Isle of Wight Dementia Alliance Newsletter

Winter 2017 – Issue 7 Welcome to the seventh edition of the Isle of Wight Dementia Alliance Newsletter - a quarterly publication for those whose lives are touched by dementia, their families, friends and carers. We have developed this in partnership so we can bring together in one place news and information along with details of local support groups and events. The newsletter, which is published every three months, includes a calendar showing the location, days/dates and times of all the regular support groups available, which we hope you will find helpful. In future we hope to bring you some ‘Did you know…..’ articles. Kicking things off in this issue we have informative articles about getting a call blocker if you receive nuisance phone calls, and how to apply to for a Council Tax disregard or exemption.

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News from The Elephant Club

This club provides Melody and Memory stimulation to those with dementia and is held in a relaxed and informal setting.

Come and listen to some gentle music, join in with a discussion around a particular chosen subject; and socialise with others – all while enjoying tea and biscuits!

The club is run by Anne, Mandy or Cheryl and held on the third Thursday of the month in The Garden Room, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard, from 2pm – 4pm. It is FREE of charge and family, friends and carers are most welcome to stay. Please note - in December only we will meet on the second Thursday, 14th December. For further information please phone Mandy: (01983) 291185 or Cheryl: 07736 548 480

Did you know?…...

The Department of Culture Media & Sport have provided funding to the

National Trading Standards Scams Team for ‘call blockers’ to tackle the

issue of nuisance phone calls. The current focus is on protection of

consumers with dementia.

During the initial phase of the project Local Authorities were asked to identify people living in their communities with dementia that would benefit from a call blocker.

The team is now moving into the next phase which means that from 6 November FREE call

blockers are available to any person living with dementia that is currently receiving scam or

nuisance calls.

To get a FREE call blocking device you need to be able to answer YES to the following:

Do you or the person you are applying for receive nuisance and scam calls?

Does the person who would like the call blocker have dementia?

If you answered YES to both of the above then please

apply by going to:

www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/callblocker

For further information relating to scams and the Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership (IWASP) please take a look at the following websites: www.iwight.com/council/OtherServices/IWASP/Introductio14

www.iwasp.org.uk

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News from St Margaret’s Independent Memory Group

Our group is managed by volunteers and we offer a community-based service for those affected by dementia. The group meetings promote mental stimulation, friendship and understanding of difficulties brought about by changes in memory function.

Joining a new group can be a daunting prospect, but you are welcome to stay for coffee and join in with the activities if you wish. All we ask for is a donation to help cover the cost of refreshments. If you find the group is for you, a start date can be arranged. Half days run from 10am – 12.30pm at a cost of £5 and full days run from 10am - 3pm at a cost of £10 if you bring your own lunch or £15 if lunch is provided.

If you are interested in attending please phone Pam on: (01983) 865645

News from Dementia Pathfinders

Dementia Conversations

FREE for carers of people living with dementia and anyone with an interest in dementia, this initiative is offered by Dementia Pathfinders and two local churches. It provides an opportunity for carers, relatives and friends of people living with dementia, to share experiences, gain knowledge and explore issues that challenge our beliefs and attitudes. East Cowes Group – This group usually meets on either the third Tuesday or Thursday of the month at St James Church, East Cowes. The sessions take place from 6.30pm – 8.30pm and are co-delivered by Barbara Stephens and Reverend Veronica Brown. If you have an enquiry about this group please phone Reverend Veronica Brown: 07921 514906.

Up and coming sessions:- At the time of printing the December, January and February dates had not been confirmed so please make contact using the above number if you’re interested in attending.

Ryde Group - This group meets on the second Friday of the month at St John's Church, High

Park Road in Ryde. The sessions take place from 2pm - 4pm and are co-delivered by Barbara

Stephens and Reverend Sue Theobald. If you have an enquiry about this group please phone

Reverend Sue Theobald: (01983) 617174.

Up and coming sessions:- At the time of printing the December, January and February dates had not been confirmed so please make contact using the above number if you’re interested in attending. For further information about Dementia Pathfinders phone: 0845 257 2250 or email: info@dementiapathfinders.org

News from Earl Mountbatten

Hospice and the Admiral Nurses Music Therapy

Fraser Simpson, Music Therapist at Earl Mountbatten Hospice, invites you to a ‘Music Therapy Group’ at the John Cheverton Centre. The group is an opportunity for fun, relaxation, meeting others, and being creative!

