Anyone for tea ?

Fun was had by all at our CAMEO Group afternoon tea

at Romilly’s Tea Rooms

Our fabulous members Vera, Lyn, Cath, Val, Eirlys, Mary, Schula and Margaret enjoyed a chat and a giggle over a delicious tea

recently as a summer treat.

CAMEO, which stands for Come And Meet Every One, is one 5 Support Groups run by Crossoads. The group is for carers who are no longer in a caring role, ie, if their relative is now living in a residential home or has, sadly, passed away. The group offers, friendship, support and understanding and helps to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation that can often follow after caring for a loved one.

CAMEO group meets once a month on a Wednesday from 12 til 2pm at a local pub. We tend to rotate the venue for variety and to ensure carers from across the Vale can access the group. Members can belong to the group for up to 2 and a half years, a good time to get to know everyone, make life long friends and contacts for the future.

If you would like to know more about our CAMEO group, or the other Support Groups Crossroads provide for carers and their loved one in the Vale of

Glamorgan with a diagnosis of dementia or late onset mental illness please

contact: Group Facilitator/Counsellor Jayne, 02920 700057 Option 3

August 2017

NEWSLETTER

Contents 1 2 4 6 7 12 15 16

CAMEO group afternoon tea at Romilly’s Tea Rooms, The Knap Prevent Heat Stroke Meet the Team Care Worker, Jane Grant Encouraging Someone to Drink More Poem by E. Mary Wilce ‘I Am Woman’ Quote of the Month Did You Know? Don’t’ Forget to Smile Support Group Meetings August 2017 Our Appeal

Mary & Marga-

Lyn & Cath

Vera & Val

Val, Eirlys & Mary

Romilly’s Tea Rooms Schula, Vera, Val, Eirlys,

Mary, Margaret, Lyn, Cath

and Jayne Enjoying tea and chat

Yum Yum !

2

WHAT IS HEAT STROKE?

Heat stroke happens when the body overheats, typically to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. It’s a serious condition and

requires immediate emergency treatment. If it’s not treated, heat stroke can damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles.

Plus, the longer it takes to get treatment, the higher the risk for serious complications or death.

1. UNDERSTAND YOUR OLDER ADULT’S HEALTH CONDITIONS

Check with their doctor to find out if medications or treatments, like diuretics or low-salt diets, could affect they way their

bodies regulate temperature. Ask if there are special things you need to do if you see signs of heat stroke. For example,

sports drinks or lots of water could be harmful for some seniors.

2. ENCOURAGE WATER INTAKE AND DRESS FOR THE WEATHER

Remind your older adult to drink water throughout the day (see page 7 for tips) . A body that’s hydrated feels cooler and

regulates temperature better. Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and diluted fruit juice. Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine

(tea, coffee and cola) or drinks high in sugar. But avoid water that’s too cold, it may cause cramps.

Convince them to wear as little clothing as possible and make clothes as light, loose, and breathable as possible. If they feel

chilly, give them a bath towel to use as a light lap blanket.

3. STAY COOL AT HOME

Keep the house as cool as possible by using inexpensive solar curtains to block out sun and heat. Since heat rises, stay on

the ground floor or basement of the house. It’s best to avoid the hotter, stuffy upper floors. Buy an inexpensive indoor air

conditioning unit. Take cool shower or bath, splash face and wrists with cold water.

NOTE: Use caution with electric fans. Fans can trick the body into thinking it’s cooler than it actually is and can do more

harm than good, especially for older adults. The recommends using electric fans only when the temperature is below 90

degrees Fahrenheit. Above 90 degrees, use an air conditioner to cool down.

4. IDENTIFY HEAT STROKE SYMPTOMS

If your older adult shows signs of overheating, evaluate symptoms and respond immediately. Signs of overheating:

PREVENT HEAT STROKE

In hot summer weather, heat stroke in seniors is a serious risk. Because older

bodies are less sensitive to changes in temperature and can’t adjust as well,

seniors might not even notice that they’re overheating. Chronic health

conditions and common medications, like beta blockers for high blood

pressure, also make it harder for the body to respond to heat.

