Author Archives: wendy

Flu jabs for carers

September 22, 2014   Carers

Tell your GP if you receive a Carer’s Allowance or are the main carer

As a carer you may be worried about getting the flu because it would affect your ability to care for the person you’re looking after. You may be able to get a flu jab because of this, or because of your age or your own health.

Government policy is that the flu vaccine should be offered to the following groups:

  • Everyone aged 65 years and over.
  • Everyone aged six months or over who is in a clinical risk group.
  • People living in long-stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facilities where the infection could spread easily and put lives at risk (this doesn’t include prisons, young offender institutions or university halls of residence).
  • People who are receiving a Carer’s Allowance, or who are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill. This will be given on an individual basis at the GP’s discretion depending on your need.
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Putting dementia carers in control

September 18, 2014   Carers, dementia, Featured Article

Improve quality of life for both patients with dementia and their carers around the UK

Experts will explore how improved support and powers for people caring for loved-ones with dementia can improve quality of life for both patients and carers around the UK.

Health research specialists from the University of Lincoln, UK, will examine whether carers’ involvement in at-home monitoring, such as noting changes in sufferers’ behaviour and feelings on a daily basis, could help them cope with the reality of watching their loved-ones deteriorate.

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What mental health services can learn from Sandwell’s integrated approach

September 15, 2014   Carers, Featured Article, health, mental health

Sandwell in the West Midlands has re-engineered its services to support more people at an earlier stage in their illness, with impressive results

It is good news that the chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies, has turned the spotlight on mental health in her latest report. She is right to argue for a big drive on public mental health.

There is already some great practice out there. I would urge Davies to take a trip to Sandwell to find out how and why the area is doing so well on violence reduction and reducing levels of depression.

Earlier this month, I travelled to Sandwell and Dudley to find out for myself. The answer is not rocket science, it is all about relationships. Focusing on building relationships helps people to become more resilient and capable.

Sandwell’s approach to mental health and wellbeing is all about recognising and developing people’s relational assets and never turning people away.

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