a local, independent charity providing services that change lives

KINGSTON UPON THAMES ISSUE THIRTY-TWO l SPRING–SUMMER 2019

Live better, for longer

‘Live better for longer’ is Staywell’s new strap line – it’s a
phrase intended to summarise what we’re trying to
achieve for those we work with. So what underpins this?
When looking ahead to later life many of us believe that we are destined to end
our days in a care home, suffering from a myriad of ailments, both physical and
mental – a process of inevitable and accelerating decline from middle age.
But that isn’t necessarily true. Only around 3% of people aged over 65 live in
residential care, and although this proportion rises with age, for the over-85s it is
still under 14%.
Over the last 20 years things have changed. Later life itself is starting later, (65
isn’t old) as middle age is lasting into our seventies. Today’s typical 75-year old has
the same fitness and wellbeing levels of a 60-year-old from the 1970s, and this is a
growing trend.
Much of what we think we know about ageing is simply wrong. Unfortunately,
as we age, many of us stop, give in and become fatalistic about our futures; and
this is in large part due to our culture.
Society is ageist, it stereotypes both the young and the old. How often do we
hear generalised comments about what older people think, or how younger
people behave? Ageism pervades the media: ‘the elderly’ are commonly Making more out of later life
portrayed as inactive, a burden to society and, of course, grumpy, but the truth is
that more people over 65 are in work than ever before and research shows that This is because people generally stay healthier and fitter for longer than before,
happiness increases after the age of 60. and treatments – for heart disease, for example – are better.
An increasing body of research shows the key to living better for longer is
Reasons to be cheerful having a healthy diet and physical activity. Staying socially engaged and
embracing new challenges also has a big impact on people’s health and
It’s been found that people who associate ageing with becoming weak and wellbeing. With two-thirds of our lives spent not being young, it’s never too late
incompetent live shorter lives than those with positive views, and are more likely to make changes.
to develop dementia, even. In fact, the incidence of dementia is falling: the total What do you think? If you would like to comment on this article, we would love
number of people with the disease is rising with the number of older people in the to hear from you! Do you need help in making changes to help you live better for
population, but the likelihood of any given person getting dementia has dropped. longer? Contact details are on page 4.

Magic table
We’re really excited that Raleigh House now boasts a Tovertafel
‘magic table’. This device is a fun care innovation that connects
people on a dementia journey with each other, and with their
surroundings, all the while stimulating movement. The games were
developed specifically for the target group and can be played both
independently or with a group leader.
We’ll be holding a launch event on Thursday 4th July from
4pm–6pm. Please go to the events page on our website to book
your place, or email: cathy.weight@staywellservices.org.uk.

