Ageing Well in ! A Newsletter for the 50+ of Ceredigion

Who’s Who? Issue 3 — Summer 2017 Older Persons Commissioner for Sarah Rochira Welcome to the third edition of ‘Ageing Well in Ceredigion’ a newsletter for the 50+ of The Older Persons Commissioner Ceredigion. These online newsletters will be for Wales is an independent voice full of relevant and helpful information, to for older people across Wales. ensure that you, as the 50+ of Ceredigion re- Her work is driven from what main informed with regards to various ac- matters most to older people. The tivities, events, news and issues happening Commissioner works to make Wales a good across Ceredigion. We welcome any place to grow older, not just for some, but for suggestions for articles that you would like to everyone! see included in future editions to ensure that the newsletters are relevant to all.

As well as being available online, paper Our Older People’s Champion copies of ‘Ageing Well in Ceredigion’ newsletters will be available in Ceredigion Cllr Catherine Hughes. libraries, doctors surgeries and leisure It is a pleasure to welcome centres. you to the third edition of For more information or to send us Ageing Well in Ceredigion. suggestions and ideas for articles for future As the Older People’s Champion for newsletters please contact us at: Ceredigion I will endeavour to ensure that your needs and preferences are taken into E.mail: [email protected] account and will support and defend the or corner of the 50+ within Ceredigion. We are Tel: 01545 572105 living in changing and challenging times, and the wealth of experience and knowledge that If you wish to receive an electronic copy of you as older people have to offer the the Newsletter directly to your e-mail address, is essential. Ceredigion is a please let us know. wonderful place to grow old and so we must recognise the fact that the older people have an extremely important place in our society. Together, we can ensure that Ceredigion is a place that appreciates and respects it older people E.mail me at: [email protected] or call 01974 298700.

1 Your 50+!

Aberystwyth Friendship Group (AFG)

I get by with a little help from my friends.....”

We are doing our best at Friend- ship Group to help alleviate the ever growing problem of loneliness and isolation in Ceredi- gion by offering friendship and support to all our members. A warm welcome is waiting for you if you are interested in joining. To enjoy the many varied activities we have on our agenda, just come along to one of our meetings at the Mor- lan Centre, Aberystwyth, usually the first Fri- day in every month at 11.00 am, or get in touch through Facebook Messenger.

Our blog.

http:/aberystwythfriendhshipgroup.blogspot.co.uk/

or email

[email protected]

or phone

01970 627833

The Aberystwyth Friendship Group Art Society sessions are proving very popular. The group are working hard together and on individual projects, creating artworks for Gwanwyn Festival of Arts and Creativity for older people.

Art Classes are ongoing; we meet on a Friday morning (except when there is a meeting) in The Green Room, Morlan Centre, Aberystwyth at 11.00 am.

All Welcome.

2 Your 50+!

Aberystwyth Friendship Group “I get by with a little help from my friends.....”

Aberystwyth Friendship Group Meetings in Morlan

4th Aug 11:00 Talk & presentation with Chris from Aberystwyth Heddlu -Powys Police 6th Oct 11:00 Dementia Friends & Dementia Friendly Communities a session by Natalie Smith & Enfys James. 3rd Nov 11:00 Talk by Chris Roberts from Marie Curie Organisation 2nd Feb 12:00 Talk by Claire Pickett from Macmillan 2nd Mar 12:00 Talk about The Mabinogi by David Greany 27th Apr 12:00 AGM 4th May 12:00 Myths & Legends—talk by Sara Ward & Sam Button. Tai Chi Tai Chi Classes with Steve - Tuesday afternoons 12.00 till 1.00 AFG Art Society Art Classes Meet in The Green Room. Classes from 11.00 to 1.00. No classes during August sessions will start again in September. Weigh To Go Weigh To Go meet every Tuesday morning 10.00 - 12.00 Green Room Morlan £3 with tea and coffee. All Welcome. AFG are happy to be involved with and to promote Weigh To Go. There is no set diet plan and everyone does their own thing which works really well as combined with friendship and support from the group. Outings & Events 17th Aug Black Country Living Museum, Dudley 31st Aug Witley Court and gardens 8th Sep Lunch at Harry’s 21st Sep Big Pit Blaenavon World Heritage Site 12th Oct Iron Bridge 16th Nov Cadbury World 7th Dec Chester Christmas Market 15th Dec Christmas Lunch at Harry’s 5th Jan Meet in M&S for lunch? Weigh To Go 15th Mar Mines and Y Hafod for lunch 6th Apr Lunch at Harry’s 17th May Nanteos for morning or afternoon tea and scones. 22nd Jun Fashion Show White Stuff

