Age And Stage

Age Space
  • 0.0 (0)
  • KIDS & FAMILY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Age And Stage

Age & Stage brings you practical guidance, expert help and inspiration to help navigate all aspects of elderly care and old age.   Presented by Age Space’s Annabel James and journalist & broadcaster Daisy McAndrew, we tackle a different subject every week in conversation with guest experts who each bring a wealth of experience and expertise. Advising on everything from different kinds of care, funding care and legal things to consider, the practicalities of helping elderly parents and relatives remain living independently and safely at home, conversations about when to stop driving, getting a dementia diagnosis,the importance of a power of attorney; family dynamics, death and grief, and much more. You can email the show at ageandstage@agespace.org, leave a WhatsApp message at 07982 360113 or record a voicenote here: https://www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage Please share Age & Stage with a friend, or someone you know who would be helped by the information in this series. You can send them this link: https://pod.link/1798413657 Find out more about Age Space at www.agespace.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. Cognitive impairment & why it matters

    2D AGO

    Cognitive impairment & why it matters

    Dr Simon Adelman, consultant psychiatrist and leading expert in cognitive health and mental health, discusses what cognitive impairment is. We talk about impairment in old age, how it can affect our family and friends and practical advice on symptoms, prevention and treatment. Dr Adelman can be found here: https://halcyondoctors.com/doctors/ Get in touch with your comments & questions Email: ageandstage@agespace.org  Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage WhatsApp: 07982 360113 Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657 Age Space: www.agespace.org From the conversation: Recognising & addressing cognitive impairment. There is an increasing recognition of mental health issues in older adults, including dementia. It's important to consult a GP for any health concerns, physical or mental. There is an overlap between mental illnesses and physical conditions, such as delirium, which can be caused by infections or other medical issues. There's a difference between acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long-term) cognitive issues. Acute conditions, such as delirium, are often caused by physical conditions like infections and can be treated with antibiotics. Common symptoms of acute cognitive issues include disorientation, anxiety, hallucinations, and physical symptoms like urinary incontinence. Chronic conditions, such as dementia, develop over a longer period and require different approaches for diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Simon Adelman differentiates between lifelong depression and depression symptoms that develops in older age. He explains that depression can be a symptom of dementia or other physical conditions, and it can be exacerbated by life changes like retirement or bereavement. It's advised to seeki medical help if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, cause significant distress, or interfere with daily functioning. There is a process of diagnosing dementia, including memory testing, blood tests, and brain scans. Memory clinics, which are part of older adult mental health services, conduct these assessments and provide diagnoses. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow down the progression of dementia. Dr. Adelman provides practical tips for maintaining mental health, including addressing hearing and vision problems.He emphasizes the importance of controlling vascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, to reduce the risk of dementia. He also recommends engaging in activities that are enjoyable and mentally stimulating for maintaining cognitive resilience. There is a link between sensory health (hearing and vision) and the risk of dementia. The brain is a muscle that needs stimulation to stay healthy, and sensory input is essential for this. Addressing hearing and vision problems can help prevent or slow down the onset of dementia. While there is no cure for dementia, treatments can slow down its progression and improve quality of life. There needs to be better awareness and access to mental health services for older adults. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  2. Finding local services - how Age UK can help