Tiredness & weakness

feeling faint or dizzy

decrease in blood pressure

Headache

muscle cramps

feeling or being sick

heavy sweating

intense thirst

a fast pulse

urinating less often and having darker urine than usual

3

5. WHAT TO DO

If you notice that someone has signs of heat exhaustion, you should:

get them to lie down in a cool place – such as a room with air conditioning or somewhere in the shade

remove any unnecessary clothing to expose as much of their skin as possible

cool their skin –use whatever you have available, such as a cool, wet sponge or flannel, cold packs around the neck

and armpits, or wrap them in a cool, wet sheet

fan their skin while it's moist – this will help the water to evaporate, which will help their skin cool down

get them to drink fluids – this should ideally be water, fruit juice or a rehydration drink, such as a sports drink

Stay with the person until they're feeling better. Most people should start to recover within 30 minutes.

If the person is unconscious, you should follow the steps above and place the person in the recovery position until

help arrives (see below). If they have a seizure, move nearby objects out of the way to prevent injury.

6. WHEN TO GET MEDICAL HELP

Severe heat exhaustion or heatstroke requires hospital treatment.

You should call 999 for an ambulance if:

the person doesn't respond to the above treatment within 30 minutes

the person has severe symptoms, such as a loss of consciousness, confusion or seizures

Continue with the treatment outlined above until the ambulance arrives.

If the person is feeling better after using the above measures, but you have any concerns about them, contact your GP or

NHS 111 for professional advice.

YOUR NEWSLETTER

We welcome your feedback

If you would like to share information (personal stories, events, recipes, po-

ems etc) with other carers, make any suggestions or tell us what you think

of our newsletter please contact Jayne:

Tel: 02920 700057 (option 3) E mail: counsellor@crossroads-vale.org.uk

You can also keep up to date with news at Crossroads Care in the Vale on

our website: www.crossroads-vale.org.uk

Please note: as a charitable trust, we are always looking for ways to

reduce our costs, should you wish to be removed from our mailing list please could you let us know. Many thanks

4

We thought you might like to say hello! Each month we will feature one of our team and get to know a little more about them and their work for Crossroads in the Vale. This month, meet Jane Grant, Care Worker How long have you worked for Crossroads in the Vale? 19 years this September. Those years have flown by! What did you do before you worked for Crossroads? I started my caring profession as a care assistant in The Waters Edge Residential Nursing home, Barry when I was 22. Why did you decide to come to Crossroads? A change of scenery and more of a challenge. Can you tell us more about your role as Crossroads as a Care Worker? I work in the community with people who have dementia providing personal care and social calls. I also work with social groups, eg. Men’s skittles group. What do you like most about working for Crossroads? The staff are very friendly, the give support when needed. I love to meet people and enjoy the variety of work in social groups, day centre and peoples homes. What is one thing about you that would surprise people? When I was at high school I walked for the Barnardo’s charity from my school in Barry to Bethlehem in West Wales over 3 days, I did this 2 years in succession. IWhat are your hobbies/interests? I enjoy walking when I have time, playing skittles and spending time with family and friends. Favourite Film? Bridget Jones Baby If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 items would you have with you? Bottle of wine, shampoo/soap and fire tinder. 3 Dinner Party Guests? James Martin, Gary Barlow and Madonna Favourite Treat ? A steak or a Chinese meal. If you could choose your age forever, what age would you be and why? I did enjoy my 20’s, I was out all the time, going on holidays with friends to Spain, Portugal, Tunisia and skiing. If you were to create a slogan for life, what would it be? Enjoy every moment you have, keep active.

CROSSROADS CARE in the Vale…... safe hands for nearly 30 years

Behind every successful organisation is a hard working team and the Crossroads staff are no exception. From care workers to office staff, each of us are passionate about

what we do and we are happy to go over and above to help support our carers.

5

Vale of Glamorgan Libraries – Home Library Service

Do you work with or know people who are housebound and could benefit from the Vale Libraries Home Library Service?