3 Groups

Nordic Walking Programme Tenovus Sing With Ceredigion Us choir If you or someone you love has Age Cymru Nordic Walking Programme had cancer, singing can help. It in Ceredigion organise training unites people, improves sessions and organise walks once a wellbeing and makes you week in various locations in the County. happier. You don’t need to be a great singer - every voice For anyone interested in joining Age counts! Cymru Nordic Walking Programme in Ceredigion please contact Sing With Us choir in Judith or Graham Aberystwyth

e.mail: [email protected] For anyone who has been affected by cancer; current patient, survivor, bereaved or loved one. We meet weekly on Monday for a tea/coffee and a sing, in St Pauls Methodist New Stroke Group Centre from 6.30-8pm.

A new Stroke Group has started meeting at the Tenovus Cancer Care has many New Inn, , every third Thursday of more services available in Ceredigion. For more each month from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. information please contact: The aim of the meetings is to enable people to Tiffany on 07776 762036 share information and experiences and just Website: have an opportunity to meet up. www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/ Meetings are open to all who have experienced singwithus a stroke and to their carers. A warm welcome Helpline: 0808 808 1010 awaits There will be no charge. Tea/coffee or a soft drink will be available. Come along to share experiences and receive support

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CAVO VOLUNTEERING

What can volunteering do for you? One of the main benefits of volunteering is that you get the opportunity to meet people and make a difference to people’s lives. You can also have the opportunity to be part of the community, learning new skills gaining confidence and taking on a challenge! You can volunteer for as little as a couple of hours a month. Everyone can be a volunteer! Regardless of your age, background, previous experience and present needs there is an opportunity to suit you. What’s out there? There are a diverse range of opportunities in Ceredigion including

 Befriender  Trustee  Youth club volunteer

 Dolphin surveyor  Fundraiser  Activity volunteer

 Volunteer driver  Volunteer adviser  Sports coach

WE CAN OFFER

Free information on volunteering Help & support during your volunteering

Interested? Call us: 01570 423 232 Email us: [email protected] Internet: www.cavo.org.uk www.volunteering-wales.net Social media: Facebook CAVO Ceredigion Twitter @cavoceredigion

5 SHINE CHARITY

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Are you, or anyone you know, over sixty years old and experiencing the following?

Difficulty walking - as though your feet are stuck to the floor? Trouble with balance? Having some falls? Getting confused? Forgetful? Losing interest in things? Maybe not getting to the toilet in time?

Please don’t assume this is all part of growing older. It might be a little-known condition called NPH Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

What is NPH ? Cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] is produced continually in the ventri- cles [cavities] of the brain. Under normal conditions CSF circu- lates through the brain acting as a protective cushion and providing nutrients. NPH (Normal Pres- sure Hydrocephalus) results when the flow of fluid is blocked in some way causing an abnormal amount of CSF to accumulate in the ventricles, which, in turn, enlarge, affecting the function of the surrounding brain. It occurs most often in people aged over 60.

How is it diagnosed ? Diagnosis is difficult due to some of the symptoms being similar to other disorders, e.g. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease or simply increasing age. Many cases go completely unrecognised and are never treated. A GP should consider referring patients with the main symptoms (dementia accompanied by gait disturbance and in some cases, urinary incontinence) to a neurologist or neurosurgeon or geriatrician who can investigate further. If NPH is diagnosed, treatment to alleviate the symptoms may be possible.

