Monthly Archives: June 2013

Fifteen-minute care visits are not good enough

June 17, 2013   Carers, Social care

Almost three quarters of local authorities are still commissioning care visits to the elderly lasting only 15 minutes, figures show.

By

8:17AM BST 17 Jun 2013

Many councils buy in care from outside firms in blocks of a quarter of an hour, leaving carers trying to complete a range of tasks with each pensioner in a short space of time.

These tasks can include dressing, washing, and heating up meals, as well as cleaning up incontinent pensioners and administering medicines.

Charities have warned that such short visits mean the carer does not have enough time to do all this.

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Getting connected with help from the Post Office

June 16, 2013   Carers, internet, Older care

We’re helping customers to Get Connected Man assisting woman with a digital device

Having basic online skills is increasingly becoming an essential part of daily life. It is not only frustrating for those people who can’t access the internet but is also increasingly becoming a disadvantage. Those not using the internet are excluded from the benefits of being online. From the better deals and savings available online through to keeping in touch with friends and family, applying for jobs or pursuing passions and interests.
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“It’s important for carers to be cared for” Gloria Hunniford

June 16, 2013   Cancer, Carers, health

SHE’S had her fair share of negative life experiences, and Gloria Hunniford has spoken out about the importance of looking after elderly carers.

By: Kelby McNally
Gloria-Hunniford-swapped-stories-with-the-eldery-carers-of-the-Redbridge-Carers-Support-Service Gloria Hunniford swapped stories with the eldery carers of the Redbridge Carers Support Service
The singer – who cared for her own daughter, Caron Keating, before she tragically passed away from cancer – opened up about how it feels to be an older carer.”It is so important for carers to get cared for themselves,” she said as she joined a group of elderly carers at Redbridge Carers Support Service.

“I know myself having lost my daughter how strenuous caring can be to a family. It is a big responsibility and it takes a lot of energy.”

The Health Lottery Ambassador swapped stories with the people of the service, who put on activities for local carers aged seventy or over.

“The camaraderie is great as they obviously all get on very well,” revealed Gloria after the event.

The singer admitted that it’s a great feeling being able to see the lottery in action
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