Shop Manager on 01684 568127 Or Linda, Tenbury Shop Manager on 01584 810209

62 Index

Access Guide...... 7 Computer Technology...... 19 Activity Referral Scheme...... 7 Continence and Incontinence...... 20 Adaptations to the Home...... 7 Datalink...... 20 Adult Education South Worcestershire College...7 Day Centres...... 21 Advocacy, Onside Independent...... 7 Death...... 21 Affordable Warmth...... 7 Dementia Advice Service...... 21 Age UK Advice...... 73 Dental Care...... 22 Age UK Information...... 8, 73 Dentists...... 22 Age UK IT Tuition...... 66 Dentures...... 23 Age UK Malvern & District: An Appeal...... 5 Diabetes Group (Malvern)...... 23 Age UK Malvern Disability Shop...... 10 Disablement Information Advice Line (D.I.A.L.)...23 Age UK Services, a quick guide...... 74 District Nursing Service...... 23 Alarms...... 10 Doctors/General Practitioners...... 23 Alcohol...... 10 Donations to Age UK Malvern...... 24 Arthritis...... 10 Elderly Abuse...... 24 Arthritis Care...... 10 Elderly Accommodation Counsel...... 25 Arthritis Research UK...... 11 Electricity and Gas...... 25 Befriending & Phone a Friend Service ...... 13 Energy Company Obligation (E.C.O.)...... 25 Benefits Advice...... 11 Equipment Loans/Medical Loans...... 25 Bereavement...... 13 Eyesight and Visual Impairment...... 25 Books on Prescription...... 13 Executors and next of kin...... 26 Breathe Easy...... 13 Exercise and Fitness...... 26 Bus Services...... 14 Falls and broken Hips...... 28 Car Badges...... 14 Falls Prevention...... 28 Car Schemes and Community Transport...... 49 Financial Advice...... 28 Care Quality Commission (C.Q.C.)...... 15 Fire...... 29 Carers...... 15 Flu, Shingles and Pneumonia Jabs...... 29 Cats Protection Worcester & District...... 16 Food Safety...... 29 Chemists/Pharmacists...... 16 Footcare...... 30 Churches...... 17 Fortis living free time...... 30 Citizens Advice Bureau (C.A.B.)...... 17 Forum of Mobility Centres...... 30 Clubs and Coffee Mornings...... 17 Fuel Poverty/Affordable Warmth...... 30 Coffee Mornings...... 17 Funeral Planning...... 31 Cold Weather Payments and Winter Fuel...... 52 Handyperson Scheme...... 31, 58 Community Action...... 19 Happy Home Workers Project...... 58 Community Care, Upton...... 50 Healthy Eating...... 31 Community Physiotherapy...... 19 Healthy Lifestyle Hub...... 31 Community Transport and Car Schemes...... 49 Hearing...... 31 Complaints...... 19 Heating Costs...... 32 Complementary Medical Association...... 19 Heatstroke...... 32 Home – having work done...... 32

63 Hospitals...... 33 Road Safety...... 44 HUB...... 34 Royal British Legion...... 44 Hypothermia...... 34 Safe and Sound Security Scheme...... 44 Incontinence...... 20 Salvation Army...... 45 Information Service...... 35 Samaritans...... 45 Insurance Services...... 35 Second Hand Items...... 45 IT Tuition, Age UK...... 66 Sheltered Accommodation...... 45 Keeping your home safe...... 35 Shopping...... 46 Keep Warm, keep well in cold weather...... 37 Social Care Services...... 46 Laundry Services...... 38 Social Workers...... 46 Legacies...... 38 Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmens’ Families Library Services...... 38 Association (S.S.A.F.A.)...... 47 Loans...... 39 Solicitors...... 47 Local Public Health...... 39 Staying Healthy and Campaigns...... 47 Local Traders’ Directory...... 39 Stop Smoking...... 47 Loneliness...... 39 Stroke Association...... 48 Lyttelton Well...... 39 Swimming...... 48 Malvern Community Hospital...... 39 TAX help...... 48 Medical Alerts, S0S Devices and Services...... 40 Telephones...... 48 Medical Loans...... 25 TV Licences...... 48 MIND...... 40 Tenbury Wells Customer Service Centre...... 49 Mobility Centres, Forum of...... 30 Terminal Care...... 49 Museums...... 40 Tinnitus...... 49 Music – Saga 105.7fm...... 40 Trading Standards...... 49 NHS costs...... 40 Transport, Community Transport and Car Schemes...... 49 NHS 111...... 40 University Of The Third Age...... 50 NHS South worcestershire C.C.G...... 41 Upton Community Care...... 50 NOISE...... 41 Visual Impairment...... 25 Out-of-Hours Medical Service...... 41 Volunteering...... 50 Parkinsons UK...... 42 War Pensions...... 51 Patient Relations Team...... 42 Welcome...... 3 Petlog...... 42 Wheelchairs...... 51 Pets As Therapy (PAT)...... 42 Widows...... 52 Pets in Care...... 42 Wills...... 52 Pets whilst in Hospital...... 43 Winter Fuel and Cold Weather Payments...... 52 Phone a Friend Service...... 13 Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter...... 52 Physiotherapy...... 43 Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust...... 52 Queen’s Telegram...... 43 Radar Keys...... 43 Rail Travel...... 43 Red Cross...... 43 Refuse Collection...... 44

