Interesting article on Oxygen Therapy

Posted by & filed under MS News.

Source The Conversation.com:

There is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS) yet. As a complex neurodegenerative disease of the brain, it is incredibly difficult to treat. Despite the development of new and sophisticated therapies to control the inflammation and physical symptoms of the disease, these treatments don’t work for everyone. This is because MS comes in many guises and one treatment does not fit all. Perhaps for this reason people with MS are turning to alternative means of controlling their condition.  Read on.

Breast cancer drug shows potential to repair myelin

Posted by & filed under MS News.

Source MS Society:

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have found a new way to repairmyelin using a well-established treatment for breast cancer.

Tamoxifen has been used to treat breast cancer since the early 1970s, but research has revealed some previously unknown benefits of the treatment. Read on.

July 100 club winners

Posted by & filed under Centre News.

July 100 club winners:

1st Tony Ball, 2nd Jill Goodall, 3rd John Day.

See Sue or Dave for details on our 100 club, great odds 😊

Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Oxfordshire Carers’ Strategy and Carers’ Personal Budgets Consultation

You’ve been invited to participate in the Oxfordshire Carers’ Strategy and Carers’ Personal Budgets Consultation consultation by the consultation manager, Julia Stackhouse.

This consultation is open from 24 Aug 2016 at 00:00 to 14 Nov 2016 at 23:59.

Dear All

Oxfordshire County Council and Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group are undertaking a joint consultation which has two parts. Part 1 is about the Oxfordshire Carers’ Strategy and Part 2 is about the proposed options for carers’ personal budgets. We are keen to hear your views, comments and ideas about both parts of this consultation, as your views on the Oxfordshire Carers’ Strategy and the options for carers’ personal budgets will influence our future decision-making.

To read all the documents relating to this consultation and to respond please go to the following link:

https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/Carers/consultationHome

Please feel free to share this with friends, family, colleagues and any networks that you are involved with. We are keen to hear from as many people as possible.

Thank you.

Julia Stackhouse
01865 334638

ILC Newsletter (August)

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

 

 
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Contact the ILC Mon to Fri from 9-00 a.m. to 5-00 p.m.

( 01235 524857 :www.guidepostsilc.org.uk

Guideposts Independent Living Centre moved to Abingdon in April 2012. We are now based at the Abingdon Resource and Well-being Centre. Our contact number is: 01235 …

 

The current GPT ILC contract will cease on 30th September 2016 the ILC is open for business as usual until then.

You can sign the online petition.  “Keep the Independent Living Centre. Prevention is better than cure!”

Online petition

Dear friend,

I just signed the petition “Keep the Independent Living Centre. Prevention is better than cure!”  and wanted to ask if you could add your name too. Please do not send from your work address if you work for Social or Healthcare in Oxfordshire.

This campaign means a lot to me and the more support we can get behind it, the better chance we have of succeeding.

You can read more and sign the petition here:

“Keep the Independent Living Centre. Prevention is better than cure!”

http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/keep-the-independent-living-centre-prevention-is-better-than-cure-1

Thank you!

Colin

P.S. Can you also take a moment to share the petition with others? It’s really easy – all you need to do is forward this email or share this link on Facebook or Twitter: http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/keep-the-independent-living-centre-prevention-is-better-than-cure-1

  

New Product information

http://www.thiis.co.uk/resources/site1/general/Aug%2016/Products/Mangar.jpg

Mangar ( 0800 2800 485 : www.mangar.co.uk

Brief details:  The Ekamove is an automated, sensor   controlled patient positioning system. It is designed to gently and quietly turn patients up to 30°, without the intervention of a healthcare professional.   The Ekamove air chamber is placed under a mattress and inflated to laterally lift the person lying on it. Operated via a control unit, you can select a separate positioning time for each step of the process and therefore give better protection to the affected areas of the patient’s body.

 

http://www.stomawise.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/VanillaBlush.jpg

Vanilla Blush ( 0141 763 0991 : www.vblush.com

Brief details:  Supply stylish underwear and swimwear for women who have an ostomy bag.  Range of boxer shorts for men.

 

 

 

 

http://i0.wp.com/buildmumahouse.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dementia-bathroom.jpgHewi ( 01634 377688 :www.hewi.com

Brief details: Supply range of products.   Includes sinks with integral grab handles.  Sinks with red trim, which might be helpful for people living with dementia.

 

 

 

 

RAZ Shower ChairsWealden Rehab ( 01634 813388 : www.wealdenrehab.com

Brief details:  Supply Raz AT a stainless steel adjustable modular shower chair.

