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Our Hot Tips calendar is completely free for you to enjoy. To make a donation towards next year’s edition simply text AGES10 and your amount to 70070

Welcome Welcome to Age Scotland’s fourth Hot Tips calendar. Last year’s edition was our most successful yet and had some wonderful feedback, as well as suggestions on what we could include this year. Once again, a range of partners have joined forces to tell you about the services, support and advice available to you, relatives and friends. Over the years, we’ve increasingly heard about older people being supported to live independently in their own homes and communities, instead of care homes or emergency hospital appointments. That’s great - our members consistently say it’s their top priority. However, while enabling a person to live where they want, we must ensure this complements and enhances their quality of life. That’s why this year’s Hot Tips includes information on healthy eating, getting fit and active, accessing transport or getting involved in volunteering. It also provides hints on managing your money, making your home more energy efficient and services available from our partners, like Care & Repair and Poppyscotland. Last year, we launched Silver Line Scotland, our new partnership between the Age Scotland Helpline and The Silver Line to provide information, friendship and advice. The service has gone from strength to strength with new areas of expertise being added to respond to our callers’ interests and needs. Our logo is ‘Love Later Life’ – because being older shouldn’t be a barrier to happiness. With just a little extra help, so many of Scotland’s older people could be enabled to live the fulfilling lives they deserve. Access to information can be the key to this, so please let us know if Hot Tips helps you in some way, as well as what you think should appear in next year’s calendar. We’re grateful to the Scottish Government for its ongoing support for Hot Tips. We’d love the calendar to be sustainable in the longer-term, so if you’d like to make a donation, you can either text AGES10 and your amount to 70070 or use the tear-off slip at the end of the calendar. Thanks!

Brian Sloan Chief Executive

SILVER LINE SCOTLAND “No question too big, no problem too small, no need to be alone” Silver Line Scotland is the only free and confidential 24 hour, 7 days a week, national helpline for older people, available on 0800 4 70 80 90 (free from landlines). At the end of the phone are friendly staff and volunteers who provide friendship, information, advice and can link callers to local groups and services. Information and advice: Our advisers can offer advice on a wide range of topics including repairs and adaptations, care at home, care home funding, money issues, housing and health information. We offer benefit checks to make sure people are claiming everything they are entitled to. Friendship: people can call the helpline anytime for a chat and we also offer a telephone befriending service.

Following three successful years, Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing festival will again take place across the length and breadth of the country in October 2015. The festival showcases projects and events run by communities and arts organisations nationwide - including theatre, dance, music, visual arts and community projects – and offers a chance to celebrate creativity, share stories, and to explore what ageing means to all of us. Last year, Luminate was packed with over 350 events and activities offering unique and inspiring ways to celebrate our creativity as we age. The programme showcased work by older artists, presented imaginative projects and performances in care homes, and included lots of opportunities to get involved and try new creative activities. Luminate is supported by Creative Scotland, The Baring Foundation and Age Scotland and works with its partners to deliver a diverse festival that reminds us all that creativity has no age. For more information about the festival, events in your area or a copy of the 2015 programme, visit www.luminatescotland.org or watch out for updates in our Advantage magazine or online.

Here’s what two callers said about their contact with Silver Line Scotland:

“The Silver Line Service is such a help to me. I have a Silver Line friend and it really makes a difference”. “Many thanks for sending this information to me and for helping me on the phone this morning. Your advice has proved invaluable in helping me to understand the options that might be available to my father.” To find out more about Silver Line Scotland, email [email protected], call us on 0800 4 70 80 90, or call free from some mobiles on 0300 4 70 80 90 (costs can vary, so check with your service provider). We look forward to hearing from you. © Ari Seth Cohen

January: Looking After You Each year, Age Scotland encourages Hot Tips’ readers to improve their health and wellbeing. Here, our dedicated Allied Health Professionals offer hints for keeping active, healthy and happy. Sitting less: Sitting for long periods of time, whether watching TV or sitting reading, can lead to poor health. If you sit a lot and could be more active, here’s some tips to get you on your feet: • Leave the remote control beside the TV • Get up and walk about during programme breaks • Set a timer or alarm to remind you to move about every hour • Stand up when making a telephone call Good footcare: no matter what your age this can reduce pain or discomfort, improve quality of life, confidence and independence as well as supporting physical activity and preventing falls. To keep your feet healthy: • Wash your feet daily • Apply a moisturiser if your skin is dry • Clip/file your toenails regularly • Wear good fitting shoes • Contact your GP or NHS Podiatry Service if you’re worried about your feet • For more information, visit www.lookafteryourfeet.info. Stay connected: Keeping in touch with friends and meeting new people can benefit our health and well- being. Perhaps you could rekindle an old hobby or try something new.