64 Advertisement Index: Access Taxis...... 68 Age UK Guide to Services...... back cover Age UK Information and Advice...... inside back cover Age UK IT Tuition...... 66 Age UK Shops...... 62 Age UK Social Mornings...... 59 Age UK Happy Home Worker Project...... 58 Age UK Handy Person Scheme...... 58 Aspect Design...... 67 Avenue Road Vets...... 59 Befriending and Phone a Friend Service...... 2 Brays of Malvern...... 59 Broomhill...... 69 Care Group...... 71 Curtis Heating and Plumbing...... 70 Denture Repairs, Kevin Cave...... 70 Cleaner Ovens & Carpets...... 68 Driving Miss Daisy...... inside front cover Evendine House Residential Home...... 1 Express TV & Appliances ...... 71 Foot Care Scheme...... 56 Gaynor-Smith Owen and Co...... 61 Happy Home Worker Project...... 58 Handy Person Scheme...... 58 Holland Funeral Services...... 59 Home Instead Senior Care...... 36 Kitcat & Co, Solicitors...... 70 Lady Foley’s Tea Rooms...... 59 Malvern Computers...... 57 Owens Estate Planning...... 69 Reconnections...... 2 Red Kite Pest Control...... 68 St. Martins Day Care Centre...... 71 Self Funded Care...... 57 Shrinking Violet Florist...... 59 Telecare, Worcestershire...... 72 Wiltshire Farm Foods...... 55

We wish to thank all the sponsors/advertisers who have generously helped in the production of this 2017–18 information service guide. It could not be produced and distributed free without the generous support of its advertisers and its publishers. We thank all the sponsors/advertisers who have supported it however the endorsement of any product or service is not guaranteed nor can the accuracy of any statement be warranted.

65 Basil Sellwood had not even used a typewriter before coming to our IT training sessions.

Now he is a confident and enthusiastic laptop user!

"Join us. Beat IT"

At Malvern’s IT station, we cater for absolute computer beginners, improvers who have some experience and for experienced users who want to learn more advanced topics.

• We offer single sessions to cover very specific topics including all those niggly little things that you can’t quite work out how to do!

• If you need a course of sessions to learn new skills, at whatever level, we can provide tutors who will patiently teach you at your own pace, one to one.

• We provide training and help with all sorts of computers, including desktops, laptops, tablet and smartphones.

• All our training is generally provided on an individual basis but we are happy to teach couples and friends who wish to learn together.

Computer training sessions are run at Great Malvern Station, just ring us on 01684 560666 to reserve your place.

66 Having trouble getting your book published? Cheer up – help is at hand! The hard work of writing the book is over; we can take care of the rest. From a Diary of a Nobody to the Memoirs of a Somebody, we will put your words into print.

Self-Publishing with Aspect Design, it’s cheaper than you think. Please contact us for more information, Tel: 01684 561567 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.aspect-design.net

67 Access Taxis Malvern Getting you there . . . safely 07749 621594 or email: [email protected] www.malverntaxis.com Local, Independent & Professional Cleaning Services Professional • Reliable • Safe For A Free Quotation call Prompt, Friendly and Dependable Service Gareth Morgan Wheelchair Friendly, 1–8 seats Tel: 01684 879 120 Local • Airports • Seaports Mobile: 07476 363 030 Corporate • Special Occasions Web: CleanerovensNcarpets.com Email: [email protected] I do the hard work, so you don’t have to

68 Est 1993

Do you need live-in care? FOR SHORT OR LONG TERM CARE CALL US TO DISCUSS OUR FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

01684 562087 Email: broomhillgroup.aol.com www.broomhill24.co.uk

WORCESTERSHIRE ~ HEREFORDSHIRE The Old Chapel, 84 Cowleigh Road, Malvern WR14 1QN Regulated by the Care Quality Commission

Does the thought of losing everything you have worked hard for, worry you?

