Category Archives: Carers

Call for review of Carer’s Allowance application process

November 22, 2014   autism, Carers, Featured Article, learning difficulties

The Carers’ Association has called for a complete review of the application process for the Carer’s Allowance in respect of those looking after people with learning disabilities and autism.

The association said it is encountering a worrying rise in the rejection rate following desk-top assessments at the Department of Social Protection.

The father of a 16-year-old boy with autism drives 50 miles a day to bring his son to the Stepping Stones ABA school in Kilcloon, Co Meath.

Anthony Doolan gave up his permanent, pensionable job ten years ago to care for his son Paul full-time.

He said his son cannot be left at any stage on his own and needs to be under constant supervision.

Read More

Dementia care in Japan is being solved through volunteer schemes

November 18, 2014   Carers, dementia, Featured Article

Community projects, such as open houses which provide all-day care, are innovative and low-cost
Mayumi Hayashi, King’s College London

Guardian Professional,

4.6 million people in Japan are living with dementia. Photograph: Franck Robichon/EPA

With the world’s fastest ageing population where one in four are over 65 and there are 4.6m people (15% of the older population) living with dementia, Japan is struggling to find sustainable and affordable solutions. With the world’s highest level of debt – 230% of national GDP – these solutions to the challenge of dementia must be both innovative and cost-effective.

While political leaders take the stage in Tokyo to promote their “big” dementia policies, at ground level grassroots initiatives are helping to make communities dementia friendly. Central government is beginning to take notice, appreciate and even promote these volunteer-led examples of dementia care and support. This positive response reflects the overriding economic pressures and concerns – to defuse the “ticking time-bomb” of dementia.

Read More

Hero dog transforms a Hampshire woman’s life

November 16, 2014   Carers, disability, Featured Article, Uncategorized

MANY of us would say our dog or cat is more than just a pet – but one Hampshire resident’s dog has transformed her life.

Angela Moody, whose disability has left her unable to move without pain, says assistance dog Odessa is not only her constant helper but also a companion.

The pair have been together six months, which for Angela has proved a revelation after more than three decades coping on her own.

Odessa has been specially trained by charity Canine Partners to assist people with disabilities.

Read More