This Service uses volunteers to deliver books to people in their homes. This free service is ideal for anyone who can no longer get to a library themselves because of disability, mobility or other issues. Every four weeks a volunteer will drop off a bag of books for the reader and collect the previous month’s books. The volunteer can bring books in a number of formats – ordinary print, large print or talking books on CD. All the reader has to do is give the volunteer an idea of the kind of books they like – books by a particular author for example, or historical fiction, crime, romances or non-fiction – there’s loads to choose from! If you think this service might be just what you are looking for or if you know of someone who could benefit from it, please call:

Melanie on 01446 422419 for more information.

www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/libraries

SENIOR HEALTH SHOP

38 Holton Road, Barry Tel: 01446 732383

Are you worried about moving around and have a problem with balance?

A new Strength and Balance Class is starting at Margaret Alexandra Community Centre in Barry on Monday Afternoons 2pm to 3pm This class is being run by Barry Communities First .The class will help you feel more confident about moving around,staying steady on your feet, reduce your risk of falling and help build your muscle and bone strength.Cost Class £3.50 including refreshments Class is taken by a very experienced Extend Teacher

Contact : Age Connects Senior Health Shop 01446/732385 for further information

Penarth Conservative Club

Stanwell Road, Penarth, CF64 2EZ Invite you to their

Every Monday afternoon 2 ‘til 4pm

Tea, coffee & biscuits : £1.50 on the door For further information contact:

Penarth Conservative Club 02920 707770

Care to Dance ?

6

The NHS says: Your body needs water or other fluids to work properly and to avoid dehydration. That's why

it's important to drink enough fluids. In climates such as the UK's, we should drink about 1.2 litres (six to

eight glasses) of fluid every day to stop us getting dehydrated

The best thing to do is try to prevent it from happening but it’s much easier said than done to in-

crease their fluid intake! To help with this sometimes frustrating mission here are a some tips:

1. Remember there are many sources of fluids

Older adults don’t have to drink only plain water to get hydrated. Coffee, tea, fruit juice,

sweetened beverages, fruits, and vegetables all contain water. If your senior really hates

drinking fluids, serve them more foods with high water content to increase their hydration.

Watermelon and strawberries contain about 92% water per volume. Other fruits with high

water content include grapefruit with 91% cantaloupe with 90%and peaches with 88% water.

Fruits containing 87%water by weight include pineapple, cranberries, orange and raspberries. Other good

sources are cucumber, radish, bell peppers, cauliflower and spinach.

2. Keep water easily accessible

Sometimes, making it easy for seniors to serve themselves could encourage them to drink more water. Try

putting a lightweight pitcher of water and a cup near their favorite seat.

3. Experiment with beverages at different temperatures

Your senior may prefer hot drinks to cold, or the other way around. Experiment to find out which type they

like better. Try warming up juices, making decaf iced coffee with cream, or adding soda water to make drinks

bubbly.

4. Try something savory

Those who like savory foods may enjoy drinking hot soup broth. The broth can come from a

can, box, or powder, but some older adults really like it – especially in cold weather.

5. Offer smoothies, milkshakes, Ensure, sports drinks

Some stubborn older adults may really resist drinking fluids. If so, you can try enticing them with smoothies,

milkshakes, Ensure, or sports drinks. Sometimes they’ll like the flavor or texture and be willing to drink these

beverages..

6. Make popsicles

Homemade popsicles made from fruit juice or a mix of juice and water are a great summer

treat. But they’re also a great way to get fluids into your senior.

Bottom line

These are a few ideas to help you coax your senior into drinking more water. What’s important is to be

creative and arm yourself with many different ideas in case their preferences change.

Be careful of health issues and check with the doctor when you have questions. For example, don’t give high

sodium drinks to someone with high blood pressure, milkshakes to someone already overweight with high

cholesterol, or heavily sweetened drinks to a diabetic.

Encouraging someone to drink more

Dehydration is a common and very serious condition for older adults. It can also

cause other major health problems like kidney stones, blood clot complications,

passing out, rapid but weak pulse, and lowered blood pressure. Being properly

hydrated is also very important for certain medications to work.

7

Are you feeling unappreciated ?

You are not alone…….

For more information contact:

Jayne Hill, Group Facilitator/Counsellor 02920 700057 Option 3

or email: counsellor@crossroads-vale.org.uk

Caring for someone with dementia or mental illness can be challenging, isolating and stressful, don’t be alone.

If you would like to share your experiences with others, gain support, or simply be in the company of others in a similar position, you are welcome to join one of our monthly Carers Support Groups.

Our groups are welcoming and friendly.

Please see details of our groups for carers, carers and their dependent relative and past

carers overleaf (page 8).

Mary’s Poem

One of our amazing carers Mary Wilce wrote this touching poem very recently. She told me she was inspired by a poem by Philip Larkin called ‘Days’. Recalling the poem encouraged

Mary to consider what her days entail as a women in a caring role.

Mary was born in Camarthenshire. Her first poem was published when she was 15 years old. Mary lives in Dinas Powys and cares for her husband Don who suffers with dementia and stroke. More of Mary’s wonderful poetry is in her

book An Absence of Meadows, Onion Custard Publishing available at www.amazon.co.uk

I Am Woman by E. Mary Wilce

I am woman I am nurse I am psychologist and psychiatrist I am tired I am scared I am not perfect I comfort I encourage I love I mourn I am empty I sleep I dream I wake I walk up and down I wait I listen

I prepare I arrange I sleep I dream I wake I pretend I wash I dry I fold I shop I cook I serve I am cheerful I am sad I am terrified I manage I am resigned I am a carer

8

Are You Caring for an Older Person with Dementia or Late Onset Mental Illness ?

Would you benefit from support from others who

understand your day-to-day challenges?

Crossroads Care in the Vale provides groups to support carers and their dependent relative.

Caregivers in Support Groups report many benefits:

Feeling less lonely and

isolated Making new friends

Gaining a sense of empowerment & control

Developing coping skills

Taking time for yourself

Being understood

Learning valuable care giving tips

Freedom to express feelings Enhancing self esteem

Reducing stress, depression and anxiety

GROUPS FOR CARERS & THEIR DEPENDENT RELATIVE

Western Vale Social Group Meets monthly for a pub lunch in the Rhoose/Llantwit Major/Wick area

Penarth Social Group Meets monthly at Stanwell Road Baptist Church, Penarth . Socialise over a cuppa and biscuits.

GROUPS FOR CARERS ONLY

Barry Carers Group Meets monthly at St David’s Church Hall, Colcot Road, Barry

Barry Evening Carers Group Meets monthly at Crossroads Day Centre, Barry Island

GROUP FOR WHEN THE CARING ROLE HAS ENDED

CAMEO Group

‘Come and Meet Every One’

Meets monthly for lunch in Barry, Sully or

Penarth

For more information about Crossroads support groups please contact Jayne Hill: 02920 700057 Option 3

counsellor@crossroads-vale.org.uk

9

DIAL supports people living with dementia. The project delivers a range of activities including cookery, sports and therapy to support people living with dementia and their carers in coping with the condition, and there is not charge to access this service. How the project can help people with dementia:

Improve mental and physical wellbeing

Support them to access interesting and social based activities to take part in The benefits of DIAL:

Increases physical activity Builds self esteem and confidence Increases social contact and participation in local activities Making new memories

How the project works:

A caseworker will visit you at home or in hospital to discuss how the project may be able to help you and design a support plan specific to you. This may involve working with the Caseworker, a volunteer, attending groups or a combination of those options depending on what is most suitable for your needs and to find out what type of activi-ties you would like to undertake.

Your caseworker or volunteer will visit you at home an support you to access activi-

ties or participate in projects you have expressed an interest in.

We will support you to re-engage with activities you have enjoyed in the past and also to access the activities and hobbies that you have expressed an interest in.

DIAL Project Cardiff & the Vale of

Glamorgan

Research shows that stimulation and social activities can improve your mental

wellbeing. DIAL promotes the wellbeing of people with dementia through inclusion and social activities

Contact information:

If you would like to get involved with

the DIAL project, or if you would like further information about the project

Contact:

Rob McMillan DIAL Senior Case Worker

Tel: 02920 895250 Email: dial@gofal.org.uk

Website: www.gofal.org.uk Twitter: @Gofal_

Facebook: GofalCymru

10

WITH MUSIC IN MIND

Groups in Cowbridge & Barry With Music in Mind runs singing and social networking groups for people aged 50 and over in the community. A fun, sociable group where you can join in and have a good time, no matter what your ability. Sessions consist of an hour of group singing, led by a qualified director, followed by re-freshments and an hour of social activity, eg. Guest speakers, quiz, holistic therapies, catch up and chat. They provide the music and refreshments. Just bring yourself ! The 1st session is free and then the cost is £4 per person, just turn up and pay, no ongoing membership required.

