< Previous60 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYEQUINEDelivering Hydration & Nutrition on DemandTel: 01472 859593 or 07903 993879www.equidiet.org.ukEquidGelTM, the revolutionary hydration andnutrition system for horses.EquidGelTMis unique in that it is taken in theform of a highly nutritious palatable drink whichappeals to the horses very strong natural instinct to forage and therefore makingit the only complete feed that nourishes and hydrates at the same time.EquidGelTMis specifically designed to help to prevent the occurrence of colic dueto the effects of dehydration as colic and dehydration are the biggest killers ofhorses in the world.Sandra Murphy BSc (Hons) ofNettleton has been improvingthe health and wellbeing ofhorses thanks to a new,innovative product. Sandra, whois a specialist equine nutritionist,is celebrating a year since thelaunch of EquidGel – a hydrationand nutrition system for horseswhich has attracted muchattention throughout the equineworld.With impaction colic anddehydration being the biggest killers ofhorses in the world, EquidGel has beendesigned to attempt to combat thisproblem using only natural ingredients.Sandra tells us, “EquidGel goes right backto basics. 85% is highly nutritious Alfalfameal along with a high energy plant-basedOmega-3 oil. When EquidGel isreconstituted, it produces a gel that retainsup to ten times its own weight in waterand suspends the particles of Alfalfa mealand other nutrients within it. This uniquemethod delivers water where it is needed. “EquidGel is taken in the form of adrink, which appeals to the horse’s verypowerful, natural instinct to forage dueto the highly palatable Alfalfa, rather thanthe thirst mechanism which is aregulatory response which may or maynot be switched on. Because theformation retains the water within the gelfor much longer, this allows the water tobe transported further along the digestivesystem into the hindgut so that the horsehas a ‘reservoir’ of water to call uponwhen required. “Because it contains only good qualityforage and a high level of non GMOmega-3 Oil, it can replace thecarbohydrates in a ration that can causedigestive and metabolic disorders, andprovide the horse with good qualityenergy from the hindgut and from the oilwhich a horse can utilise for energy veryefficiently. “EquidGel has huge benefits for horsesin all fields. For thoseinvolved in showjumping andtravelling their horsesto events, the highfibre, low sugarformulation providesnon-heating, slowrelease energy and extrahydration for the journey andfor waiting around, but whenrequired to jump, the Omega-3 Oilhelps to spare glycogen allowingthe horse to perform the explosivemuscle movements required. Indressage, EquidGel has all theenergy and essential vitamins andminerals for optimumperformance, and in eventing itallows mixed energy systems to beutilised to for each of the threedisciplines.Sandra is no stranger to inventing newand innovative products – she appearedon Dragons Den back in 2007. Morerecently EquidGel was highlighted at theLincolnshire Investment Network’sTaming The Dragon event. Both Sandraand EquidGel made a lasting impressionon the “Dragons” judging thecompetition.With the British Equestrian TradeAssociation International event looming,Sandra will be launching her newestproduct, LamiGel, especially designed forhorses with special dietary needs, such asthose with Laminitis or older horses withpoor dentition. LamiGel will be enteredinto the Innovation Awards, presented byDragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden.Sandra Murphy with othercontestants at the recentTaming the Dragon 2 eventPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COMGoodhealthGoodhealth58-60_Layout 1 23/01/2015 12:46 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY61SOCIAL SCENEUpcoming Lincoln Sportsman Dinners...• 19th February – Darts legend Eric Bristow MBE• 16th April – Ronni Irani and John Beresford – Cricket and Football• 5th June – Spring Ball – details yet to be confirmedTo contact the club you can email at info@lincolnsportsmans.com, telephone on 01522 508355 or visit the comprehensive website at www.lincolnsportsmans.comDinners are heldat The BentleyHotel, SouthHykeham, LincolnCorry onat the BentleyThe Lincoln Sportsmans Club welcomed World Cup winning rugby star MartinCorry to their latest dinner. Held just before Christmas, Martin’s appearance gotthe audience in the mood for the impending Six Nations and Rugby World Cupwhich will make 2015 a big year for fans of the oval ball.The big change for the Sportsmans Club this season is that women are nowinvited to attend the events at the Bentley Hotel in Lincoln – the next of which,featuring darts legend Eric Bristow, is on Thursday 19th February.PHOTOS BY RICHARD PICKSLEYPatrick Sullivan, Martin Corry and Roy FroggattThe Hammond partyJohn, Jon, Karland JulianThe Kelly Bloom partyThe Dave Clark partyMartin Corry and guestsHarry Gilbert, Rod Taylor andPaul ColdronPhil Grundy, John Copsey, EricGledhill and George Gilbert61_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:37 Page 162 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCARE FOR THE ELDERLYIt would be strange to pick tworandom thirty year olds off the street andexpect them to have exactly the sameinterests, needs and desires – whichmakes it a bit strange that we often treatall those of a certain age as a singlegroup. The catch-all term “older people”can describe millions of people, fromthose who fought in World War II to thebaby boomers of the sixties.Hence there’s no one-size-fits-allresponse to people’s needs. Every olderperson will have their