Posts

Tips on how to reduce loneliness in later life

Loneliness can affect people of all ages. As we get older, we can be presented with many challenges in our lives that can lead to loneliness. A loss of a partner, family, or friends, retirement, illness or moving into different accommodation.

Whatever the challenge, it can be difficult to find a solution, make new meaningful connections and cope with the loneliness you are experiencing.

Mental Health Foundation has created the following tips to help reduce loneliness in later life.

Read Tips on how to reduce loneliness in later life

Dementia activities and support in West Northumberland

Activities and support for older people and those affected by dementia

The latest edition of ‘Activities and Support in West Northumberland’ for older people and those affected by dementia is out now. This is a comprehensive guide to support groups, classes, film screenings and cafes, singing classes, advice services, physical and sporting activities and lots more including virtual events, telephone friendship, music and radio programmes.

Although some of the activity and support groups listed in this booklet are not able to meet face-to-face at the moment due to the pandemic, several are continuing to provide ongoing support either online, over the phone or through the post. Please contact individual activity providers for up-to-date information.

View and download the digital booklet.

Age UK virtual events

Fancy trying something new from the comfort of your own home? Age UK Northumberland has lots of fun virtual events to enjoy from exercise classes to reading groups, gardening chats to crafts and activities. There is something for everyone and it’s a great way to stay connected with the outside world.

All you need is a computer, phone or tablet with access to the internet to take part. See what’s on offer here: bit.ly/AgeUkVirtualEvents

Care homes – keeping in touch with loved ones

Care home lockdown: how are you keeping in touch with your loved one?

As we enter a further period where visiting relatives in care homes is restricted, we want to hear how this is affecting you and your loved ones. What information have you had about keeping in touch and maintaining communications about care and wellbeing?

We are particularly keen to hear if you managed to be tested and have an ‘in person’ visit during December.

We would like to know your experience of:

  • Using video calls (FaceTime, Zoom etc.) or telephone calls – does the home support these? How many times a week and how long? Does a member of staff help your loved one with the call?
  • Socially distanced visits – does the home support ‘window’ visits.  How many times a week and how for long?
  • How does the home keep you informed about how your loved one is getting on (apart from necessary issues about their care or health), for example, manager updates, photographs, videos
  • Does the home have a programme of group and one-to-one activities? Has your loved one taken part?
  • Has the home asked you what, within the current restrictions, would make this time easier?
  • What, within the current restrictions, would make it better for you and your love one?
  • When restrictions are eventually eased (not totally lifted) what would help you and your loved one?

You can tell us your experiences at one of the ways here on our contact page, text us on 07413 385275 to make an appointment to speak to one of our team, or come along to our public online forum around these issues on Wednesday 27 January, 1.00pm – 2.00pm.

If you would like to take part in the forum please contact Laura Haugh: laurah@healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk, or call 03332 408468.

Care homes – keeping in touch with loved ones

Care home lockdown: how are you keeping in touch with your loved one?

People are telling us they are worried about care homes continuing to be closed to nearly all visits.

They understand it is safer for residents and staff and the extra efforts made to maintain the quality of life in the homes, but after six months, people say they can see the effect on their loved ones, and their own, health and wellbeing.

It seems the situation may go on for some time yet.

Sharing good practice could help make this difficult time a bit better. If your relative, loved one or friend lives in a care home we would like to know what is being done to keep you in touch day to day and on special occasions like birthdays.

We would like to know your experience of:

  • Using video calls (FaceTime, Zoom etc.) or telephone calls – does the home support these? How many times a week and how long? Does a member of staff help your loved one with the call?
  • Socially distanced visits – does the home support ‘window’ visits.  How many times a week and how for long?
  • How does the home keep you informed about how your loved one is getting on (apart from necessary issues about their care or health), for example, manager updates, photographs, videos
  • Does the home have a programme of group and one-to-one activities? Has your loved one taken part?
  • Has the home asked you what, within the current restrictions, would make this time easier?
  • What, within the current restrictions, would make it better for you and your love one?
  • When restrictions are eventually eased (not totally lifted) what would help you and your loved one?

You can tell us your experiences at one of the ways here on our contact page, text us  on 07413 385275 to make an appointment to speak to one of our team, or come along to our public online forum  around these issues on Wednesday 11 November 2020, 2.00pm – 3.00pm.

