Monthly Archives: November 2012

Poorest families hit hardest by income squeeze

Carers struggle to survive and keep loved ones warm

Sunday 18 November 2012

The 10 per cent of UK households with the lowest income – £8,000 or less – have seen the biggest rise in the rate of inflation over the past year when the impact of soaring university tuition fees is stripped out, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Its research shows such households faced inflation of 2.49 per cent in the year to October, compared to just 2.1 per cent for the richest 10 per cent. This is because poorer families spend twice as much of their income on fuel, and four times as much on water, the accountant says.

Experiences of Dementia / Tommy Whitelaw

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde title

Image Tommy Whitelaw, from Glasgow has been a full-time carer for his mother who has vascular dementia for the last 5 years. Through this Tommy has became a campaigner raising awareness of the issues surrounding dementia. Tommy has produced a short film which provides an insight into the issues and challenges faced with those coping with Dementia and those caring for those with Dementia.  You can view the film by clicking the link below (requires Flash player).

 

Tommy continues to speak to carers groups, as well as key decision-makers who have influence over the lives of people affected by dementia. He is still gathering experiences, to make sure they are shared with those who can make life better for carers.

Dementia sufferer from Esher gets £7,000 refund on burglar alarm

10:00am Saturday 17th November 2012

Beware of Cold Callers

An elderly dementia sufferer from Esher was hailed in National Consumer Week, after a refund of more than £7,000 from traders who sold her a ‘free’ burglar alarm.

Nesta Hollis, 77, was recovering from two strokes when she was approached by cold-callers at her door, selling what turned out to be a 15-year servicing and monitoring contract costing thousands.