If you’d like more information on staying physically active or connected but don’t know where to start, our website details places for advice and support. Alternatively, visit your local library about services in your area, or get in touch with Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90. Alternatively, ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland) contains details of places, events and social activities in your community and is available at www.aliss.org. Eating well: Having a well-balanced diet and drinking enough water can have a major impact on your health and how you’re feeling. A balanced diet doesn’t mean forgoing all the things you love! Almost everything can be part of a balanced diet if taken only occasionally and in moderation. • Ideally we should drink 6-8 glasses of fluid a day to help absorb food and medicines as well as preventing headaches, tiredness, lack of energy and lightheadedness. • For more information about eating well, Age Scotland’s Eat Well – A Guide for Older People in Scotland is available free from Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90.

Wiston Trees

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International Holocaust Remembrance Day

New Year’s Day

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February: Keeping Mentally Well

Mental wellbeing is the way we think and feel about ourselves, our confidence, and our ability to rise to a challenge. Stressful life events can impact on our mental health, but when our mental health is strong, we respond better to those stresses and challenges – we’re more creative, use our abilities to the fullest and make the most of opportunities Just like our physical health, there are things we can do to look after our mental health. Here are some tips to help. Talk about how you’re feeling with someone you trust: Talking can be a way to cope with a problem you’ve been carrying around in your head for a while. Just being listened to can help you feel supported and less alone. And it works both ways. If you open up, it might encourage others to do the same. Your friends or family may be able to offer you practical help or advice and give you another perspective. You don’t need to sit down for a big conversation. It can feel more comfortable when

these conversations develop naturally - maybe when you’re doing something together. Look after your health: Eating well and being active can help to reduce depression and anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins – ‘feel-good’ hormones that can help improve our mood. Try to find an activity you’ll enjoy, and that suits your level of mobility. Going for a gentle walk, cycling, dancing, gardening or even hoovering can help us feel good. Connect with others: There’s nothing better than catching up with someone face-to-face. If that’s not always possible, you can phone them, chat online or write a letter instead. Keeping these connections will support you, and enrich your day. If you don’t have the social contact you feel you need, or are experiencing feelings of loneliness for whatever reason, contact Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90 for help.

Give: Try to do something nice for a friend, family member or even a stranger! Thank someone. Volunteer your time, or join a community group. Giving provides opportunities to connect with new people, and can help to raise confidence and self-esteem. Do something you enjoy, whether it’s cooking, seeing friends or DIY. Some people find doing something creative, such as drama, drawing or singing helps deal with difficult emotions in a positive way. If you want to try a new hobby, think about what you’re good at, or something that you’ve always wanted to try. Hot Tips contains information about getting into volunteering and local libraries, newspapers, magazines and websites will list organisations and local groups, clubs or classes you can contact. Rest and refresh: Sleep refreshes both mind and body, so get plenty of it. Fatigue can still set in if you feel constantly rushed and overwhelmed when awake. Have a daily quiet time to refresh, let your mind wander, daydream or just watch the clouds go by. It’s OK to add ‘do nothing’ to your to-do list!

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Shrove Tuesday

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March: Disability Benefits Most of the Welfare Reform changes which started in April 2013 affect people who are of “working age” but some changes to disability benefits will affect older people too. Age Scotland’s helpline, Silver Line Scotland is on call to help you make sense of it all. The benefits system recognises that some people who have care requirements, mobility issues or help with daily living will need help towards costs associated with these. The following are the main Disability Benefits for older people. Attendance Allowance (AA) is for people aged 65 or over with physical or mental disabilities who need help with personal care (like washing or dressing) or supervision to ensure they remain safe during the day, at night, or both. You don’t need to have a carer and AA is not ‘means tested’ so you can apply regardless of how much income or savings you have. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) can be paid if you were 65 or over on 8/4/2013 and receiving Disability Living Allowance on that date. If that’s the case, your claim will not be affected by welfare reform, however, most people receiving DLA will eventually be assessed for Personal Independence Payment (PIP – see below) instead. If you’re receiving DLA and think you may be entitled to a higher rate, or you receive a letter saying you are going to be assessed for PIP, call Silver Line Scotland for advice on 0800 4 70 80 90.

disability who needed help with personal care (such as washing or dressing), or supervision to stay safe or had mobility problems. It can be paid past the age of 65 if you still qualify and you could be entitled to a higher rate if your condition becomes worse. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is now the disability benefit for people who are “working age”. You can qualify for PIP if you are aged between 16 and 64 and have a physical or mental disability which means that you have mobility problems or need help with “daily living”. You can continue to receive PIP after the age of 65 if you still meet the qualifying conditions as above. Because PIP can include a ‘mobility component’, and Attendance Allowance does not, it is important to claim PIP before the age of 65 if you qualify. Carers Allowance (CA) is a benefit for people caring for someone receiving Attendance Allowance, a “daily living” component of PIP or the middle or higher care components of Disability Living Allowance. There are specific rules about your earnings and the amount of time you spend caring. You should also check if your claim will reduce the benefits of the person you’re caring for. If you’re already claiming your State Pension and claim Carers Allowance, you may become entitled to (or receive a higher rate of) means tested benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support.

