Author Archives: Maureen

'Dementia friends' in shops part of new care package

February 28, 2014   Alzheimer’s, Carers, dementia

28 February 2014 Last updated at 10:01

Two-thirds of dementia sufferers are women in the UK

A new package of care for dementia sufferers will help fight the illness, the health secretary says.Jeremy Hunt has announced help from businesses to support customers with dementia, and a “world dementia envoy” has been appointed.

NHS England will invest £90m in an effort to diagnose two-thirds of people with dementia by March next year.

But Labour warned that the government must tackle “poor care standards” in order to combat the condition.

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Man who’s wife suffers from dementia has published a book.

February 27, 2014   Alzheimer’s, Carers, dementia

“Anyone involved in dementia care, either personally or professionally, will benefit from sharing Tom’s experiences.”

12:12pm Thursday 27th February 2014 in News By Joshua Barrie

 Tom Wearden with wife Margaret last year

Chartered engineer Tom Wearden, 83, said he hasn’t had a “meaningful conversation” with other half Margaret for over 10 years.

Mr Wearden’s book, Front Line Alzheimer’s, is an account of his life providing 24-hour care and has medical professionals and social workers in mind.

The writer said he wants to show the hope and fulfilment he’s enjoyed looking after the love of his life – in an otherwise “harrowing” situation.

He said: “I hope that these notes about my experiences as a 24/7 carer for Margaret help to explain what real life is like for many family carers who spend most of their time at the front line.”

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Almost three-quarters of people fear living standards will fall in old age

February 26, 2014   Carers, Older care
Older people, carers and professionals say the government is unprepared for the challenges of our ageing population, survey finds
Life is no picnic for many older people.

“We’re an old country – with our best years ahead of us.” That’s how David Cameron once characterised Britain, as he set out his vision to “defuse the demographic timebomb” and use its energy to power the country forward. Yet new research for the Guardian shows many older people do not share his optimism about the future of our rapidly ageing society, amid growing concern about pensions, health and social care, rising living costs and marginalisation.

The survey shows that just 29% felt the standard of living of older people in the UK was currently at a good level, compared with 46% who disagreed. And the long-term outlook is even gloomier: just over 11% expect older people’s standard of living to improve over the next 20 years, against 79% who disagree. Over 70% do not believe older people’s overall quality of life will rise in the next two decades, compared with under 16% who do.

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