< Previous90 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYEDUCATIONsubsequent U-turn, shows a skirting around the issue ratherthan tackling it head on. For many, parents, teachers and MPs alike, the curriculumitself is outdated and needs to be overhauled in order tousher in any real positive change in the educational system. Aglance over the curriculum does throw up some glaringomissions, which don’t seem to be in keeping with thechanging needs of pupils, topics such as emotional issues,sex education and other social pressures. Mental health hasbeen illuminated in recent years, and the startling statisticsshow that many young people are coming out of educationwith mental health issues, while some are suffering migrainesas a result of the stress surround testing and revision. They’relikewise unprepared in other areas like finances and other lifeskills that can’t be quantified in terms of growth and testing. Older students, meanwhile, are increasingly turning toapprenticeships and side-stepping the traditional educationalsystem in favour of skills that are desperately needed andearning an income in a marketplace flooded with graduatesworking jobs well below their skill level, never mind outside oftheir respective fields. Unlike other aspects of education, theGovernment is throwing its weight behind apprenticeshipswith the Apprenticeship Levy, which comes into effect in April2017. The levy requires all employers operating in the UK,with a bill over £3 million each year, to make an investment inapprenticeships. Levies on businesses to financeapprenticeships are already common practice in more than 50countries across the globe. Prime Minister David Cameron has also pledged to support 3million apprenticeships by 2020 – building on the 2.3 millioncreated under the last Parliament. As part of this plan, companiesvying for government contracts in excess of £10 million will haveto demonstrate a reasonable proportion of apprentices.Testing is a fundamental part of education, but rather thanfocussing on quizzing even younger students on anincreasingly archaic curriculum, a more holistic approach isneeded. Despite the recent U-turn, the legislation aimed atoverhauling schools into academies indicated a masking of theproblem with a superficial fix, and while the dedication toapprenticeships is commendable, and provides many pupils apipeline to a career and future prospects, it does leave schoolsworse for wear. Overhauling the curriculum to include issuesimportant to today’s learners, alongside smaller classes andmore personalised, one-to-one learning shouldn’t sound like apipedream but more an aspiration. You will, of course, betested on the above – pencils at the ready. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGESCaistor Yarborough AcademyJeremy Newnham I joined Caistor YarboroughAcademy as Deputy Head in2006, and became Headteacherin 2008. This was a hugedeparture from previous careers,which included being a zoo-keeper (although some would say there aresimilarities).Our school has a beautiful setting, with its open spaces and spectacular viewsacross the Wolds. CYA has a proud tradition of being small and friendly, with aparticular aptitude for making even the most nervous of students feel atease. CYA students are actively sought by post-16 providers when they are dueto leave, and have a very high completion rate for the courses they follow. I am always delighted to welcome visitors for a grand tour – and encouragepeople not to wait for scheduled open events, but to arrange to call on a“normal day” and take the chance to speak to some of our staff and students. For more information, visit www.caistoryarboroughacademy.org.uk formore information.88-90_Layout 1 23/05/2016 15:52 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY91CARINGWe are, all of us, incredibly variedpeople, with different hobbies, hopes,dreams and desires. This is a universaltruth of mankind, and one that has beenknown for centuries. Yet it’s still a littlestrange to see that many treat the elderlyas though they are all cut from the samecloth, and assume that caring for one willbe the same as caring for any other. Aone size fits all solution, if you will. Thiscould not be further from the truth.Every older person will have their ownideas about what they’d like to do andwhere they feel most comfortable. Eachwill react to their situations in differentways and it’s important to remember thatfinding out what someone does or doesnot like is as simple as asking them. Andthat’s the most important thing really, thefact that when it comes to choosing acare option for our loved ones, that wetake into account what they want – andwhat they will feel most comfortablewith. The health benefits of happiness areso