Category Archives: Carers

Reforms to long-term care for the elderly may not take effect until 2025

Reforms to long-term care for the elderly may not take effect for another 15 years, despite warnings that the system is already in crisis.

By , Political Correspondent

6:15AM GMT 14 Dec 2011

Andrew Lansley, the Health Secretary, yesterday refused to rule out a new tax on pensioners to pay for the soaring costs of old age and acknowledged that more funding was needed.

His advisers admitted that key parts of the planned reformed system of care for elderly and disabled adults may not come into effect before 2025.

Con artists are ‘targeting dementia sufferers’

14 December 2011 Last updated at 00:08

The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that a growing number of people will live with dementia

Con artists are dealing “another body blow” to the most vulnerable in society who need more protection, according to a charity.

The Alzheimer’s Society calculated that 15% of people with dementia have been victims of financial abuse such as cold calling, scam mail or mis-selling.

That equates to 112,500 people, who lose an average of £850 each.

A separate police report has claimed that financial abuse could lead to premature death.

“Some are so socially isolated that they continue to give money to criminals, even when they realise what is happening, just to maintain some form of human contact,” the City of London Police report said.

Strong opposition to cuts to disabled children’s benefits

The country is sending a strong message to the Prime Minister that targeting cuts at families with disabled children is unacceptable

13th December 2011

Government narrowly avoids losing vote

Last night (12th December), the House of Lords voted on whether a 50% cut to disabled children’s benefits should go ahead. Peers from across the house spoke against the cut and supported the amendment put down by Ex -Paralympian Lady Tanni Grey-Thompson amongst others. In the last 24 hours over 1700 families with disabled children have joined Peers in opposing this cut by writing to the Prime Minister calling on the Government not to target cuts at disabled children.