Category Archives: Carers

The Care Bill: the fight to end 15 minute home visits continues

October 23, 2013   Carers, Older care, Social care, ukcuts

The government has said it “fully agrees” with a shocking report which revealed earlier this month that local authorities are delivering more than 75 per cent of their care visits in just 15 minutes.

By: Information Daily Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, October 23, 2013 – 14:30 GMT
Leonard Cheshire Disability, a charity campaigning for good quality personal home care visits, revealed through a Freedom Of Information request that older or disabled people were being washed and dressed in just 15 minutes.

The Department of Health (DoH) in a response to the report said it fully agrees that it is unrealistic to think that 15 minutes is enough time to help people who are older or have a disability to do everyday things, “it is not fair” on those who need support and “it is not fair” on care workers.

DoH said, however, that ministers would not be able to support the charity’s campaign, but hoped that the charity will accept the amendments that the House of Lords have agreed in the Care Bill.

The Care Bill, which has been scrutinised by the House of Lords this past month, is aimed at reforming care and support for adults and making provision for safeguarding adults from abuse or neglect. It will outline care standards and the support carers expect to receive.

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Commitment for carers

October 22, 2013   Carers

Carers need to be valued

Ensuring that the 5.4 million people in England who care for a friend or family member are valued, recognised and supported, is enshrined in the Department of Health’s mandate to the NHS Commissioning Board (now NHS England). One key objective is particularly relevant – “to ensure the NHS becomes dramatically better at involving patients and their carers, and empowering them to manage and make decisions about their own care and treatment.”

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Choir using music to cope with dementia

October 21, 2013   Alzheimer’s, Carers, dementia, Scotland

Many of the members who gather in St John’s church hall are living with the condition, while others are close family and friends who have adopted a full-time caring role.

The Hamilton Musical Memories Choir

A Hamilton choir are using music to cope with the early stages of dementia.

Many gathered in St John’s church hall are living with the condition, while others are close family and friends who have adopted a full-time caring role.

All are united by the power of music and the Musical Memories Choir’s ground-breaking project is making a real difference in people’s lives.

Jack Pennie (84), who is affected by the early stages of the condition, is feeling the direct benefit. “I’ve been in the choir for two years and it’s certainly helped me with my memory,” said the former furniture sales manager.

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