 

Older People

A Practical Guide to Healthy Ageing

NHS England, in partnership with Age UK, Public Health England, and the Chief Fire Officer’s Association and older people themselves, has published a Practical Guide to Healthy Ageing.

The guide helps people to stay physically and mentally well by providing hints and tips on how to keep fit and independent. It recognises, as we all should, that there is always something we can do to improve our health and wellbeing. For older people who may be starting to find things more difficult to do, it is particularly important to take active steps to slow down or reverse some of the health challenges we are all likely to face.

To help people understand their potential risk of living with frailty, the guide includes a simple, walking speed test. Taking more than five seconds to cover a distance of four metres is highly indicative of frailty, with the proviso that there is no obvious alternative reason for walking slowly such as a previous stroke or knee/hip arthritis. This is not meant to be a diagnosis, but it can provide a good indication that someone should consider making changes to their daily lives so that they can better manage their frailty or reduce the chance of it becoming more serious.

Download the Guide

Events

Prudhoe Older Person’s Information Day

Find out what’s going on in the local area for older people at this event from Prudhoe Community Partnership. There will be advice and information, health checks and a refreshments on offer.

Organisations attending the event include Carers Northumberland, U3A, Tynedale Talking News, Silver Talk, Age UK, library Services, Community Buddies, Northumbria Police and Digital Champions.

Ponteland Winter Warmer

Join local support groups and organisations for a cuppa and a chat at the first Ageing Well in Northumberland Winter Warmer. Find out more about staying active, safe and well, plus advice on the health and social support available for older people at this free event.

Connaught Opera at Alnwick Garden

Connaught Opera is once again putting on free performances for over 55s across the country and will be returning to Alnwick this month. The show is Victorian Vignettes to celebrate the reign of Queen Victoria. Tea and coffee will be provided. If you would like to book a place please call 01665 511356.

 

 

Summer flowers

Ageing Well Summer Roadshow

This summer roadshow is a great way to find out more about staying active, staying involved and staying well. You can also find out about local activities and volunteering opportunities near you.

For more information contact Karen Cox on: 01670 858688 or email: karen.cox@northumberlandcva.org.uk.

Ageing Well Conference 2019

The Ageing Well Conference is a celebration of a year in the life of Ageing Well in Northumberland. There will be lots of interactive workshops for you to get involved with, a marketplace showcasing information from a wide range of organisations and charities supporting older people locally, plus the Extra Smiles Awards! Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

 

If you would like to apply for a place, please complete the form below by 31 March and send to: lorraine.henderson2@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk. For more information please call: 01670 629135.

Booking Form

gloved hands cupping a warm drink

Winter Warmer Event – Haltwhistle

The annual Winter Warmer events from Ageing Well in Northumberland provide information on how to stay safe and well this winter, with organisations present from your local community.  The events are free and friendly – come along for a cuppa and a chat.

If you would like any more information about this event, please contact Ellen Walton on: ellenwalton@haltwhistle.org.

 

 

gloved hands cupping a warm drink

Winter Warmer Event – Ponteland

The annual Winter Warmer events from Ageing Well in Northumberland provide information on how to stay safe and well this winter, with organisations present from your local community.  The events are free and friendly – come along for a cuppa and a chat.

If you would like any more information about this event, please contact Veronica Jones on: veronicajones@northumberland.gov.uk.

 

 

gloved hands cupping a warm drink

Winter Warmer Event – Ashington

The annual Winter Warmer events from Ageing Well in Northumberland provide information on how to stay safe and well this winter, with organisations present from your local community.  The events are free and friendly – come along for a cuppa and a chat.

If you would like any more information about this event, please contact Lindsey Humble on: lhumble@activenorthumberland.org.uk.

 

 

gloved hands cupping a warm drink

Winter Warmer Event – Hexham

The annual Winter Warmer events from Ageing Well in Northumberland provide information on how to stay safe and well this winter, with organisations present from your local community.  The events are free and friendly – come along for a cuppa and a chat.

If you would like any more information about this event, please contact Lindy Robertson: lrobertson@activenorthumberland.org.uk.

 

 

gloved hands cupping a warm drink

Winter Warmer Event – Cramlington

The annual Winter Warmer events from Ageing Well in Northumberland provide information on how to stay safe and well this winter, with organisations present from your local community.  The events are free and friendly – come along for a cuppa and a chat.

For more details about this event please contact Amanda Carr on: acarr@activenorthumberland.org.uk.