Come and sing and play a range of different musical instruments. No previous musical experience is required and carers are welcome to attend. This group meets every Wednesday from 3pm – 4pm. Support Group

On the third Friday of every month, from 12.30 – 2.30pm in our John Cheverton Centre, we also have a ‘Carer and person with Dementia Group’ with various activities, including a reminiscence box from Carisbrooke Castle. The Admiral Nurses from the Memory Service are also part of this group. Dementia Carers Support Group The Isle of Wight Admiral Nurses have joined up with Carers IW to facilitate a monthly ‘Emotional Peer Support Group’ for carers struggling with managing certain behaviours associated with dementia, who could also be experiencing feelings of isolation, guilt, grief and bereavement.

Several carers have attended the sessions so far and have found the group to be very supportive and beneficial. We also run a second group alongside this one to care for the person with dementia, so that carers can feel safe and at liberty to discuss the more difficult aspects of their caring role, without having to do so in front of their loved one.

The group is held in the Seminar Room at Earl Mountbatten Hospice and is an open invite to anybody living with dementia. It takes place on the first Monday of every month (except on bank holidays), 2pm – 3 pm, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Support from the Admiral Nurses Admiral Nurses are there when things get challenging or difficult. Our nurses work alongside those with dementia and their families, giving them one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions. The unique dementia expertise and experience an Admiral Nurse brings is a lifeline - it helps families to live more positively with dementia in the present; and to face the challenges of tomorrow with more confidence and less fear. For general enquiries about the above groups or to find out more about the support an Admiral Nurse can provide please phone (01983) 533331.

News from Carers IW Are you caring for someone with dementia or memory issues? Carers IW can support you in a number of ways: Emotional Support Do you find it hard to talk to family or friends? We can offer you support on a one to one

basis or peer support with other carers who understand.

Carers Support Groups and Events We have several support groups which take place regularly at various locations around

the Island – Bembridge, Freshwater, Newport, Ryde and Sandown - which are for all

carers. These are a good opportunity to meet others in a similar position, to have a chat

and enjoy a cuppa.

Take a Break Group We run a group specifically for carers caring

for people with dementia, offering a creative

session and the opportunity for some holistic

therapy. With prior notice, we are also able

to care for the person you care for at the

Centre, enabling you to fully benefit from a

couple of hours’ respite.

We meet on the second Tuesday of the

month at The Riverside Centre, Newport.

Please contact us to apply for a place.

Dementia Carers Support Group This group is designed to talk about the

issues dementia carers are struggling with and discuss potential solutions with the

Admiral Nurses, Carers IW or Alzheimer’s Café. It is held on the first Monday of the month

(except on bank holidays) between 2pm - 3pm at the John Cheverton Centre, Earl

Mountbatten Hospice, Halberry Lane, Newport, PO30 2ER.

Activities for those you care for will be provided in another room with experienced volunteers.

Please see ‘Earl Mountbatten Hospice’ section for further details about this support group.

NEW! Carers Lounge at St Marys Hospital

We are delighted to announce that we now have a Carers Lounge at the hospital. We welcome

Sarah, Katherine and Nicola who are our team based at the hospital Monday to Friday working

flexible hours to provide support to carers who are visiting someone during hospital visiting

times (day and evening).

We are based at the entrance to Appley and Colwell Ward and are open to all adult carers of

adults, our email is carerslounge@carersiw.org.uk

The Carers Lounge will offer carers a safe place to discuss their needs and the help they

require to support their cared for person whilst in hospital. Do pop in and see us!

Date for your Diaries – For Unpaid Carers: Phone 533173 for further details / to book your place Woodland Wander in Blackwater - Monday 11th December (2 – 4pm) Join us for a wander together around Nature Zones to see bird life and maybe red squirrels! Hot mince pies, and refreshments. £4 donation. Transport available. Carers and former carers welcome. Quiet Day in Gurnard - Friday 15th December (10am – 3pm) Relaxation and a period of quiet with a bring-and-share lunch and tea and cake to finish. Carers and former carers welcome.

Mini Respite Day in Freshwater - Friday 12th January 2018 (10am – 3pm)

At Freshwater Methodist Church. Spend time relaxing and if you wish, participate in some

gentle craft activities. Therapies are available. For carers only.

Quiet Day in Gurnard - Monday 22nd January 2018 (10am – 3pm)

Relaxation and a period of quiet, with a bring-and-share lunch and tea and cake to finish.

Carers and former carers welcome.