Anyone in the Ceredigion area who would like to know more about NPH or larger groups in the area who would like a presentation about this condition can contact Melanie Hayes Support and Development Worker for Shine.

Mobile/ Ffon symudol: 07789616460 Email: [email protected]

Shine also hold a support group for carers and their members in Ceredigion every 6 weeks.

Please get in touch with Melanie if you are interested.

6 BLUE BADGE SCHEME

The Blue Badge Scheme is available as a parking concession for people who are disabled or who have severe walking difficulties or severe cognitive impairment. The eligibility criteria are divided into two groups:

 People who are entitled to a badge without any further assessment, usually because they are already receiving certain state benefits. This is sometimes referred to as 'automatic' Eligibility.

 People who are entitled to a badge after a further assessment. Usually, people in this group do not receive any state benefits and will need to provide evidence of their condition and detail how it affects their mobility.

Where someone has a condition lasting for more than 12 months, a temporary blue badge can be applied for. Examples of such conditions could extend to individuals awaiting a hip replacement, recovering from a stroke, a complex leg fracture, spinal trauma or a serious illness lasting more than 12 months. The information collated is assessed and where the individual meets the set criteria, a 12 month temporary badge will be issued. The application form can be accessed and applied for online at www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge or alternatively you can telephone the Blue Badge Team/Customer Services at Ceredigion County Council on 01545 900333 for more information. If you telephone, the Contact Officer will ask for basic information regarding the person who will be using the badge. If you have had a badge before, you will be asked for the expiry date and where your current badge was previously issued. You will then be sent out a Blue Badge pack. The pack will include an application form, guidance notes (on how to complete the application form) and a covering letter detailing what other items you will need to return. Blue Badges are currently free for individuals however there is a £10 charge for all replacement badges. The badge will be valid for three years from the date of issue unless your Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Allowance ends before this date. If you are allocated with a temporary badge, this will be valid for 12 months. As from 1st April 2017 all Blue Badge enquiries are dealt with by Customer Services at Canolfan Rheidol, Aberystwyth rather than Social Services, Min-Aeron, and can be contacted by calling 01545 900333 or emailing at: [email protected]

7 Dementia Friends Sessions

What is a Dementia Friend and what does it mean to me?

A Dementia Friend learns a little bit more about what it's like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action. There is no action too big or too small – they all add up and can make a great difference, as we can all play a part in enabling people living with dementia to live well in our communities.

Information Sessions Dementia Friends Information Sessions are run by volunteer Dementia Friends Champions, who are trained and supported by Alzheimer’s Society. Each Information Session lasts around one hour. You will learn more about dementia and how you can help to create dementia friendly communities.

Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer’s Society led initiative which aims to increase dementia awareness and change the way the nation thinks, talks and acts about dementia. There are currently 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia and it is expected that this figure will rise to 1 million by 2021. Unfortunately, we understand that currently, one third of those living with dementia no longer feel part of their community and through Dementia Friends, we hope that this will change for the better.

If you are interested in attending one of these sessions please call the National Dementia Helpline 0300 222 1122 to register your interest or discuss any concerns or queries you may have.

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What is U3A?

The University of the Third Age (U3A) movement is a unique and exciting organisation which provides, life enhancing and life-changing opportunities. Retired and semi-retired people come together and learn together, not for qualifications but for its

Aberystwyth U3A

The Aberystwyth U3A meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month, at 2.30pm (to 4.00pm) at the Morlan, Queen's Road, Aberystwyth SY23 2HH. If you're interested in joining us, you're very welcome to come along to one of our monthly meetings as a visitor (for up to two visits, at £2 per visit). Just mention at the signing-in desk that you are new, and someone will help.

