British Association of Former United Nations Civil Servants, London Region INVITATION FOR A GET-TOGETHER LUNCH BEFORE THE FESTIVE SEASON  ON TUESDAY 7, DECEMBER 2021 You are all cordially invited to Ishtar, a Turkish Restaurant, 10-12, Crawford Street, W1U 6AZ. We will meet there at noon and lunch will be served at 1 pm. A three course meal costs £27.00 including service. Wine, tea or coffee to be paid by the members separately. It is advisable to buy a bottle of wine and share, which will be less costly. Please select one item each from the menu and email/send them to Dr Tekeste Tekie not later than  30 November 2021 with a Cheque for £27. Cheques should be made payable and posted with this slip to Dr Tekeste Tekie, 21 Burley Close, London SW16 4QQ to reach him latest by the 1st of December 2021. Please enclose a cheque for £27 per person.   Name/s……………………………………………..      Tel.:…………………….. Email……………………………………………………………………………………. LUNCH MENU: STARTER: Panfried king prawns In lemon, garkic sauce ets. Falafel flafel beans and chick peas vegetable frits MAIN COURSE: Grilled baby chicken marinated with saffron sauce 2.Grilled minced lamb kofte on skewers Courgette, spinach, blue cheese radiator shape pasta DESSERT: Rice pudding Apple pie Baklava Many thanks and we look forward to seeing you at the lunch!

Summary minutes of ad hoc ExCo meeting 29 October 2021

  Accommodation for Older People – Information note 3. Overview Below we set out the principal options open to elderly people seeking housing accommodation in the UK suited to their needs.  The choice of where and how to live is such a personal matter that only general advice can be offered. Most models of accommodation will provide appropriate support to reflect the variation in physical or mental agility but can also provide something more appropriate to your lifestyle.  Many factors should be carefully considered when seeking accommodation such as your health prospects, friends and family, local amenities, transport, pets and social activities in the community.    Age UK  provides comprehensive information on all aspects covered in this note.  Living at Home You may wish to continue to live in your present home, with adaptations to suit your needs. These could include a grab-rail, a walk-in shower, walking aids, installing a stair lift, living on one floor only, bringing electric sockets within easy reach, building raised flower beds, and carrying a personal alarm system in the event of a fall or otherwise needing assistance.  ‘Meals on wheels’ are available in some areas. Transport to clinics and lunch clubs may also be available in the local community. Domiciliary nursing and personal care or live-in carers can be arranged. The Quality Care Commission offers a list of all companies with regulated services which are registered with them.  Your local Health and Social Care Services can provide comprehensive advice when considering any of the above measures.  Some of these services come at a cost, although some support from the local authority, your UN Health Insurance Scheme or the BAFUNCS Benevolent Fund may be available.  Attendance Allowance  and Personal Independence Allowance are not means tested and are available if you have a health condition which requires you to have someone to look after you and you meet the age criteria. We strongly advise you to consult at least one of the following – a social worker, occupational therapist, general practitioner (GP) or a family member – to assist with your application.        Retirement or sheltered housing  These consist of purpose-built or suitably converted apartments and bungalows which provide private living accommodation, with some communal and security facilities available.  They can be provided and managed by the local County Council, housing associations, charities or independent companies and are available to purchase (usually leasehold) or rent.  There may be a communal lounge and dining room, and overnight guest accommodation. A full-time warden/manager is on call and domiciliary, nursing and medical care is generally available. For many relatively self-sufficient elderly people this option is ideal, offering both independence and care when needed – the best of both worlds. Check your local area for Social Housing through the  Citizen’s Advice.  McCarthy and Stone and Churchill Apartments are examples of leading providers in the independent sector. It is advised that you consider carefully the financial implications of signing up with a private provider. Residential and Nursing Care Homes Some homes are run as businesses, others as non-profit operations by charities, professional groups, friendly societies or religious bodies. There are very few care homes presently managed by local authorities. Such homes employ trained domiciliary staff to assist residents with personal care to allow for maximum independence.  There is usually a communal dining room and lounge and social events are often organised. Nursing and other medical professionals are brought in as required.  Nursing care homes are similar to, and often combined with, residential care homes but are managed and staffed round the clock by qualified nurses.  All Care Homes are required to be registered with the  Quality Care Commission which offers a comprehensive website of all care homes across the UK with copies of inspection reports.  Carehome.co.uk is a leading search site for care homes across the UK. Respite Care This can in some instances be provided by Local Health and Social Care Services if the criteria are met, otherwise your Health Insurance Scheme or the BAFUNCS Benevolent Fund may be able to assist. Health and Social Care in the UK Access to Health and Social Care is locally available through the County Council to assess an individual’s needs and, if necessary, to provide the appropriate support required. You are not obliged to follow their recommendations, but the advice of their assessors and occupational therapists should be given careful thought.  If at a later date you seek their advice or financial support, it may be easier for them to respond if they have been involved from the start. Other Useful Resources Turn2US Care Co  and Local Mobility Shops Age UK Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602 Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. Care Quality Commission Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Attendance Allowance    Personal Independence Allowance  BAFUNCS Benevolent Fund McCarthy and Stone and Churchill Apartments                    

                                                The Oxford Region held a very well attended Xmas Lunch on the 18th November at The Trout Inn, in Wolvercote near Oxford. The Inn was originally built in the 1600’s and was rebuilt in 1757 as an Inn.  The Trout features in a number of films and television drama’s and featured in Evelyn Waugh’s ‘Brideshead Revisited’. It was also visited by US President Bill Clinton and his Daughter when she was studying at Oxford. It was a really jolly lunch with good food and members were so happy to be meeting face to face again. Three new members were welcomed at the lunch; Stephen Rudguard, Alison Rhodes and Jeremy Wall. It was lovely to welcome BAFUNCS Vice Chairperson,  Sheila Macrae, who also attended. Everyone thanked Anoma for organising the lunch and members are looking forward to the next event early in 2022.