For further information about any of the services available through Carers IW please phone: (01983) 533173, email: info@carersiw.org.uk or go to: www.carersiw.org.uk or www.facebook.com/carersIOW

News from Age UK Isle of Wight

Age UK Isle of Wight offers weekly Memory Groups at six venues around the island, bringing together people who have memory loss. These weekly groups offer cognitive stimulation, social activities, reminiscence and respite for carers. Activities include: discussion and reminiscence, word and card games, art activities, board games, singing, and gentle, chair-based exercise. Groups run weekly from 10:00 – 15:00 (half days available) at the following venues:

Freshwater – The Gouldings (every Thursday)

Newport – Newport Congregational Church (every Monday)

Lake – Lake Lions Club (every Tuesday)

Cowes – Northwood Cricket Club (every Monday)

Brading – St. Mary’s Hall, Brading (every Wednesday)

Ryde – St. John’s Church, Ryde (every Thursday) Groups cost £25.50 for a full day (10:00 – 15:00) with a half day option available at a cost of £14.00. Lunch is available. Homebased Memory Therapy Service

Our Homebased Memory Therapy Service is recommended for people with mild and moderate memory loss / dementia. This service is delivered one-to-one, by experienced, trained professionals who lead meaningful activities to help with short and long term memory. Activities include: Reminiscence activities and discussion, word puzzles and games, retrospective pictures and items, card and board games, other activities designed to stimulate the mind. We undertake a free, initial assessment in your home, after which, therapy sessions are then charged at £16.00 per hour.

If you would like to find out more about our Community Memory Therapy Groups or our Homebased Memory Therapy Service, please contact the Independent Living Services Team on (01983) 525282 or email activity.groups@ageukiw.org.uk

Did you know?……

Council Tax Disregards

Disregards apply to people living in the property. Some people are disregarded and become invisible for council tax purposes. There are different types of disregards based on the reasons for them (see below). Many people with dementia meet all three criteria below and may be disregarded under the severe mental impairment rules. This applies to anyone who meets all of the following criteria:

has a severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning which appears to be permanent

has a certificate confirming this impairment from a registered medical practitioner, usually the person’s GP or consultant

is entitled to certain disability benefits

Example: Tony and Gwen are married. Tony meets the ‘severely mentally impaired’ criteria as set out above, and is therefore disregarded for council tax. That means Gwen is treated as living alone, even though she isn’t. They will get the 25% ‘single person’s discount’. Council Tax Exemptions Exemptions apply to properties, rather than people. An exemption means the whole property is exempt from council tax and there is nothing to pay. But, not all disregards mean the property will be exempt from council tax. Some disregards mean the person doesn’t count for council tax purposes, but the property is treated as if it is empty and will be charged an empty property rate. Example: Nancy had been claiming the single person’s discount on her council tax bill because she lived alone. After her diagnosis of vascular dementia, she successfully claimed Attendance allowance. Her GP then signed her form under the severe mental impairment rules. This means she is disregarded and her house is now exempt. She pays no council tax.

Living with a carer

A spouse or partner will not get a discount or disregard as a result of being a carer. But, some carers can be disregarded for council tax purposes if they fall into one of two groups. The first group of carers who are disregarded for council tax purposes must meet all the following criteria:

care for at least 35 hours a week

live in the same property as the person they care for

are not the partner of the person they care for

are not the parent of the person they care for, if the person cared for is aged under 18.

In addition, the person being cared for must be entitled to either: Disability living allowance (highest rate of the care component), Personal independence payment (either rate of the daily living component), Attendance allowance (higher rate) or Constant attendance allowance.

The second group of carers who are disregarded for council tax purposes must meet all the

following criteria:

provide care or support on behalf of a local authority, government department or charity, or provide care through an introduction by a charity, where the person being cared for is the carer’s employer

are employed to care for the person for at least 24 hours a week are paid no more than £44 per week live where the care is given.

Someone who falls into either of these carer groups is disregarded for council tax purposes.

However, the type of disregard they receive is different to someone who is severely mentally

impaired.

If you would like to talk to someone about whether you may be eligible for a Council Tax

Disregard or Exemption please phone the Alzheimer’s Society’s National Dementia

Helpline: 0300 222 1122

The form you need to print and complete so you can apply can be found by going to:

www.iwight.com/eforms/eforms/masters/PrintBlankForm.aspx?fid=P24452

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News from Bodster CIC We are based in Sandford, near Godshill (PO38 3EX) and facilitate sessions for anyone, aged from 6 to 90 years of age, opening up opportunities for them to interact with our ponies on the ground.

We are continuing to run fully-funded sessions for anyone with dementia and/or their carers. Carers are welcome to attend without the person they care for, and so is anyone over the age of 50.

Sessions run on Fridays from 10am -12 noon, whatever the weather as we also have indoor facilities. You can drop in anytime between the above times and don’t need to stay for the whole session. Just give us a call on the number below to find out more.

During December, January and February we are continuing to take a pony to various residential homes for people with Dementia, so if you know of anywhere you think would like us to visit, please do get in touch.

