Dementia Friendly Edinburgh

Last year we spent a month focusing on how we can make a positive difference to the lives of people
with Dementia.  Some of the things we did included:

• Becoming a Dementia Friend
• Creating updates to our Communication Tool
• Raising awareness of Dementia
• Offering training on Dementia
• Getting involved to make Edinburgh Dementia Friendly

All round the city you will start to see adverts and changes aimed at making Edinburgh a Dementia Friendly City.  You can follow the changes on Edinburgh Councils Website by following the LINK HERE

You can help cure the stigma of dementia by doing six little things.  To find out more about the six easy ways to help someone with dementia you can read the dementia stigma leaflet.  It's just about understanding a bit more about dementia and the small things you can do to help people with the condition.

You can join the conversation on Twitter at #dementia6littlethings.

Stephen

Hello Mrs Robison

A few months ago I wrote to Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport.  To be honest I didn't expect a reply, but there it was sitting in my inbox.  Shona was more than happy to meet and chat about the future of Health and Social Care in Scotland.

So this Wednesday saw me unconsciously humming the Simon and Garfunkel tune "Mrs Robinson" as I approached the Scottish Parliament.  I know the spelling is different but I just couldn't get it out of my head.

If you haven't been to see the Scottish Parliament, then I would recommend a visit.  Fans of design, architecture or history won't be disappointed.

I was brought back to reality by a full body scan, and my clothes and belongings being x rayed. My visit to parliament looked to be over before it had begun as I was pulled aside by security.   A thorough search and a few minutes later revealed the culprit. It turned out to be nothing more than a car remote.  Que the music.


Shona and her team were welcoming, informed and interested to hear what Nataly and I had to say on behalf of staff, families and service users.  They understood the dilemmas faced by all of us and were taking action to improve the Health and Social Care provision in Scotland.

Some of the areas we discussed included:

• How we could improve provision to allow people to receive support in their own homes rather than be admitted to hospital.

• Raising the profile of the sector to encourage people to choose Health and Social Care as a career.

• Creating a single set of training standards for staff across the country, irrespective if they work in the community, NHS or care home.

• How Social Care Alba can become involved in new developments within Health and Social Care
• Accessing training resources from the NHS

• The imminent merger of Health and Social Care from April 1st.

We left with the promise of more information and details of how we could be more involved in shaping the future of Health and Social Care in Scotland.  I will keep you updated on how we take some of the ideas forward and how you can get involved.

Stephen

A Date with George Clooney

What price do you put on happiness?  If you had asked me this question last week, I wouldn’t have a clue.  This week, I can tell you down to the penny.

All around me women are smiling, talking about shoes, hair, makeup and new dresses.  Being honest I can’t take all the credit, this goes to the one and only Mr George Clooney.  Little did he realise that when he accepted an invitation to come to Edinburgh, that it would turn my life and that of many others upside down.

My story starts just 7 days ago with an innocent comment “I see George Clooney is visiting a sandwich shop in Edinburgh”.  My wife leapt from her chair with the grace of a gazelle and subjected me questions which the Spanish inquisition would be proud of.  Within minutes, she had found out everything about the coming visit, barring George’s planned toilet breaks. 

It turns out George is not only an Oscar-winning actor, director and Hollywood living legend, but also a committed humanitarian.  His visit to Edinburgh coincides with raising awareness for his charity “Not on Our Watch” which he co-founded with Brad Pitt, Don Cheadle and Matt Damon. As if I didn't have enough to live up to.

Skip forward a bit and I find myself on the phone, bank card in hand being reassured by the nice man that the content of my bank account is going to a good cause.  My brain awakens from the fog to screams of joy from my wife.  I had agreed to buy:

• 1 Table for 10 people at the Scottish Business Awards (Read dinner with George)
• 3 Course meal for 10 people (Who are already swapping diet tips for the big night)
• VIP photo-line with George and other celebrities (Read snogging)
• Champagne reception for all (They really won’t need it)

Of course if you ask Nataly, she will tell you all about her dinner date with George.  I have suddenly become very popular at home and with the rest of the women at work.  Whether it lasts until George visits in November we will see.  So what price do I put on happiness.  Well I could tell you, but looking at my wife’s smile, it’s priceless.

Stephen

P.S. Watch this space for more updates on "Dinner with George"

Local Hero Awards

Social Care Alba is delighted to sponsor this years Local Hero, Carer of the Year Award. NOMINATE NOW

As Scotland’s foremost Care at Home provider – independently awarded top marks in all categories by the Care Inspectorate – we’re aware of how having the right support can transform peoples’ lives.

Our own energetic and passionate team includes personal assistants, nurses, physiotherapists, social workers and occupational therapists. Through recommendations, our list of clients is growing and we are looking for caring and reliable individuals to join our team.

Our Gold Investors in People award shows the commitment we have to improving the working lives of our staff and well as those we support.  At the same time we are also keen to help those who are ambitious and seeking promotion. APPLY NOW

Being able to make a positive difference to someone’s life is rewarding. Having the confidence to do
so because you know you have a great support team behind you is essential. At Social Care Alba you’ll experience both.

For more information visit  www.Social-Care.org or phone 0845 0945 279.