JLS star Oritsé Williams tells the story of Britain’s Youngest Carers

July 5, 2014   Carers, Featured Article, Multiple Sclerosis, young carers
Helping hand: Oritse Williams

When boy band JLS were propelled to stardom via The X Factor, founder member Oritsé Williams knew what he was going to spend his new found riches on… but it wasn’t just designer clothes and a flashy car.

Instead, he was relieved to know that he could finally afford to look after his mother Sonia, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis.

Read More

Dying need ‘free social care’, cancer campaigners say

July 4, 2014   Cancer, Carers, Featured Article, Social care

Providing free social care could save £69m a year on the care of cancer patients alone, the report says.

By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News

4 July 2014 Last updated at 03:33

Free end-of-life social care is needed to save the NHS in England money and improve patient care, campaigners say.

Macmillan Cancer Support says it could save the NHS in England £69m a year on the care of cancer patients alone.

Its analysis is based on a review of patient surveys, official NHS spending data and interviews with senior decision-makers.

Social care is currently means-tested, but ministers are considering providing it to everyone at the end of life.

About half of people end up dying in hospital despite eight in 10 saying they would prefer to die at home.

Read More

One in five people with dementia gets no support

July 3, 2014   Alzheimer’s, Carers, dementia, ukcuts

Jo Carlowe

Thursday, 3 July 2014

One in five people affected by dementia gets no information and support, according to new data.

The poll of people with dementia, carers and people with a family member or friend with dementia was carried out by the Alzheimer’s Society. It reveals a shortage of post-diagnosis support provision, with 90% of those surveyed dissatisfied with the amount of information and support provided.

Read More