Year : 2014
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30 Sep, 14
Your heart is the engine that keeps you running and whatever your age, there are things you can do to help keep your heart healthy. Watch your alcohol intake Alcohol can cause rhythm abnormalities and damage your heart muscle, so ensure you’re staying within recommended limits. If you’re a woman, that’s 14 units a week (max. 3 units on any one day). For men it’s 21 units per week (max. 4 units on any day). 1 unit is equivalent to half a pint of average strength beer, cider or lager, or a measure of spirits, while 2 units is equivalent to a standard 175ml glass of wine. Eat a balanced diet Eat as many types and colours of fruit and vegetables as
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26 Sep, 14
Luckily, these days there’s a wide range of services and housing that allow us to stay in our own home but enjoy support from carers or wardens. Stairlifts are an example of a home-adaption that can allow elderly individuals to stay in their own home for longer! However, for some of us there comes a time when this isn’t enough; we need more comprehensive care. But how do you choose a care home that’s right for you, or your loved one? Here are important points to consider: Funding. You may be able to get financial help for care home costs, but even if you’re not likely to be eligible, it’s still worth getting social services involved - they can provide information
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24 Jun, 14
When you think of stairlifts, you probably imagine a lift that allows the homeowner to get up and down the stairs inside their home. However, it's inevitable that some individuals will live in properties that have outdoor steps, whether these steps provide the only access to the front door, or to the back garden. Here at Associated Stairlifts, we have recently been part of a number of projects installing outdoor stairlifts. Take a look at the photos below: We have provided unrestricted outdoor access at a property in Lutterworth: Mrs H from Cheltenham can now enjoy her garden to the full, after realising an outdoor lift was the solution to her needs:
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1 May, 14
If you require a stairlift but have an unusually shaped staircase, you might have thought that it wasn't possible to have one fitted. This isn't the case however! If you find the right company, almost any staircase can have a stairlift fitted, whether it has one curve, two curves or more! With staircases which have a flat bed landing in the middle, although it would work out slightly cheaper to have two straight installations, there is one vital disadvantage to this – two stops. You would have to transfer to the second chair half-way through the trip, meaning the journey to the top takes longer and makes it far more of a hassle to do each day. A curved lift
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23 Apr, 14
When it comes to fraud, the vast majority of criminals would prefer to go after what they would consider an easy target. Unfortunately, the targets for many of these people are the ones who need the most help and protection – the elderly. According to CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau), fraud is rising year on year and in the last year alone, four million cases of fraud were reported. However, the four million figure doesn't include the many unreported cases of fraud and so it is likely to be much higher in reality. Shame and embarrassment are common reasons for not reporting a fraud to the police and it is the elderly who are most likely to stay quiet. Other reasons why
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25 Mar, 14
For many, money is tight after retirement – but there are ways to save money, not just on your shopping but on having a good time too. Here are some tips on making the most of your money – and your retirement. DISCOUNT SHOPPING • B & Q Over 60s can apply for a Diamond Card and get 10% off all purchases on Wednesdays. • Boots Apply for an Advantage Card and you’ll get 10 points for every £1 spent on Boots and No7 products, 25% off glasses costing £79 or more and 15% off all hearing aids, plus exclusive over 60s offers. • The Book People The Book People offer a concessionary rate for OAPs – simply order by post first time (or next time, if
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15 Mar, 14
If you’re retired, money may be tight. However, you may be missing out on money-saving benefits and bonuses simply because you don’t know that they exist! BENEFITS Entitlements vary depending on circumstances and income. If you think that you could be eligible for the payments below, check with your local citizen’s advice bureau or on the gov.uk website. • Pension credit This is a top-up payment for those on a low income. You may be eligible for Savings Credit too. • Winter fuel and cold weather payments The winter fuel payment is dependent upon age, while the cold weather payment pays out for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November and March for those claiming other income-related benefits. • Council tax benefit You may get
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25 Feb, 14
Becoming a carer for an elderly relative can seem daunting. But don’t panic – there are many sources of help available. Help for your relative The first step is a community care assessment (‘health and social care’ or ‘section 47’ assessment), carried out by your local social services. It assesses the level of care, home adaptations or any special equipment your relative needs. Depending on their mobility and ability to manage their personal hygiene and meals, your relative may be eligible for home help. However, funding is dependent upon your local authority, as policies vary. If your relative moves in with you, don’t worry – this won’t affect your eligibility for support. Help for carers You will have a carer’s assessment. This isn’t a
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19 Feb, 14
Some people see stairlifts as a sign of weakness, old age and lost independence. They struggle on for years, resisting even a glance at a stairlift, yet it could have changed their lives for the better - and increased their independence. However well we look after our bodies, some of us will find that old age or medical conditions eventually affect our movement. Joint problems can make climbing stairs difficult and sometimes painful, while other medical problems may affect our balance and make us less steady on our feet. The staircase becomes an enemy, preventing us moving around our house freely and often restricting access to our bedroom or bathroom. Of course, you can live solely on the ground floor, although this
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