Category Archives: internet

Technology gave Brain damaged man his ‘speech’ back

Brain-damaged man has ‘speech’ back
Published on Sunday 17 February 2013 06:00

A MAN left brain damaged by an attack 20 years ago has been given the gift of speech again – thanks to new technology.

Kevin Beverley, aged 55, was attacked in Barnsley town centre when he was in his 30s.

The unprovoked assault left Kevin with severe brain damage, broken bones, and paralysis down his right side.

He was also unable to speak – until being given access to the latest iPad technology which means he can communicate with his family and carers for the first time.

Is this the loneliest generation?

Carers feel lonely 

Sunday 13 January 2013

 

Government officials have been ordered to find out exactly how lonely Britain’s population is, amid concerns that “the most isolated generation ever” will overwhelm the NHS.

The Department of Health is attempting to measure the extent of “social isolation” in the UK, after warnings that it has sparked spiralling levels of illnesses including heart disease, high blood pressure, dementia and depression.

Research has revealed that loneliness is a growing problem in the UK – particularly among the elderly – with one in three admitting that they sometimes feel lonely. Among older people, more than half live alone, 17 per cent are in contact with family, friends and neighbours less than once a week, and almost five million say the television is their main form of company.

However, the trend is expected to worsen in the coming years. The Office for National Statistics disclosed last year that the number of Britons living alone has risen to a record 7.6 million – one million more than in 1996 and amounting to almost one in three households.

But beyond the personal problems the “loneliness epidemic” presents, ministers have been put on alert over its wider impact – and financial costs. Loneliness is blamed for piling more pressure on to health and social care services, because it can increase the risk of complaints including heart disease and blood clots. Experts also believe it encourages people to exercise less and drink more – and ultimately go to hospital more often and move into residential care at an earlier stage.

Carers champion uses Facebook to help heroes

A NEW carers tsar

The city's new 'carers champion', Norman WorkThe city’s new ‘carers champion’, Norman Work

Published on Monday 7 January 2013 12:00

A NEW carers tsar is to use Facebook to reach thousands of unsung youngsters across Edinburgh who look after disabled or elderly relatives.

Councillor Norman Work, a former vice-convener for social care and housing, has become Scotland’s first “carers champion” – a post established as part of the council coalition agreement between Labour and the SNP.

One of his first steps will be to connect with the Capital’s hidden army of young carers via such social media platforms as Facebook, to make them aware of the vital support services aware to them.

He said: “We’re looking at being as accessible as possible.”

Cllr Work, whose role will see him engage with carers and act as their voice within City Chambers, recently held his first meeting with organisations representing the tens of thousands of people in the city who look after a friend or family member for free.

Following the meeting, he said he is particularly keen to engage with children who look after a parent or sibling but may not be receiving the help they are entitled to.