I have finally worked out a method of opening a childproof pill container which requires a squeeze and a turn to open. I had one the other day where the lid was just too stiff to squeeze enough. (see photo)
Solution : stand it upside down in hot water for a few minutes. This softens the plastic and then it is easy peasy! I used nearly boiling water but I am sure it would work if the water wasn’t quite this hot.
I never fully close a childproof lid once I have managed to open it
The Tech Guide is new and, as the name suggests, has listings and some reviews of “devices [eg wearable devices or gadgets] and apps that could improve your quality of life, so you can make more confident decisions about using technology to manage your health and lifestyle”
(Wording and image taken from the Parkinson’s UK website)
Click here to go to the Tech Guide
It is frequently updated, so worth having a look at from time to time.
For our October meeting we were privileged to welcome Katherine Fletcher, who leads the research communication team at National Office. She gave a wide-ranging talk about progress in tackling Parkinson’s. You can find out more about research by clicking here
Health and Living Independent Support (HILS) delivers meals on wheels across Hampshire, 365 days a year, whatever the weather. In their words: “Every visit includes delivery of a hot meal and dessert, along with a caring wellbeing check from our Community Team Members. You can order meals as a one-off, temporarily, or for as long as you would like them.” You can also call on 0330 2000 103. “
Click here for a pamphlet giving more details about their service
Here is a link to the October 2024 newsletter. It has several long links in it which should take you to the relavent information.
Specifically there are some ideas about exercise! It includes a quote from Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England.
“There is no situation, there is no age and there is no condition
where exercise is not a good thing”
Princess Royal Trust for Carers provide emergency planning for carers, tackling the question “Are you concerned what will happen to the person you care for if an emergency with you arises?”
They encourage carers to make an emergency plan which could provide emergency support free of charge for up to 48 hours. The idea is that this gives family, friends and neighbours time to get organised. You can contact the Princess Royal Trust for Carers on 01264 835246 to discuss how to set up your plan.
They also run monthly Carers’ Hubs and have specific links with GP surgeries. A full account of their services can be read here.
Click here to view our Feb 2024 newsletter
It has several links on it and I hope you find it easier to follow those here, rather than from your paper copy.
Attendance Allowance is paid if you are over State Pension age and need support in your daily life because of a long-term physical or mental health condition. It is NOT about payment to a carer or helper who comes into your home to support you; you are entitled to it whether or not you have help from an external agency. You can apply for it whatever your income or savings are.
Don’t be put off by the length of the application form – 30 pages! And always remember to record about your bad days when you are filling this in, rather than your best days (though it may need to be one of your better days to embark on this!)
This factsheet from an organisation called Independent Age explains who can get Attendance Allowance and how to apply. (The full address is very long. This tinyurl will get you to it.)
You can download the actual form using this link (again shortened into a tinyurl)
It would also be helpful to download the Notes document – only 12 pages (!), with a very useful list on page 3 saying what you need to have ready before you start
I know the application process sounds rather gruesome but please don’t be too put off by it. Perhaps working with someone to help would make it seem more manageable.
Safe and Well is a free home fire safety visit, tailored to an individual’s needs that can help protect you and your home from fire.
You are eligible for this visit if you are over 65 and/or who have mobility issues, meaning your ability to escape in an emergency could be hindered.
Follow this link for more information and their referral form
https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/safety/home-safe-home/safe-and-well/safe-well-visit-referral/
We had a great turnout for our Christmas lunch at the Tweseldown pub in Church Crookham. This is the first time we have celebrated with a lunch rather than an evening meal and we all enjoyed it. Staff were excellent and very responsive to our needs. Many thanks to Annie Theaker who did all the work, setting this up and running the event on the day. Great raffle also!