For more details about the above sessions please phone Giles or Jo on: 07887 876138 or email: joangi@googlemail.com You can also find out more on our website: www.eaqbodster.co.uk

Healthwatch Isle of Wight is a local champion for people who use the NHS or any kind of care service. The public has asked us to take a look over the coming year at dementia care. We are holding discussion groups to hear about unpaid carers’ experiences of dementia care. Healthwatch is doing this in order to highlight support that works well, and to point out any things that need to be improved.

During February 2018 there will be three discussion groups for current or recent carers of people with dementia. The discussion groups will be held in Newport on the following dates:

Friday 16

th February 2018 - morning

Friday 23

rd February 2018 - afternoon

Plus a further date to be announced - evening

To request a space and for full details, please contact:

Healthwatch Isle of Wight: 01983 608608

enquiries@healthwatchisleofwight.co.uk

www.healthwatchisleofwight.co.uk

We will discuss with carers interested in attending what we might be able to provide that would help them be able to attend a discussion on one of the above dates.

News from the Alzheimer’s Society

Isle of Wight Dementia Support Service

Our Dementia Support Service provides information and practical support to help people with dementia, including their carers and families, to gain a greater understanding around dementia. Our Support service is provided by our professionally trained, experienced Dementia Support Workers who can offer information and support to people in a variety of settings (email, post or telephone contact) to suit you. We operate an open referral service so that anyone including professionals, carers, relatives, friends or the person themselves can refer to the service. For further information please contact our main office by phoning: 02392 892035 and we will put you in contact with our team of Dementia Support Workers.

Friendship/Activity Group

Our Friendship/Activity group enables people living with dementia and carers to meet regularly in a relaxed social setting, and share their experience with others in similar situations. Activities are planned around the interests of those that attend the group and include: reminiscence sessions on many themes, art, indoor sports (nothing too energetic!) and music. Individuals are supported by experienced volunteers. Our Friendship/Activity Groups take place on the third Wednesday of the month, usually at Medina Leisure Centre, Fairlee Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2EW.

Coming Up:-

20 December - Christmas Celebrations

Join us from 10.30am for our Christmas celebrations - crackers, carols & festive treats to eat.

17 January 2018 - Christmas Past and New Year Dreams!

Sharing our memories of Christmases past and what our hopes and dreams are for the New

Year and how many resolutions we think we can keep.

21 February 2018 - Loves young dream!

How did you meet your loved ones? Sharing stories on how we met the loves of our lives.

Bring Wedding photos or photos of special times with you and your loved ones.

Information Drop In Stand in Newport

This takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 2pm - 3.30pm at the Lord Louis Library, Newport, and is available for those with any type of dementia, their families and carers. Those on hand will be able to advise you and signpost you to services in your local area.

We have a new Drop In Stand planned for 2018 in Ryde Health and Wellbeing Clinic, please contact our main office for further details. For further information about Alzheimer’s Society services please contact the main office: Tel: 02392 892035 or Email: IOWDementiaSupportS@alzheimers.org.uk

Alzheimer Café Isle of Wight Charitable Incorporated Organisation, 1171437

News from Alzheimer Café The purpose of an Alzheimer Café is to provide a meeting place in which the issues surrounding dementia can be aired and problems voiced. The Cafés have a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and provide people with dementia and their families the opportunity to share their feelings, discuss problems and make friendships with others in similar situations, in a safe and sensitive environment.

Full details of the dates, times and locations of all the cafes can be found in our Support Groups Calendar – which you will find at the back of this newsletter.

For more information about Alzheimer Cafe and transport phone: (01983) 220200 and leave a message or email: alzheimercafe.iow@btconnect.com You can also visit our website: www.alzheimercafeiow.org.uk or Facebook: Alzheimer Café, Isle of Wight

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And finally……

Please keep this newsletter handy as it includes our Support Groups Calendar - showing the locations, days/dates and times of all the regular support groups taking place on the Island.

We welcome any feedback you may have about this newsletter, or other items for inclusion in future issues. Please contact: Helen Randall, Age UK IW. Tel: 525282 or Email: helen.randall@ageukiw.org.uk

Age UK IW have prepared this newsletter from content provided by external parties and therefore do not take responsibility for the accuracy of this information. Please check in advance that the event you wish to attend is going ahead.

Christmas at the Alzheimer Cafés

We are celebrating Christmas at the following Alzheimer Cafés:

Wednesday 22 November - Shanklin Christmas Café

Thursday 23 November - Newport Café Christmas Party

Wednesday 6 December - Ventnor Christmas Cafe

Wednesday 13 December - Cowes Christmas Café

Tuesday 19 December - ACE7 Café Christmas Lunch

Wednesday 20 December - Totland Café Christmas Party

Happy Christmas from

The Alzheimer Café Team