Dates for the Diary Thursday This is our Summer break, and there's no meeting at the Morlan Aug 17th this month. Thursday "Aberystwyth Through Time" by Wil Troughton Sep 21st Thursday "Why birds sing - the science of birdsong" by Rupert Marshall Oct 19th

Newcastle Emlyn U3A

The U3A meet regularly for a main meeting in the Community Hall on the first Wednesday of the month from 10:30-12:30. We are a group of retired and semi retired folk who still want to live, learn and laugh together. There are various groups which then meet during the month reflecting the interests of the members. These groups range from art and craft to astronomy and philosophy! Find out more from Hazel Towle 01559 371842 or visit www.u3asites.org.uk/newcastle-emlyn

9 Culture Vulture News Update

The ‘Culture Vultures’ are a group of 50+ from and the surrounding areas and their aim is to enable housebound people to get out of their homes to access local cultural events and entertainment as well as promoting wellbeing by conversation and companionship and to provide relevant information “from source”. The group have monthly Monday meetings at Gorslwyd Farm, Tanygroes. Culture Vulture News Update We had our Christmas Meal at Gorslwyd Farm, Tanygroes. Same place as the year before by popular demand! We all enjoyed a delicious treat!

We did the Boxing Day Dip in Aberporth to raise money for the group- we always try to subsidise transport for our trips!

If you would like a copy of our new programme please contact Alison and Ursula on 07538706423 or by e-mail on [email protected]. We always welcome new members. Transport can be provided if you live in Aberporth, Blaenporth, Beulah, , and Cardigan. We try to encourage lift share for those who live outside these areas.

10 Falls Prevention

Simon Says Challenge:- CLEAR THE CLUTTER! Between 230,000 and 460,000 people over 60 fall in Wales each year. However we need to remember FALLS ARE NOT a normal part of ageing or something that ‘just happens’ as you get older! There are lots of simple things you can do to help yourself stay steady and safe, keep an eye out for things that could cause you to slip, trip or fall and make your home a safer place in which to live. Some of these points may seem obvious, but it’s so easy to overlook them. Here is simple check list that will help keep you stay steady and safe: 1) Clear floors of trailing wires, and remove fraying carpets 2) De-clutter stairs and steps 3) Make sure slippers have a good grip and they fasten and stay on properly 4) Take time getting up, and stand still for a moment to steady yourself before walking 5) If you feel dizzy from time to time speak to your local pharmacist or doctor 6) Check your eyes with an optician and have your glasses prescription reviewed as often as advised and at least every two years. 7) If you fall, tell someone. 8) Stay active, stay strong.

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Falls Prevention

Falls prevention and further support: The local not for profit charitable organisation - Care and Repair, can undertake repairs as well as alterations in your home, such as providing handrails to help prevent falls.

Some of these installations may be free. They are also able to undertake a home safety assessment to help identify any other areas which could help you, such as heating and insulation and improving the level of security in your home. For more information contact 01970 639920.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service can undertake home fire safety assessments as well as home safety assessments and offer free services to help you live more safely in your home. Contact them on 0800 169 1234.

The Housing section of Ceredigion County Council can also offer support, to ensure that you are able to live in your home safely. Funding can be provided to undertake adaptations and/or emergency repairs in your home, whilst some of these may be small measures, they can also extend to larger schemes, such as disabled facilities grants. There are also interest free loans available to help you undertake improvements to your home. For more Information contact 01545 572105.

If you live in rented accommodation and are concerned as to the sub-standard conditions in your home, an officer from Ceredigion County Council’s housing team may be able to help you, for more information contact 01545 572105.

If you have fallen or are at risk of falling, speak to your GP, physiotherapist or Community Nurse. They will be able to refer you to the Community Steady and Safe Clinic and or the National Exercise Referral Services in Ceredigion County Council, where you can participate in a scheme local to you in Ceredigion to rebuild your confidence and gain strength. Call 01545 572105 for more information.

Social Care within Ceredigion County Council may be able to support you by providing advice or equipment to maintain your safety within the home. Careline, Carmarthenshire provide a lifeline service whereby you can call for help very easily by wearing and using a pendant alarm. Applying for an alarm is simple—all you have to do is contact Careline on 0300 333 2222.

