Andrew Motion has written a poem for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s new website, A Better Life, part of a five-year project to promote a positive agenda for older people. The poem distils fragments of lives past: red varnished toenails on a Llandudno honeymoon; “defending the realm” as a soldier then slaking its thirst as a brewer; Rowena who likes “a slice of sponge cake”. Well intentioned, the poem comes over with as much bounce as a mattress with its springs taken out.
Monthly Archives: February 2012
Older people give so much more than they take from us
While we treat the elderly as a set of symptoms and problems, we ignore what we will be one day
“Older people are not that much different from their younger selves: they want to feel valued; have contact with others; give something back and have control over their lives.” Photograph: George Shelley/ Corbis
1,000 Lives Plus project to concentrate on life after stroke
Dr Anne Freeman explains how a new 1,000 Lives Plus project will help people recover from stroke
- by Dr Anne Freeman, Western Mail
- Feb 20 2012
WHEN a person suffers a stroke, the impact on their life can be devastating.
As well as the physical trauma, many stroke survivors are left feeling emotionally vulnerable and alone when they leave hospital and return home.
This is the time when having easily accessible and appropriate services and support available in the community is vital.
And yet, many stroke survivors tell us they often feel abandoned and in a “black hole”, unsure of who to turn to for help and information.
‘Most vulnerable hit hardest by cuts’
PLANS to close three dementia care homes in Sheffield were met with disbelief and anger from stunned carers and families.
Published on Monday 20 February 2012 06:00
Rita Brookes, who helped defeat last year’s plans to close Woodland View and Birch Avenue, said she could not believe more closures are on the cards.
The 58-year-old, whose aunt suffers from severe dementia and is still being treated in Woodland View, said: “They are coming up with the same arguments as they did last year – that this care could be done cheaper in essentially private hands.
