Author Archives: wendy

Taking a break can have a huge impact both on carers and those they care for

June 9, 2013   Carers, carersweek, disability, Norfolk

SANDRINGHAM: Could you get on your bike for Park House?

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Published on 09/06/2013 10:00

Organisers of a charity cycling event being held at Sandringham later this month have said they are pleased with the increasing rate of entries.

More than 200 riders have already signed up to take part in the Cycle Together Sandringham event, which takes place on Sunday, June 23 and will support the work done to provide respite breaks for disabled people at the Park House Hotel on the estate.

And, to mark this week’s National Carers Week, three regular visitors to the hotel have spoken of how important the property is to them.

Jackie Thoday, from Litcham, said: “I regularly stay at Park House to give my husband, who is my carer, a break. He knows I will be looked after with a high level of care from dedicated staff and I go home refreshed.”

Viv Barrett travels all the way from Leighton Buzzard to take advantage of the hotel’s facilities.

She said: “It gives me a holiday with the reassurance of knowing that I am safe, and will be well looked after by good care staff.

“The accommodation is very nice and, as I need to be hoisted the room is fully equipped, including an electric hoist. I cannot fault the care team.”

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Memory quilts cover Hampden pitch to showcase lives of people with dementia

June 9, 2013   Alzheimer’s, Carers, dementia, Scotland

The playing surface at Hampden was covered with thousands of memory quilts

8 June 2013 Last updated at 14:31
The playing surface at Hampden was covered with thousands of memory quilts

Thousands of quilts stitched with the memories of people with dementia have been spread out to cover the pitch of the national stadium at Hampden.

The event is linked to the Alzheimer Scotland Scottish Football Memories Project, which uses football to stimulate memories of the past.

Some of the quilts on show featured stars including Sir Alex Ferguson, Gordon Strachan and Craig Brown.

Former Scotland manager Brown was at Hampden to show his support.

Ann Hill, resident quilter at NHS Dumfries and Galloway, has been a driving force behind the event.

Work to create the quilts sees people with dementia talk about family, friends, places and events from their past and these are stitched into a quilt which is then presented to the person.

The memories of football teams and games from the past have also been used in a project run by Glasgow Caledonian University.

Ms Hill said: “We have been working on this project for around four years and almost 3,000 quilters from right across the world have rallied to the cause superbly.

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Carers struggle to exercise lasting power of attorney

June 9, 2013   Carers, carersweek, disability, Older care

As Carers Week highlights the unpaid workforce of 6.5 million we look at one of many frustrations: getting banks to recognise your lasting power of attorney

 

Jarina Choudhury cares for her mother Jubeda but sorting out legal issues just adds to the stress.

The number of unpaid carers in the UK, who shoulder the responsibility of looking after a frail, ill or disabled friend or relative, stands at 6.5 million, and is set to rocket in the next couple of decades, according to figures from Carers UK.

“We estimate that it will hit 9 million by 2037 as a result of our ageing population, and the fact that people are living longer with disabilities and long-term health conditions,” says Steve McIntosh, policy manager for Carers UK. “More and more of us will need help and advice to cope with the pressures caring puts on our careers and on family finances.”

The number of carers providing free support has already climbed by 600,000, or around 11%, in the past decade. This hidden army, which saves the nation a staggering £119bn each year, is the focus of Carers Week, starting on 10 June, which is a partnership of nine charities aimed at increasing awareness of the emotional, physical and financial impact of taking on this role.

Carers often find their income takes a hit if they have to give up work or reduce hours to look after a loved one, as well as tackling a range of other financial considerations. “These include arranging payment of household bills for the person they’re caring for, applying for financial support and benefits on their behalf, or managing their different bank accounts, pensions, savings or debts,” says McIntosh.

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