Age Action Alliance meeting – 16th April, Milton Keynes.
A small group of Alliance members from the South East met at the ExtraCare Lovat Fields village in Milton Keynes in April. The purpose was to share knowledge, the current role of the organisations present, but also to discuss dementia friendly communities and how to establish them.
Some of the work highlighted at this session included:
the formation of the Creative Arts group by the Alliance, who met for the first time in March
National Energy Action – a national charity - worth checking out as they deal with fuel poverty for older people
Brit Doc – part of Channel 4 – about engaging people – Ping Pong for older people
Warm Homes Guide
In the Five Minutes of Fame slot, Michael Spellman from ExtraCare gave an overview of the work in their 31 locations of the ‘Locksmiths’ in supporting older people with mental health problems as well as helping with dementia. Around 20% of all residents (4000) have accessed the Locksmiths.
Alison from Timefinders shared the work they do in providing support for older people who are looking to move, or make changes in their life. They are ‘coordinating intelligence’, give financial advice, and help people to stay in their own home where possible. They also have people contact them from abroad whose relatives live here, need to go into care, and they need an advocate for their older relatives.
William from Canary Care gave the group an overview of their new product just being launched. It helps relatives / carers by giving intelligence on the movements of the older person in their home. The device demonstrated has a set of sensors placed in strategic places such as in the bedroom, bathroom, by doors, and can monitor heat and light as well as movement data is sent back to Canary who can alert relatives if there is something wrong.
Jonathan Collie explained the work of The Trading Times, which aims to connect the skills of certain groups of people to the needs of local businesses and individuals. For now, those groups are: the over 50’s, family carers and single parents.
Dementia friendly communities
Alison from the Alzheimer’s Society was able to share information on the Dementia Friends scheme. Trainers will hold a session on a Saturday or an evening when a group want the training. The awareness is to make the public more aware of dementia. They are aiming for a million people to become friends, to have more understanding of dementia in the community by next year. It is useful to check out if there is a session in your area. ExtraCare felt they could set up this training in all their locations for staff and residents.
Launched in 2011, Living Well with Dementiawas a Design Challenge run in partnership with theDepartment of Health, to improve the lives of those affected by dementia. The results:
buddi–an attractive wristband personal alarm, which can send alerts from anywhere to buddi’s support services.
Dementia Dog–assistance dogs that helppeople with dementia lead more fulfilled, independent and stress-free lives.
ode–a fragrance-release system designed to stimulate appetite among people with dementia.
Grouple–a secure, private online social hub helping people share the responsibilities of caring for a loved one.
Trading Times– an online service that matches carers with local businesses for flexible paid work.
Useful websites:
The Age Action Alliance:
The Disability Action Alliance:
The Dementia Action Alliance:
Dementia Friends:
Finally the group discussed meeting again to share knowledge, to encourage more local members to attend, and share good practice.
If anyone from the Midlands or South East is interested, please contact Shirley Hall from ExtraCare, and we will look to hold another meeting around September time.
Shirley Hall
1