own ideas aboutwhat they’d like to do and where theyfeel most comfortable. It all depends onthe individual’s response and, throughoutLincolnshire, there are plenty of expertswho can explain the myriad optionsavailable – both to those who areintending to use it, and their loved ones.This flexibility has become increasinglyapparent in recent times. As we mentionelsewhere in this issue, there are nowchanges to employment law whichmeans every employee should now becontributing to a pension scheme, toprovide them with the freedom to maketheir own decisions later in life. Initiallyonly 0.8% of an employee’s pensionableearnings will go towards the scheme – anegligible amount – but the idea is thatover the course of their career theircontributions will be invested and they’llend up with a pot when they retire. Theidea is that this will at least provide somesupport for later in life at the greatestconvenience, and as the populationgradually becomes older, the choicesavailable become ever wider.This choice isn’t always welcome,though – there’s often a somewhatbewildering array of options and a pile offorms to have to fill in. Over the past fewyears, Lincolnshire County Council hastried to make the whole process moreconvenient with their First Contactscheme, which has provided older peoplewith a questionnaire to allow them tohighlight and locate what’s right forthem. The scheme has brought togetherhelp from the police, the council’shousing teams, the pensions service andnumerous voluntary organisations,among many others, which meansresidents have been able to put togethera programme of support that’s right forthem, rather than having to fit into asmall number of existing pre-plannedschemes.In general there are three main routesan older person will consider when theirhealth begins to deteriorate slightly andthey decide they need more assistanceand support. They may decide theyprefer the continual support of living full-time in a care home with staff on handaround the clock.Alternatively there’s the option tocontinue living at home but arrange forregular visits from carers and possiblyarrange to visit a club or daycare centre acouple of times a week. Many careproviders do often invite in non-residentsto partake in luncheon clubs or specialevents, which can be a great boost forolder people who may not otherwise beable to get out and about as much asthey like. For many old people, they arehappy to continue their live on their ownbut welcome the occasional outing orvisit to provide a break from the samefour walls and a chance to have a chatand a cuppa with friends. It also providesthose who care for them at home aGoldenyearsThere’s no reason why your later years shouldn’t also be your best– and throughout Lincolnshire there are plenty of peoplededicated to making that happen62-67_Layout 1 23/01/2015 13:59 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY63CARE FOR THE ELDERLYchance to relax, knowing they’re in safehands.Sometimes the desire to continue livingin your home could appear to be at riskfrom changing circumstances which maymean it’s no longer suitable. This doesn’thave to be the case, however, and thereare organisations such as the WellbeingService from Lincolnshire County Councilthat can assist in providing andhighlighting a few small changes thatcould be made such as access ramps andlevel access showers. These aren’t alwaysmajor projects but for many people theycan make all the difference betweenbeing able to live a normal life in theirown home or having to move out ofsomewhere they love.The other option, and a happy middleground, is making use of shelteredaccommodation and retirement housingschemes. It’s certainly the case that manyolder people remain fiercely independentand wish to enjoy privacy, but at thesame time would welcome somecompany and the peace of mind thatsomeone is always on hand in there’s aproblem.In these developments, residents treatwhere they live – it could be a suite or abungalow – as their own homes, comingand going as they please, inviting guestswhen they want and engaging any carersand other services at their own request.At the same time, though, communalareas mean they can enjoy each other’scompany and have someone to turn towhen they require companionship andassistance, while the properties haveconstant security so there’s alwayssomeone on hand in case problemsoccur.This kind of accommodation issometimes used by those in search ofrespite care – they may have just lefthospital or are recovering from a seriousillness and are aiming to get back ontheir feet. The safety net of shelteredaccommodation can help ease thetransition back to total independence, orprovide a moment to consider the nextmove, which could well be staying in thiskind of set-up full time.As well as issues of mobility, somethingelse that can make a difference indeciding where and when someonemakes a move is dementia. Many peopleare often uncomfortable about discussing65 ÁPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/LISA S.62-67_Layout 1 23/01/2015 13:59 Page 262-67_Layout 1 23/01/2015 13:59 Page 3Bridge McFarland’s Private Client Department can help with: • Wills - including appointing guardians for couples with young children • Powers of attorney - both simple powers and lasting powers • Administration of estates • Later life planning e.g. care home fees Ring 0800 987 8800 for a no-obligation quote or visit www.bmcf.co.ukHull | Grimsby | Lincoln | London | Louth | Market Rasen | Mablethorpe www.bmcf.co.ukLincolnSibthorp House, 351-355 High Street, LN7 5BN Louth 9 Cornmarket, LN11 9PY Market Rasen 26 Market Place, LN8 3HLE: info@bmcf.co.ukChristina