12 What’s been Happening?

LIVING WELL IN CEREDIGION 50+ EVENT

A note from Naomi McDonagh, Environmental Health Officer and 50+ Strategy Coordinator. On the 1st March 2017, to help celebrate St David’s Day, we held our second annual 50+ and Living Well event in the Guildhall, Cardigan. It was wonderful to meet those of you who came along and a warm welcome was offered to all. This year’s theme covered financial well-being, as well as online safety, scam awareness and security in the home amongst others. We were delighted to welcome speakers from a variety of organisations and businesses, including Barclays Bank, West Wales Credit Union, Trading Standards, Care and Repair Ceredigion, Citizens Advice Bureau, Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations and Age Cymru. The presentations given were very interesting and it was extremely valuable to hear of all the support and help available in the county. We are also thankful to those who also attended with information stands, including Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Tai Ceredigion, Wales and West Housing Association, Royal Voluntary Service, Shine, National Energy Action, Housing Strategy Ceredigion County Council, British Read Cross, Age Cymru, Leisure Services Ceredigion County Council, Alzheimer’s Society. They provided a wealth of valuable information. Building on this and last year’s event in Aberaeron and having listened to your suggestions, these annual events will now take place in different parts of the county in an attempt to help make them more accessible to residents from all parts of Ceredigion. With this in mind, next year’s event will be held on the 8th March 2018 at the Morlan in Aberystwyth. If you’re interested in attending, please contact us at: [email protected] . We look forward to seeing you there, and a warm welcome will be awaiting you.

Ceredigion 50+ Living Well

13 A relaxed social group for people with dementia and their loved ones

Activities Where?

 Memory games Communal Room

 Guest speakers Bro Teifi Sheltered Housing

 Reminiscence Cardigan,

 Singing & more! SA43 1DQ

When?

First Tuesday of every month

Starting Tues 7th February 2017 (2pm-4pm)

Questions?

Contact Kim Parry on 07971 281 143

or Amy Wilson on 07484 053 260

* If you do not have a diagnosis but are concerned about your memory, please join us for a chat.

14 Information on Oil Syndicates

There are around 20 oil syndicates in and around Ceredigion and we are one of the few counties in Wales that have a fuel club in every part of the county. Oil syndicates are organised and coordinated by local volunteers who negotiate a bulk order, giving them greater buying power with the oil suppliers. Contact your local co-ordinator to hear how your local club runs and know what details you need to give them. Most clubs run via email or through a central community centre or group. For a list of all clubs in and around Ceredigion and to access an interactive map of their locations, please go to: www.ceredigion.gov.uk/fuelclubs or call Ceredigion County Council on 01545 572185 for more information. Help to buy your oil? West Wales Credit Union (a not for profit bank investing in the local community) can help if you have difficulties in paying for your fuel in one bulk payment. West Wales Credit Union will work with you and your local oil club (if requested) to help the initial purchase and set up a regular budget payment scheme. It also encourages weekly/monthly repayments to include savings towards the next oil order, helping ensure that everyone can still afford to heat their homes. Setting up a fuel account, will help avoid signing into a direct payment scheme with an oil provider, which limits you from being able to ‘shop around’ for the best price and would prevent you from becoming involved in a fuel club scheme. As an example, the oil prices and interest rates as at 1st May 2017 are as follows: 500 litres ordered through an oil club cost £216.41 Repay at 12 x £18.58. Total repayment £222.96 Total interest charged £6.55 APR 26.8% (figures correct at time of publication). Interest is calculated daily and there are no hidden fees. Loan subject to status. Contact 01239 621408 or visit: www.wwcu.co.uk for more information.

Save money on your heating oil bills. Order with a local fuel club in and around Ceredigion to save you money. The average household saving by buying with a fuel club can be around £150 a year.

15 Priority Service Registers

Worried about Power Cuts? Did you know that Western Power Distribution run a service called ‘Priority Service Register’ to help people in need during the event of a power cut. The service could help you or the person you care for if either of you:

 Relies on electricity for medical reasons  May find an unexpected power cut particularly difficult to cope with or distressing  Has a specific communication need when getting in touch

Power cuts can sometimes happen for reasons beyond the electricity board’s control. This can be particularly worrying if you rely on electricity for medical equipment or if you are elderly, very ill or disabled.