Please call, email or visit the website for details of times and venues Tel: 07500 776295

Email: info@withmusicinmind.co.uk Website: www.withmusicinmind.co.uk

FORGET ME NOT CHORUS

Come together to share an evening of

singing, fun and laughter

The sessions are specially designed for people with dementia and their families and

are located in easily accessible venues with parking.

Thursday evenings 7– 9pm

Ysgol y Deri, Sully Road, CF64 2TP

Includes tea, coffee and cake!

For more information call: Sarah 07968 169424/02922 362064

11

Memory Café in Penarth Welcomes You

For people with memory problems and those who support them

Penarth Live at Home Scheme and Home Instead Senior Care

Are pleased to inform you there will be a new MEMORY CAFE at

Trinity Church, Stanwell Road, Penarth, CF64 2EX On the first Tuesday of every month

Between 10am and noon

There is an opportunity to stay for lunch afterwards but please inform on the telephone number below at least a day in advance.

All welcome, come along, have a chat and join in

Telephone: Linda 02920712516

Care & Repair Cardiff and the Vale

Are you over 60? Do you live in

Cardiff or the Vale of Glamorgan? Do you own your own home or privately rent?

Would you like advice and support with maintenance, adaptations and repairs?

We offer a free home visiting service during which we can discuss any concerns you may have. We can help to access grants and funding that you may be entitled to, to help with works ranging from small items such as grab rails and smoke alarms, to major jobs such as bathroom adaptations and

new boilers.

Call Care & Repair Cardiff and the Vale for a free home visit on02920473337 careandrepair@crcv.org.uk

The Memory Team Llandough Hospital, Penarth

Research Studies Many of you will have attended The Memory Team Out-Patient Clinics, but, you may not be aware that The

Memory Team also has a Research Department ?

We participate in international studies in the cause to find new treatments for those with Alzheimer's Disease.

If you would like to know more, please contact our Research Nurses:

Jo Waring or Claire Carter on: 02920716961

We will be happy to assist you

12

qUOTE OF THE MONTH

Some days there won’t be a song in your heart.

Sing anyway.

Emory Austin

DID YOU KNOW

13

HEALTH TOPICS & INFORMATION SESSIONS HELD AT THE SENIOR HEALTH

SHOP

38 Holton Road, Barry Tel: 01446 732385

Weekly Sessions held at Age Connects Cardiff & Vale Senior Health Shop

Opening Hours of Cafe/Information Shop: Monday 9 30 to 12 Midday, Tuesday 9 30am to 1 30pm, Wednesday 10 30am to 12 Midday,

Thursday 9 30am to 12 Midday, Friday 9 30am to 12 Midday

No Appointments needed for any sessions

HOME VISITS CAN BE ARRANGED FOR WELFARE RIGHTS AND TAX

Contact 01446/732385 for further information

Thursday 3rdAugust 10am to 12 Midday P.C.S.O.

Thursday 3rdAugust 10am to 12 Midday Action on Hearing Cardiff and Vale Aids and Equipment and support services

Friday 4thAugust 10 30am to 12 Midday Action on Hearing Getting on Line

Tuesday 8thAugust 9 30am to 12 Midday FREE Welfare Rights Help and Advice

Tuesday 8th August 10.am to 12 Midday FREE Legal Advice

Tuesday 15thAugust 10 am to 12 Midday Trading Standards Vale of Glamorgan

Tuesday 15thAugust 10am to 12 Midday Safer Vale Advice and Support

Monday 21stAugust 9 30am to 11 30am FREE Tax Advice

Tuesday 22ndAugust 9 30am to 12 Midday FREE Welfare Rights Advice

Tuesday 22ndAugust 10 am to 12 Midday Care and Repair Cardiff and Vale

Tuesday 22nd August 10am to 12 Midday Energy Advice N EST

Monday Mornings 9 30am to 11 30am Stitching Group. Sewing Crochet etc and a great way to make friends