StarlingCaroline Strathon LINCOLNSHIRETODAY65CARE FOR THE ELDERLYSpecialists in bathroom adaptionsWhen bathing becomes difficult let us re-design your bathroom with a stylish, practical bathing solutionTel: 0800 7316495CALL YOUR LOCAL OFFICE TODAY LOUTH01507 389222SKEGNESS01754 629189BOSTON01205 449326www.ahminstallations.co.ukSpecialists in bathroom adaptionsz Wet floors z Walk in showers and bathszSlip resistant flooringzGrabrailszShower seatszRaised height toilets zTiling or tile panelsthe subject, and that’s why Local Dementia Action Alliances arebeing formed to offer support to people with dementia andhelp others understand the issues that surround it.In North East Lincolnshire the Alliance has been set up byNorth East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group and theAlzheimer’s Society and Dr Karin Severin, clinical lead for olderpeople from North East Lincolnshire CCG, says, “There are anestimated two thousand people in Grimsby and Cleethorpesliving with dementia and the Alliance is just one way we arehelping to make our area more dementia friendly. We want tocreate a community where people living with the condition canbe comfortable and confident using bus services and visiting the66 ÁLocal Dementia Action Alliancesare being formed across thecounty to offer support topeople with dementia and helpothers understand the issuesthat surround it62-67_Layout 1 23/01/2015 13:59 Page 466 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCARE FOR THE ELDERLYFuneral BondGuaranteed peace of mind for you and your familyA Lincolnshire Co-op Funeral Bond offers unrivalled peace of mind & protection against the rising cost of funerals. For a free information pack please fill in and return the coupon below. Alternatively for this or any other funeral service, please call Lincolnshire Co-op Funeral Services (Tritton Road, Lincoln) on 01522 534 971.Name Address Telephone Send to: Lincolnshire Co-op Funeral Services, Funeral Bond enquiry, FREEPOST RTKS-GJBG-LLUT, LN6 7QYLT0115shops or the post office, and theirfamilies and carers have that little bit ofextra support too.”One of the main aims of the Alliance isto explain more about the realities ofliving with dementia, explaining that itdoesn’t just affect memory but alsovision, reasoning and logic – andeveryone who has dementia has differentneeds. The Alliance are illustrating thatmany people with dementia can, with alittle support, live a perfectly normal life.Care providers are also assisting thosewith dementia. Barchester, for example,have a dedicated Memory LaneCommunity at their new Tennyson Wharfhome in Lincoln, offering personalisedcare for people living with dementia.Facilities such as a sensory garden,adapted crockery and tableware andmemory boxes with small reminders suchas photographs can make a bigdifference to the quality of life and thelife-skills kitchen will ensure residents cantake part in activities that will keep themoccupied and stimulated – helping themlive a normal and fulfilled life.The key principles behind all careproviders is to ensure everyone who usestheir services can find something that’sright for them, regardless of their age,mobility or desires. That’s a convictionyou can find across Lincolnshire.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MANDY GODBEHEAR62-67_Layout 1 23/01/2015 13:59 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRETODAY67CARE FOR THE ELDERLYThe home will provide a welcoming,warm and comfortable home for olderpeople which offers high-quality nursingand residential care. Alongside this, it willalso have a dedicated Memory LaneCommunity, providing personalised carefor people living with dementia.Barchester’s carefully selected andhighly trained care team – most of whichare employed from the local area – willtake the time to get to know the peoplethey care for. Residential care will beavailable to those who need help withthe tasks of daily living, and nursing carewill provide an additional level ofassistance to those who may require it. Tennyson Wharf’s Memory LaneCommunity will offer high-quality carefor those people living with dementia.Designed to enable individuals living withdementia to continue to live a full andactive life, features will include a sensorygarden, adapted crockery and tablewareand memory boxes with small reminderssuch as photographs to help each personreminisce. The life-skills kitchen will enableresidents to get involved with baking andexperience the familiarity of everydayhousehold tasks like setting the table fordinner. By participating in meaningfulactivities, such as gardening andpainting, individuals will feel engagedand stimulated throughout the day. Livelyand involving activities programmes willbe run by skilled activities coordinators,designed for everyone’s enjoyment,whether it’s an arts & craft afternoon, afitness morning or a film evening. Thehome will also have a minibus to takepeople out for trips, such as to the shopsor theatre.Barchester make sure every meal isnutritionally balanced to contribute toeach individual’s general well-being, andcater for a variety of dietaryrequirements. An impressive choice ofcuisine will be served each day, by askilled team of chefs.For further information or to arrange aviewing, contact a member of theTennyson Wharf care team on 01522849215 or visit www.barchester.com.A warm welcome atTennyson WharfOpening this month, Tennyson Wharf is a purpose-built care home in a unique location overlookingthe prestigious Burton Waters marina.62-67_Layout 1 23/01/2015 13:59 Page 668 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYBUSINESS LINCSRegardless of how many