Spring Newsletter
- 1. Scottish Charity Incorporated Organisation SC034260 Issue Spring 2014 1 In this issue: Chairman’s Introduction Strategic Commissioning Right Care Right Time Right Place—Campaign update Carer’s Wee Treat Black Isle Care Group Human Rights and You Conon Bridge Lunch Club Self-Direct Support: what it is and what it means to you Inverness Mens’ Shed HSCN Research in Highland Chairman’s Introduction by Dr Ian Mcnamara The theme of this year’s Annual Conference is Human Rights for Older People. Many may ask what have Human Rights got to do with me? My life is good and I live in a civilised country. Human Rights are to do with people who are extremely disadvantaged or, as the Press would some- times have us believe, rogues trying to avoid their just deserts. The answer is that our Human Rights are the bedrock on which all care should be based. In her book, ‘Where Memories Go’, Sally Magnusson, the broadcaster and journalist, describes her mother’s decent into dementia and its effect on her whole family. It is thought provoking, describing the many dilemmas facing sufferers, their families, their carers and those who are responsible for providing professional care. One section caught my eye: “ Sarah Rochira, the Commissioner for Wales, says when we meet, ‘It is clear to me that too many older people, in practice, do not have human rights. If they did I would not meet people whose loved ones are under threat of eviction from their care home because they spoke out about their poor care, whose loved ones were left to sit for hours in their own excre- ment, or, in the worst cases suffered neglect leading to pressure sores so deep that the bone can be seen’.” In her role as independent champion for older people Ms Roshira is forth- right about it being ‘almost impossible’ under the law in Wales and Eng- land to bring breaches of their human rights to court, even the respect to the right for life. ‘What sort of message does that send out?’ she demands. A message that dehumanises and strips away from those we care for – and care about – their dignity, their respect, their voice and in some cases their life. Continued P2 —> New Board Members HSCN is recruiting additional Board members. We are seeking Board members from across the Highlands, and also Board mem- bers with experience of fundrais- ing, marketing, or campaigning. Board members would commit to a monthly Board meeting, and to take part in one of the Board sub- groups. Attendance by teleconfer- ence and Skype etc. is possible. If you are interested, please con- tact Dr Ian Mcnamara, Chair for an informal chat.
- 2. Scottish Charity Incorporated Organisation SC034260 Issue Spring 2014 2 HSCN Annual Conference Wednesday 23rd April 9:30am—3:30pm Lochardil House Hotel Stratherrick Road, Inverness IV2 4LF Human Rights—what’s in it for me? You need to know—come and find out: John Finnie, MSP, Highlands & Islands Convenor, Cross-party Group on Human Rights Duncan Wilson Head of Strategy, Scottish Human Rights Commission Booking essential by 16th April: Tel : 07716 884 989 Email: hscn@hotmail.com The Scottish Human Rights Commission monitors the implementation in Scotland of the same legislation, but they too are grappling with the gap between well-meaning statute and the reality on the ground. Human Rights become particularly relevant to the protection of people who can no longer reason as they used to, including those with dementia. Carers – both professional and family – can experience great strain and pressure trying to support people whose behaviour can be challenging. In Sally Magnusson’s book, she writes, “I am even starting to wonder that this might be a disease that turns all but the most saintly carer into a kind of monster in the end. It is something I will have cause to consider in the months to come when I stare into my own mirror.” We are fortunate that the Conference this year will be led by the Scottish Human Rights Commission and the introductory speaker will be John Finnie, Highland MSP, whose is Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Human Rights at the Scottish Parliament.