Tuesday Mornings 10am to 12 Midday Health and Information Sessions as advertised

Wednesday Mornings 9 30 am to 10 30 am Extend Keep Fit Class

Thursday Mornings 10am to 12 Midday FREE Computer Class with one to one help

Thursday Afternoons NO MEDITATION CLASS RESUMES IN SEPTEMBER

Friday Mornings 11:00:00 Bingo

14

Extend Class Keeping healthy and active as a pensioner doesn’t have to mean trying to battle sweaty gyms or

fast dance moves!

Extend Classes are gently exercised to music, both standing and sitting, in a relaxed setting, ideal for those over 50 or

disabled.

Classes are being held at:

Llantwit Major, Llantonian Hall Thursday Mornings 10.30 to 11.30am

Dinas Powys, Scout Hall Friday Mornings 10 to 11am

Refreshments following class

For more information contact: Gill Gapski 02920 530544 or for details of classes in Barry 01446 732385

Dementia Café

A friendly and relaxed atmosphere for carers and people with dementia

Come and join us for refreshments, a chat and the opportunity to share experiences and to learn more about living well with

dementia..

We would love to meet you.

For more information please ring 029 2043 4960

1st Tuesday of every month

Bethel Baptist Church Durrell Street

Llantwit Major CF61 1AD 2 to 4pm

Murchfield Community Association

JOIN US FOR COFFEE & CAKE AND CHAT WITH OTHERS IN A

FRIENDLY, SUPPORTIVE ATMOSPHERE

Open to anyone affected by the early stages of memory loss including

carers, friends and family

Every 2nd Wednesday of the month 10 to 11.30am

Murchfield Community Centre, Sunnycroft Lane,

Dinas Powys CF64 4QQ

Dementia Café is run as part of the ‘Dementia Friendly

Community ’initiative.

For more information please contact:: Telephone: 07765 513424

Email: murchfieldcommunityassoc@gmail.com

Memory Cafe

This helpline offers support, information and agency

signposting for anyone caring for a family member or friend with dementia.

Freephone: 0808 808 2235

Or Text HELP followed by your question to 81066

WALES DEMENTIA HELPLINE

15

Our group facilitator/counsellor Jayne can be contacted Monday to Thursday 9am to 4pm 02920 700057 option 3

WESTERN VALE SOCIAL GROUP For carers and their dependent

relatives.

Please note:

The next group will be

Thursday 21st September

EVENING CARERS GROUP For those currently in a caring role

Please note the next group will be Wednesday 27th September

Crossroads Day Centre, St John Bungalow, Breaksea Drive, Barry Island,CF62 5TN.

PENARTH SOCIAL GROUP For carers and their dependent

relatives.

Please note: The next group will be

Monday 2nd October

CAMEO PAST CARERS’ GROUP For when the caring role has

ended.

12—2pm Wed 2nd August

The Seashore Grill, Sully

Please note the following group will be Weds 4th October

BARRY SUPPORT GROUP For those currently in a caring role

Please note:

The next group will be

Monday 18th September

Please accept our apologies for

the disruption in our support

groups during August and Sep-

tember due to leave to recover

from an operation. All groups

will resume mid September.

We look forward to

welcoming you back! Support Group Meetings

August 2017

16

You may have heard on the news that all charities are suffering in this time of

austerity and this is particularly true for the small charities such as Crossroads in

the Vale (Registered Charity No. 1061381).

In addition to the form below, we now have a DONATE NOW button on our website

www.crossroads-vale.org.uk and we would be extremely grateful if you would consider

contributing to the work we undertake to support carers and their loved-ones with

dementia here in the Vale of Glamorgan.

If you would prefer to make a donation by post, please complete your details below

and forward with a cheque payable to Crossroads in the Vale (EMI) Ltd. to

Crossroads Care in the Vale (EMI) Ltd,

West House Cottage, Stanwell Road,

Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 2EZ.

Name: _________________________ Amount: £_________

Address: __________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

If you are a UK taxpayer and would like to gift aid your donation, please tick here.

OUR APPEAL