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.24-7healthcare.co.uk/images/stories/virtuemart/product/starlight-varia.jpg24-7 Healthcare.co.uk ( 0208 577 2789 : www.24-7healthcare.co.uk

Brief details:  Supply range of Starlight protective helmets for children and adults.

 

 

 

 

Image for Weighted Hoody (Blue)Sensory Direct ( 0800 0837 212

: www.sensorydirect.com

Brief details:  Supply range of weighted clothing for children and adults which may be helpful for those with poor body awareness.  Includes hoody jackets.

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.practicalsurfaceware.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/800x800/c516af19c469835274baf2e1bef7e60b/w/e/wetroom_mat_in_shower_1_3_1.jpgPractical Surfaceware ( 01494 772956 : www.practicalsurfaceware.com

Brief details:  Supply range of anti slip material.  Can supply rolls and lengths of anti slip matting suitable for shower trays or wet rooms.

 

 

 

 

 

2 Milk Carton TopstersLakeland ( 015394 88100  :www.lakeland.co.uk

Brief details:  Supply range of kitchen equipment.  We’ve just got this milk carton topin our office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://mobilityforhome.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/l/aloe_vera_adjustable_bed_2.jpgOur Occupational Therapist, Daniel, found this supplier.

Cyber beds ( 0121 326 7931

: www.cyberbeds.co.uk

Brief details:  Supply pocket sprung mattresses which can be used with adjustable bed.

 

 

http://www.thiis.co.uk/resources/site1/general/July%2016/Products/Topro_Rollator.jpg

Topro has launched a new Rose Pink colour in the Topro Troja 2G 4 wheeled walker range.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.thiis.co.uk/resources/site1/general/May%2016/Products/peta.jpg

Peta-UK ( 01376 573 476 : www.peta-uk.com

Brief details:  Supply range of garden tools and scissors.  They have recently brought out a new design of long handled toe clippers.

 

 

 

 

Holidays

 

We have found quite a few more holiday options.  If you would like copies of our holiday factsheets, please contact us on 01235 524857.

Grants

Following a phone call from a client who used to be a dancer on stage and screen, we have added some grant-making trusts to our employment grants factsheet.  If you would like information on grant-making trusts, please contact us on 01235 524857.

Other information new to the ILC.

New “Dial a Ride” scheme:

Oxfordshire Comet ( 01865 323201

: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/oxfordshire-comet

Brief details: The Comet s a not for profit service, created to allow people without suitable access to public transport to make the journeys they want.  The Oxfordshire Comet can be booked for any type of trip. Whether it’s to meet friends in town, travel across the county, attend an appointment or pop to the shops. The service is available 10.15am – 2.30pm Monday to Friday (not Bank Holidays).  It’s easy to book, with a pre-paid account that can be set up on the phone.

 

Rally Round : https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/news/2016/jul/new-online-digital-network-carers 

Brief details:  Rally Round is a free digital network which enables family members, friends and carers to create and organise support for themselves and the person they care for.  Rally Round, which is backed by Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (OCCG) and Carers Oxfordshire, was designed to help frail older people and their family carers, but can be used to help anyone who needs more practical support.

 

Oxfordshire Specialist Advice Service ( 01865 410660

8 advice@oxfordshiresas.org.uk

Brief details:  Age UK Oxfordshire, Citizens Advice Oxford, Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire and Oxfordshire Welfare Rights have come together to provide a free, comprehensive, independent advice service from 1st April 2016.  The service helps with queries around benefits, money advice, budgeting and other welfare issues and will link you into services that can provide further support.  The service is free for people to use. It is jointly funded by Adult Social Care and Children, Education and Families, so it is focused on meeting the needs of people living in Oxfordshire who are struggling with their day-to-day lives due to disability or ill health. However, you don’t have to have a carer or anyone looking after you.  They can help if you:  Have a disability or long term illness; Have someone in your family household with a disability or long term illness; Are caring for someone with a disability or long term illness; Are a young person transitioning from children’s care services  Oxfordshire Specialist Advice Service (OSAS) provides a dedicated telephone advice line and email service, which aims to answer all your queries around benefits, money advice, budgeting and other welfare issues and link you into services that can provide further support. This is backed up by a team of specialist advisers, who are able to meet face to face with people unable to access advice by telephone, email or in their local community.

 

Useful numbers below to copy into your telephone book

 

Red Cross Head Office 01235 552660

 

 Hire and short-term loan of equipment e.g. manual wheelchairs
Social & Health Care 0845 050 7666                            New referrals

9-00 to 5-00

0800 833408

out of hours
Emergency Duty
Carers

Oxfordshire

 

Action for Carers

(CO, Rethink and Guideposts)

 0845 050 7666

 

 

01235 849470 or 07557 038277.