If you join the Priority Services Register, Western Power Distribution will:  Give you a direct number to call in the event of a power cut so that you can go straight through to someone at Western Power Distribution.  Agree a password with you before they visit, so you feel safe.  Provide special help, if needed, through the British Red Cross.  Ring and tell you about planned interruptions to your electricity supply.  Keep you as informed as possible in the event of an unplanned power cut.

To join the free Priority Service Register, Phone 0800 096 3080 or register at www.westernpower.co.uk

OTHER PRIORITY SERVICE REGISTER SCHEMES AVAILABLE

Priority Service Registers are also provided by energy suppliers which offers extra free services. This is available for householders who are of pensionable age, are registered disabled, have a hearing or visual impairment, or have long term ill-health.

Services which might be available as part of this register include:  Having controls or adaptors provided to make your meter or appliances easier to use  Free quarterly meter readings - if you tell your supplier you can’t read it yourself  An annual safety check of your gas appliances if you ask for it (unless you are a tenant, in which case this is your landlord’s obligation)  Priority reconnection if your supply is interrupted and advance notice if they have to stop your supply  Moving your meter free of charge to make it easier for you to access  Having your bills and meter readings in braille, large type or audio tape.  Alternative facilities for cooking and heating if your energy supply is interrupted  Additional protection from bogus callers with a password protection scheme  Arranging for your bills to be sent or copied to someone else, such as a carer, who can help you read and check them Priority Services Registers are available with various energy providers and also Welsh Water

16 Services for Older People

Are you 50+ living in Ceredigion or North ? If yes, did you know that you are eligible for help and assistance from the Support Officers on a range of subjects at no cost to you? To include: Making sure that you are claiming the correct benefits, assist with budgeting and financial matters, assist with correspondence, completing different kinds of forms and applications, ensuring you are living in adequate accommodation and, if required, assist with moving arrangements, seeking adaptions and equipment to meet your needs in your home, assist to interact within the Community, and discuss any other concerns you may have. This service is available to home owners, private sector or to any housing association tenants. For more information contact: Telephone: 01239 712 000 E-mail: [email protected]

Home Fire Safety Checks

Community Fire Safety staff, as well as Firefighters now visit domestic properties to deliver home fire safety advice and information, as well as install a smoke alarm for you free of charge!

If you are uncertain about the safety of your home and are concerned about specific fire risks call: 0800 169 1234 to talk about the possibility of a home safety visit. Alternatively you can complete an online form or request a free Home Fire Safety Assessment. You can request a home fire safety check for yourself or for a dependant relative/friend, however you will need to obtain their permission if you are not responsible for that person.

This service will hopefully contribute towards reducing deaths and injuries that are caused by accidental fires.

17 Carers Information Service

Carers provide unpaid care by looking after a family member, friend or partner who is ill, frail, disabled or struggling with mental health, drug or alcohol issues. Are you a Carer or a Young Carer? Join the Carers Information Service to receive:

 Regular Carers Information Service magazines;  Useful information relating to services, support, legislation etc which will be tailored to your individual needs;  Information relating to the Carers Forum which meets regularly to share support, information and friendship;  Information about events for Carers;  Information about relevant training courses;  Notification about consultations taking place on local and national issues.  This is your opportunity to have a voice on issues affecting Carers.

If you would like to join the Carers Information Service to receive the benefits listed above, please contact the Carers Unit by phone, email or letter. The Carers Information Service is FREE to join. Carers Unit Social Services Ceredigion County Council Canolfan Rheidol Rhodfa Padarn Llanbadarn Fawr Aberystwyth SY23 3UE

Telephone: 01970 633564 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ceredigion.gov.uk/carers ______The Next Issue...

Remember to keep an eye out for the next “Ageing Well in Ceredigion 50+ Newsletter. If you wish to see anything included in the next issue, or wish to receive any further information, please contact: [email protected] or call 01545 572151.

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