Category Archives: disability

Charity attacks 'rise' in 'disgraceful' short care visits

October 7, 2013   Carers, dementia, disability, Multiple Sclerosis, Older care, Social care, ukcuts

7 October 2013 Last updated at 10:52

Charity attacks ‘rise’ in ‘disgraceful’ short care visits

 

Richard Stapeley, who has Multiple Sclerosis, says his 30-minute visits are not long enough

Short care visits to elderly and disabled people are “disgraceful” and on the rise, a charity has claimed.

In England, 60% of councils use 15-minute visits, which are not long enough to provide adequate care Leonard Cheshire Disability says.

The charity says such visits can “force disabled people to choose whether to go thirsty or to go to the toilet”.

The government said the Care Bill would prevent “inappropriate” short visits but would not outlaw 15-minute visits.

Leonard Cheshire wants a ban on what it calls the “scandal of flying 15-minute visits”, lobbying the government to prevent the practice in England.

Read More

Disability tests opposed by dean of St Paul's Cathedral

September 29, 2013   Carers, disability

A letter urging Prime Minister David Cameron to get rid of work assessments for the disabled has been signed by the dean of St Paul’s Cathedral.

 The tests assess entitlement to employment and support allowance

The Very Rev Dr David Ison was among campaigners to claim the tests could “cut short” disabled people’s lives.

The letter also called on ministers to address the “shameful offences” of austerity measures.

The government said the assessments had been improved and could help disabled people get into employment.

‘Heaviest burden’

The letter, titled The Downing Street Demand, called for an end to work capability assessments (WCA) which “demean and distress” disabled people.

Read More

Lowestoft care hub will help older carers find jobs

September 26, 2013   Carers, disability
26 September 2013

A disability charity has launched a new centre for the Lowestoft area

Carers' manager for the Papworth Trust Pat Cruse ousride thenew centre on London Road South.
Carers’ manager for the Papworth Trust Pat Cruse ousride thenew centre on London Road South.

A disability charity has launched a new centre for the Lowestoft area which will provide support to family carers who would like to start work again.

The Care Hub in London Road South in the Kirkley area will help carers by offering them training and support to help them get back into paid work.

Run by the Papworth Trust, the hub is a free daytime and evening drop-in centre and is aimed at people aged 55 and over and whose caring responsibilities have meant they have had to take a break from work.

Based at the Papworth Trust Waveney Centre, The Care Hub will offer training courses in health and social care, which will feature modules on medication, food hygiene, fire safety and the principles of person-centred care, in a bid to help carers get back into employment.

It will also provide carers with financial advice and information on benefits.

Read More