- 3. Scottish Charity Incorporated Organisation SC034260 Issue Spring 2014 3 HSCN a valued partner in NHS-led “Joint Strategic Commissioning” What is Joint Strategic Commissioning? Joint Strategic Commissioning is a process to enable those with responsibility for health and wellbeing to choose what to support, and why. It is not about purchasing services. The Scottish Government has said and we believe it is about deciding what “being well” means to us, older people. These are termed “outcomes” in planning jargon. This infor- mation is then used to decide what helps to support us to stay well (“Service outputs”). The services that most contribute to outputs and outcomes can then be commissioned, either through a procurement pro- cess, grant funding, or through partnership working with others. All “service providers”, including those groups and clubs funded through NHS grants, will be affected by this process. HSCN itself will have to be commissioned for work it undertakes. What matters to older people? HSCN’s own research work and findings from local group discussions agree with the findings of a 5 year programme of work carried out UK-wide by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. For example, people – including older people – consistently put companionship and friendship as very important to feeling well. We achieve this by meeting others, by staying in touch with family, and by going out in our communities. Medically, it is proven that being chronically lonely is as bad for your health as smoking heavily, or being very significantly overweight. Services that support us to stay in touch include befriending and visiting services, lunch clubs, group activ- ities that we enjoy, being able to help others e.g. by volunteering. These are not traditionally seen as “health” services, but they are critical to our wellbeing. HSCN has put forward its proposals for Strategic Commissioning, based on what you have told us. We have published this in full on the next page. There is still time to amend this. We would like to hear from you about whether there are other things that are important to you, or that would help you stay inde- pendent and well. HSCN’s Board HSCN will be working to ensure that the NHS’ Strategic Commissioning process results in better choices and better lives for older people. Contact us to find out more, and to support this work.
- 4. Scottish Charity Incorporated Organisation SC034260 Issue Spring 2014 4 What is our vision for Strategic Commissioning? We want to live well. This means being the lead in choosing what is important in our lives, what services are important to support us in our aspirations and how they are delivered. We believe that if providers listen to what we are saying then the outcomes we need are more likely to be achieved. There must be nothing about us without us. What outputs do older people think Commissioning should focus on? 1. Maintaining independence by: · Accessible information and advice · Accessible transport · Appropriate, safe, warm housing · Accessible support to stay in our own homes · Accessible technology and equipment · Accessible means of support including Self Directed Support · Feeling we live in a safe and secure environment · Providing quality support for carers 2. Receiving quality care at the right time in the right place from people we trust: · Paid staff must value and respect us as people, respecting our human rights; they too must be valued, skilled and supported · Care needs will change over time, both increasing and decreasing, so care must be flexible and accessi- ble: • respite care of our choice especially in rural areas • intermediate care to maximise recovery and promote independence • local response in an emergency and medical care in a crisis • end-of-life care in the place of our choice. 3. Reducing loneliness and increasing social connections through: · Regular opportunities for social interaction both in our homes and outside · Digital technology where it helps us to stay in touch · Service providers understanding that service delivery in itself is an important social connection 4. Maintaining and improving mental and physical wellbeing by: · Accessible activities that we enjoy · Support to stay as healthy as possible, including accessible medical care · Help to build confidence to continue old activities and to try new ones.
- 5. Scottish Charity Incorporated Organisation SC034260 Issue Spring 2014 5 Right Care, Right Time, Right Place Campaign Update by Dr Ian Mcnamara Members may remember that in Novem- ber 2012 at the Inverness based link to the Scottish Older People’s assembly be- ing held in Edinburgh we proposed a Mo- tion of ‘No Confidence in the Care In- spectorate’. This was driven by ours and many others concern over the quality of care in many of Scotland’s Care Homes and Home Care. We held the Care Inspectorate to be responsible as the custodian of standards individuals have a right to expect, irrespective of who is delivering the service. The Motion was passed by a huge majority by delegates from across Scotland. Our Board then met Ms Annette Bruton, the Chief Exec- utive of the Care Inspectorate in January 2013. It was a very constructive meeting and views were freely and honestly shared. We were told even by its own reckon- ing 20% of Scottish Care Homes were considered to be at ‘High Risk’, or put another way, substandard. One of the issues we raised with Ms Bruton was that on paper the standards the Inspectorate expected of providers were good. The reality was that from our own evidence, and that of others, they were not being applied rigor- ously. There was a feeling that if ‘push came to shove’; the owner of a home could get away with poor care. Our concerns were also passed to the Scottish Minister. Since the time of our meeting it has become clear that the Care Inspectorate has become far more robust in its inspections. For example only members of its staff who are experienced in adult care are used for inspections. Many will have seen from the media that the Inspec- torate is now not slow to apply enforcement orders on poorly performing homes, which unlike before, are now followed up quickly to ensure compliance. In Highland the quality of care in Care Homes has be- come a priority of NHS Highland which has the right to refuse admissions to Care Homes that it judges as falling short in quality. That NHS Highland has taken this stance when it places even greater pressure of the dis- charge of patients from hospital is to be commended. We recognise that there are many excellent providers of care. However, we are frustrated that while some providers achieve high standards, others fall far short. The current work of the Inspectorate has not gone un- noticed or unappreciated. There is still a long way to go before a potential resident or their relatives can be as- sured all homes across Scotland are providing excellent care, but that may now just have a chance of becoming a reality. We must remember, however, that time is not on the side of those for whom we speak. Connecting Carers are promoting a “WEE TREAT” of up to £30. Any Carer can apply. Ideas for your wee treat could be: Computer Game Nails done Cinema Theatre ticket Hair cut Football ticket Craft Anything else you like. To apply please contact the helpline on 01463 723 560 to request an application form. HSCN Member helps Black Isle Care Group Brian Devlin, HSCN member, helped set up an informal meeting to discuss lo- cals’ concerns regarding the provision of care for older people on the Black Isle. This was in the light of news that Abbeyfield Scotland Ltd was unable to support further developments on the Black Isle; and because of the recent poor inspection reports and embargo on admissions by NHS Highland on Marine House in Fortrose. The group, chaired by Murdo Grant, asked Libby Brown, Chair of Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council, to discuss care-related issues with her fellow Community Councillors. With her help the Group have been able to distill their thinking on what the priori- ties might be: one area is the challenges around Care at Home. The Group has made contacts from the Mid-Ross Dis- trict Partnership who are willing to help further. All interested in joining or contributing are invited to contact Brian through the HSCN contact details.