DLA used to be the main disability benefit for “working age” people under 65 with a physical or mental Glencoe from Ballachulish

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Find out more Every benefit has complicated rules and we have only been able to give general information in this calendar. To find out if you’re eligible to claim any of the benefits above, or for more detailed information, call Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90.

International Women’s Day

Mothering Sunday

April: Action on Hearing Loss Loch Na H-Achlaise

Action on Hearing Loss Scotland works for a world where hearing loss doesn’t limit or label people, where tinnitus is silenced and where people value and look after their hearing. Taking action on your hearing loss is important, as research has shown ignoring it can lead to additional problems like balance, falls and communicating with others. Acting sooner and getting support will reduce its impact on your life. Addressing hearing loss can be daunting for some people, but support is available to help those making the life-enhancing decision to take action. Most people lose their hearing as part of the natural ageing process. Around 70 per cent of over 70-year-olds have some kind of hearing loss. If you suspect you are experiencing hearing difficulty, indications include: • turning up the volume when it’s fine for others • thinking other people are mumbling • having trouble hearing in groups • often asking people to repeat what they say. What to do: If you’re diagnosed with hearing loss, don’t worry, one in six people (around 850,000 in Scotland) have some form of hearing loss.

you’d benefit from hearing aids. Digital aids are free on the NHS or you can go to a private provider for hearing aids but you will have to pay for them.

GP referral: If you’re concerned about your hearing, visit your GP who can refer you to your local audiology department for a hearing test. Tell your GP how much your hearing loss affects your everyday life.

Additional support: Alongside hearing aids, a wide range of equipment can support people with hearing loss, such as personal listeners, hearing loops, amplified phones and flashing or vibrating doorbells. Go to Action on Hearing Loss’ shop at www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/shop.aspx, or call 0141 341 5330 to find out what’s available.

Audiology test: The audiologist will carry out audiometry tests to determine the type and level of hearing loss you may have and will tell you if

Find out if there’s a lip-reading class in your area. Lip-reading can greatly improve communication and help people better manage their hearing loss.

Action on Hearing Loss has a free information helpline. This can be reached by phone on 0808 808 0123, by text phone on 0808 808 9000, on your mobile on 0780 000 0360, or by emailing [email protected]. The charity has a hearing check which can indicate whether you should see your GP. It’s available online at www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/hearingcheck or by telephone on 0844 800 3838 (local rate). Action on Hearing Loss run ‘Hear to Help’ drop-in clinics offering free hearing aid maintenance for NHS hearing aid wearers in some health board areas (Tayside, Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Ayrshire & Arran and the Borders). For more info, call 0141 341 5330.

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World Health Day

Good Friday

Easter Sunday

May: Financial Resilience Edinburgh Meadows Cherry Blossom

Keeping your finances in check is important at any age. Like many areas, the simplest advice is often the best, but here we suggest some other things worth bearing in mind. Make a budget and stick to it: the best way to figure out where your money goes is to gather all the information about your income, expenditure and bills. A useful online budget planner is available at www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk. Plan ahead: Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or want money put aside for emergencies, think about what’s coming up over the year ahead, like birthdays and Christmas. Prioritise essential spending: Think about your non-essential spending and make sure all your outgoings are necessary. Monitor bank statements: Ensure your bank has accurate contact details so you’re sent statements on time and check them regularly (on paper or online) for unrecognised transactions. If you’re struggling to pay bills on time or regularly using overdrafts you could face extra fees and charges. Get into a regular savings habit: However small the amount, your money will soon start to grow. Use tax-free savings & investments: From July 2014, Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs have been merged into a new single NISA with a much higher limit of £15,000 per year. You don’t pay Income Tax on interest or dividends and profits from investments are free of Capital Gains Tax.

REMEMBER – PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY Always shred anything with your name, address or financial details before disposal. Never disclose your bank details over the phone. If your bank call or email, they may ask to verify your identity but will never ask for your PIN (personal identification number), password or other security information in full. To make sure you are banking safely. Never login to your bank from a link in an email. The login page of your bank’s website will be secured through encryption, the start of the bank’s website address will change from http to https and a locked padlock will appear:

Choosing financial products: It can be difficult to know where to find the financial advice you need. Financial advisers offer either independent or restricted advice. An independent financial adviser will offer advice on all products and providers on the market. In contrast, restricted financial advisers only recommend certain products and/or products from a limited number of providers To find an adviser, or to check that someone is qualified to give the advice you need, contact the Money Advice Service on 0300 500 5000 or visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk. To hear more or receive a copy of our Money Matters guide, call Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90.

