Author Archives: Maureen
Con artists are ‘targeting dementia sufferers’
14 December 2011 Last updated at 00:08
Con artists are dealing “another body blow” to the most vulnerable in society who need more protection, according to a charity.
The Alzheimer’s Society calculated that 15% of people with dementia have been victims of financial abuse such as cold calling, scam mail or mis-selling.
That equates to 112,500 people, who lose an average of £850 each.
A separate police report has claimed that financial abuse could lead to premature death.
“Some are so socially isolated that they continue to give money to criminals, even when they realise what is happening, just to maintain some form of human contact,” the City of London Police report said.
Strong opposition to cuts to disabled children’s benefits
The country is sending a strong message to the Prime Minister that targeting cuts at families with disabled children is unacceptable
13th December 2011
Government narrowly avoids losing vote
Last night (12th December), the House of Lords voted on whether a 50% cut to disabled children’s benefits should go ahead. Peers from across the house spoke against the cut and supported the amendment put down by Ex -Paralympian Lady Tanni Grey-Thompson amongst others. In the last 24 hours over 1700 families with disabled children have joined Peers in opposing this cut by writing to the Prime Minister calling on the Government not to target cuts at disabled children.
More than one in ten patients who visits their GP is a carer
Just over one in ten patients who visits their GP is a carer. How many are on your practice list?
A carer is a person of any age, adult or child, who provides unpaid support to a partner, child, relative or friend who couldn’t manage to live independently or whose health or wellbeing would deteriorate without this help. This could be due to frailty, disability or serious health condition, mental ill health or substance misuse.
Being a carer comes at a physical and psychological cost
- Up to 40% of carers experience psychological distress or depression
- Carers have an increased rate of physical health problems e.g. providing high levels of care is associated with a 23% higher risk of stroke
- Older carers who report ‘strain’ have a 63% higher likelihood of death in a year period than non-carers or carers not reporting strain
