Author Archives: Maureen

Ageing without children: why is no one talking about it?

April 25, 2014   Carers, Older care, Social care

Without family carers, the health and social care system would collapse yet no one is addressing the growing number of older people without family to care for them

 

A new report from the IPPR predicts that, by 2030, there will be 2 million people over the age of 65 without adult children.

In this country, care for older people rests mostly on the backs of family carers. 70% of carers are supporting someone aged over 65. Half of these will live with the person and the majority are of working age, mostly in their 50s, suggesting that they are the children of those they are caring for.

They are a hugely underappreciated resource.

The way family carers are treated is appalling; their efforts taken for granted, the expectation that they will undertake any and all tasks, from giving injections to changing incontinence pads. And all without the help and training given to paid carers, for the paltry amount of £59.75 a week – if they even qualify for it.

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The tablets with no side effects

April 24, 2014   Carers, dementia, Social care

Tablet computers such as iPads improve the quality of life for dementia sufferers – but many care homes still lack the internet

 

Jeannette Williams creates virtual pottery on her iPad 

By Ruth Wood

7:03AM BST 24 Apr 2014

Shortly after moving into a dementia care home last year, Jeannette Williams made a remarkable discovery: the iPad. At the age of 74, she had lost her husband, her home and much of her freedom, but the touch-screen tablet has given her a new lease of life. Instead of being stuck in front of the television, she can now read news, play games, listen to music and watch videos. Best of all, it has rekindled her passion for pottery.

“I like making pots. They had a potter’s wheel at my art college,” said Mrs Williams, who was diagnosed with dementia at the end of 2010 and moved into care last April. Her room is decorated with printouts of the virtual vases she has made with the Let’s Create Pottery app.

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Technology offers solution to loneliness among elderly

April 22, 2014   Carers, Older care, Social care

In tens of thousands of households across Scotland the day begins early with a key turning in the lock.

‘It’s only me,’ cries a professionally cheery voice. Footsteps clatter to the kitchen to put the kettle on, a head appears round the bedroom door and a uniformed carer enters with a snap of plastic gloves. It’s time to get up.

What follows is a whirlwind of washing and dressing and with one eye on the clock the helper is away again leaving their charge with a cup of tea, a slice of toast, a long day ahead and, probably, the television for company.

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