Tag Archives: Scotland

Robots to help people with dementia in Western Isles

July 5, 2013   Alzheimer’s, Carers, dementia, health, Independent living, internet, Scotland, Social care

NHS Western Isles is putting robots into the homes of people with dementia as part of a pilot scheme

 

Members of the Remodem project team with the Giraff robot
Backers of the plan believe robots can replace the human touch

NHS Western Isles is putting robots into the homes of people with dementia as part of a pilot scheme to help them to continue to live independently.
A relative or carer – potentially hundreds of miles away – can drive the machine around the house to check that everything is all right.
The pair can also have a chat through a two-way video call system.
The Giraff robots are 1.5m (4ft 11in) tall with wheels, and a TV screen instead of a head.
A relative or carer can call up the Giraff with a computer from any location. Their face will appear on the screen allowing them to chat to the other person.

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“Five minutes is enough.” says Dundee United legend's wife

June 29, 2013   Alzheimer’s, Carers, dementia, Scotland, ukcuts
Dundee United legend’s wife takes dementia campaign to Holyrood
By Jenny Thomson, 28 June 2013 8.03am.
  • Frank and Amanda Kopel.

The woman leading a campaign to get free personal care for people with early onset dementia is to make her case at the Scottish Parliament.

Amanda Kopel, from Kirriemuir, started her campaign after her husband, former Dundee United star Frank Kopel, 64, was diagnosed with the disease in 2009.

As he is under 65 his care is paid for by his family, at a cost of £400 a week, but Amanda wants a change in the law to see all those with the disease receive the same benefits.

She started a petition calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to raise awareness of the daily issues suffered by people with Alzheimer’s and dementia and to ensure that free personal care is made available for all sufferers regardless of age.

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£675,000 will help family carers cope in Renfrewshire

June 28, 2013   Carers, health, Scotland

New strategy put in place to help carers

Jun 27 2013 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

Council chiefs are putting up £675,000 to help carers look after their loved ones without sacrificing their own health.
The generous package has been earmarked for Renfrewshire’s 22,600 carers who themselves need support.
They often give up careers to look after relatives and Renfrewshire Council hopes the £675,000 will help them cope.

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