Category Archives: Carers

Joan Bakewell tackles taboo of aged addiction

Joan Bakewell, the Labour peer, is making a documentary for Panorama about a hidden alcohol problem among senior citizens.

Joan Bakewell is filming a documentary for Panorama about binge drinking in the elderly

Tim Walker. Edited by Richard Eden

7:30AM BST 21 Jul 2012

Teenagers are often chastised for “binge drinking”, but it is pensioners that we should worry about, according to Joan Bakewell.

The broadcaster, who was appointed as a voice for older people by Gordon Brown, claims that there is a hidden alcohol problem among senior citizens. So serious does she consider the situation that she is making a documentary about it for Panorama.

“People over 65 in this country are turning out to have drink-related problems,” Baroness Bakewell tells Mandrake at a party to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Oldie magazine, at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand.

How does the Carer feel today?

A Carer’s Wish

 

I’m a Carer and I don’t mind

One of the many I do find

But I only wish someone would say

How does the Carer feel today?

I’ve learned to do so many things

I sometimes wish that I had wings

But just to hear someone say

How does the Carer feel today?

I do not crave a social life

Happy to be a caring wife

Can’t get sick, too much to do

Must carry on as I always do

So I only wish someone would say

How does the Carer feel today?

 

Jean McLennan

Speech: Paul Burstow, King’s Fund, 18 July 2012

FIXING BEVERIDGE’S ORPHAN: PUTTING IDEAS INTO ACTION

Thank you for the invitation to take part in your conference today.

Just seven days have passed since the publication of the Care and Support White Paper and draft Bill.  And of course the progress report on reform of how care is paid for.

I think social care can be described as Beveridge’s or perhaps Bevan’s orphan.  What was left after the birth of the NHS in 1946.

Social care has suffered ever since.  Hidden behind its favoured sibling: the NHS.

For most people social care is out of sight until life takes a turn that tips us into a crisis.