Category Archives: Carers

Why black and minority ethnic communities need targeted dementia services

African-Caribbean and South Asian UK communities are at greater risk of developing dementia

African-Caribbean and South Asian UK communities are at greater risk of developing dementia than the indigenous white population, but there is a lack of specialist care

As her mother swaps childhood stories with her peers at a social club, Amina Begum sees another side to her 65-year-old parent. Her mother, Jahanara, is at ease and animated instead of being confused and frustrated.

Flu jabs for carers

Tell your GP if you receive a Carer’s Allowance or are the main carer

As a carer you may be worried about getting the flu because it would affect your ability to care for the person you’re looking after. You may be able to get a flu jab because of this, or because of your age or your own health.

Government policy is that the flu vaccine should be offered to the following groups:

  • Everyone aged 65 years and over.
  • Everyone aged six months or over who is in a clinical risk group.
  • People living in long-stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facilities where the infection could spread easily and put lives at risk (this doesn’t include prisons, young offender institutions or university halls of residence).
  • People who are receiving a Carer’s Allowance, or who are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill. This will be given on an individual basis at the GP’s discretion depending on your need.

Putting dementia carers in control

Improve quality of life for both patients with dementia and their carers around the UK

Experts will explore how improved support and powers for people caring for loved-ones with dementia can improve quality of life for both patients and carers around the UK.

Health research specialists from the University of Lincoln, UK, will examine whether carers’ involvement in at-home monitoring, such as noting changes in sufferers’ behaviour and feelings on a daily basis, could help them cope with the reality of watching their loved-ones deteriorate.