WELCOME TO OUR OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
Welcome to the latest issue of Older Wiser Together (OWT).
The aim of OWT is to become a trusted and valued part of our community, particularly for those aged 50.
Welcome to the latest issue of Older Wiser Together (OWT).
Welcome to the latest issue of Older Wiser Together (OWT).
The aim of OWT is to become a trusted and valued part of our community, particularly for those aged 50 or over who may be looking for new opportunities, social events, and challenges, as well as tips for independent living. We cover from Bude, Launceston, Callington, Holsworthy, Okehampton, Tavistock, Saltash and Torpoint. We hope you’ll find useful information on initiatives and activities in your area.
If you’re helping to look after an elderly relative, then you’re not alone: there are estimated to be as many as 5 million amateur carers in the UK. But it can often feel like you very much are alone. Unsupported, under-appreciated, under pressure. This was the recurring feedback we got when we undertook the first definitive research into the situations and mindsets of Britain’s familial carers. The findings reveal a troubling picture of carers who are juggling the needs of their elderly relatives with those of their own children, their careers, their relationships – and their own mental health. And they are desperately worried about dropping one of those balls. Many are neglecting their own well-being as they struggle to meet the care demands they face.
This is simply not sustainable. Something has to change. We released our “What About You” campaign in September to highlight the unseen struggles of family caregivers.
We always welcome feedback, constructive criticism, and submissions for OWT, particularly from those of you with professional or charitable links to our community. Do get in touch if you have something you’d like to share. Please feel free to forward this Newsletter to family, friends, and colleagues.
Best wishes,
The Older Wiser Together Team.
Unsupported, under-appreciated, under pressure…
Across the UK, millions of family carers are facing struggles in their lives when trying to care for their ageing parents. This added weight of responsibility can have adverse effects on people – from the workplace to interpersonal relationships and also on their mental health and well-being.
Our “Take Care” film is an unapologetically raw exploration of what day-to-day life is like for millions of families and is intended to inspire conversations about care before these families hit crisis point. Do take a look here.
First Aid for Cycling Without Age
Some of the pilots of Cycling Without Agecame together recently to attend a First Aid Course run byTriangle Training.Hosted in the training room at our Home Instead office in Tavistock, the course was reflective, thorough and fun. It was great for the pilots to meet each other and be thanked for the amazing work they do. The cake was also fabulous!
Singing for Fun
Our ever popular Singing for Fun group meets on the last Wednesday of the month, at Tavistock Methodist Church, 2-4pm. You may have seen Vicky McClure in Our Dementia Choir with Vicky McClure who campaigns with the Open Universityand the Alzheimer’s Society to reveal how music can stimulate a brain damagedby dementia. So, if you or a loved one could benefit from attending the group, please do come along. It is free of charge, you don’t have to be an excellent singer. It is just for fun!
Team Workshop
Investing in all our staff is key to our ethos. We continually develop the skills of our Care Professionals and office staff. Recently the office staff joined by Katie Furey for a one day workshop. Katie was known to us from her days at National Office Home Instead and is now an independent consultant. Keeping perspectives fresh and sometimes going back to basics can invigorate a team – and thus only improve the care we give to our clients.
Tavistock Tennis Club Tennis-a-Thon for Dementia UK
Home Instead braved the heatwave earlier in September to get involved with Tavistock Tennis Club’s Tennis-a-Thon, to help raise money for Dementia UK. This amazing charity helps to provide specialist dementia Admiral Nurses around the UK. Tavistock is very lucky to have one Admiral Nurse but she is a very busy lady. The fundraising total now sits at an incredible £2000 and still counting! Well done to Stuart Borthwick of Dartmoor Financial for organising us all.
Launceston Rugby Club New Season
As part of our support to Launceston Rugby Club, we received 2 complimentary tickets with buffet for a weekend game. We put this out to our team and the good David was delighted to attend the match. Although a little damp at times, David enjoyed the game and the hospitality from the club. It was a great chance for us to reward one of our wonderful staff as well.
Significant Birthdays!
It is not everyday that two members of the team both have significant birthdays in the same month. We would like to wish Sandie and Anne very happy birthdays. As befits two ladies of such wisdom, we will not mention their ages! We enjoyed a yummy lunch, with cake and candles, of course, in the office to mark the day. Celebrations for them both are sure to continue beyond the day.