    APR 10

    Finding local services - how Age UK can help

    Dan Skipper from Age UK Norwich (https://www.ageuk.org.uk/norwich/) outlines the resources available for older friends and relatives, both in his native Norfolk and as part of the wider Age UK network. Services include clubs and trips, health and wellbeing and advice on benefits and entitlements. We also discuss the challenges of funding care services in a cost of living crisis. Get in touch with your comments & questions Email: ageandstage@agespace.org  Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage WhatsApp: 07982 360113 Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657 Age Space: www.agespace.org This episode briefly references suicide ideation. If you need to talk to someone, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or go to https://www.samaritans.org/ Age UK is a federation of independent local charities, providing locally driven services with a national influence. Age UK Norwich itself has been around for 80 years, offering information and advice on various subjects, including money, welfare entitlement, care, health, loneliness, and social connection. The services are free and provided within people's homes or in the community, helping with practical support and completing application forms. Dan highlights the importance of physical health coaching, practical support in the home, and addressing issues like loneliness and social connection. Nearly 60% of Age UK Norwich's clients come directly to them, while the rest are referred by friends, family, or professionals. It's important to address issues holistically, as problems like loneliness and financial difficulties often intersect. The organization aims to provide multiple services to clients, addressing various aspects of their lives . It's important to address frailty, which is a complex syndrome involving physical health, resilience, and social connections. Dan encourages planning for wills, power of attorney, and discussing long-term care preferences with elderly parents and relatives. Age UK works with other organisations including the NHS, social care, and smaller local charities. Whilst volunteers are important, the majority of services are delivered by paid staff due to the complexity of the work. Sadly, there has been a decline in volunteering due to the cost of living crisis and the physical frailty of older volunteers. Many clients seek help with financial issues, such as affording food, heating, and repairs. Age UK provides emergency hardship grants for essential items like food and fuel. Last year, they secured £2.87 million for Norwich residents, mostly for debt reduction and improving living conditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
  3. Downsizing & decluttering in later life

    APR 3

    Downsizing & decluttering in later life

    Meirion Shaw, founder of thehomemover.co.uk shares her experience and challenges of helping older clients downsize, including the emotional and logistical hurdles, the need for early planning and preparation, family dynamics, and the role of third-party support. Get in touch with your comments & questions Email: ageandstage@agespace.org  Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage WhatsApp: 07982 360113 Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657 Age Space: www.agespace.org From the conversation: The decision to downsize can have multiple reasons; whether a move needs to be made to a care home, mobility issues making a larger house impractical, the need to raise funds for the cost of care and so on. Plan ahead, preferably a number of years in advance. Often downsizing or moving occurs too late and is a more stressful experience for the older relative or friend. If the house is being put on the market, do the first declutter before formally putting the house up for sale. 'Start with the sock drawer' or the cupboard under the stairs. Never tackle something with anything that holds deep emotional value in that first declutter. Make a list of all major items in the house and decide what to take to the new home. Declutter in short, sharp bursts and perhaps invite a friend to talk to whilst you do it. Bring in a valuer to assess the value of items. This can aid family negotiations and sibling rivalries. Label all boxes clearly with the room they belong to, to make unpacking easier. Research charities, organisations and local people in need, to make donations of unwanted furniture and other items. Aim to recreate a familiar environment in the new home by reusing familiar furniture or the placing of items. This is especially important in cases of dementia. Identify local organisations that can provide companionship and support for someone with dementia after they've moved. Research removal firms and check their online reviews. It might be worth asking other people for their experiences or recommendations. Moving a relative into the family home can be tricky. You're often moving them to an area where they don't know anyone. Meirion's recommendation is to bring them fully into family life, rather than them living in a separate 'annex'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
  4. Financial scams & what to do about them

    MAR 27

    Financial scams & what to do about them

    What to do about financial scams? Annabel James & Daisy McAndrew are joined by Alex Somervell from Ask Silver, the free AI-powered scam checking tool (https://www.ask-silver.com/) Get in touch with your comments & questions Email: ageandstage@agespace.org  Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage WhatsApp: 07982 360113 Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657 Age Space: www.agespace.org This episode explores the different types of financial scams, practical ways to protect loved ones, the role of banks, and dealing with the guilt and shame associated that older relatives and friends might feel. Statistics and Demographics of Scams An older adult gets scammed every 40 seconds in the UK, with an average loss of £2,500 per incident. Older people are targeted because they are more affluent, despite millennials being more likely to be scammed. Types of Scams and Common Scenarios Investment and romance scams result in the highest average losses. Older adults, especially those who have been divorced, are often targeted in romance scams. Alex suggests using reverse image searches online to verify profiles. Emotional Impact and Practical Advice It’s important to be tactful when discussing scams with family members. Using call blockers, preference services, and tools like Ask Silver can help to avoid scams. In addition, good ‘data hygiene’ should be practised (for example, using different passwords for different services and accounts). Supporting Scam Victims Report the scam to the police, contact the bank, and report it to Action Fraud (https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/). Emotional support of the victim is important, as is helping protect them from future scams (this often happens – either a separate scam or one connected to the original, pretending to be their bank or a representative of the authorities – potentially gaining further money from the individual). Introduction to Ask Silver Ask Silver is a free scam checker that operates on WhatsApp and helps users verify the authenticity of suspicious messages. The tool extracts information from screenshots and analyses it like a fraud expert. If dealing with a scam, it will report the incident to all relevant crime and regulatory contacts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
  5. Funding & financial advice for later life care