widely known that it’s not even worthgoing into them, but they of course stilldo apply here.In general there are three main routesan older person will consider when theirhealth begins to deteriorate and theyfinally decide they need more assistanceand support. One choice is the continualsupport of living full-time in a care homewith staff on hand around the clock.Alternatively people may feel moreindependent and wish to continue livingat home. In this regard they should lookto adapt their residence to accommodatetheir changing circumstances, but mightalso consider arranging for visits fromlocal carers. The third option is to takesomething of a middle ground and looktowards retirement homes that offer93 ÁPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/PHOTOGRAPHEE.EUMaking theright choice There’s no one size fits all solution for care, but there are multipleoptions that can suit a wide array of people. We take a look at themost common and what they entail.91-97_Layout 1 23/05/2016 15:50 Page 1Our caring and professional team are here to guide and advise you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With over 100 years experience, we’re here when it matters most.Our expertise also extends to:- Pre-paid Funeral Plans - Memorial Masonry - Floral Tributeswww.co-operativefuneralcare.co.ukBrigg 3b Queen Street, DN20 8HY 01652 653 621 Cleethorpes 423 Grimsby Road, DN35 7LB 01472 200 001Grimsby 55 Abbey Road, DN32 0HN 01472 355 707Winter Storage Only £75include a Service for only £25 extraScooters kept securely and charged weeklyService & RepairsWe have an up to date fully equipped Service Centre to help with anybreakdowns or repairsFantasy IslandSea Lane, Ingoldmells01754 872898207 Roman Bank,Skegness01754 768006HireWheelchairWheelchair£5.00per day£25.00per week£25 refundable DepositScooterScooter£12.00per day£65.00per week£50 refundable DepositTel: 0800 7316495CALL YOUR LOCAL OFFICE TODAY NEWARK01636 821443LOUTH01507 389222SKEGNESS01754 629189BOSTON01205 449326www.ahminstallations.co.ukFamily run businessWhen bathing becomes difficult let us re-design your bathroom with a stylish, practical bathing solutionzWet floorszWalk in showers and bathszSlip resistant flooring zTiling or tile panelszGrabrails, Shower seats zRaised height toilets Grants & Council workDiscounts for SSFA, British Legion Ex-services & OAPsFree No ObligationSurvey & Quote FREE GEORGIA BASIN ANDTOILET WITH EVERY WALK-INSHOWER/BATH ORDEREXPIRES 31ST JULY 2016Specialists inbathroom adaptions91-97_Layout 1 23/05/2016 15:50 Page 2LINCOLNSHIRETODAY93CARINGCliff Bradley & SonsFuneral Directors LtdFor a prompt, sympatheticservice from a recognisedfamily businessPrivate Chapel of RestDay and Night ServicePre-paid funeral plans41 Heaton Street,Gainsborough, DN21 2EA(01427) 810619sheltered accommodation, where they own a flat, bungalowor home, but there are carers on the grounds that can helpor offer aid where necessary.Choosing to live at home is something that needs to beconsidered carefully, if just to see whether it is somethingthat is going to promote health or wellbeing. Once againeveryone’s circumstances are different and it will depend onhow the mind and body are adapting to old age. Some areable to remain mobile and self-sufficient right up until theend of their lives. Others, through no fault of their own, losesome of this capability – and thus might not be suited toliving alone.Sometimes the desire to continue living in your homecould appear to be at risk from changing circumstanceswhich may mean it’s no longer suitable. This doesn’t have tobe the case, however, as there are many ways to adapt ahome to suit older age. These include stairlifts for mobility,through to specialised walk-in baths all the way down to abuzzer system at a door – so the tenant doesn’t need to getoff their seat every time the doorbell rings. There are a hugeamount of companies who cater for this and can advise onwhat might be the best idea for any given individual. No oneshould be made to feel ashamed or less capable because theystruggle with what was once simple tasks. That is just aprocess of growing up, as any young adult can attest whenasked why they can’t run around with as much energy asthey had as a child. Instead people must adapt, taking stepsto make difficult tasks easier, rather than avoiding the issuebecause it feels uncomfortable.Alternatively there’s the option to continue living at homebut arrange for regular visits from carers and possiblyarrange to visit a club or daycare centre a couple of times aweek. Many care providers do often invite - in non-residents95 ÁPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/WAVEBREAKMEDIA91-97_Layout 1 23/05/2016 15:51 Page 391-97_Layout 1 23/05/2016 15:51 Page 