www.staywellservices.org.uk
 COMMUNITY SERVICES NEWS
Community Connectors
‘Dance lessons for the lonely – on the
NHS’ and ‘Now doctors prescribe
allotments to help with joint pain.’
Just some of the recent eye-catching headlines
describing the roll-out of ‘social prescribing’, a new
NHS initiative to help people live fitter and healthier
lives. Around half of GP appointments are not directly
related to medical conditions, say experts. Growing
evidence shows that referrals to community services
such as exercise or art classes, history groups and
even ballroom dancing, can boost health and
wellbeing, and are more effective at combating
anxiety, loneliness and depression than dishing out
pills or other treatments.
The terminology and the headlines conjure up
images of doctors writing prescriptions for yoga. In
fact, GPs are being encouraged to use trained ‘link
workers’ to connect people to community groups
and services for practical and emotional support,
leaving the clinicians to focus on what they do best.
Team
Thanks to funding from NHS Kingston Clinical
Commissioning Group, Staywell has established a
team of link workers, to pilot a local approach to
social prescribing, Since last September these
‘Community Connectors’, as they are called, have
worked with people whose ages span from 28 to over
100, and are getting great feedback.
‘Thank you, no one has ever helped me
ever. I’ve tried and I’ve rung every
number and just ended up with the
Samaritans. Thank you so much.’
A history of substance abuse had left ‘Chris’, with
chronic pain at 40 and little confidence in the system:
‘People come through my door, and after telling
them my story, they go and don’t come back.’
www.staywellservices.org.uk
Successfully supported by a Community Connector
to complete a wellbeing course, Chris now feels
positive enough to consider work-related computer
training.
‘Thank you, no one has ever helped me ever. I’ve
tried and I’ve rung every number and just ended up
with the Samaritans.’
Sensitive
‘We work closely with Staywell to ensure anyone
vulnerable is looked after in a sensitive manner and
given the support they need in order to take part,’
said Annette Brown, Community Learning Manager
at Kingston Adult Education. ‘People using the
Community Connectors service have taken up
opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise, and
reported positive impact.’
‘Your involvement with my mum is very
much appreciated. She is telling everyone
about you and is delighted you will be
chatting through the opportunities for her
to meet others locally.’
One sociable 86 year-old, even though well-cared for
by her family, was sometimes feeling low because her
poor mobility meant she was no longer able to get
out to do things and see people.
‘Your involvement with my mum is very much
appreciated. She is telling everyone about you and is
delighted you will be chatting through the
opportunities for her to meet others locally,’ wrote
her son.
‘Remarkably she has come on leaps and bounds in
the past week. You must be at least some small part
of that, if not a large part. She is much brighter in her
disposition and is doing very well getting around and
about in her flat on her own.’
Anxiety, isolation and loneliness are common issues
behind referrals to the service. The Connectors work
with their clients, supporting them to identify their
own goals, and reach solutions, which to date have
ranged from cookery courses and counselling, to
telephone Laughter Yoga! Benefits advice, and help
from a Handyperson service also frequently form part
of a package of support that helps people become
safer, more independent and resilient.
Established
‘The team works alongside our established
community and information and advice teams,’
explains service manager Marion Caldwell. ‘This
meant relationships with local GPs and other agencies
were forged very quickly.’
One woman with dementia, as well as a number of
other debilitating long-term conditions, was
supported to try out the Raleigh House day service.
Initially reluctant, when she visited she loved it, and
took up the service, giving her husband some much-
needed respite from caring duties. ‘Great work by the
whole team,’ wrote her GP Dr Annette Pautz, ‘and
hopefully a good outcome for both.’
To find out more or make a referral, please call
020 8942 8256, or email the team administrator
laima.kornejeva@staywellservices.org.uk
Introductions to the service can also be made
via the Connected Kingston website:
www.connectedkingston.uk
 SOCIAL CENTRE NEWS
New therapy
for people with
dementia
Two members of Staywell’s Raleigh House team have
begun delivering group Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
(CST) for people in the early stages of dementia.
Beverly Orris and Kimberley Brice undertook their CST training through University
College London. ‘I walked away very confident and excited to start therapy groups
at the centre,’ said Kimberley. ‘The CST training is helping me and the team to
actively stimulate and engage with people, and provide learning and social
benefits for our clients.’ Beverly agreed: ‘I was keen to learn more about
psychosocial approaches for dementia, and this training is already proving valuable
during our normal working day, as well as enabling us to deliver group CST.’
Qualifications and training matter
Evidence-based
CST is an evidence-based group treatment, which involves 14 or more sessions of
stimulating, themed activities, based around principles including learning theory
and person-centred care. CST can be extended into a longer-term treatment and
can be offered to a range of people.
National clinical guidelines recommend offering group CST to people living with
mild to moderate dementia. The Raleigh House CST group is the first in south-west
London.
Staywell was supported in its decision to invest in this staff training by Chair of
its Trustee Board, Dr Debbie Stinson, a Consultant Psychiatrist in Older People’s
Mental Health Services who works in the memory assessment service of a
neighbouring borough.
She commented: ‘In terms of interventions to promote cognition,
independence and wellbeing in dementia, CST is one where there is most
evidence of both clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness. Yet availability has
been very limited. Local CST provision is a very positive step and a real
breakthrough for people with living with dementia.’
INFORMATION & ADVICE
Are you paying too much council tax?
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with dementia, or other severe
mental impairment (SMI), you may be able to get a reduction in your council
tax bill.
Whether you’re renting or buying, you usually have to pay council tax on
the property you live in. However, a dementia diagnosis might affect this,
and could result in you – or the person you’re caring for – paying a lot less,
or even nothing at all.
Your home may be exempt from council tax if:
zz You have dementia and live on your own. If your condition is considered
to cause ‘severe mental impairment’ (which is likely if you have a medical
diagnosis of dementia) it could mean that you no longer have to pay
council tax on your home.
zz You have dementia and live with a carer who is not your partner or
parent, and who spends at least 35 hours per week caring for you.
zz You have dementia and have moved into a care home or hospital, leaving
your home unoccupied. But if your home remains unoccupied for more
than two years, you may have to start paying council tax on it again.
You may qualify for a reduction in council tax if:
zz Your partner has dementia. This means that he/she will be exempt from
paying council tax and that you will be charged a ‘single person’
occupancy rate, which normally means a 25 per cent discount.
zz The person you live with has dementia and needs special facilities to help
them in the home, for example, an extra bathroom. If this is the case, your
council tax bill could be reduced by one band.
How to apply
In order to apply you’ll first need a doctor’s diagnosis. A registered medical
practitioner must have diagnosed a condition causing severe mental
impairment (i.e. one that severely and permanently affects their intellectual
and social functioning). This is a medical diagnosis in itself, but the
underlying cause could be a condition such as dementia (including
Alzheimer’s) severe learning difficulties, or something else. It’s important to
note that having an underlying condition does not automatically mean a
person is SMI.
In some cases you’ll need to attach a written diagnosis to your claim – in
others you just give your doctor’s details and they’ll be contacted for
confirmation.
You may be asked to attach some supporting evidence, such as the
doctor’s diagnosis or evidence of eligibility for relevant benefits.
Backdate your claim
If you’ve only just realised you may be entitled to a reduction or exemption
– and probably have been for quite some time – don’t worry. It is possible to
get your claim backdated. Ask the council tax department for more
information.
In Kingston you now have to apply online for a Council Tax Reduction
https://www.kingston.gov.uk/info/200298/benefits/161/apply_for_
housing_benefit_and_council_tax_reduction. If you need assistance
applying, contact Staywell’s impartial Information, Advice and Advocacy
team.
Tel: 020 8942 8256 Email: advice@staywellservices.org.uk
www.staywellservices.org.uk
 OUR SERVICES – LIVE BETTER FOR LONGER

INFORMATION & ADVICE Kingston

FREE Quality-assured advice service covering a wide range of issues including money, pensions and benefits, Community Furniture making homes, saving waste
health and community care, housing, transport and support at home.
Opening times: Monday–Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm.

SUPPORTING YOU AT HOME

Community Team
FREE Practical help during or after a period of difficulty. Through home visits and telephone calls our team
will help you choose services to maintain your independence at home, e.g. domestic help, housing choices,
befriending, counselling, and helping rebuild your confidence.
Help@Home Community Connectors
Affordable help in and around the home from our friendly Community Connectors help people make FURNITURE SHOP
team. Our service is tailored to you and can include positive changes in their lives by linking 1–3 Dollary Parade, Kingston Road,
cleaning, shopping and household tasks, as well as them to volunteers, activities and voluntary/ Kingston upon Thames, KT1 3PD
companionship, conversation, outings and appointments. community groups. See more inside. Our high street furniture shop sells everything
Handyperson from wardrobes and sofas to cookers and
Help with small repairs and maintenance around the home and garden for a reasonable fee. We also provide fridges, all fully tested and ready to be collected
help with computers and setting up TVs etc. or delivered. Discounts for those who are
unemployed or on a tight budget.
RALEIGH HOUSE – NEW MALDEN FURNITURE COLLECTIONS
Got re-sellable furniture to donate? We can do
Newly refurbished to a high standard, Raleigh House is a warm, vibrant and the heavy lifting and collect it from you
caring centre; a place where you can meet people and have easy access to the full (donation requested).
range of services we offer. Tel: 020 8942 5500
zz Lunch and refreshments Monday–Saturday. Email: enquiries@kcfurniture.org.uk
zz Hairdressing, podiatry, therapies, IT tuition and accessible shower available.
HOUSING CHOICES
Open: Monday–Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm, Saturday 11.00am–2.30pm.
Staywell’s Housing Choices service works with
Kingston Community Furniture to provide a full
Manager: Cathy Weight  Tel: 020 8949 4244 Email: raleigh@staywellservices.org.uk
package of advice and support if you’re thinking
Address: Raleigh House, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden KT3 5EA
of moving or downsizing. Contact us for more
information.
THE BRADBURY – KINGSTON
An exciting and affordable range of social, wellbeing and learning activities in a
Last year these services helped and supported over
modern and welcoming environment, just a few minutes’ walk from Kingston
7,000 local people. Our day and Help@Home services
town centre.
support over 450 people every week, many living with
zz Café serving snacks, lunches and delicious homemade cakes. dementia.
zz Regular outings, special events and holidays. In 2013 an independent evaluation found
Open: Monday–Friday from10.00am (varying closing times, please see timetable).
that our Community Team generated a social
return on investment of 11:1 – £11 of value
Manager: Klaire Head  Tel: 020 8549 1230 Email: bradbury@staywellservices.org.uk
for every £1 spent.
Address: The Bradbury, 37b Grange Road, Kingston KT1 2RA
We rely upon voluntary income. Funds from
donations and fundraising are essential to allow us to
DEMENTIA SUPPORT VOLUNTEERING provide and improve our services, develop other
services and maintain our independence. It doesn’t
All our services are able to provide support to people living with Have some time on your hands?
matter how little or how often, every donation helps
dementia and their carers. Looking for a way to give something
us in our work providing services to lonely and
Saturday Club: This club is held on the second Saturday of the back? Looking for work experience?
isolated older people. If you would like to make a gift,
month at Raleigh House, from 11.00am to 2.00pm, for people living Volunteering could be for you.
please call 020 8942 8256 or donate online: www.
with dementia, and their families and supporters.
staywellservices.org.uk/donate/donate/5/credit-card

WHO WE ARE
stay well How to contact us:
services that change lives

Staywell is an independent charity, working Tel: 020 8942 8256 Email: hello@staywellservices.org.uk
across the areas of Kingston upon Thames, Website: www.staywellservices.org.uk
Reigate & Banstead, and Surrey. Staywell, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA

We have over 70 years’ experience of supporting people to live safely The views expressed in Staywell News are not necessarily those of the trustees, staff or volunteers.
and independently, in their own homes, and over the years have won Published by Staywell (Age Concern Kingston upon Thames)
awards for this, including, in 2013 the prestigious national Charity Award Registered charity no. 299988  Company no. 2272550

for Social Care and Welfare. Design: Brown Graphics Ltd,  t: 07887 702917  w: browngraphics.co.uk
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