Michelle Evans

 Carers supporting someone in Oxfordshire.

Face to face support,

time out for carers, peer support, information.
Attendance Allowance

 

 0345 605 6055

 

 Tax-free benefit for people aged 65 + who need help with daily living.

Personal Independence Payments(previously DLA) Note change of number Personal Independence Payment.		 0800 917 2222
Text phone: 0800 917 7777
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm		 (PIP) helps with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability if you’re aged 16 to 64

Oxfordshire Specialist Advice Service Age UK Oxfordshire, Citizens Advice Oxford, Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire and Oxfordshire Welfare Rights.		 01865 410 660 or atadvice@oxfordshiresas.org.uk

 

9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

 

 Provides answers to queries about benefits, money, budgeting and other welfare issues.
 

Oxfordshire Falls Service

  

01865 903400

  

Provide falls assessments and treatment plan, in patients’ homes in clinics and in care homes

 
Hearing Impairment

Visual Impairment

 Mornings only

01865 894925

SMS: 07713 329 501

Hearing.impairment@oxfordshire.gov.uk

 

Mornings only.

01865 894935

Textphone: 0303 003 0555

Visual.impairment@oxfordshire.gov.uk

 

 Advice and support people of all ages with hearing problems on a range of issues.

 

Contact them if:

you are registered as blind or partially sighted

you have sight problems which are severe enough to cause problems in your day to day life.

 
Millbrook 0333 999 0870 Equipment which has been loaned to you by Social Services. To check equipment delivery or pick up.

 
Blue Badge Team 0845 050 7666bluebadgeadmin@Oxfordshire.gov.uk

 

 To apply for or renew Blue Badge.
Community Bladder and Bowel Service

 

 01865 904303 Community Bladder and Bowel Service for all adults with bladder and bowel issues.
Wheelchair Service 01865 227600 You may be eligible for a wheelchair through this scheme, referrals via your GP.
Falls Service

Balance and Safety Groups

 01865 903400 Home assessments, improving balance and safety.
Fire & Rescue Service –

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ( 08000 325999

 

 

 

:http://www.365alive.co.uk/wps/wcm/connect/micro/365alive/fire+safety/home+fire+risk+checks

 The local fire and rescue service will supply and fit fire alarms free of charge for identified vulnerable groups.

 

You can also complete your own home fire risk check which will take you through various high-risk areas and highlight where you may have a fire risk.
Time Out for Carers’

 

A voluntary support service for carers provided by Carers Oxfordshire and  Guideposts

 Ben Reynolds on 01993 899980/0781 5559 479.

breynolds@guideposts.org.uk

 

 Offering short respite breaks through a range of options in the home and out in the community.
Ace Centre – Information Day Appointments:

 

Speech Therapists who specialise in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT), to support communication.

 

 South: Cassington, Oxfordshire

 

01865 759 800

 

ACE Centre

The Stables

Jericho Farm Barns

Cassington

Oxfordshire

OX29 4SZ

 

 Offer a free one hour appointment. These appointments can be used for:

Clarifying the needs of the individual in relation to potential Establishing the team who will support the individual using Assistive professionals, parents and carers can all attend this appointment. Discussing possible resources and strategies in relation to the individual’s needs

…
 

 

Encouraging results in secondary progressive MS trial

Posted by & filed under MS News.

Source MS Trust:

The EXPAND trial involved 1,651 people who took either siponimod or placebo capsules once a day for up to five years. A press release by Novartis, who make siponimod, announced that people on treatment took longer to show signs of progression than people on placebo. Progression was measured by EDSS scores taken every three months. Other measures used in the study, includes measuring progression with EDSS every six months, have not yet been made public.  Read on.

 

 

Scientists have discovered never-before-seen vessels in the brain

Posted by & filed under MS News.

Scientists have discovered never-before-seen vessels in the brain

Source Science Alert:

Scientists in the US have discovered a new series of lymphatic vessels in the body that link the brain to the immune system – a connection researchers had previously thought didn’t exist.

The discovery could not only prompt a rewrite of the textbooks, it might also lead to a new understanding of how our immune system influences our brain and our behaviour. Read on.

Researchers trick our cells into treating UTIs without antibiotics

Posted by & filed under MS News.

Source: Science Alert
New research shows that our bodies own immune systems have another way to fight off urinary tract infections (UTIs) without antibiotics – and it’s super effective.  This is a pretty big deal, seeing as UTIs are one of the most common infections treated with antibiotics in humans – something that’s contributing to the rise of drug-resistant superbugs.
Read on.