4LINCOLNSHIRETODAY95CARINGHelping You Choose A Memorial That Is A Fitting Tribute To Your Loved One133 Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire DN35 7DGTel: 01472 269696 Email: enquiry@serenitymemorials.co.ukSerenity Memorials LtdSerenity Memorials Ltdto 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 lives on theirown but welcome the occasional outingor visit 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 achance to relax, knowing they’re in safehands.It is important to build a trustingrelationship between patient and carerhowever, as in some cases you would beletting this person into their homes,which might be a risk. While agencies willalways vet and be careful around whothey hire, it’s still worth ensuring theindividual in question is comfortable andfeels they can trust the carer. At the endof the day if you are arranging this forsomeone else it’s important to rememberit isn’t you who will be dealing with thecarer, so your opinion should never beworth more than the one needing care.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.96 ÁPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ALEXANDER RATHS91-97_Layout 1 23/05/2016 15:51 Page 596 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCARINGAt 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 problems occur.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.It might be however, that a person feelsthey are unable to live in their home anylonger. Be it due to their health, thedifficulty or simply the lack of interaction.As such, the next option is often lookingat care homes themselves. Such adecision might be suggested by others,due to a trip or fall at home, but it’sworth keeping in mind that the finaldecision should ultimately be the personmaking the move. Is there a good reasonfor going into full-time care? The onlytwo reasons one should accept is thatthere is a risk to your health of staying athome, or that you genuinely want tomake the move, be it for company, moreactivities or simply a more relaxedatmosphere. A person should never feelforced to go into care, as that attitude willsimply ensure the experience is notenjoyable. Thankfully Lincolnshire has a widevariety of care homes, and because of thepleasant countryside surroundings, theyoften have more space and fresh air thanmany do in other regions. There aremore types of cares homes than manyimmediately realise, from nursing homeswhere one might have dedicated medicalstaff to help with many tasks, through tocare homes which practice a moreapartment style approach – with centralcommunity lounges or recreationfacilities. Which one is ultimately chosenshould depend on what is needed.Many elderly people seek to bolster theinteraction they receive by taking onpets, and the health benefits of a cat or adog have been well-documented. Beingforced to give up a pet to move into carecan be a devastating prospect, so itwould be better to spend some timelooking for a care home which allowspets. It might also be worth asking tospeak to some other residents to get amore unbiased opinion on how they feel.At the very least look to see if they areacting happy with their home. Beyondthat, ask about the facilities they haveavailable, what they can offer in the caseof a medical emergency, but also whatrecreational activities are available for theguests. And then ask the tenant if theywould be interested in those activities. It’snot much use being impressed by a carehome’s Bowls green if the family memberdoesn’t like the sport. Care, and in general, the end of ourlives in any regard, is a difficult thing totalk about – with many putting it off untilthe last moment. It shouldn’t have to bethat way however, and nasty surprisescan be avoided by handling things at anearly opportunity. It’s worth keeping inmind that we are happier and healthierwhen there isn’t something bogging usdown, so as much as it may screamcatchphrases from television, it is worthgetting all your affairs in order andachieving that peace of mind. It maysound cliché, but it is scientifically provento help!PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ROBERT KNESCHKE91-97_Layout 1 23/05/2016 15:51 Page 6LINCOLNSHIRETODAY97CARINGIt’s located close to the attractive MarketPlace in the centre of town and the localamenities are easily accessible. Some ofthese include a grocery shop, church,public house, post office and hairdressers.There’s also the Arts & Heritage Centrewith café and library.Greenacres are registered to care for 16residents at any one time, from all culturesand backgrounds. It has 14 single roomsand 1 double room and your privacy willbe respected by both staff and otherresidents.Staff are fully trained to at least NVQLevel 2 standards and attend regular,mandatory