Monthly Archives: January 2016

Prime Minister pledges a revolution in mental health treatment

The Prime Minister will announce almost a billion pounds of investment to enhance mental health services across the country.

Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street, The Rt Hon David Cameron MP, The Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Department of Health and NHS EnglandFirst published:Part of:Mental health service reform

  • £290 million to provide specialist care to mums before and after having their babies
  • first ever waiting time targets to be introduced for teenagers with eating disorders and people experiencing psychosis
  • nearly £250 million for mental health services in hospital emergency departments
  • over £400 million to enable 24/7 treatment in communities as safe and effective alternative to hospital

DEMENTIA – ARE WE ALL MISSING A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO FIND OUT WHO WE ARE ?

Rolling Back The Years”  Guest blog Andy Tremlett

http://www.rbtyears.co.uk/

My mum died on a Christmas day a few years ago. She had dementia and had struggled to live her life after my elder brother died of leukaemia 3 years previously. She was happily married to Charles , my Dad, for 64 years. Dad died 67 days later after caring for Beth for a number of years.
I have never really recovered from the shock of discovering the bulk buying of incontinence pads stored in the garage in Harrow where they lived. Or indeed, seeing the glazed look on her face at Mike’s funeral.

My Dad applied a logistical and truly loving approach to dealing with Mum’s problems. He slept downstairs in case of Mum’s desire to do a runner. He was a scientist, highly intelligent and extremely practical with a career that was based on superb engineering skills. He had a lathe. He kept sulphuric and nitric acid in his workshop. He could make or mend anything. He was part of the team that introduced the radar in World War II.
By the same token, Mum was also extremely practical and one of the gentlest and wisest people I have ever had the honour to know. I never saw her change a fuse on a plug, but she was responsible for inspecting the electrical systems in Wellington and Lancaster bombers being built during the war near Manchester.

Dementia loved ones ‘benefit from visits’

People with dementia feel happy long after a visit or experience they may have forgotten

Spending time with loved ones with dementia is important even after they fail to recognise the faces of friends and family, a dementia charity says.

A survey found that 42% of the public think there is no point in keeping up contact at this stage.