Disability charity receives incredible response to Katie Price documentary
National disability charity, Sense, says that it has had a huge response to the BBC documentary, ‘ Katie Price: Harvey and me’, that was broadcast on 25th January 2021. The documentary, available on BBC iPlayer, follows Katie Price and her disabled son Harvey in a crucial year of his life, as he turns 18 and becomes an adult: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000rpv6 Sense supports families and people with complex disabilities, which includes information and advice, as well as specialist care. Following the BBC broadcast, many parents, some in a similar situation to Katie, contacted the charity to show their support. Richard Kramer, Chief Executive of national disability charity Sense, said: “The programme was incredible because as well as highlighting the issues that parents of children with complex disabilities face, it also showed its joyous and rewarding moments. Harvey is star, and the incredible bond between him and Katie is clear. “By bravely opening up about her family’s experience, Katie Price has raised awareness of the pressure on families in her situation – and over the last 12-months, with many services reduced, or stopped altogether, the pressure has never been greater. “We’ve been inundated with messages of support, as well enquiries from the general public to learn more. Families in a similar situation, facing questions about the long-term care of their loved ones, have said they are happy the issue is getting more attention – and that it helps them feel less alone. “The transition to adulthood that Harvey is experiencing is a crucial period. It means navigating a different care system and settings, and many parents have to make difficult choices about the future and what’s best for their child and the wider family. “There have been misconceptions that parents are not doing right by their child in seeking full-time care, but there should be no shame or judgment in finding the right support for their child and themselves. Specialist care settings can be hugely beneficial, supporting disabled children and young adults to become more independent, learn new skills, have fun and make friends. This also means parents and family members can have vital respite from caring around the clock for their loved ones. “Ultimately what matters is that everyone, no matter how complex their disabilities, has the right to live independent, happy and healthy lives.” If you have been affected by the issues raised in the documentary, or want to discuss options around social care, college or funding, you can contact the Sense Information & Advice service: https://www.sense.org.uk/get-support/information-and-advice/
The Geberit AquaClean Mera Care: Designed for Independent living
Bathroom adaptations play a vital role in helping people of all ages with a long-term limiting illness or disability to remain in their own homes. And Geberit continues to lead the way with new products and technologies to support bathroom independence. With over 40 years’ experience in developing shower toilet technology, Geberit has invested all its wealth and expertise to offer something revolutionary for the Care market. The new AquaClean Mera Care shower toilet has been specifically designed to improve quality of life for those who have difficulty using a conventional toilet and is the perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality. The Geberit AquaClean Mera Care shower toilet has been specifically designed to put the user in control; smart, stylish and easy to use, its advanced technology enables you to have a greater sense of independence in the bathroom. A complete solution that can be adapted to take care of your individual needs; the Mera Care leaves you feeling cleaner and fresher with a comfortable, convenient and hygienic bathroom experience. Its innovative features include a hybrid hot water system with continuous flow heater and a water storage heater that guarantees warm water even on consecutive washes.. Warm air drying will leave you clean and fresh, along with a single activation control panel for ease of use. Enhanced by patented WhirlSpray technology the shower spray is infused with dynamic aeration for a gentle but targeted and thorough clean with minimal water consumption. This is further enhanced by the oscillation feature and ability to personalise and store both the position of the spray arm and intensity of the spray to consistently deliver the same wash. Other features that can be tailored to fit bespoke needs include the unique shower chair mode and the flexibility to accommodate different height requirements, making the Mera Care compatible with a range of other bathroom equipment to ensure the most comfortable experience. National Sales Manager, Simon Thomas believes ‘in the design of every aspect of the Geberit AquaClean Mera Care and at all levels of product development, we have focused on the needs of the end users – and the new five-year warranty underscores our confidence in what is a next generation product. Thanks to its outstanding functionality, this new product is not only beautiful to look at, it also makes life easier and more comfortable.’
Children’s charity launches accessible cookbook
The Children’s Trust has produced a special ‘easy to follow’ accessible cookbook, developed by children and rehabilitation therapists, for the whole family to enjoy and have fun in the kitchen. The ‘Step-by-step Cookbook’ has been created with assistance from young people at The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury, who have helped to test out the recipes. Using simple icons to show what equipment and ingredients are needed, and steps to tick-off with a wipeable marker, the accessible cookbook features 16 recipes. From breakfast dishes to drinks these include cheesy pasta, mini quiches and lemon drizzle cake. It also provides information on healthy eating, specialist equipment available and cooking tips. The idea for the recipe book was formed as therapists recognised a need for more accessible recipes. One young person who contributed to the book was 11-year-old Joey who received rehabilitation at The Children’s Trust following a brain haemorrhage in 2018. He said: “I love creating my own food and then eating it of course! The cookbook has been great to use as I can easily see what ingredients I need and then follow the steps to find out what’s next.” Sharon Tuppeny, Head of Therapy Rehabilitation at The Children’s Trust, added: “Cooking has many benefits for children with additional and learning needs such as planning the task, developing motor skills, the social aspects and a sense of achievement. Participation in everyday activities is central to our approach at The Children’s Trust and the recipes we’ve included in the book are all used as part of the rehabilitation programme. The young people have really enjoyed following the recipes. It’s a great way to keep busy during the summer holidays whilst also gaining independence. Sponsored by Simply Food Solutions, an extensive range of quality food solutions, the ‘Step-by-step Cookbook’ also features a keema curry developed by Managing Director of the company, Yaqoob Ishaq. Speaking about the accessible cookbook, Yaqoob added: “It has been fantastic to support such a great cause and the cookbook looks fantastic. I really hope that the keema curry is enjoyed by everyone as much as it is in my home.” The Children’s Trust publishes a number of books to help families and teachers, all available free of charge with P&P costs only. The ‘Step-by-step Cookbook’ is available via thechildrenstrust.org.uk
Announcement for second phase of acoustic monitoring installation
CLB announces its second phase of installation with Treloar’s School and College for Disabled Young People. In March 2019, Treloar’s added CLB’s nurse call and acoustic monitoring system into Gloucester House, covering 30 bedrooms. Following the success of the first phase and the benefits being so evident, Treloar’s has made the decision to roll out an additional instalment phase that will see the system added to a further 80 rooms, across the remainder of their three boarding houses. Many of the students at Treloar’s have extremely complex needs, which means they are not able to summon assistance via the standard nurse call system. For those students, the school and college previously used a variety of domestic style audio/video monitors. However, as this number of students requiring these increased, it became clear that a more effective and streamlined form of monitoring was needed to provide more rapid and efficient assistance. “With radio frequencies of domestic style audio monitors challenging to maintain and a number of students requiring remote visual monitoring, video monitors were being introduced, but were often unreliable. Consequently, support workers were required to conduct additional ad-hoc checks on residents throughout the day and night, disturbing residents’ sleep and putting extra pressure on residential staff”. It was clear we needed a more sophisticated solution for the wellbeing of both our residents and for those caring for them.” Comments Jane Hayden – Head of Technology at Treloar’s. “Since using CLB’s bespoke acoustic monitoring and nurse call system, Treloar’s has seen a positive impact on both staff productivity and resident wellbeing. As a result, we have seen faster responses, a better level of care and improved quality of life for our residents due to more accurate resident notifications and alerts for staff. Students now benefit from a better quality of sleep due to carers being able to conduct checks remotely without having to open bedroom doors and disturb students.” “A student who boards at the college used to choose to have her door open at night as she was aware that staff needed to check her hourly and it woke her up if staff had to open her door. Once Treloar’s introduced the CLB Acoustic Monitoring system she was over the moon as she could now sleep with her door shut, safe in the knowledge that staff could check her via the CLB Acoustic Monitoring system,” adds Jane Hayden, Head of Technology at Treloar’s School and College for Disabled Young People. “It is CLB’s mission to support care environments and influence a greater independence and quality of life for both staff and students – ultimately creating a happier, more positive environment for everyone. CLB’s market leading acoustic monitoring system frees carers from unnecessary hourly checks to focus on valuable tasks and providing a higher quality of personal care, while monitoring for all needs across the site. Our aim is to create products that have intrinsic value for all people that make up a care setting,” Phillip Moorcraft, UK Director at CLB.
Eden Futures is back on track with new developments and job creation
Eden Futures revealed solid plans for new developments at the start of 2020, building on 2019 when it opened seven more supported living services. The coronavirus pandemic placed significant challenges on this; however, as David Whittock, director of service development, says – Eden Futures is now returning to its expansion strategy and looking forward with some certainty on the horizon. He comments: “As we return to more normal working patterns in the knowledge that coronavirus is here to stay for some time, there remains a need for more specialist supported living services to be built in communities. “We’ve helped many people to live in their own home in the community, currently some 650 people across 167 sites, by working alongside them and their relatives with the cooperation of developers, commissioners, landlords and health professionals. “Our plans to invest see the opening of our first service in Stoke and we’ve welcomed our first resident. Earlier in the year we opened a new service to complement our existing presence in Nottingham city. This was achieved by working in collaboration with Nottingham and Stoke City Council and Hilldale Housing Association. “We also have four schemes under construction in Hull, Chesterfield, Nuneaton and Derby City and are discussing new sites in the West Midlands and Yorkshire with local authorities and housing providers. Across the four developments we’re creating 135 full time jobs.” Eden Futures’ Hull development, which is due for completion towards the end of 2020, includes 13 apartments and eight specialist bungalows. In Derby city, 12 apartments and three specialist bungalows are coming onstream., whilst in Chesterfield, six apartments and specialist bungalows are being built, with a due date of spring 2021. Mr Whittock continues: “Despite this uncertain period, we do now have some certainty. This sustained investment is important so that people with learning disabilities, mental ill health and autism can live in appropriate settings and receive the care and support they need. We continue to work closely with the NHS, developers, and registered housing providers to achieve this, to meet growing demand and reduce the number of people detained in unsuitable accommodation.”
Good quality lingerie from Clip-Knix
Funmi Lawal was born in England and had a stroke soon after childbirth at the age of 35. She experienced first-hand how reduced mobility can rob an individual of independence and dignity. Funmi comments, ‘I couldn’t walk, bending down was painful and putting on underwear felt like a battle’. Funmi saw a chance to help people with limited mobility and has spent 16 years designing and testing clip-on knickers that will ultimately transform the lives of millions. Clip-Knix works with a manufacturer in Europe and Asia that has experience of producing very good quality lingerie.The designs and the trademark are registered in the UK and worldwide Patent applied for, expected in August. Company Registration: 11573533 There are over 11 million people with a disability in the UK. The highest reported impairments are those that affect mobility, lifting or carrying.1 It was established in 2018. It prides itself as the first EVER supplier of front fastening underwear in the world. Clip-Knix is clip-on underwear that will increase independence and preserve dignity for millions of people who experience limited mobility and the elderly. This long-awaited solution is unique, indispensable and revolutionary. Clip-Knix are attractive, front-fastening underwear that can be put on easily without the need to bend or balance on one leg. Clip-Knix underwear reduces the risk of injury and allows wearers to be independent. Manufactured with soft, aesthetically pleasing stretch fabric for a perfect fit and ultimate comfort, simply place Clip-Knix in position and clip! Product description Our cleverly designed underwear solution enables the wearer to clip underwear on and off at one, two or three front-fastening locations with the choice of buttons or hooks to suit a wide range of needs. Clip-Knix knickers are practical, stylish clip-on knickers that are designed to make living easier. This practical and stylish high-quality underwear range is not only durable but offers a truly ergonomic solution for those who don’t have the physical ability to bend or stretch to put on their underwear – just clip in place. There are six colours available: white, black, cream, blue, green and purple. Intelligent and Empathic DesignIn collaboration with Innovate Product Design based in Salisbury, Clip-Knix focused on designing and manufacturing a practical yet fashionable underwear solution for the female sex at this stage, that negates the need to bend or stretch when dressing. The result is underwear that can be fastened in the front without the need for bending or turning sideways. Careful and robust research has informed the development of a highly effective and attractive range of underwear that will ultimately work for everyone. Whilst the first range launched is aimed at the female market, Clip-Knix is designed for anyone and Clip-Knix will be expanding the range to include options for both men and children and swimwear. Shop now View the Clip-Knix video
Social care cuts for people with learning disability leave families stuck in lockdown
Seven in ten (69%) people with a learning disability had social care cuts when they needed it most, leaving many stuck in lockdown according to a survey of family carers by Mencap. The charity asked 1,069 people across the UK about their experiences of caring for someone with a learning disability during the crisis.2 Over two thirds (67%) said their loved one’s needs have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic3 while four in five (79%) have had no choice but to increase the amount of care and support they offer. Mencap – the UK’s leading learning disability charity – warns that cuts to day services, personal care in the home and respite for carers have had a devastating impact on people with a learning disability and their families, leaving them still in lockdown despite the easing of official restrictions. Devastating impact of lockdown on people with a learning disability The survey reveals that a lack of social care support during this crisis has negatively impacted people with a learning disability in a number of ways, including their mental health (69%), relationships (73%), physical health (54%) and independence (67%), according to family carers.5 One family carer said the family hadn’t left the house since March, while another who is shielding said that their loved one can only be supported to go out for a daily walk at night. Mencap has heard from families whose loved ones with a learning disability were previously independent and confident but, since their support has been taken away, have ‘lost their life skills’. “He was at residential college supported by an active programme of learning and life skills. This has stopped since mid-March. He has regressed, he has become subdued and is ripping his clothes and being destructive.” Mother, 57, to 22-year-old son with a learning disability “We have worked so hard for a number of years to support my daughter to join in group activities. Due to COVID-19, she has been confused and [is] completely shutting down [and] refusing to communicate.” Mother, 50, to 15 year-old-daughter with a learning disability Family carers pushed to the brink Caring for someone around the clock while day services are closed and respite hours are cut has taken a shocking toll on the wellbeing of family carers. Over half (52%) of family carers said that they have struggled to cope with supporting their loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic.6 Three quarters say the situation has been detrimental to their own mental health (75%), relationships (60%) and their physical health (61%).7 “I am here alone giving 24-hour care to someone who cannot be left. Behavioural issues have been terrible. I had to choose to keep him safe rather than going for a wee, I had to wee on the floor. He was safe though.” Mother, 54, to 25-year-old son with a learning disability “I am caring for a very challenging and strong individual for more than 100 hours per week and have had very little sleep. I am worn out and exhausted, my son is fully grown with the strength of ten men. It has left me feeling depressed and forgotten.” Mother, 53, to 26-year-old son with complex needs Many families fear that cash-strapped local councils will have no choice but to make further cuts as lockdown eases. Almost three quarters (72%) of family carers surveyed are worried that there would be more cuts to care packages to come8, with some reporting that their loved ones’ day support services have already been forced to close for good during lockdown. “She is reassessed every year. I am terrified they will say that I managed without support and withdraw services in the future.” Foster parent, 61, to 36-year-old with complex needs Figures from a series of Freedom of Information Requests to Local Authorities in England, released today, demonstrate the extent of financial pressures in social care for people with a learning disability even before coronavirus hit. They show at least 2,459 working-age adults with a learning disability had the support hours in their care package reduced in 2018/19. But the charity estimates that, factoring in all Local Authorities, this could have been over 7,000 people – equating to around one in 20 people with a learning disability who receive social care. 9 Edel Harris, Chief Executive of the learning disability charity Mencap, said: “I am really shaken by the results of this survey. We knew it was bad, but no one could hear these stories without feeling ashamed to be part of a society that allows this to go on. “Social care has had decades of under-investment, and we have been warning about the system being at breaking point for years – but here are clear signs that the system has broken and people with a learning disability and their families are paying the price. Mencap will not stand by and allow this to happen. “Social care needs significant investment now and a bold plan for reform in the future. People with a learning disability and their families must not be left behind in lockdown.” An £8 billion investment in social care in England is needed to restore adequate levels of quality and access to what it was a decade ago according to the Lords Economic Affairs Committee report.10 And yet local councils in England face at least a £6.6bn increase in social care costs due to coronavirus according to the Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Adults Social Services.11 Mencap is launching a petition calling on the Treasury to invest in social care. It is also calling for major reform to futureproof the sector and ensure that the individual needs of people with a learning disability are met: www.mencap.org.uk/socialcarepetition.
Learning disability charity benefits when Adil steps up to raise funds
Raising funds for the learning disability charity that supports him, Adil from Bradford walked 240,000 steps in a month raising over £600 for sports equipment and other resources. Adil attends the day opportunities service, Learning Zone, provided by the national learning disability charity HTF, 5 days a week. When the coronavirus outbreak forced the charity to close its doors, Adil decided to walk 60,000 steps a week for four weeks to raise funds Inspired to take on the challenge by his support workers, who had noticed the 25-year-old was struggling with being unable to attend The Learning Zone. Adil set himself a walking challenge and has been committed to the task at hand throughout the four week period. With his support workers by his side, Adil has spent the four hours of support he receives every day getting more steps under his belt. The challenge has seen the team explore the length and breadth of Adil’s local area, with his route taking him through Shibden Park, Judy Woods and along the Leeds to Liverpool canal. Four weeks and a mammoth 240,000 steps on, Adil completed his challenge on 5 July. To celebrate his achievements, Adil’s support workers presented him with a certificate and card in front of his family. All funds raised are set to go towards The Learning Zone, a creative and vocational learning centre that offers classes and activities to almost 90 people a day. Adil is an active member of the service and regularly attends classes ranging from sports, dance and stretching to art and photography. Money raised by Adil is set to contribute to the purchase of new sports equipment and communication aids and resources. Adil’s mum said: “Adil has been attending The Learning Zone for more than five years and every day he is very excited to go. The staff are brilliant and make sure that Adil is looked after very well. During the lockdown, the service has been providing support for Adil, and he has been enjoying days out to different parks and going for long walks. His walking challenge has meant he has got his motivation back, and it’s made him more cheerful, relaxed, vocal, and energetic. Thank you to everyone who has donated!” Emma Macdonald, Sporting and Challenge Events Manager, said: “The pandemic has meant that all of us have experienced huge changes to our day to day lives. For people with learning disabilities, these changes are often even more disruptive and can have a huge impact. We’re so proud of Adil, who has created a positive out of a challenging situation by raising funds for the service where he is supported. Thanks to his dedication and commitment, The Learning Zone will now be able to offer even more resources and equipment to Adil and other people with learning disabilities when it reopens. We’re so grateful for his efforts.” To donate, visit Adil’s fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/adilwalkingchallenge Our other learning disability charity stories include Learning disability charity recognises outstanding volunteers
Over 2,000 affordable motoring options with the Motability Scheme this summer
The new summer Motability Scheme price list has been released, with a range of over 2,000 cars available and many vehicle models on offer with no Advance Payment. The Scheme provides worry-free affordable motoring to disabled motorists in the UK.The latest options available with no Advance Payment include: The Motability Scheme prices include a three-year package of insurance, RAC breakdown assistance, service and maintenance, as well as tyre and windscreen repair and replacement. We work hard with car manufacturers to offer as much choice and affordability as possible. In addition to almost 300 cars at nil Advance Payment, there are an additional 500 with an Advance Payment under £500. We have maintained these prices for Scheme customers despite the challenges of the current market, caused by factory closures worldwide, and disruption in buying and selling patterns which have made residual values hard to predict. There are also global challenges such as stock availability, backlogs in supply chains and increased commodity prices to factor in. The summer 2020 price list also includes more than 100 cars available at less than the higher rate mobility allowance. This means that customers are free to spend the remaining money on other things. Options include the Fiat 500 1.0 Mild Hybrid Pop 2dr Sports, SMART FORTWO COUPE 60kW EQ Passion Advanced 2dr Auto Electric City-Car and Kia CEED SPORTSWAGON 1.0T GDi ISG 2 This price list features more affordable, low emission vehicle options (with CO2 emissions of 100g/km or less). Options include the Honda Jazz 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid SR available at £299 Advance Payment, the Toyota C-HR 1.8 Hybrid Icon CVT available at £495 and theMG ZS Excite EV 5dr Auto available at £499. There are more than 150 vehicle adaptations available at no extra cost, providing car entry solutions, more comfortable travel or options for storing mobility equipment. Plus, with over 600 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) to choose from there are options available to suit a range of different disability and transport needs. Recipients of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or Armed Forces Independence Payment can choose to use their weekly allowance to pay for the lease of a vehicle through the Motability Scheme. There are three pricing options available for those looking to lease a car through the Motability Scheme:Cars that cost less than your mobility allowance – these cars are available to lease at a fixed weekly amount for the whole of the agreement, meaning that the remainder of the allowance, including any increases, will be paid directly to the customer by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).Cars that cost all of your mobility allowance – customers simply pay all of their weekly mobility allowance, including any annual increases from the DWP, to lease their car through the Scheme. Please visit motability.co.uk for more information, or call 0800 953 7000. The models and prices featured are available until 30 September 2020.