Author Archives: wendy

How the internet and digital technology can combat isolation

December 20, 2012   Carers, internet, Older care

There is no need for family carers to feel alone!

Posted on 24/11/2012 by |

In a week that Jeremy Hunt announced a new initiative to combat the isolation and loneliness experienced by millions of people it does seem extraordinary that so few local authorities and Health and Wellbeing Boards are  exploring how digital technology can connect people and communities. With an increasing number of web and mobile based applications from simple information to more complex care management tools digital technology has the potential to transform the delivery of care and support in communities. It is fair to comment that access to high speed broadband will be an essential element to realising the full potential of digital technology for providing.

An impressive amount of research has been undertaken and reports produced to explore the challenges, barriers and opportunities of encouraging older people to use the internet and digital technology to live more independent and fulfilling lives.  The internet and digital technology has a very valuable role to play in providing access to services and support to those who have difficulty accessing them in the offline world.

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Carer Services Prescription in Cambridgeshire

December 20, 2012   Carers, health

Are you a Carer and need a Break?

Are you caring for someone and feel emotionally or physically overwhelmed? Would a break make a difference to your well being?

You can visit your GP and explain your situation.  It is important that your GP acknowledges you are a carer and that your details are logged on their Carers Register which will try to improve the ongoing support available to you.

If you and your GP agree that more support is required, you will be issued with a free Prescription.  Your details will be passed to Crossroads Care Cambridgeshire with your consent, so that you can be supported with information and the opportunity of a carers assessment.  We will visit you to discuss the most appropriate form of support, which could include a free short break.  We can point you in the right direction to where you can find out more about caring, your rights, free services or benefits you may be entitled to.

You may choose to have a short break for some “me” time away from it all to support your own health or to keep an appointment.

http://www.crossroadscarecambridgeshire.org.uk

 

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Carers say funding cuts will end up costing council more in long term

December 17, 2012   Carers, disability, health, ukcuts

Cuts of £500,000 to carers services in Derby will cost the city council more in the long run.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Derby Telegraph

 

By PAUL WHYATT

CARERS in Derby say plans to slash funding for services they use by £500,000 will cost the city council far more in the long term.

Vita Snowden, of the campaign group Protect Derby Carers’ Services, said many of the city’s 5,000 carers would be unable to cope if their support services were forced to fold as a result of the cuts.

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    Councillor Fareed Hussain said carers would still be able to access services.

And that, she claimed, would leave the council having to take on responsibility for the care of thousands more vulnerable adults.

Ms Snowden said: “The council thinks it is saving money by cutting carers’ services but it will end up spending much more.

“It costs the council approximately £26,000 per year to pay for one person to live in a care home. The amount it is looking to cut over the next three is the same as the amount it would cost them to look after 20 adults.

“There are 5,000 carers looking after loved ones in Derby. If they cannot cope, thousands more adults will have to go into care homes. It will cost the council millions more.”

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