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May Day

June: Carers Trust Buachaille Etive Mor

Carers Trust Scotland (formerly The Princess Royal Trust for Carers) is the largest provider of comprehensive carers support services in Scotland. This month, they take us through some of the support available to those providing care, as well as those receiving it. A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or relative who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, can’t cope without their support. The last Census revealed there are 95,000 carers in Scotland aged over 65, although it’s likely far more will likely be hidden from view. At a time when their own heath may be failing, many older carers can face constant anxiety or exhaustion, especially given the physical demands of caring and a lack of suitable respite services. Similarly, many older people have to juggle caring and working, making planning for retirement hard. Older carers are also more likely to have long term health problems or disabilities. It’s vital for older carers to get support, advice and a regular break. Carers Trust ensure carers get the support they need before reaching crisis point. Their network of independent carers’ centres deliver a wide range of local support services to meet the needs of carers in their own communities. To find your nearest centre, call 0300 123 2008 or visit www.carers.org/scotland. All carers’ centres provide, by telephone, drop-in or outreach surgeries, the following core services: • Information & advice – about all issues affecting carers, including benefits, breaks, respite and support services, carer assessment procedures, aids and adaptations

• Emotional support – alleviating isolation and stress by providing carers the opportunity to talk through their concerns, individually or in a group, with staff, trained volunteers and other carers who understand their situation • Community consultation – carers need a united local voice to influence decision-making. Carers’ centres impact on local policies and outcomes by working with other agencies and consulting carers. They also ensure local carers’ voices are linked into regional and national decision-making bodies. Carers centres develop other services in response to identified local needs. These might include:

• Advocacy – at tribunals, assessments, case reviews, funding or service queries, or whenever a carer needs a friend or supporter • Practical help like befriending, short breaks, transport and benefits advice • Training and education in skills useful for carers, like moving and handling, first aid, and care giving • Fun! Time out from caring, breaks, a chance to relax and unwind, and the opportunity to enjoy a social life and meet new people who understand the impact of being a carer.

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Fathers’ Day

July: Care & Repair

Care & Repair has consistently featured in Hot Tips – and rightly so. Most housing-related calls to Silver Line Scotland each year relate to repairs and maintenance. We all know a little upkeep now and then is important but the uncertainty of finding reliable tradespeople can put us off. If you’re anxious about getting work done to maintain your property, contact your local Care & Repair team, which offers independent advice and assistance to help homeowners repair, improve or adapt their homes so they can live in comfort and safety in their own communities. We don’t pay much attention to the condition of our house. Get into the habit of looking around. Check, for example, if gutters are leaking, or when the central heating boiler was last serviced. Keeping your eye on things can prevent serious work in the future.

Step 1 – The home visit: Care & Repair staff can visit you at home to assist you through the process of deciding what work is to be done and organising the building works. This home-based and personalised service puts you in control of decisions. Step 2 – Discussing the options: Once you know what needs done, Care & Repair staff can take you through each step, from acting as advocates and discussing your case with other professionals, to providing you with the best possible options. Step 3 – Talking money: Care & Repair staff can also go over financial issues with you, including lending options available to owners, grants, loans and charitable funding. They can also discuss how you can use your personal resources or utilise the value of your home to help pay for repairs and improvements.

Step 4 – Starting the work: Building work can be stressful and Care & Repair staff will assist you when the contractors are on-site and help sort out any problems that may arise. They will also oversee payments to contractors and ensure that warranties and guarantees are in place when the work is finally inspected and approved. Step 5 – Small repairs: Care & Repair can also assist with smaller works that contractors may be unwilling to quote for. Small repairs teams will carry out tasks that take no longer than 2 hours to complete. They will usually charge a small fee, depending on the material that is required. Attending to small repairs can often prevent more serious work in the future. To find your local Care & Repair team, telephone 0141 221 9879 or log on to the website at: www.careandrepairscotland.co.uk.

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31 Age Scotland Publications (free) are listed on page 30. There is information about Housing and Fuel along with lots of other topics.

August: Being Energy Efficient Aberfeldy

High energy costs and how to keep your home warm and comfortable are of particular importance for those on fixed incomes like many older people. Here are some suggestions for you and things to look out for. You can access a wide range of support and advice on making your home more efficient from Home Energy Scotland. • Free home energy check: Find out how efficient your home is and the measures most suitable for you. Everyone is eligible – contact Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 to get started. • Basic insulation measures: If you’re eligible, you’ll be provided with cavity and loft insulation. • Energy efficiency measures: This could make your home easier and cheaper to heat and could include new central heating systems and internal or external wall insulation. Reduce the amount of energy you use: switch off appliances instead of leaving them on standby. Set your washing machine to run at 30 or, if you have a shower powered by your boiler or hot water tank, install a water-efficient shower head.