- 6. Scottish Charity Incorporated Organisation SC034260 Issue Spring 2014 6 Human Rights by Dee Flannigan Communications and Outreach Coordinator Scottish Human Rights Commission We are pleased that the Highland Senior Citizens Net- work has chosen to focus on human rights this year at their annual conference. The human rights of older peo- ple is an issue the Scottish Human Rights Commission has worked on since its creation in 2008. The Commis- sion developed an in-depth training package to take a human rights based approach to the rights of older peo- ple in regards to care, whether at home, or provided by a public authority or privately (the Care about Rights resources are available online and for free here – www.scottishhumanrights.com/careaboutrights). In 1948 the Universal Declaration on Human Rights de- clared that all human beings were born free and equal in dignity and rights. Since then many legally binding and non-legally binding conventions, declarations and agree- ments have expanded upon these rights and given them greater effect. There has been a definitive trend within the human rights system from negative duties requiring states to stop interfering with basic human rights – for example the right not to be tortured - towards the crea- tion of positive duties on the state to ensure human rights. The Disability Convention for example requires states to take positive steps to end discrimination against people with disabilities. Despite progress made through the equality agenda otherwise little attention has, so far, been paid to the human rights of older peo- ple. Older people’s human rights require clarification in order to address the particular difficulties that group faces in being heard and listened to. The Commission is currently chair of the European Net- work of National Human Rights Institutions. This Net- work has been contributing to the United Nations Work- ing Group on Ageing considering the possibility of a UN Convention for Older Peoples’ Rights. The Commission hopes that any new treaty will be effective in clarifying and promoting the rights of older people. Accordingly it must contain proper legal safeguards and must build upon the existing standards of protection already in place. As well as discrimination on grounds of age, and suffer- ing multiple forms of discrimination as a result of gen- der, ethnic or religious background, sexual orientation or other status, older people encounter several gaps in human rights protection. Examples of gaps in protection for older people include: whether authorities reach in- ternational standards on care services, legal planning for older age, issues concerning retirement, legal capacity and equality and the rights of older women. Older people are living longer as life expectancy across the globe rises. Scotland is no exception. National statis- tics collated as part of Scotland’s National Action Plan for Human Rights, demonstrates that our population in Scotland is due to reach 5.54 million by 2033. This in- cludes a projected rise of almost 75% of people living with dementia by 2031. These changes will have a sig- nificant impact on access to public services, with partic- ular requirements to increase the availability and acces- sibility of services for older people. It is clear, however, that older people remain a group that could be more visible and better represented, and whose human rights are often ignored and undervalued. Our Head of Strategy and Legal, Duncan Wilson, is speaking at the conference and will discuss these issues and more. The Commission looks forward to hearing from you about issues most important to your lives. HSCN Member leading on development of Conon Lunch Club Margot Smith is a long-standing member of HSCN, and in her pastoral role provides valuable assis- tance to the residents of Wyvis House Care Home, Dingwall. In addition to her work, Margot has been in communication with the Care Inspectorate on numerous occasions, seeking to see improved stand- ards in the Home. Margot has now turned her thoughts to the lack of social facilities in the Conon area for older people. She has sought the assistance of Dr James Mclardy, Beauly Health and Social Care, and of Kate Maclean, NHS Community Development Officer, to work with her and others to set up a Lunch Club in Conon. The previously Club had fallen victim to funding cuts. Anyone interested in assisting Margot is asked to please contact her through the HSCN contact details.
