WINCANTON CARES and Sarah Dyke MP
Representatives from WINCANTON CARES recently met with Sarah Dyke MP.
From left to right: Nigel Engert, Sarah Dyke, Jacky King
Discussions focussed on the need to reduce demand on already over-stretched Health and Social Care budgets – issues that Sarah Dyke MP is passionate about addressing. We also talked to her about our concerns around hospital discharge procedures. She listened intently to what we had to say and offered some ideas that will help us to develop our work further.
Know Your Rights when Being Discharged form Hospital – we’d love your help! Following on from our September / October newsletter Wincanton Cares is working with Yeovil District Hospital to try to improve their procedures for hospital discharge. We want to know your experiences so we can share them with the hospital. To keep it simple we would be really grateful if you could tell us ‘What Went Well …’ and/or ‘Even Better If …
If you have a longer story to tell we would love to hear that too. It’s only by sharing these stories that we can help services to improve. If you don’t want to give your name that’s fine but we’d also be happy to pass your name on to our partners at YDH if you would like us to. You can chat to us at one of our hub sessions, leave a note at any of our hubs, give Annette a ring on 07756 759741 or e-mail info@wincantoncares.org.
Becoming Dementia Friendly
Wincanton Cares is also registered as a Dementia Friendly Organisation. This means that we particularly look out for those who suffer from bewilderment or confusion in public places – or anywhere else. The Alzheimers Society website has some helpful videos that show how to help people in ways unlikely to embarrass them or upset them, or how to set up your business or your home in a dementia friendly way. If you register on the website as a Dementia Friend – either just for yourself or as part of your organisation they will send you a badge that helps to identify you as a Friend.
For support go to: www.dementiafriends.org.uk or phone: 0333 150 0804. Opening hours are Mon to Weds: 9am – 8pm / Thurs and Fri: 9am – 5pm/ Sat and Sun: 10am – 4pm. Or phone us on 07756 759741
The Alzheimer’s Society suggests various ways to help those who have problems with getting around or remembering things during the cold season. Sometimes people have problems realising that they actually are cold and may not remember to dress appropriately. It’s good to wear layers to beat the cold and maintain body heat with cotton, wool or fleecy fibres and wear gloves, a hat and a scarf as well as suitable shoes for slippery ground.
Heating is obviously important – try to keep the room warm at roughly 20°C. And have blankets and hot water bottles available. Grants can help those worried by the cost of energy. See www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/cost-living-support-dementia
Keep moving! Even wriggling toes helps as well as moving arms and legs. If you want to be more ambitious you could phone the Balsam Centre who run Falls Prevention exercise classes as well as other exercise classes at reasonable prices. This includes T’ai Chi classes for people who suffer from Parkinsons.
Let the Sunlight in during the day by opening the curtains – but close them at night to keep out the cold and be cosy. If and when you can, get outside to help prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D) and ward off depression.
Have a routine and follow it as best you can. A routine can remind you what you are supposed to do next and so avoid confusion. Breaking a routine can cause bewilderment and anxiety. If it must change do it slowly and gradually.
Dementia sufferers often find it difficult to see shiny surfaces like ice on the ground. Have someone close, hold on to them – or at least to something – when going out in bad weather. Eat and drink regularly to keep up body strength and energy. Avoid alcohol as it draws heat from vital organs – but have lots of alcohol-free warm and comforting drinks.
For more details: www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/how-support-somebody-living-dementia-cold-weather or phone the Alzheimer Society’s Dementia Support Line 0333 150 3456. Or (of course!) phone Annette at Wincanton Cares: 07756 759741
Regular Monthly Meetings and Events
And finally. If you need help right now:
Or contact us on 07834 597893