Maximise your income: Over £500m of benefits go unclaimed by Scotland’s older people annually. To find out about your benefit entitlements, call Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90.

Make your home more efficient: You might be surprised how much more comfortable your home Don’t be scammed! We often hear of rogue traders could be by investing in the fabric of your home with telling people a new boiler is compulsory or that new central heating systems or insulation, and you government schemes are just about to end and will probably save money in the long term. paperwork must be signed straight away. Don’t be rushed! A legitimate scheme will still be there If you already have loft or cavity wall insulation or tomorrow and saying no will give you time to double glazing, there’s still more you can do, like research the firm and scheme on offer. Reputable micro-generation systems (solar electric or water companies will understand, so if you’re in any heating panels), wind turbines and heat pumps.

doubt, call Home Energy Scotland for advice about your entitlements, free on 0808 808 2282. Have you heard about smart meters? All UK households are to be offered smart meters to replace old models. This government scheme will see meters provided and fitted free of charge and could help you manage energy bills better. Your energy company has to supply a smart meter if you want one. Your gas and electricity supplier can tell you their plans and when you can get your smart meter, and any other questions you might have.

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Keep an eye out for the programme for this year’s Luminate festival – our creative arts festival for, with and by older people. For more information, go to: www.luminatescotland.org.

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5 things you need to know about smart meters The meters come with a small display screen, which you can put anywhere in your house.

The display screen shows how much you’re spending on gas and electricity, in pounds and pence, as you go along. Helpful for budgeting!

Smart meters send readings to your supplier which means no more ‘estimated bills’ and only paying for the energy you use.

Your supplier is responsible for smart meters and you’ll pay nothing to get yours fitted.

Smart meters are already being fitted in some parts of Scotland but the rollout programme will run until 2020.

Lismore Ferry

September: Transport Tips

Independence is critical to wellbeing and transport is critical to independence. Here are some hints for getting out and about, as well as alternatives for those who require a little extra assistance. Planning: www.travelinescotland.com details public transport services going to your destination, with up-to-date information on services in Scotland and from Scotland to destinations across Britain. Smartphone Apps can be downloaded for free. Travelling by Train: ScotRail provide several services like free luggage assistance to and from the train for disabled and older customers. Conductors or Ticket Examiners will help you get on and off the train if you let them know you need assistance and portable ramps are provided on all trains. Book scooter assistance in advance. These services must be booked in advance. To arrange support, call ScotRail on 0800 912 2901 (or 18001 0800 912 2 901 on the Text Relay Service for the hard of hearing) or go to: www.scotrail.co.uk/disabilityandinclusion.

By Bus: When you enter or leave a bus, watch for slippery or uneven pavements and other hazards that could cause a fall or injury. If you need more time to sit down, tell the driver. Don’t carry too many things and leave a hand free to grab rails, or use a rucksack so you’ve got 2 free hands. Have your fare ready to avoid losing your balance while looking for change. Remain alert and brace yourself when a bus is slowing down. Using Community Transport: If you live where there’s little or no public transport, or you can’t use public transport (perhaps due to a disability or lack of accessibility) there may be community transport organisations in your area which can help you. These organisations often take people door-todoor, from their homes to the places they wish to go. They use accessible vehicles and can provide assistance to passengers like carrying shopping. Contact the Community Transport Association to find out if there’s a community transport organisation where you live, on 0131 220 0052.

Travelling Abroad: Leave details of your flight, accommodation and a contact number at home. Consider writing your destination and home post codes (and mobile number) on a label to stick INSIDE your luggage in a visible place. If you’re flying somewhere that requires stopovers, divide clothing between suitcases, backpacks and bags. If your luggage doesn’t arrive at the destination, you’ll still have clean clothes to wear. General: When traveling, list things you must take with you (tickets, passport, medication, destination address) and things you need to do before leaving home like cancelling papers and adjusting heating. Use small bottles to repack shampoo and creams. Keep medication and important papers in your carry-on bag. Avoid being a target of crime: don’t wear conspicuous clothing or jewellery or carry large sums of money. Never accept packages from strangers and check the Department for Transport website for rules on hand luggage at: www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/overview.

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Transport Scotland has information on all types of transport in Scotland and how to access it if you need support with access. For information go to: www.transportscotland.gov.uk/public-transport or call 0871 200 22 33.

