Category Archives: ukcuts

Working Carer shortage ‘could force me into a home’

The lady claims to have gone a week without being able to use the toilet

Written byELEANOR DICKINSON

15/07/13 - Christine Maksymowicz from Cambridge who following an illness is now a Quadripelgic with her husband John Maksymowicz, they are concerned by failings of a care agency. Picture By Keith Jones 15/07/13 – Christine Maksymowicz from Cambridge who following an illness is now a Quadripelgic with her husband John Maksymowicz, they are concerned by failings of a care agency. Picture By Keith Jones

A paralysed woman claims a shortage of suitable carers could force her into residential care.

Quadriplegic Christine Maksymowicz, of Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge, said she has been left without a live-in carer despite needing round-the-clock assistance.

She told the News she is being looked after by a district nurse while she waits for private care agency Pulse to provide a new carer.

However, the 60-year-old claims the changes have affected her quality of life and meant she has gone a week without going to the toilet.

She said: “The district nurses said they will only deal with my bowel movements twice a week, so if I can’t go on the day they come, then I won’t be able to go until the next week.”

Mrs Maksymowicz now fears she may have to go into residential care.

Recession 'worst for mentally ill'

Across Europe, people with mental health problems have been disproportionately affected

 

Unemployment is hitting the mentally ill twice as hard as it is the general population, a study has found.

Across Europe, people with mental health problems have been disproportionately affected by the recession, said researchers.

Elderly care cap in England to benefit ‘one in eight’

Elderly care cap in England to benefit ‘one in eight’

An elderly woman's hand on  a stick The cap on care costs in England is due to be introduced in 2016

The £72,000 cap on elderly care costs in England, due to be introduced in 2016, will benefit one in eight people, the government has said.

The revelation came as the government set out details about how it will work.

It confirmed there would be a deferred payment scheme under which the local council would pay care fees and claim them back from the estate after death.

Labour said the details would not help elderly and disabled people struggling to get the support they needed now.

Ministers say the cap on costs is a solution to the elderly care crisis, but the level at which the cap is being set is twice what was recommended, meaning the numbers benefiting will be restricted.