Worry not! Call John Owens (LLB) today…then relax John will advise you on the best ways to protect everything and everyone that matters to you. As an advisor for Age UK Worcester & District and Malvern, you can be assured that he is an expert that can be trusted. • Will writing – John can tailor your wills to accommodate even the most complicated family set up • Trusts – John can protect your assets from many threats • Lasting Powers of Attorney – to make sure everything is in place, should you be unable to manage your affairs • Funeral Plans – Independent supplier of a number of the leading funeral plans in the country • Worried about care costs? – John can set your mind at ease. 01905 695450 www.owensestateplanning.co.uk

69 Flexible appointments Accessible location Fixed fees

( 01684 342173

28A Avenue Road, Malvern, WR14 3BG Regulated by the * [email protected] Solicitors Regulation www.kitcat.legal Authority: 635836

WILLS • PROBATE • POWERS OF ATTORNEY • TRUSTS

DENTURE REPAIRS 1 Hour Service Replacement/Copy Dentures Advice on design Helpful and friendly service

Email: [email protected]

Kevin Cave 209b Worcester Rd, Malvern Link (01684) 574507

70

THE CARE GROUP MALVERN LTD

The Care Group is a new innovation on the provision of trained care staff through our Domicilinary Care Service. Managed and ran by dedicated, knowledge based individuals.

The Care Group are able to offer tailor made care packages ranging from

occasional home visits to live in carers.

The Care Groups care packages for Client’s are highly personlised. Each is inidivually designed in partnership with the Client to take account of their particular needs, goals and aspirations.

ThisFor person more-centre informationd approach regarding gives our our personalised Client’s more care choicepackages and to controlsuit people’s individualover when needs and please how theircontact care our package dedicated is teamprovided. in the office on 01684 572156 – or please feel free to visit us in our Barnard’s Green office.

The Care Group Ltd, 137 Barnards Green Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3ZF 01684 572156 [email protected] – www.thecaregroup.uk.com

St Martin’s ! Express TV & Appliances Sales * Service * Repairs Day Care A Family Business Trading In Malvern Centre Since 1959 Sales: TVs, Recorders, DVD Players, Radios www.stmartinsdaycare.co.uk & Washing Machines, Dryers, Cookers, Refrigeration (both free standing & integrated)

Service: Delivery & Installation, Call-Outs to problem solve TV/Recorder Issues, Aerial, Wall Mounts

Repairs: TV & Recorders St Martin’s is a small, privately owned day care centre providing day care, support and Opening Hours 9.00-5.30pm Monday-Saturday enjoyment for the elderly community of Malvern in a home from home environment. www.expresstv.co.uk Please call, email or visit our website for more information: Tel. 01886 832609 245 Worcester Road, Malvern, WR14 1SY [email protected] Telephone 01684 573547 www.stmartinsdaycare.co.uk

71 24/7 REASSURANCE for you and your family with Worcestershire Telecare

0345 130 1469 www.worcstelecare.org

72 Information & Advice The core service of all Age UKs across the country is the provision of Information and Advice. As the name suggests this falls broadly into two categories: INFORMATION. We stock a large amount of leaflets and guides on a whole range of topics relevant to our client group and their families. This includes material produced by Age UK on topics such as energy efficiency, dementia, power of attorney, debt . . . the list goes on! It also includes material produced by local businesses, service providers, community groups, clubs and many more. After more than 30 years’ experience of providing information on local activities if we don’t have the information to hand we will almost certainly be able to point you in the right direction. ADVICE. We employ fully trained staff to undertake low level needs assessments for people over the age of 50 who do not qualify for a Community Care Assessment from Social Services. These assessments are carried out in our office and mainly cover benefit entitlement to benefits such as Attendance Allowance and Carers Allowance. Again, if we are not able to assist with a particular problem or issue we will certainly be able to signpost you in the right direction.

For more information please contact our offices on 01684 560666 Or email [email protected] A quick guide to our services Information and advice. With offices in both Malvern and Tenbury we offer information, signposting and advice on a whole range of issues including some benefits. Contact us on 01684 560666 (Malvern) or 01584 811856 (Tenbury Wells). See page 73 Handy Person Service. For minor repairs, security advice, home safety checks and the fitting of aids and adaptations in your home. Contact Heather on 01684 899003. See page 58 Happy Home Workers Project. Combining a home help service with a touch of befriending. Contact Annie on 01684 565829. See page 58 Foot care. Operating in 11 locations across the district this service provides low level foot care services, typically nail cutting. This is not a podiatry service. Contact Lynne on 01684 576655. See page 56 Befriending. Tackling loneliness and isolation by providing someone to visit and talk to on a regular basis. Contact Charmain on 01684 560585. See page 2 Reconnections. Also tackling loneliness and isolation by introducing people to groups and activities in their local area. Contact Charmain on 01684 560858. See page 2 Charity shops. Helping to raise funds for Age UK Malvern & District by selling good quality second hand items. Contact Lisa in our Malvern shop on 01684 568127 or Linda in our Tenbury shop on 01584 810209. See page 62 IT tuition. One to one tuition on all things computing. Contact the office 01684 560666 for more details. See page 66 Ageing well walks. Monthly organised walks around the beautiful Worcestershire countryside. Contact the office on 01684 560666 for more details. See page 27 Visiting advisors. We have number of professionals, who attend our offices on a Thursday morning on a rotational basis, offering advice on a Power of Attorney, self-funded care, estate planning and legal issues. Contact the office on 01684 560666 for more details.