News

Our May January 2010 Newsletter can be downloaded here

Letter to Members:

Since producing the Autumn Newsletter we have been asked to publicise one or two other important initiatives. As you will from the article headed: “The case for change . . .” on the back page of our Newsletter, the government are seeking your opinion on the issue of the provision of care and support. Set out below are the views of your Management Committee. However, please feel free to pass on your own thoughts to Jo Pannell on 01622 696613 or by emailing her on Jo.Pannell@Kent.Gov.UK.
Response from Thanet Senior Citizen Forum to the Government paper ‘Case for change’ – 10th September 2008

1. How do we ensure the new care and support system gives people the real independence, choice and control they need?

The current system is unfair, people have paid tax all their lives and are still paying tax on their pensions – so what incentive will the government give to young people to save when they will have to pay tax on their pension and there will be limited state pensions?

2. a) How should the responsibility for care and support be shared out between people who need care and support, their families and the government?

There is too much onus on families providing care at the moment – it isn’t just about the money – it is more about the time commitment and emotional drain
What about those that have no family or their family are dispersed? Who will help them?

b) Should people pay for care and support if they can?

People should not have to sell their house to pay for care and support
What about NI contributions?
Only if people can realistically afford it – this would mean means testing, which on the whole people felt was unfair

c) What should families provide?

Families can’t always provide care – they have to work due to the high cost of living.
It would be useful if the families discussed with older people what they would like to happen in the future and what they are prepared to offer in terms of care and support – this way everyone knows where they stand and older people aren’t left wondering who will give what. Discussions also need to include professionals.
If families do offer care and support there needs to be sufficient support for the carer with respite, even half a day so that people can go shopping etc.

d) How can costs be shared between people who need care and support, families, everyone else?

The government need to look at other bonuses for older people before tackling this one – there are currently a number of schemes (heating, Christmas bonus etc) which is given to all older people regardless of need – the government need to means test such benefits

3. a) Should the care and support system be the same for everyone?

The government is looking at this with a community hat on – this is the way things were during and post war years but now money has got in the way
Can’t see the community taking responsibility for others, older people are the last generation that remember a real sense of community

b) Should we have different systems depending on the type of care each person needs?

In an ideal world “yes” but this is not realistic

c) Should local people decide how much help people get in their area or would they like to see this done on a national basis?

Thanet Senior Citizen forum would like to see this done by national government not locally.

d) How can we help people who do not have enough money, but also help people who plan ahead and save?

If people have millions saved then fair enough they should pay, but for those with only a small amount of savings they shouldn’t be penalised.
The majority of retired people have a small nest egg when they retire but when they need something done to the house they are looking at £65.00 per hour for labour charges alone, therefore they simply couldn’t afford to pay for care and support.
Tax on private pensions needs to be investigated by government

Over 50's Get Help

A new service to support people over the age of 50 to live independently and promote healthy active ageing is available in Thanet. The Department of Health, KCC managed service has employed a Community Information & Liaison Assistant (CILA) who has put together a “Who Can Help Me?” directory containing information on a range of subjects from equipment to benefits, and from support groups to care services. The directory is available for anyone to consult and is located in the 8 local libraries, the 3 local Age Concern day centres, Trinity Resource Centre, Community Cafe in Ramsgate, Tesco Extra Broadstairs, WRVS tea bar at the QEQM hospital. Other locations will be added in the near future. The information is also available on www.kent.gov.uk/invoke.

The CILA is able to format/deliver health promotion services, or signpost to other’s organisations. A Care Navigator (CN) has also been employed, and offers a free one-to-one service, with home visits, offering advice and guidance to obtain correct information and appropriate help and allow the person to make informed choices as to which solution best suits their need/problem.

For further information or details. contact: Astrid Brenton (CILA) 01843 590935 or 07525 655043 or email: thanetcila@yahoo.co.uk Lindsey Thomas (CN) 01843 592406 or 07896 561150 or email: carenavigator@enterprisingopps.org. uk Contact address for both, Foresters Hall, Meeting Street, Ramsgate CT11 9RT.

Help!

As we continue to grow the work load for your officers grows accordingly. We are looking for a volunteer with computer skills to help with some secretarial support. Help with taking minutes, keeping membership records etc., would be gratefully accepted! Please contact me!

Autumn Members Meeting!

YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS ARE WELCOME TO COME ALONG TO OUR Autumn Member’s Meeting to be held in St. Peter’s Church Hall, Hopeville Avenue, St. Peter’s (Broadstairs)
on Tuesday, 18th November 2008, at 2.00 pm until 4.00 pm

We are keen to hear your views and experiences regarding ageism. Do you feel discriminated when using the NHS? Do you think you are treated fairly when dealing with other public organisations? Do you think the elderly are treated the same when it comes to employment? Why not come along and have your say! Refreshments provided.

At our Management Committee June meeting held in Broadstairs Campus, Pam Fisher our Treasurer reported on the arrangements she had made for us to hold a number of drop in sessions in and around Ramsgate. Thanks to the generosity of Ramsgate Charter Trustees, Pam had booked four venues during the month of July when we hope that anyone over the age of 55 would take the opportunity to pop in and hear how the Forum could benefit them. Pam explained that we intend using some of the Charter Trustees grant money to hire venues, pay for advertising and providing refreshments with the specific aim of increasing our Ramsgate membership which is free. Anyone over 55 is welcome to call in at any of the following venues:-

Thursday 25th September – 10.00 -11.00 a.m. (Upstairs) Library & Neighbourhood Centre, Minster.
Monday 29th September 11.00 a.m. – 12 noon. Acol Village Hall, Acol.
Monday 29th September - 2.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m. Saint Laurence Parish Hall, St. Lawrence High Street.

Two representatives from Thanet O.W.L.S. (Overwhelmed Worried Lonely Suicidal) addressed the Committee on the work of this Thanet based listening service by dialling 299999. Sarah Phippin from Thanet District Council explained that the Council were keen to hear from community groups in regards to which venues they used, how often and for what purpose. In this way the Council hoped to fill in any gaps in community space. Sarah’s number: 577092.

Provisional arrangements were agreed for our next Member’s meeting to be held on Tuesday 18th November at 2 p.m. in the Portland Centre, St. Peters Church when we intend inviting representatives from the local Police and Fire & Rescue Service to talk to our members about keeping safe in their homes. Further information from our secretary Pam Hancock on 581679.

A flyer advertising the above dates can be seen by clicking HERE!

For further information please contact our Secretary Pam Hancock on 01843 581679.