    MAR 20

    Funding & financial advice for later life care

    Later life funding and financial advice for the elderly with Jane Finnerty, co-chair and co-founder of the Society of Later Life Advisors (SOLLA), a non profit organisation providing accredited training to IFAs who provide financial services to older people. They can be found at https://societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk Get in touch with your comments & questions Email: ageandstage@agespace.org  Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage WhatsApp: 07982 360113 Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657 Age Space: www.agespace.org Challenges for later life funding and finance The historical focus of financial services didn’t account for the new phenomenon of living much longer into later life. With the increase in life expectancy and to allow for 30 years or more of funds, it’s important to understand the different income streams available, including pensions and home ownership. Differences Between Regular and SOLLA-Accredited Financial Advisors SOLLA-accredited advisors specialise in later life financial advice, going beyond general financial advice – and are trained to consider the specific needs of older clients, including cognitive decline and mobility issues, and can explain complex financial concepts clearly. Navigating Financial Conversations with Family Members Start having financial conversations with family members early. If a ‘Power Of Attorney’ document is part of the plan, it’s important to consider the right person to be appointed as the power of attorney. This power of attorney can also be accompanied by a ‘letter of wishes’ which, whilst not legally binding, helps explain the decisions made. A power of attorney isn't a 'free-for-all' to manage someone else's affairs and is often misunderstood. Gifting and Equity Release There are different ways to gift money, including gifting out of income. There are also benefits and risks to equity release and lifetime mortgages. It’s important to bring in specialist advice. Annuities and Care Annuities ‘Annuities’ have seen a resurgence and might well be a consideration as interest rates have increased. Whilst there could be tax advantages to care annuities, once again it’s important to take regulated financial advice. Paying for Financial Advice Financial advice is valuable for everyone, not just the wealthy. The advice can help clients claim benefits like attendance allowance and be well worth the initial cost. NHS Continuing Healthcare NHS Continuing Healthcare offers some people free health and social care and is funded solely by the NHS. The assessment includes what help is needed and how complex, intense and unpredictable the needs might be. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/money-work-and-benefits/nhs-continuing-healthcare/ As always with money matters, it's important to seek financial advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min
  6. What is good care for elderly parents and relatives?

    MAR 13

    What is good care for elderly parents and relatives?

    The complexities of finding great care homes with Stephen Burke (www.hallmarkfoundation.org.uk), a care sector advocate. Stephen shares his personal experience and insights on the importance of planning for care needs. Email: ageandstage@agespace.org  Voicenote: www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage WhatsApp: 07982 360113 Share Age & Stage with friends & family: https://pod.link/1798413657 Age Space: www.agespace.org Challenges Of Complaining The importance of consumers commenting on care services, similar to other consumer products. The challenges families face when making complaints about care homes, especially for older relatives. The need for families to be aware of their rights and the importance of assessments by local authorities to understand care needs. Initial Steps in Caregiving Initial steps when a relative needs extra help, focusing on identifying needs and practical support, discussing needs with the relative and identifying what help is required, from basic tasks like cleaning and shopping to full home care. The stigma around the word "carer" and how it can be more acceptable to describe it as "help" initially. And the various types of care available, from housekeeping and companionship to overnight care and living care, and the importance of understanding individual needs. Financial Aspects of Care The role of local authorities in assessing needs and providing support and the financial assessments for care services.The importance of having an assessment even if the family is paying for care out of their own resources.The need to plan ahead to ensure the right housing and support as people age. Geographical and Demographic Considerations The impact of geographical location on care services, particularly in coastal and rural areas and the challenge of accessing those services. The need for housing options that support aging well, including staying connected and maintaining networks of friends and the importance of planning for care needs early to avoid making decisions in a crisis situation. Hospital Discharge and Rehabilitation The role of family members in facilitating a smooth transition, standing up for relatives in hospital and ensuring a proper discharge plan is in place. How the first six weeks after hospital discharge is critical and the importance of having the necessary support in place. The revolving door situation where people are stuck in hospital or leave without proper support, leading to repeated crises. Choosing the Right Care Home The process of choosing a care home, including spending time at the home and talking to residents and staff alongside using multiple sources of information, including reviews and local authority assessments, to make an informed decision. The importance of staff turnover and consistency in care, as well as the role of technology in monitoring care - and the need for good communication to ensure quality care. Costs and Financial Planning With current prices ranging from £1000 to over £2000 a week, the options for financial planning, including selling the home and using savings. The importance of planning ahead to cover care costs and the role of financial advisors in this process and the financial implications. Final Tips and Practical Advice Use local authority services, organisations like Age UK, and websites like Age Space for information and support. The importance of speaking to other families and the need the need for practical planning and early preparation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min

