Category Archives: Social care

How will the care bill affect social care

April 28, 2014   Carers, Social care

The new legislation will bring huge changes, so it is important to be prepared for the forthcoming reforms to practice

‘Legislation changes of this magnitude do not happen often, so it is important that we take the time to engage with the reforms.’ Photograph: Christopher Thomond

The legislative framework for social care services in England has remained unchanged for the past 40 years. Back in 2003, Andrew Cozens, then president of the Association of Directors of Social Services, spoke of “the long shadow of the Poor Law that has remained over social care to its detriment – that long shadow brings with it the armoury of measures we are still familiar with: rationing, eligibility criteria and means testing to sort out the deserving from the undeserving.” The language enshrined in current acts describes disability in terms that are uncomfortable in today’s world.

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Ageing without children: why is no one talking about it?

April 25, 2014   Carers, Older care, Social care

Without family carers, the health and social care system would collapse yet no one is addressing the growing number of older people without family to care for them

 

A new report from the IPPR predicts that, by 2030, there will be 2 million people over the age of 65 without adult children.

In this country, care for older people rests mostly on the backs of family carers. 70% of carers are supporting someone aged over 65. Half of these will live with the person and the majority are of working age, mostly in their 50s, suggesting that they are the children of those they are caring for.

They are a hugely underappreciated resource.

The way family carers are treated is appalling; their efforts taken for granted, the expectation that they will undertake any and all tasks, from giving injections to changing incontinence pads. And all without the help and training given to paid carers, for the paltry amount of £59.75 a week – if they even qualify for it.

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The tablets with no side effects

April 24, 2014   Carers, dementia, Social care

Tablet computers such as iPads improve the quality of life for dementia sufferers – but many care homes still lack the internet

 

Jeannette Williams creates virtual pottery on her iPad 

By Ruth Wood

7:03AM BST 24 Apr 2014

Shortly after moving into a dementia care home last year, Jeannette Williams made a remarkable discovery: the iPad. At the age of 74, she had lost her husband, her home and much of her freedom, but the touch-screen tablet has given her a new lease of life. Instead of being stuck in front of the television, she can now read news, play games, listen to music and watch videos. Best of all, it has rekindled her passion for pottery.

“I like making pots. They had a potter’s wheel at my art college,” said Mrs Williams, who was diagnosed with dementia at the end of 2010 and moved into care last April. Her room is decorated with printouts of the virtual vases she has made with the Let’s Create Pottery app.

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