training, enabling Greenacres toprovide complete, professional care 24hours a day as well as being able to developa more personal, friendly bond. Being afamily run home, Greenacres providesresidents with individually tailored care. Standard room furnishings include awardrobe, drawers, bed, chair, commodeand bedside table. People are encouragedto bring some of their own furniture orpersonal belongings to help make themfeel more at home.Greenacres have a wet room/toiletnext to the hallway (which can be usedfor showers), a new toilet at the end ofthe day room, and a main bathroom withbath hoist at the far end of the bedroompassage. Services provided include long term,short term, day and respite care. Allfacilities are on two levels with lift andstaircase access to the first floor and staffare trained to ensure ease of accessibilityfor all residents. The local doctor’s surgery provides afull range of services and the doctor canmake visits to the home when requestedand the district nurses are willing toattend on a regular basis.All residents are offered a choice foreach of the meals provided each day,which are freshly prepared on thepremises using local ingredients wherepossible. Staff will also cater for specialdietary needs and ensure you have thepersonal care you may require.Greenacres tailors its care plan to meeteach person’s specific needs, with anindividual care plan incorporatinginformation that has been gathered fromthe person whose plan is being written ortheir representative. It includes specificpreferences, wishes, pen profile, history,care needs and risk assessments.During your stay, you can enjoy anactive social life through regular events,outings and activates. You areencouraged to maintain contacts with thelocal community with family and friendsmade welcome to visit at all times.Transportation is available to enable localtravel and maintain connections.Greenacres believes that all of itsresidents should remain as independentas possible during their stay. Its main aimis to provide a home in which you willfee settled, comfortable and happy. For more information, call01472 851989.Greenacres is a small, friendly care home situated in the historic town ofCaistor, surrounded by the stunning countryside of the Lincolnshire Wolds.Comfortable and happycare at GreenacresGreenacres is a small, friendly care home situated in the historic town ofCaistor, surrounded by the stunning countryside of the Lincolnshire Wolds.91-97_Layout 1 23/05/2016 15:51 Page 7Personalised carefrom Tennyson Wharf Care HomeAt Tennyson Wharf –a purpose-built care home overlooking the prestigious Burton Waters marina –our carefully selected and well-trained staff are always on hand to offer friendly advice or give tours of the home at a time to suit you. We offer a wide range of services and facilities tailored to each individual and their lifestyle preferences.www.barchester.comFor friendly advice or to pick up aselection of our free and helpful careguides, pop in for a chat or call me on:Tel:01522 849 215Park Lane, Burton Waters, Lincoln, LN1 2ZDNursing • Residential • Dementia• Respite Ensuite bedrooms• Premier suites • Sky TV availableGeneral Manager Debra Owen98-99_Layout 1 23/05/2016 14:35 Page 1A care environmentto suit your lifestyleWhen choosing a care home for yourself or a relative, you will notonly be looking for one that provides the very best care, but onewhich supports individual lifestyles, tastes and preferences.Tennyson Wharf Care Home is astunning purpose-built care home inLincoln which offers high-quality care inbeautiful surroundings. With a view overBurton Waters marina and stylish,homely interiors, it’s a unique settingwith excellent care services to match.The 60-bed home offers residential,nursing and respite care, as well asspecialised dementia care in theirMemory Lane Community, which isspecifically designed so that individualsliving with dementia can be asindependent as possible, with promptsthat encourage reminiscence andmeaningful activity.The home’s experienced team of highlyqualified nurses and well-trained carestaff focus on the individual needs ofeach resident, developing a tailored careplan for each and every person.Their approach to care, and the home’stop-quality facilities, helped the homescore 998/1000 in a survey of care homeresidents conducted by Your Care Ratingin 2015. Residents gave the home topmarks for ‘staff and care’ and ‘homecomforts’, leading to Tennyson Wharfacquiring the highest Your Care Ratingscore in the county.Why not arrange a visit to Tennyson Wharf Care Home or just call in tohave a cup of tea or coffee and see first-hand the care options available. To find out more in the meantime, please visit www.barchester.com98-99_Layout 1 23/05/2016 14:35 Page 2Next >