people youemploy, if you’re an employer thechanges will affect you – and if you’re anemployee it’s of huge importance foryour later life.The big change coming into force in2015 involves pensions of course - therequirement for all eligible employees notjust to be enrolled into a workplacepension scheme, but to contribute to ittoo. The auto-enrolment scheme is part ofthe general move over the last few yearsto recognise the huge changes that willhave to be made as the population getsolder. Indeed it’s estimated that by 2050,there’ll only be two people of working agefor everyone who’s retired – so if you’reexpecting to retire around that time, it’llPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ANDREY_POPOVKeepingan eye onthe futureWhether you’re an employer or an employee, it’s well worthkeeping an eye on the changes to employment law that are beingintroduced – and 2015 sees some big changes.be a very different situation to today.The larger companies in Lincolnshireshould already have these schemes inplace, as those with over 250 employeeswere compelled to do so last year – so ifyour employer hasn’t, take it up withthem – but 2015 is the year whencompanies of all sizes will have to ensurethey’re ready to go. Companies withmore than fifty workers should have theirschemes in place by April, while smallercompanies should be starting enrolmentfrom June. The one exception to thetimetable is companies that wereestablished after April 2012 who don’tneed to enrol until 2017.During January, thousands of businessesin our region received letters from thePensions Regulator telling them to getready for the new legislation and givingthem a staging date by which anapproved scheme should be identified,opened and enrolling employees. Theemployer can choose an approvedscheme, though there is also aGovernment scheme called NEST, theNational Employment Savings Trust – anot-for-profit scheme that aims to be themost simple and straightforward option.The introduction of these schemes does68-69_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:53 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY69BUSINESS LINCSbe able to end the mother’s maternityleave and pay and share the balance.Mothers still receive the compulsoryfortnight’s maternity leave, but they canthen share the remaining fifty weeks’leave and 37 weeks’ pay. The same rightsare also available to adoptive parents –and a prospective adoptive parent is nowable to have five occasions of paid timeoff, and two of unpaid time off, for pre-adoption contact visits.This reflects a greater level of flexibilityin parental working arrangements and ispart of a move towards greater equalityvia the Children and Families Act. Thisfollows on from the new provision thatcame into force in October which allowfathers unpaid time off to attend twoantenatal appointments with theirpartners. These changes may prove alittle inconvenient to businesses, but theCBI have been lobbying for moreaffordable childcare as a major driver toimprove prosperity and it will likely meanemployees are far happier. Flexibility and equality are certainly themain drivers towards the recent changesin employment law. From last October,those employers that breach the equalpay provisions in the Equality Act are ableto be instructed by an employmenttribunal to carry out an equal pay audit -and the tribunals can also dole out cashpenalties for non-compliance. Perhapsmost importantly for companies thathave to undergo this process, the auditresults must be published on theirwebsite and remain there for three years– so those who fall foul of the law couldendure some embarrassing publicity.For many companies these changesmay well lead to changes to the way theyoperate and some additional expensewhile new practices are introduced. Yetthey can only be beneficial in the longrun for employers and employees alike.Even before many of these aspects wereentrenched in law, the most successfulcompanies were those who could provideflexibility – as any company that canmake itself more attractive for potentialemployees is well-placed to be able topick from the very best.Lincolnshire’s legal experts will be ableto ensure you’re up to date and changesare introduced smoothly, and in the longrun any expense in implementing thenew systems will be offset by theassurance you shouldn’t receive anysurprises in the future.bring about challenges for even the mostconscientious employers. Some mayalready have pension schemes in placebut it’s vital these are approved, as not allmeet the new required criteria. Inaddition there may also need to bechanges to existing payroll software, andfor the purposes of this legislation there’sa distinction between “employees” and“workers”. It could be that specialistadvice is required to work out where anyagency workers and those on temporarycontracts will fit in to the new scheme.Happily Lincolnshire’s financial specialistsshould be able to point you in the rightdirection. Streets Chartered Accountantswill focus on the new requirements as partof their annual payroll update at TheShowroom in Lincoln on Tuesday 10thFebruary, where those companies baffledat their various obligations should findsome enlightenment.The changes to pensions are thehighest profile changes during 2015 butthere are other items that businesses andemployees need to be aware of over thenext few months. Coming into force atthe end of 2014, and taking effect fromApril, is the right to shared parental leave.Employed mothers and fathers will nowPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ADAM GREGOR68-69_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:53 Page 2Next >