Caring Dog saved a disabled woman from a life of agony and dispair
Quizzy the wonder dog transforms Sue’s life
Last updated at 12:13, Friday, 16 August 2013
A disabled woman has revealed how her super smart canine companion has saved her from a life of agony and despair.
COOL CANINE: Quizzy opens the fridge for Sue
Sue Holmes, 46, from Eaglesfield, near Cockermouth, suffers from an excruciating condition called Ehlers–Danlos syndrome.
The hereditary illness is so severe that it leaves her bedridden for long periods.
She uses either crutches or a wheelchair, and suffers from regular dislocations, torn muscles and painful spasms.
She wears body braces to support her joints.
There was even talk of putting her into a nursing home at the age of 44.
But a year ago, along came her unlikely saviour in the guise of a friendly retriever called Quizzy.
Campaigner launches film telling dementia carers ‘it’s okay to ask’ for help
Date of article: 16-Aug-13
Article By: Laura McCardle, News Editor
A dedicated campaigner has launched a short film encouraging people who care for someone with dementia to ask for help.
Tommy Whitelaw with his mother Joan
Tommy Whitelaw put together ‘It’s okay to ask’ in order to reach out to carers in Glasgow and raise awareness of vital support services available in the city.
He has first-hand experience of the difficulties people face when they care for a loved one with the condition, having spent several years caring for his mother Joan after she was diagnosed with vascular dementia until she passed away in September last year.
In the film Mr Whitelaw says: “Caring for Mum was a full time occupation. It was the toughest experience of my life. For the first five years I did this almost entirely alone – yes we had friends, neighbours and family but slowly loneliness and isolation took their place, leaving us both struggling to cope.
“It wasn’t until I reached absolute crisis that I found myself on the phone asking for help. It’s okay to ask. It’s not something we are always taught to do, we are very private people keeping private matters to ourselves but the truth is, without help it can just become unbearable.”
Other carers who have found themselves in similar situations to Mr Whitelaw also share their experiences in the film, which was commissioned by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow City Council social work services, Alzheimer’s Scotland and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE.
South Lanarkshire: Countdown to Caring Callers going live
Countdown to Caring Callers going live
Aug 14 2013 by Lynda Nicol, East Kilbride News
Whether you’re an older person living alone in South Lanarkshire or you know of a friend or family member who is, help is now at hand.
Good Morning South Lanarkshire, a new telephone contact scheme to offer vital support, is just days from going live.
An enthusiastic group of young telephonists are making final preparations before hitting the phone lines across the region.
The caring callers’ aim is to check that older people throughout the area, especially those at risk of isolation, are safe and well in the mornings.
The pilot scheme, set up by Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire (VASLan), will also support key agencies, carers and families by acting as an early warning system if there are any issues.
