Monthly Archives: July 2012

How does the Carer feel today?

July 21, 2012   Carers

A Carer’s Wish

 

I’m a Carer and I don’t mind

One of the many I do find

But I only wish someone would say

How does the Carer feel today?

I’ve learned to do so many things

I sometimes wish that I had wings

But just to hear someone say

How does the Carer feel today?

I do not crave a social life

Happy to be a caring wife

Can’t get sick, too much to do

Must carry on as I always do

So I only wish someone would say

How does the Carer feel today?

 

Jean McLennan

Read More

Speech: Paul Burstow, King’s Fund, 18 July 2012

July 20, 2012   Carers

FIXING BEVERIDGE’S ORPHAN: PUTTING IDEAS INTO ACTION

Thank you for the invitation to take part in your conference today.

Just seven days have passed since the publication of the Care and Support White Paper and draft Bill.  And of course the progress report on reform of how care is paid for.

I think social care can be described as Beveridge’s or perhaps Bevan’s orphan.  What was left after the birth of the NHS in 1946.

Social care has suffered ever since.  Hidden behind its favoured sibling: the NHS.

For most people social care is out of sight until life takes a turn that tips us into a crisis.

Read More

War veteran’s plea for help to stay at home

July 20, 2012   Cancer, Carers, dementia

A TERMINALLY-ill war veteran is pleading for more help at home so that he and his wife can stay together.

12:00pm Friday 20th July 2012 in News By Joanna Codd

 Bernard Read and his wife Vera

 

Until recently, cancer sufferer Bernard Read, 87, of Poole, has looked after his 86-year-old wife Vera, who has dementia – including cooking for her and giving her insulin injections.

But after a recent spell in hospital he is unable to continue giving her the same care.

His prostate cancer has spread to his bones and he has congestive heart failure. He is visited by carers three times a day.

Mr Read said: “My wife doesn’t get any care at all. The main time it is necessary is at night. I can’t get out of bed and my wife is diabetic.

“If she had a hypo I couldn’t do anything about it. She could be downstairs on her own and she’s bad with electrics.

Read More