Category Archives: Carers

Social care cuts ‘could lead to higher NHS bills’

October 16, 2012   Carers, hospital, Older care, ukcuts

Dying people could end up in hospital sooner – and so cost taxpayers more – if cuts to social care services continue, a report warns today.

Better social care appears to reduce the need for hospital until the very latest stage among the dying, found the Nuffield Trust.

By , Medical Correspondent

6:45AM BST 16 Oct 2012

The Nuffield Trust, a think tank, has found that good social care tends to keep the terminally ill out of hospital until they really need it.

Their report looked at the usage that 73,000 people made of council social services and hospitals in the last months of their lives.

Dr Martin Bardsley, head of research at the Nuffield trust, said: “Our study suggests how social care might be effectively substituting for hospital care for this group of people.

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Elderly care: Norman Lamb urges greater family role

October 15, 2012   Carers, Norfolk, Older care

People will need to take greater responsibility for the care of elderly relatives in the future, health minister Norman Lamb said.

Norman Lamb Norman Lamb said the state must continue to provide care where families could not

Mr Lamb said pressure on government budgets meant families would have to play an increased role in care.

He said the government had also taken £7.2bn from health to help local councils provide social care.

Mr Lamb, MP for North Norfolk, where a third of constituents are over 65, was speaking to the BBC’s Inside Out.

“What’s happening in my own constituency makes me acutely aware of the changes we face,” said Mr Lamb.

‘Crazy situation’

“The truth is that the government has an absolute responsibility to ensure that older people get the care that they need so that they can grow old in dignity and respect, and it means that we have to fund the carers that are available to look after those people,” he said.

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Norwich young carers on the Broads

October 15, 2012   Carers, learning difficulties, Norfolk

By stephen pullinger broads correspondent
Monday, October 15, 2012
8:42 AM

Taking part in fun activities on the Broads has been a rite of passage for generations of youngsters growing up in Norfolk.

Young carers at How Hill

Young carers at How Hill

However, for one group of eight to 13 year olds visiting How Hill, near Ludham, on Saturday, a boat trip and adventure on the marshes were far removed from their everyday lives.

For the children are all members of Norwich Young Carers and take on responsibilities beyond their years in helping to look after sick or disabled parents or siblings.

For Georgina Mason, 11, it meant a day off from helping her mother, Lisa, who has multiple sclerosis and uses a disabled scooter; for Joshua O’Toole, nine, it meant a break from supporting his disabled father, Mark who has to use sticks to walk; for Sophie Peach, 10, it meant a day away from helping to care for her 12-year-old brother, Sammy, who has learning difficulties.

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