Category Archives: Carers

How to avoid unscrupulous traders of mobility aids

Mobility aid scams

Mobility aid scams are reported to be among ten scams on the rise in 2013 by The Telegraph and have earned dodgy traders more than £28m in three years. These target elderly people on the telephone or doorstep and involve hard-selling tactics. Below are ways to avoid unscrupulous traders:

Cold calling

This can be stressful for an elderly person, but you must remain composed. If you are unsure or feel pressurised, say that you are not interested and hang up the phone. If you continue to be targeted, do not hesitate to alert the authorities.

On the doorstep

Be wary of time-limited offers and always compare prices by getting a second opinion. If you are unsure or feel under pressure, politely say so and close the door.

‘A lot of carers are finding it hard to pay bills’

ELEANOR Brownlie felt she had no choice but to take her granddaughter into her care after the then one-year-old’s parents suffered personal problems through addictions.

SUPPORT PLEA: Eleanor Brownlie, who has looked after her granddaughter for 16 years, believes carers like herself are undervalued. Picture: Colin Mearns

SUPPORT PLEA: Eleanor Brownlie, who has looked after her granddaughter for 16 years, believes carers like herself are undervalued. Picture: Colin Mearns

The 72-year-old from Glasgow, who has looked after her granddaughter for 16 years, said: “If I hadn’t stepped in she would have gone into the system and been pushed from pillar to post.”

She said she believes the work of kinship carers across the country is undervalued and not recognised by the authorities, who would otherwise have to pick up the bill for looking after vulnerable children.

World Alzheimer’s Day – 21st September 2013. How to talk to somebody with dementia!

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day.  We would like to take this opportunity to honour both people with Alzheimer’s and also their caregivers.

The aim of this blog is both to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and to give a few hints to how better communicate with people who are losing cognitive abilities.
There are a few basic principles which we would like to share with you.   Please feel free to share with others as well.a)      Firstly introduce yourself and address the person by their name.  This means that you will limit possibilities of confusion.

b)      Beware of facial  expressions and body language.

c)       Do not get angry however hard the conversation is.

d)      Try to be as simple as possible in both your choice of words and sentences. If you have to impart any instructions please just do one at a time.

e)      Be patient. It can be tough for both parties.