October: Your Local Pharmacist The Old Man of Storr

Pharmacy is the most accessible and widely used NHS service, seeing more people than any other health service. Many people aren’t aware of the services pharmacists can offer. Indeed, almost 1 in 5 GP consultations could be effectively managed by pharmacists. Here, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland suggest how you can tap into their services. Pharmacists are experts in medicines and how they work. With four years’ university education and one  year pre-registration training, they play a key role in your healthcare team, working in community pharmacies, GP practices and hospitals. Their expertise ensures people make effective and safe use of their medicines. We can all get confused or struggle to take our medicines properly, which can get worse the more medicines you take. Your pharmacist can talk to you about your medicines and help you with problems. If you’re registered with a GP surgery in Scotland, you’re eligible for the NHS Minor Ailment Service with a pharmacy of your choice. This means your pharmacist can be your first point of call for free and confidential advice, treatment or referral to another healthcare professional. This includes backache, cold sores, constipation, cough, diarrhoea, earache, eczema and allergies, haemorrhoids, head ache, indigestion, mouth ulcers, pain and sore throat. No appointment is necessary, although you may have to wait if the pharmacy is very busy. So, speak to your pharmacist about healthy living, minor ailments or if you have a long-term condition and need help and advice on how to get the best

from your prescribed medicines. If you smoke, no matter your age, stopping will make a difference to your health. Pharmacies offer free NHS smoking cessation services.

• Make sure you have the medicine you need but only order what you require.

Top Tips for you and/or your carer

• Take your medicines with you if you go into hospital and let your pharmacist know of any changes when you get discharged.

• Make sure you know your local pharmacy, its opening hours and the services it provides.

• Dispose of unwanted, unused or out of date medicines safely at your local pharmacy.

• Speak to your pharmacist about your medicines or any common health concerns.

• Find your local pharmacy by calling NHS 24 on 111, or on www.nhs24.com/FindLocal.

• Take your medicines as advised and speak to your pharmacist if in doubt.

For more about pharmacists, contact NHS Inform Helpline on 0800 22 44 88 (free from landlines).

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November: Poppyscotland Poppyscotland is the leading charity supporting the Armed Forces community in Scotland. Best known for their iconic Scottish Poppy Appeal, they work all year round providing advice, information, tailored support and funding to current and former members of the Armed Forces.

Limiting isolation: Maintaining independence and social relationships can be very important to older veterans, but you shouldn’t let poor mobility hold you back. Poppyscotland can arrange for an Occupational Therapist to carry out an assessment of your mobility needs, and assist in funding whatever aids and home adaptations are required.

Stay active: Keeping your mind and body active is crucial to a fulfilled later life and volunteering can prove a great way to do so. Volunteering for Poppyscotland not only means helping those in need but also provides social opportunities and can take as little as a couple of hours a year. If you’re interested in collecting during November’s Poppy Appeal, organising a fundraising event or helping out around the office, there’s an opportunity to suit you. Call 0141 338 6585 or text VOLUNTEER to 81400 to find out more.

Isolation can be a major issue in any walk of life, but can prove a particular problem for older veterans. Getting away from it all can help, so Poppyscotland funds breaks to Parkdean and Haven holiday parks around the UK. For those interested in the opportunity to socialise with other members of the Armed Forces community, they also make use of The Royal British Legion’s break facilities in England and Northern Ireland. Advice and assistance: Reducing worry and stress can significantly improve health and wellbeing. With this in mind, Poppyscotland deliver and fund services that will point you in the right direction for pensions advice, employment support, housing help and much more. They also provide direct financial assistance when it is most needed, tailoring their help to suit your specific needs and circumstances. Call 0131 550 1557 or email [email protected] for details.

Employment Support: Older veterans can make positive contributions to the workplace, and that’s why Poppyscotland works in partnership with other organisations to improve their recruitment and retention opportunities. If you’re unemployed, under-skilled or low-paid, Poppyscotland’s employment support grants can fund re-training or upskilling your qualifications to increase your chances of employment. Their employment For more information about the work of programmes include one-to-one and group Poppyscotland, visit their website, at support to those experiencing anxiety, low mood or www.poppyscotland.org.uk. depression while looking for work, as well as a weeklong course for those with health conditions they consider a barrier to employment.

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December: Winter Preparedness Our seasons are getting increasingly extreme as a result of global warming, so being prepared for any eventuality is a good idea. Having these essentials will give you peace of mind knowing that everything you need is ready and easily accessible. Emergency Kit bag: This should include a torch and batteries, portable radio, first aid supplies and emergency numbers. If you have a mobile phone, keep it charged and close to you. Important contact arrangements: Make agreements with family and friends and identify meeting places. Find out if any neighbours might require your help – or if they can be of any help to you. Remember NHS 24 can be reached on 111. Important local phone numbers: Note your doctor’s number, the local police station and any others you may need. Utilities: Make sure you know where your water stop cock is in case of burst pipes, where to switch off your gas and electricity supplies and keep a note of your gas, electricity and telephone suppliers. Medication: Make sure you have a note of your prescription medication and restock your medicine cabinet. Food & Drink: Stock up your store cupboard and freezer with soup, dried foods and also some food that you can eat even if there is a power cut. Keep a supply of bottled water, long-life snacks and high energy sweets or drinks.

Room temperature: Check and maintain a warm heat – consider purchasing a cold alarm to warn if the room becomes dangerously cold. Insurance: Ensure you have adequate buildings and contents insurance and if your policies cover you for risks such as flood or storm damage and the costs of temporary accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable. Local Information: Find out what services in your area provide advance warning of severe

weather and updates during storms and flooding. These include local radio stations, Met Office UK Severe Weather Warnings, SEPA Flood Warnings, and the national Floodline service. Repairs: Keep the number for your council or local Care & Repair handy. Your council will have a plan for helping older people in severe weather. Care & Repair can supply details of reputable contractors and could short-cut your request to the right person, so get in touch if your emergency relates to a repair.

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Remember! Frozen pipes: If cold weather is forecast, it is best to keep the heating on overnight at a low temperature so the pipes won’t freeze – simply turn your thermostat down to 15°C.

I Want to Help! Thinking about volunteering?

Getting involved with Age Scotland

Volunteering not only benefits organisations like Age Scotland but also the volunteers themselves, communities and the economy.

You could support Age Scotland’s work and make a difference to older people in your community by:

It’s estimated volunteering contributes £2.5 billion annually to Scotland’s economy. However, for charities like Age Scotland, which benefit from the work volunteers, the contribution of volunteers is priceless. Like many other charities, Age Scotland couldn’t achieve what we do without volunteers; with their work benefiting individuals and communities across the country. Of course, volunteering isn’t just good for communities and charities, it is also good for people’s mental and physical health. By improving people’s self-esteem and helping to reduce loneliness and isolation, it has even been credited with helping people live longer! You can volunteer every week, once a month, occasionally or just once. There are opportunities to use your own skills and experience or to try something new. It could also let you sharpen up skills or learn new ones, to make new friends, and even just have fun. To find out more about volunteering or to find opportunities available in your area contact Volunteer Scotland on 01786 479 593 or visit  www.volunteerscotland.net.

• Volunteering in one of our shops, the Charity’s Edinburgh office or on Silver Line Scotland

Like us on facebook Follow us on

• Fundraising with friends, by taking part in one of our events or by organising your own • Take part in an Age Scotland campaign Join a Local Group – whether social or hobby clubs, providing care services or campaigning, older people’s groups improve later life for many thousands of Scots. Our Community Development Team works with older people’s groups to support and empower them through events and grants. Join Age Scotland as a group membership, a supporting membership or individual membership. Our membership scheme connects like-minded groups and individuals to share information, personal or social benefits available where you live. Contact us using the details below. Every member group and individual will receive: • Invitation to attend Annual General Meeting • A copy of our magazine Advantage three times a year • Fundraising opportunities If you’re interested in joining us, phone 0845 833 0200, email us at [email protected] or go online at www.agescotland.org.uk.

0845 833 0200 [email protected] www.agescotland.org.uk Silver Line Scotland: 0800 4 70 80 90 [email protected] Age Scotland, part of the Age Network, is an independent charity dedicated to improving the later lives of everyone on the ageing journey, within a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. Registration Number: 153343 Charity Number SC010100 Landscape photography: January, March, May, July, August & December by Ros Gasson: www.photography-scotland.com February, April, June & October by Ross Barclay: www.rossbarclayphotography.com

Thanks to our Partners Support from partner organisations and charities has been crucial to the development of this publication and we gratefully acknowledge their assistance. Age Scotland is grateful to the Scottish Government for funding to support the creation, publication and distribution of Hot Tips

Action on Hearing Loss Tel: 0808 808 0123 Text phone: 0808 808 9000 SMS: 0780 000 0360 [email protected]

Special thanks to the following partners who kindly contributed towards the cost of producing Hot Tips

www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk A registered charity in Scotland (SC038926)

Care & Repair Scotland

Carers Trust

To find your local Care & Repair team:

Skypark 3, Suite l/2 14/18 Elliott Place, Glasgow G3 8EP

0141 221 9879 www.careandrepairscotland.co.uk

Tel: 0300 123 2008 www.carers.org/scotland A registered charity in Scotland (SC042870)

Poppyscotland 0131 550 1557 www.poppyscotland.org.uk

Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland

[email protected]

Holyrood Park House 106 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS

A registered charity in Scotland (SC014096)

Tel: 0131 556 4386 Fax: 0131 558 8850 [email protected] www.rpharms.com

Publications Age Scotland produces a variety of free leaflets about issues which affect older people, their families and carers. Below is a list of current publications at the time of going to press. These are subject to change over time as information is updated and you can call us if you’re at all unsure about the best guide for you. Ref No. Title

