Campaigners throughout the UK are making use of technology to show their support for carers this Christmas.
Guest Blog by Sawsan Bastawy
The 2011 Census data released earlier this week has shown disappointing progress for carers. Since 2001, the number of carers in the UK has risen by just over 600,000 people and it is predicted that three out of five people will be carers at some point in their lives. Notably, the number of carers over the age of 65 is rising quicker than for any other age group.
Among the results were the findings that young carers and BAME (British Asian and Ethnic Minority) carers are being neglected by government support systems, namely the NHS; being offered support at a rate less than for older white carers, as well as a lower quality of support.
With the advent of the festive season, however, comes a wealth of support from NGO’s, charities, and individuals taking advantage of the festive spirit and bringing in support for carers across the UK. It is the use of simple technology, however, that is taking the lead in the campaign to improve conditions for carers.
Care home patients hit by £240 fees rise
“If I don’t pay, I could be forced to take my aunt out of the home.
The Sentinel By laura james
FEES at a residential home have rocketed by £240 a month – because of a lack of council funding.
Dementia patients at Park Hall Care Home, in Bentilee, will have to pay out an extra £60 per week from January 1, following the decision earlier this month.
It means residents who currently pay £485 will have to meet a new weekly cost of £545.
Ideal Carehomes, who run the Ubberley Road facility, say they have been forced to increase fees because a Stoke-on-Trent City Council subsidy does not reflect ‘the true cost of providing quality care.’
Mark Greaves, managing director of Ideal Carehomes, said: “We have been relentlessly lobbying ministers, civil servants and local authorities to establish a fairer framework for fees across the country and one which does not discriminate against self-funding residents.
Phoenix Centre in Mile Cross rises from the flames
Computers for Carers donate PC
Tom Bristow, Reporter Monday, December 24, 2012
12:00 PM
Children’s laughter, balloons and presents filled the hall of a Mile Cross community centre on Saturday – just seven days after it was attacked by arsonists.
The message from the Phoenix Centre as it hosted six-year-old Sade Woollard’s birthday party was clear – we have risen from the ashes.
Christmas lights, music and games replaced the ash, smoke and flames of last weekend when the centre was set alight and partially destroyed.
Sade’s mother, Charmain, said her daughter had been in tears during the week at the thought that her first big birthday party would be cancelled.
