Category Archives: Carers

There is nothing good to say about Alzheimer’s

Disease with dreadful sadness for carers

Michael Gill with his son A. A. Gill in 2003. “The illness gave us a long time to make our farewells. There was nothing left unsaid between us,” says the writer  Peter Marlow/Magnum
  • Michael Gill with his son A. A. Gill in 2003. “The illness gave us a long time to make our farewells. There was nothing left unsaid between us,” says the writer Peter Marlow/Magnum
A. A. Gill
December 22 2011 12:01AM

The thing with this sentence, this arrest of dementia, is that its greatest victims aren’t those who have it. That’s not to say that the diagnosis isn’t dreadful for the recipient, but there is a peculiar and particular hammering sadness for those that love and care for an Alzheimer’s spouse or parent.

It is a wearying and lonely obligation, but with the added cruelty that the person you’re looking after vanishes, escapes before your eyes. In the end, you’re caring for the case that someone came in.

The Government has spent less time and less money on elderly and child care or family policy.

2011: social affairs news in review

While the NHS has been in the spotlight all year, the Government has spent less time and less money on elderly and child care or family policy.

 

Elderly people were once again left waiting for reform to the social care system, while more abuse and neglect was uncovered. Photo: REX

By , Social Affairs Editor

8:00AM GMT 22 Dec 2011

Elderly care

After years of indecision, delay and argument, a comprehensive and workable solution to England’s elderly care crisis was finally delivered in 2011.

The proposal by the Dilnot Commission to cap costs at about £35,000, and to make the means-testing system less unfair on pensioners with some assets, was almost universally welcomed by campaigners and support groups.

Carers at Christmas

Hospital staff celebrate carers’ excellent work

Carers from the Clacton area who look after elderly relatives with mental health issues have had their work celebrated by hospital staff.

More than 100 carers and service users, who use the day hospital, were invited to the Freeland Court for a festive lunch, coffee and mince pies as a thank you from staff.