- 7. Scottish Charity Incorporated Organisation SC034260 Issue Spring 2014 7 Self-Directed Support—what should this mean for Older People? When we are fully fit and able, we take our independence for granted, and in particular the ability to live our lives the way that best suits us. But with increasing frailty, independence can diminish, leading to anxie- ty, isolation, and depression; and a reliance on support services that may not really fit with what we need. Previously, people assessed as being in need of support would receive a care plan indicating what services would be provided to them by the Council or NHS, or by providers contracted by those bodies. From the 1st of April 2014, the Self Directed Support (Scotland) Act comes in to force, and with it potentially the most empowering change in the way people can choose to be sup- ported. After all, no-one knows you better than you! Self-Directed Support promises: You, working together with a range of professionals, to agree a plan that works for you; To put you in control of your day-to-day support, through four options to access resources These four options are a direct payment to you, an individual service fund held by someone else, or where the Council and NHS provide the services directly; or a combination of all three; whichever you prefer. Jennifer Campbell, SDS Manager, said, “You don’t have to just spend the money on services. You might choose to spend some of it on buying services you already receive, and the rest of it on new and different things which would make a real difference to your life.” This all sounds good—but will it work for you? Simon Duffy is a policy leader on SDS and similar systems, and works for the Centre for Welfare Reform, dedicated to social justice. Simon gave an inspiring talk at the first Highland users’ and carers’ Information Day on 6th March, highlighting the potential of SDS and its implementation internationally. Although SDS is new, direct pay- ments have been used for over 15 years , and there is a wealth of evidence on what makes them successful. Simon explained what is important to make it work for you, so that the person who needs support can decide what that support should be. SDS should pass control of resources from public sector bodies to you, the individu- al. If you get it “wrong”, that’s your choice. And he talked of the “needs” fallacy, where the current system can only meet “needs not wants”; under SDS, you will not be required to meet your needs, their way. SDS must : Focus on Citizenship, asserting the human rights and responsibilities of the individual at the heart of SDS; Focus on local communities, with local leadership, and communities crafting their own solutions; Focus on meaningful implementation, with the lived experience of people using SDS as the true test . Focus on Integration, to draw resources out of different departments and into one individual budget. HSCN will be working to help make sure that SDS works for vulnerable older people in the Highlands. Contact us to let us know how SDS is working for you, your loved ones, and your friends.
- 8. Scottish Charity Incorporated Organisation SC034260 Issue Spring 2014 8 Help Connect, Inform and Campaign! Join us today! Comments? Questions? Contact us at: Highland Senior Citizens Network Box 301 24 Station Square Inverness IV1 1LD Tel 07716 884 989 Email: enquiries@hscn.co.uk Website: www.hscn.co.uk First Mens’ Shed in Inverness Alan Michael MBE, an HSCN member and a long-standing vol- unteer in the Inverness community, has obtained funding for the latest venture to improve lives for older people, particularly men, in Inverness. Often men find themselves at a bit of a loss after they retire, and yet they have a host of valuable skills; practical, managerial, and organisational. The “Mens’ Shed “ movement helps groups of like-minded men get together, use those skills to benefit others, and create a social place to go. Alan is looking for volunteers and donations to help the project get off the ground; if you are interested in finding out more, please contact Alan through the HSCN contact details below. HSCN Research—your voices making change happen The HSCN research project has been gathering older people’s views on health, social and community services. In total 64 older people, carers and family members have now been interviewed in Inverness-shire, Ross-shire and Suth- erland. The age of service users has ranged from 62 to 94 years old. People have been talking about what works well for them as well as things that could be improved. A wide range of issues have been covered including home care, hospital care, hospital discharge, support for carers, transport in rural areas, communication between staff and patients and choosing care homes. Interim findings have already been presented to the NHS and we are following up ac- tions. All the data is currently being analysed and will be presented in a final report to be completed in April. HSCN will use the information to campaign for improvements and to help to spread good care practices across services in the Highlands. If you are interested in taking part, please get in touch with HSCN. The re- searcher will come to your home at an agreed time to carry out an interview.