  7. MAR 6

    Start planning ahead for elderly care

    Welcome to Age and Stage, a new podcast for everybody, caring for or supporting their elderly, parents, relatives, friends, even neighbours.  Do please get in touch with us: You can email the show: ageandstage@agespace.org  Record a voice note: https://www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage WhatsApp message – 07982 360113 Please share Age & Stage with friends or those who would find this podcast useful. You can send them this link: https://pod.link/1798413657 More information on all this and more at www.agespace.org Planning ahead - parenting your parents  It's about paying a bit more attention when you go home, what's the fridge looking like? If things start to be out of their sell-by date, or there isn't much food in the fridge. And somebody who was always very house proud, it starts feeling different, smelling different. Is the post being opened?  Questions to ask to start planning ahead for elderly care There are three conversations to have with parents and relatives if you can: 1.Where do you want to live? Do you want to stay in your own home? Would you down-size or would you come and live with me?  2. Thinking about if you're going to need care, what would you like? Would you have people living in? Do you want people who come in the day? Is there a care home locally that people recommend?  3. How might this be paid for?  The demographics of an ageing population It's thought between seven and 10 million people provide unpaid care every week for an elderly parent or relative.  Millions more in the next 10 years will be over 85 and all the issues this will bring. And the sandwich generation, teenage kids and a mother in her mid 80s with mobility issues and memory issues. Many of us have children later and our parents need help at the same time.  Siblings and family dynamics Every family is different. Try and share the responsibility before you need to. Somebody's living in Australia, maybe they can do the finances, or, if somebody's close by, they look after the home, and somebody else might look after the care decisions. It's about playing to people's strengths so that everybody does feel they have an involvement, but also responsibility to be involved.  Loneliness in old age  By the very nature of ageing your social circle gets smaller as your friends die. A friend of mum's said that every year she was determined to make a younger friend, because she wanted to ensure her future social life. But a lot of the older generation either find it too difficult to keep up with their friends, or want to rely on their nearest and dearest, but you do want to encourage a social life, and sometimes the pressure on you to be that social life as well as the carer is huge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min

  8. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Age And Stage - Coming Soon

    Starting Thursday 6th March, a brand new series for those caring for elderly relatives and friends, or those about to embark on the complex journey, presented by Age Space's Annabel James alongside broadcaster and journalist Daisy McAndrew. The series will cover everything from finding the right care, funding that care, the legal and financial practicalities of old age and much more, along with no-nonsense advice and guests who are experts in their field Like or subscribe in your podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2 min

Trailer

About

Age & Stage brings you practical guidance, expert help and inspiration to help navigate all aspects of elderly care and old age.   Presented by Age Space’s Annabel James and journalist & broadcaster Daisy McAndrew, we tackle a different subject every week in conversation with guest experts who each bring a wealth of experience and expertise. Advising on everything from different kinds of care, funding care and legal things to consider, the practicalities of helping elderly parents and relatives remain living independently and safely at home, conversations about when to stop driving, getting a dementia diagnosis,the importance of a power of attorney; family dynamics, death and grief, and much more. You can email the show at ageandstage@agespace.org, leave a WhatsApp message at 07982 360113 or record a voicenote here: https://www.speakpipe.com/ageandstage Please share Age & Stage with a friend, or someone you know who would be helped by the information in this series. You can send them this link: https://pod.link/1798413657 Find out more about Age Space at www.agespace.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Age Space
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Age Space
  • Show Website
    Age And Stage

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada