Contact search icon
Contact search icon

 

Carers Week 2021 Making Caring Visible and Valued

 

EveryDay Care & Support is delighted to be supporting Carers Week 2021. This is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

Save the date for this year’s Carers Week, which is taking place from 7 – 13 June with the theme Make Caring Visible and Valued.

The Impact of Carers

Carers Week is the ideal time to focus on the impact that caring can have. Though caring can be rewarding, it’s important that carers get the support they need to stop them putting off their own health needs or becoming isolated.

The campaign will be focusing on the importance of not only recognising carers, but also valuing them for the vital contribution they make – not just during the past year, but every day.

Celebrate Carers

Carers Week is brought to life by the individuals, groups and organisations taking action and running activities throughout the UK. These activities reach carers, many of whom don’t know that help is available.

They support carers who need a boost to keep going. They enable carers to share their experience of caring both before and after the coronavirus outbreak, and to connect to support and information they might not know exists.

This year it is more important than ever for us all to come together and show our support for carers.

What You Can Do

Add your voice to help Make Caring Visible and Valued and pledge your support.

Carers UK have launched a survey to do just that and, if you have time, we’d be very grateful if you could complete this.

EveryDay Care & Support provides respite care and care at home services in North Tyneside & Newcastle. If you are a carer in need of a little support why not give our friendly team a call. Ask about our services Tel: 0191 2877028 or e mail enquiries@everydayuk.org

If you would like additional advice contact Age UK North Tyneside Tel: 0191 2808484 Option 0 or email enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk

Your local Carers Centre in North Tyneside can also provide valuable advice and information

 

#CarersWeek2021

 

Sensory Boxes

 

We know that everyone experiences the world through their senses.

Sensory function refers to the ability to process information from the outside world through five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing. These preferences emerge according to experiences starting at birth.

The sensory function of older people does decline as they age and this can impact on their sense of wellbeing and diminish their ability to communicate. We all appreciate how very frustrating this can be for all concerned.

Sensory Stimulation for Dementia Care

Multi-sensory stimulation is becoming increasingly popular in care settings and our own wellbeing centres based on the impressive results of numerous research studies into its effectiveness.

Sensory activities contribute to the emotional and physical health and wellbeing of people living with dementia. These activities can be non-verbal; thereby crossing any potential cultural boundaries.

What is a Sensory or Twiddle Box?

Twiddle, rummage, memory or sensory boxes are containers filled with everyday objects to help those living with dementia to interact, communicate and reminisce. These activities can also be soothing and act as a form of distraction.

The boxes are created to cater for each individual customer’s needs or interests. Our aim is to provide gentle stimulation of sight, sound, taste, smell, touch and movement in a comfortable, controlled environment. The gentleman i.e. specifically enjoy Lego and pieces of DIY equipment.

Peter is a regular wellbeing centre customer and was formerly a master plumber with his own business. His dementia is advanced and unfortunately he is unable to retain other activities. Our team at Rowan Croft put together a twiddle box for his regular visits and it serves to help him settle and he feels accomplished when he uses it.

Peter's Twiddle Box

Peter’s Twiddle Box

Benefits of Sensory Stimulation

Among other things it is said to:

The aim of sensory boxes is to offer the opportunity to stimulate as many senses as possible. This activity is also an opportunity to relax, to contemplate, to reflect, to chat and reminisce.

scents

Scents

Our wellbeing centre customers enjoy these no pressure activities. Use of sensory boxes is always supervised by one of our care teams.

To find out more about our wellbeing centres and the services they provide give our team a call

Tel: 0191 2877027 or e mail enquiries@everydayuk.org

Take a look at some recent customer reviews on Homecare.co.uk

 

 The Shielding Community Project- Motion North East CIC

 

The Shielding Community project is a 6 week interactive social group project tackling social challenges for the disabled community in North Tyneside and Newcastle.

Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the project is open to those aged 16 plus years with disabilities and those supporting those with disabilities and organisations who provide support services to their community.

What’s involved

The project includes weekly Zoom catch up meeting with guest appearances and an open Facebook Group with daily posts offering advice and support on a range of topics.

The group is all about communication and sharing what everyone is up to. Project lead Jonathan Baker said “I am trying to create a friendly and fun atmosphere. I’m covering the health and fitness aspect with my own organisation and we have an accessibility consultant involved, Emotional Respite – Disability counselling service, Northumberland IASS and Disability North all contributing so far”.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northtyneside/about-us/news/articles/2020/the-shielding-fitness-project/

More Information

For more information and to apply for a place contact:

info@motionnortheast.co.uk

Tel 0771 228 9225 Jonathan Baker

https://www.facebook.com/watch/MotionNorthEast/

Short-term paid work in adult social care

The government is asking people to register their interest in taking up short-term paid work in the adult social care sector. This will help to meet urgent additional staffing requirements during winter.

We appreciate that working in adult social care can be challenging but extremely rewarding and you’ll make a real difference to people’s lives every day.

Who can register

As a values based employer we’re looking for people who will:

You can register even if you’re furloughed. You’ll be eligible for paid work through this scheme.

Types of work

Roles will be dependent on need and your level of experience.

Our flexible roles could include:

These roles could be in our extra care settings or in people’s homes, supporting older people or people aged 18 + years.

The roles are flexible and both full-time or part-time

You can register your interest here

https://support-covid-19-testing.dhsc.gov.uk/staffcapacity

Alternatively you can contact our own HR & Recruitment team Tel: 0191 2877011

Our current vacancies are listed here https://everydayuk.livevacancies.co.uk/#/

Why not take a look at what our team say about working with EveryDay Care & Support here https://everydayuk.org/join-our-team/staff-testimonials/

We can offer real career progression to those pursuing a career in social care and a fantastic benefits package for the right candidates.

EveryDay is different. Find out for yourself by joining the team who make a real difference to people’s lives.

Pension Credit: Are you missing out?

Pension Credit is worth £1,000s and often entitles you to a free TV licence, Council Tax discounts, and more. However, 1 million households are failing to claim. Are you missing out?

Pension Credit is worth an average of £60 per week, which can make a substantial difference to your income. Claiming makes you eligible for discounts on several other bills, some of which will rise in April. Claiming also makes you entitled to heating help when it’s very cold.

It’s important to remember, Pension Credit is not automatic. Around 1 million eligible people don’t claim, make sure you don’t miss out. Just because you have some income, doesn’t mean you’re not eligible. You could be on a low income, or be a carer, and still receive Pension Credit.

How much Pension Credit could you get?

Pension Credit can be worth around £3,000 per year on average. State pension tops up pensions, savings income and work. If you’re a single person earning less than £173.75 per week, or a couple earning less than £265.20 per week, then you could claim.

If you or your loved one has been financially affected by COVID-19, for example if you are shielding or in care, you may also be entitled to claim.

What other benefits are there?

As we mentioned earlier, Pension Credit can also make you eligible for other discounts.

With the cold weather we’ve been having, and will likely continue to have, there are two crucial additional benefits. Cold Weather Payments worth £25 per week, and Warm Home Discounts worth £140 per year. We’ve all been spending more time indoors lately which will mean most of us are using more energy, so these discounts can have a huge impact on your energy bills.

Other benefits include;

For a full rundown of all of the benefits of Pension Credit, visit MoneySavingExpert.com.

Pension Credit in action

Age UK North Tyneside recently helped Pat claim for several benefits and were able to increase her Pension Credit.

Their Information & Advice Officer initially visited with Pat to help make claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. While there, the adviser noticed that Pat might also qualify for Attendance Allowance (AA). The adviser also explained that a successful AA claim would lead to an increase in Pat’s Pension Credit.

Pat was a little sceptical at first as she had been informed by other people that she wouldn’t qualify for AA, but the adviser convinced her there was no harm in trying, and a further visit was booked to claim this for Pat.

The claim for Attendance Allowance was successful and Pat was awarded the higher rate which gave a weekly amount of £89.15. This was backdated which meant she had some money in her bank account for the first time in a while.

As explained by the adviser, Pat now qualified for extra money on her Pension Credit which was an additional £66.95 paid weekly. There was also another backdated amount for this.

How to claim

Pension credit is not automatic, so you must claim. Age UK North Tyneside can help you or your loved one claim, and also provide you with a free benefit check over the phone. This will ensure you aren’t missing out on other support that you’re entitled to. For your free benefit check, call their Customer Service Team on 0191 280 8484 Option 1.

For all of your loved one’s care needs, including home care and respite services, call EveryDay Care & Support on 0191 287 7028.

EveryDay Care & Support is working with Ben Appetit to bring wholesome, home cooked nutritious meals to those who want something special and are unable to venture out for the moment.

Ben Townsend at Ben Appetit has put together a varied menu of both vegeterian and meat dishes to encourage extra care scheme residents to eat well and explore new tastes.

The menu ingredients are all locally sourced and prepared in North Tyneside reducing food miles and capitalising on the local, fresh produce available in the area.

The dishes are all priced at £5.25 and can be re-heated in the microwave. Our extra care residents can select a different meal each week if they choose or stick to their favourite. The choice is entirely their own.

Delivery to our schemes takes place between 14:00-16:00 however if families prefer to collect on behalf of their loved one this can also be simply arranged .

 

Free Vitamin D supplements

Use this service to get free daily vitamin D supplements if you’re at high risk (clinically extremely vulnerable) from Coronavirus (COVID-19).

During autumn and winter, everyone is advised to take vitamin D to keep their bones and muscles healthy and to support their general health.

This is particularly important if you’ve been indoors over the spring and summer as you may not have been getting enough vitamin D from sunlight.

Who can use this service?

You can use this service if all of these apply:

Check your eligibility here: https://www.nhs.uk/get-vitamin-d-supplements/check-vitamin-d-is-suitable

When you apply, there will be a check on the shielded patients list of people at high risk from coronavirus. If you have received a letter about this, you’re on the list.

You can then receive 4 months supply of supplements.

You can make 1 application for vitamin D supplements.

EveryDay customers need to apply before Sunday 21 February 2021.

How to take Vitamin D tablets safely. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vitamin-d-supplements-how-to-take-them-safely

Apply here https://www.nhs.uk/get-vitamin-d-supplements/what-is-your-name

Don’t forget that additionally you can have your prescriptions delivered. Details here :  https://healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk/infoandadvice/prescription-deliveries/

 

Respite Care & Wellbeing Services  – North Tyneside

We recently conducted our annual customer satisfaction survey and our three Wellbeing Centre’s scored some fantastic results and feedback from our customers.

11 Questions out of 25 Questions scored 100% across the board

A sample of feedback received:

∗I’m over the moon with your service, from the first phone call to the first visit was brilliant, the advice given and help also was excellent, can’t thank all the staff enough.

∗Customer Satisfaction Survey Anonymous Feedback Rowan Croft

∗Nothing is ever a bother, nothing is impossible

∗If I just want to sit quietly and not take part in an activity I’m not pushed to do it, encouraged to take part but not made to.

∗The driver is a nice lad.

∗I really enjoy the drive in and home.  Jason points out things & places that I haven’t seen since I was younger, we have a good chat.  Tries his best to get closest to the door as possible as the back lane can be very busy & reminds me about my keys and walking stick.

∗Everybody is so friendly.  All the staff have been more than helpful and accommodating.  The girls, Geoff & Jason are lovely.  It was a nice activity filling out the Life Book with the girls.

∗Husband has settled well I feel which is giving me a well-earned break.

∗Mum’s mobility has slowed down, she is no longer getting out on her own anymore to the shops or anything.  It gets her out for the day, she is well fed and always coming home with prizes she has won on the bingo or baked goods and is full of chat about her day.  We have noticed Mum’s sleeping is better during the nights she has been at the day centre as she is so knackered.  The blankets they have been making has given Mum some focus on her days at home.  We’ve had nothing to fault with the centre.

∗Some lovely staff.  Wendy and Clare called just to see how myself and P were doing, they heard I was struggling.  Brilliant, caring centre.

∗Very creative staff.  Patient, wise and understanding.  Activities are carried out and P has thrived and is more content since coming here.  I know he is safe and happy.  Took a little while for him to settle but now he goes to get his back pack on in time, just before nine.  This has shown me how contented and trusting he is in staff and his time here.

∗Looks forward to coming.  A rest for me from caring.

∗My wife thinks this place is magic, she is happy that I get out and enjoy myself too.

∗Pleased Mum gets out of her flat at least once a week.  Gives the family peace of mind knowing that she’s at Rowan Croft and staff are very approachable.

∗My Mum enjoys her days at the Wellbeing Centre as there are no activities at her sheltered living.  She enjoys being with the elderly as she used to work in care.

∗Dad is very independent in a lot of things, reluctant to take help but manages really well.  Peace of mind that he is within company, socialising and getting fed well.  The staff keep him right with his iPhone which he uses a lot and we aren’t always on hand to help him with, so that is comforting.  We know Dad isn’t always keen for activities or to join in with a lot of things going on but we know he is happy to go and enjoys his time spent.

∗Everyone is lovely to me.  Very impressed actually.

 

Take a look at some of our recent reviews on Homecare.co.uk

Michelle Clement our Health & Wellbeing Manager

Michelle worked in social care for 13 years before deciding to take on an exciting new role within the wellbeing setting with EveryDay Care & Support. Michelle manages our three wellbeing centres in North Tyneside, one of which is a specialist dementia centre.

She said “the annual customer satisfaction survey results don’t come as any surprise to us. We are regularly thanked and praised for the care we provide to our customers, their families and carers. It sounds like a cliché but we really are one big, happy family”.

Additional Support as and when you require it.

We can provide additional services whilst enjoying time at our wellbeing centres these could include assisted bathing, showering, hairdressing and chiropody.

Individual & Bespoke Service

Our aim is to provide a care and respite service as individual as your loved one. A blend of personal care and/or activities can be created. We regularly provide health and wellbeing checks to ensure the continued good health of our customers. For those who are living with dementia or a cognitive impairment we can provide specialist support and advice from our Admiral Nurse team.

You can even rest assured that your loved one will reach us and return home in a relaxed and safe way thanks to our personal driver service- direct to your own door.

Free Wellbeing Taster Day

To ensure that our service exceeds your own expectations we provide a free wellbeing taster session at any of our three centres in North Tyneside . Our Manager Michelle will be delighted to chat with you about options which match your individual requirements. These can range from a single hour to full days.

Tel: 0191 2877028  to enquire about our unique wellbeing centre offer. 

Existing customers should feel free to leave us a review :

Care Quality Commission

Homecare.co.uk

Yell.com

Care for Others. Make a Difference

The Government is encouraging the public to apply for rewarding short-term and long-term opportunities in the adult social care sector to support care home residents and those being cared for in their own homes.

The impact of the new C-19 variant is being felt across the country and additional staff are urgently needed now to support the adult social care workforce here in North Tyneside.

Jobseekers, can now register their interest in role vacancies here https://everydayuk.livevacancies.co.uk/#/

The ‘Care for Others. Make a Difference’ campaign also launches this week using television, digital and radio advertising to drive awareness of long-term career opportunities, highlighting the rewarding, varied and flexible roles available across the care sector to help build a sustainable workforce now and for the future.

