Category Archives: Carers

Warning that carers are at breaking point

 Warning that carers are at breaking point

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has said that some carers are at breaking point because of the stress of having to look after their loved ones with very little assistance from outside organisations. Sarah Rochira told the BBC that this vital work is often overlooked, even though it can have a major impact on people’s physical and mental health.

She said that carers provide as much as £6 billion a year in savings to healthcare authorities, but many feel as though they do not matter.

New scheme holds the key to keeping vulnerable adults safe

New scheme holds the key to keeping vulnerable adults safe

Monday, 2 December

A new scheme aimed at keeping vulnerable adults in Norfolk safe is proof that sometimes simple ideas are the best.

The ‘Key to Keep You Safe’ scheme has been launched by the Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board, which includes representatives from Norfolk County Council, Norfolk Constabulary and local health organisations. Key fobs have been produced which have the 24-hour Norfolk County Council phone number to report adult social services emergencies (0344 800 8020) printed on one side. On the other side, there is space for an ‘in case of emergencies’ number, which could belong to a relative or friend, to be filled in.

The key fobs are targeted at vulnerable adults who may have, for example, decreased mobility, poor memory or who may get easily distracted and confused. They can be attached to a key ring and if people carrying one become distressed or have a fall, the key fob will allow members of the public to quickly get in touch with both a personal contact and professionals who will be able to help.

Ten thousand key fobs have been produced, fully funded by partners of the Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board, and some have already been distributed to people who may benefit from them.

G8 dementia summit to be held in London next week

The number of people living with dementia will triple worldwide by 2050, according to a new report.

There has been a 22% rise in the number of people living with dementia globally since previous estimates three years ago.

Published ahead of next week’s G8 summit on dementia being held in London, the research showed 44 million people were now thought to be living with dementia.

This would reach 76 million in 2030 before hitting 135 million by 2050, the report stated.