Tag Archives: carers

Stamford care home receives reward for dedication to dementia care

July 31, 2012   Carers, dementia, Older care

When I get older

July 29, 2012 | By |

Whitefriars Care Home in Stamford

The recent BBC programme When I Get Older has raised some interesting issues about dementia, the cost of elderly care and life in a care home.

The programme followed four elderly celebrities who moved in with pensioners at home and then also experienced life in a care home to help better understand the lives of older people in today’s society.
But for one care home in Stamford its continued commitment into the provision of dementia and elderly care for their residents has resulted in success.
Whitefriars, part of the Orders of St John Care Trust, is the first care home within the Trust to receive a dementia accreditation as part of its internal audit tool.
The tool measures performance across a number of areas, including personalised care and support, management of medication, prevention and control of infection and staff training. There is also a specific section relating to dementia care.
In order to meet the criteria outlined in the audit, which has received approval from Dementia UK, Whitefriars care home has implemented a series of initiatives that provide both choice and fulfillment to each resident.
Home manager Helen Finlay, said. “Our focus is on providing a home from home environment for our residents and delivering individualised care to each person.
Read More

Paul Burstow visits Samaritans for National Samaritan Awareness Day

July 30, 2012   Carers, mental health

Paul Burstow MP has praised the work of Samaritans who help Sutton residents in their darkest hour.

On Tuesday 24th July (24:7) Paul visited the Surbiton Samaritan branch – one of two branches which serve Sutton – to raise awareness of the vital work of the Samaritans.

The Samaritans is a nationwide charity that relies on volunteers to talk to distressed callers on the 24 hour helpline. The volunteers deal with cases that range from those wanting emotional support to callers on the verge of committing suicide.

Read More

Disability tests ‘sending sick and disabled back to work’

July 30, 2012   Carers, disability

People deemed too sick or disabled to work are being refused their benefits because the current assessment is inadequate, according to the expert appointed to review it.

12:00AM BST 30 Jul 2012

Prof Malcolm Harrington, the government appointed adviser on testing welfare claimants, admitted the work fitness test was “patchy”.

He said that as a result of the flaws in the 13 week assessment, which tests physical fitness as well as mental skills, some claimants who were genuinely unable to work, have suffered.

He made the comments during an investigation into the system, introduced by the last Labour government, by the BBC’s Panorama programme.

“There are certainly areas where it’s still not working and I am sorry there are people going through a system which I think still needs improvement,” he said.

The programme, which airs on Monday night, features the story of one man who suffered from heart failure and died 39 days after being declared fit for work.

Read More