Almost 1.5 million people work in adult social care and there are many opportunities for those looking to make a difference.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

I want to thank carers for all they do to look after our loved ones. Throughout this pandemic, they have gone above and beyond to protect our parents and grandparents, and to provide them with the support and care they need and we would be truly lost without them.

This exceptional career choice is tough but rewarding, and I would urge anyone who is thinking of a career in care to come forward and join this heroic workforce.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said:

We are doing everything we can to support the adult social care sector throughout this pandemic and our social care workforce have done an incredible job of helping the most vulnerable in society.

I am urging the public – whether you are a job-seeker, or looking for a new career – to consider working in care. We need short-term support while we face the pandemic and to continue to recruit the right people, with the right values, now and into the future.

Great progress has been made on offering vaccines to all older care home residents and care home staff and this recruitment drive will help us continue to fight this terrible virus.

Minister for Care Helen Whately said:

Since the pandemic began, we’ve seen thousands of wonderful people step forward to volunteer for the NHS and take part in our truly tremendous national vaccination effort. Today, I’m asking people to step forward to help in social care too.

We need more people who want to play their part in this pandemic to choose social care. There are thousands of opportunities, from short-term roles to long-term careers.

Jobs in the care sector are hard work, but they can also be incredibly rewarding. When you get home from work you know you’ve made a real difference for the people you care for. I know we can’t say thank you to care workers too many times for what they do.

Candidates do not necessarily need previous experience as training is provided to help them become valued members of the social care workforce.

People can find out more about a longer-term career in social care and search for jobs in their area by visiting the Every Day is Different website .

We hope that this campaign inspires people to join our skilled and talented team and help to support the lives of people across North Tyneside now and far beyond the pandemic.

Training, including infection prevention controls and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), is provided as well as vaccinations in line with key worker status and the priority vaccine scheme. We train all of our team at our own training centre in Whitley Bay.

Existing team members can receive a £200 ‘refer a friend’ payment when they encourage others to take up a role with EveryDay Care & Support.

For more information about joining the team who really make a difference EveryDay

Tel: 0191 2877011

 

MND Association

Support for those living with, or affected by, Motor Neurone Disease in North Tyneside

At EveryDay Care & Support, we want to support people living with  Motor Neurone Disease (MND) to make the most of their lives.

MND is often seen as a ‘rare’ disease. However, a person has a 1 in 300 chance of developing MND in their lifetime. There are no know cures or treatments and half of people affected die within two years of a diagnosis, a third within 1 year.

The MND Association is the only national charity that supports people living with MND, their families and carers and fund millions of pounds worth of research each year – their vision is a world free of MND.

Tyne and Wear Branch

Here in North Tyneside, the Association is represented by the local Tyne and Wear Branch. With support from the local Area Support Coordinator, David Whalley. The MND Association can offer support to those living with, or who are affected by, MND.

They run a monthly support group for those living with MND (11am, second Wednesday of every month via Zoom). And a carers’ group (1pm, last Friday of every month via Zoom).

They also provide monthly, subject specific information sessions – check out their social media pages for future events.

Although online support groups are not for everyone, they have been well received by people living in the North East, including those living in North Tyneside:

Bill (name changed), aged 70 from Wallsend said:

“I have found the support groups and information sessions very sociable and informative”

People can also choose to have the one to one support from one of their amazing Association Visitors (AVs) – fully trained and DBS checked.

All support is currently being offered via telephone, email, text or video call. AVs are there to listen to you, make you feel less isolated and offer support and advocacy whilst you are living with MND. They are also able to offer support to families and carers too.

Financial Support

The Association is also able to offer a series of financial grants:

For more information, or to find out more about the local support from the MND Association, please contact David Whalley, Area Support Coordinator, on 01604 800 613, 07966 396 094 or david.whalley@mndassociation.org

Facebook: facebook.com/groups/tynewearbranch

Twitter: twitter.com/MNDTyneAndWear or twitter.com/DavidW_MND

Website: www.mndassociation.org

Skip to content