Category Archives: stroke

Diabetes care in ‘state of crisis’

May 14, 2012   Carers, Diabetes, stroke

Second-rate diabetes care putting sufferers at increased risk of health complications and early death, charity warns

 

Inadequate diabetes care has helped trigger a rise in related complications such as kidney failure and stroke, according to the report.

Diabetes care in England is in a “state of crisis”, with fewer than half of people with the condition getting the basic minimum support, a report warns.

According to the State of the Nation 2012 report, published on Monday by Diabetes UK, there are some areas where just 6% of people with diabetes are getting the regular checks and services recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice).

The report details how not getting these checks has helped fuel a rise in rates of diabetes-related complications such as amputation, blindness, kidney failure and stroke.

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1,000 Lives Plus project to concentrate on life after stroke

February 20, 2012   Carers, stroke

Dr Anne Freeman explains how a new 1,000 Lives Plus project will help people recover from stroke

WHEN a person suffers a stroke, the impact on their life can be devastating.

As well as the physical trauma, many stroke survivors are left feeling emotionally vulnerable and alone when they leave hospital and return home.

This is the time when having easily accessible and appropriate services and support available in the community is vital.

And yet, many stroke survivors tell us they often feel abandoned and in a “black hole”, unsure of who to turn to for help and information.

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Selsey carers support and care for one another

January 18, 2012   Carers, disability, stroke

Selsey supporters show value of caring for others

Published on Wednesday 18 January 2012 13:00

Caring for the carers is the philosophy of an extremely active group in Selsey – and its members want to reach out to help more of the ‘hidden carers’ who can often become isolated and have their dedicated efforts overlooked.

The Selsey and District Carers Support Group was set up in August 2000. Janet Harris MBE, the recently-deceased founder, started the group in her home, initially because she found herself so isolated when her husband became ill.

As she explained: “I discovered, like most fulltime carers, how incredibly lonely, exhausting, frightening, frustrating and thankless the situation can become with no support, help or advice for either my husband or myself.

“I did not choose to become a full-time carer; it happened overnight and out of necessity.”

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