Category Archives: Older care
Report recommends ways to get older people online
New report says older internet users are less isolated, lonely and feel more in control than non-users.
Older people who use the internet are more likely to feel in control, and be less isolated and lonely than those that do not, a new report has found.
‘Nudge or Compel?: Can behavioural economics tackle the digital exclusion of older people?,’ has recommended a number of ways to get older people online and tackle digital exclusion.
Published by the International Longevity Centre – UK, a leading think tank on longevity and demographic change, the report said that over 7.5 million adults had never used the internet, and the majority of non-users were older, had disabilities or were in the lowest social classes.
The report highlighted new analysis of data from the ‘English Longitudinal Study of Ageing’ on the behavioural traits that accompanied internet usage among older people. It showed that people who said they used the internet, tended to report feeling more in control of various aspects of their lives, and were also more likely to say they ‘hardly ever or never’ felt isolated, the same went with feeling lonely. While those that said they did not use the internet were more likely to say they ‘often’ felt isolated from others.
Those that did not own a computer were also more likely to feel they were unable to learn a new skill, while those that did were more likely to agree they could.
‘Pay £80 more or go into a home’
Anne Fisher has seen her home-care fees go from £18 a week to £134
By Karen Jordan
November 27, 2012
A 90-year-old Second World War veteran has been told she must cover a more than 600 per cent increase in her home care costs or go into a nursing home.
Anne Fisher, from The Coombe in Streatley, who operated aircraft searchlights in the war, does not want to leave her home of 60 years.
But with just £8,000 in savings and a state and widow’s pension to live on, her son Chris says she cannot afford to pay the latest increase in charges from West Berkshire Council.
Mr Fisher, 53, was devastated to receive a letter last week from the local authority saying his mother had to pay an additional £80 per week – from £54 to £134 – if she wanted to continue to be cared for at home.
Mr Fisher, who lives with his mother but can’t care for her full time as he needs to continue his work as a postman, said: “Where is she supposed to get this extra money from?
Review into ‘end-of-life’ care
26 November 2012 Last updated at 18:18
The Liverpool Care Pathway has been designed to alleviate unnecessary suffering at the end of life
The Liverpool Care Pathway has come under intense scrutiny recently, with claims that some hospitals are abusing its use to cut costs.
Medics say the pathway helps patients avoid unnecessary interventions.
Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb said he would appoint an independent chair to report back in the new year.
Mr Lamb said: “Care for the dying is an emotive issue and is never an easy subject to discuss.
chenrezig 
annie 
JaneJ 