Ref No. Title

Benefits

Health Information

10s 37s

IG43

Help with heating Buying retirement housing Looking for rented housing Noise and neighbour nuisance – what you can do Older homeowners: funding repairs, improvements and adaptations 35s Rights for council and housing association tenants 36s Private tenants’ rights 101s Fire safety and older people in Scotland IG27 Winter wrapped up IG30 Save energy, pay less UKIL7 Home safety checker IG17 Adapting your home IG8 Housing options Help with oil fired heating

Health Information Folder Age-related macular degeneration Alcohol Cancer Cataracts Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Coronary heart disease Dementia Depression Diabetes Exercise General Health Information Glaucoma Hearing loss High blood pressure Influenza (Flu) Insomnia Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis Parkinson’s disease Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIAs)

Money Matters

Miscellaneous

Health & Community Care Council charging procedures for care homes NHS continuing healthcare and hospital discharge arrangements 38s Treatment of the former home as capital for people in care homes 39s Paying for care in a care home if you have a partner 40s Transfer of assets and paying for care in a care home 41s Local authority assessment for community care services 42s Equipment for daily living 44s NHS Services for older people 46s Paying for care and support at home UKIL1 Staying cool in a heatwave IG14 Staying Steady IG15 Managing incontinence UKIL5 Bladder and Bowel Problems IG24 Healthy living IG32 Bereavement IG6 Care Homes IG2 Lesbian, gay or bisexual or transgender IG13 Advice for carers IG7 Going into hospital IG23 Care at home IG45 Protecting yourself

Consumer, Legal & Employment 7s 14s 22s 27s 43s IG5 IG34 IG36 102s

Making your will Dealing with someone’s estate Powers of Attorney and other ways to help manage someone’s affairs Arranging a funeral Obtaining and paying for legal advice Avoiding Scams Working over 50 Your consumer rights Elder Abuse

60s 61s

Ref No. Title

More money in your pocket (A guide to benefits for people over pension age) Welfare Reform and Older People in Scotland The Scottish Welfare Fund

Housing and Fuel 1s 2s 8s 9s 13s

IG28 Can I afford to retire? UKIL6 Equity release IG19 Managing your money

45s UKIL4 IG1 IG22 IG10 IG44

Older veterans living in Scotland Internet security Staying safe Making the most of the internet Useful contacts In the driving seat

To order publications you can: Call the Silver Line Scotland Helpline on 0800 4 70 80 90 Email us at [email protected]

Hot Tips Feedback Form Age Scotland is grateful to the Scottish Government for funding to support the creation, publication and distribution of Hot Tips. In order to ensure that we can continue to produce the calendar, it is important for us to find out how people have made use of the resource. Whether you’ve contacted Silver Line Scotland, undertaken repairs or improved your home’s energy efficiency, we would be delighted to receive your feedback and comments on the 2015 calendar. Please do not worry about the postage as this is covered by the grant which pays for the calendar.

Like Hot Tips and find it useful? Each year, thousands of older people across Scotland benefit from the vital information and advice in Hot Tips, so we hope you found it useful. To support Age Scotland in producing ‘HotTips’ and help improve lives of older people in Scotland, complete the donation form below and return in an envelope to: Age Scotland, Freepost RSBS_KEHC-GBBC, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh, EH9 1PR. Title

As a result of the Age Scotland Hot Tips calendar I have: Called Silver Line Scotland (on behalf of me, a relative or a friend): YES

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Contacted one of the partner organisations: (Please detail)

Installed energy efficiency measures: (Please detail)

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Gift Aid Declaration

Started volunteering or participating in local groups: (Please detail)

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Are you a UK Tax Payer? If so, you can use Gift Aid to make your donations go further by ticking “Yes” below. If you Gift Aid your donation, the charity will continue to receive an additional 25p on every pound you give. To qualify for Gift Aid, you must pay an amount of UK Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April one year to 5 April the next) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that Age Scotland will reclaim on your gifts for that tax year. Yes, I want Age Scotland to treat all donations I have made for the four years prior to this year, and all donations I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise, as Gift Aid donations. I confirm I pay an amount of UK income tax and/or capital gains tax to cover the amount that all charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs will reclaim on my donations in the tax year. No, I am not a UK taxpayer, and/or I do not wish to Gift Aid my donations.

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Tell us what information / organisations you’d like to see featured in future editions:

Date:

We may wish to contact you from time to time by either post or telephone, to provide you with information about our charity, services, or, to gather your opinion or views. On some occasions we may share your information with likeminded organisations. However, if you do not wish us to pass your details on, but are still happy to hear from us, please mark this box: If you prefer not to hear from Age Scotland, please mark this box:

Freepost RSBS-KEHC-GBBC Age Scotland 160 Causewayside EDINBURGH EH9 1PR