Tag Archives: dementia

Tips on caring for people with dementia

August 29, 2012   Carers, dementia

Guest blog by  Jason Tucker

 

When it comes to caring for people with dementia, quality of life is paramount. There’s no two ways about it, the most important thing is that they are treated with respect and dignity. Wouldn’t you expect the same? People with dementia do require an elevated standard of care, and while it can be tiresome, it’s crucial that they are extended the courtesies and pleasantries you’d give to anyone else.

Firstly, leave all your stress at the door. While the behaviour of those with dementia can be confusing, try and keep your patience in check at all times. It’s not helpful to get wound up and it only serves to break down the relationship of trust you might have built up with the person you’re caring for.

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When a call can make all the difference to coping with dementia

August 27, 2012   Carers, dementia, Wales

Statistics show that one in three of us will be affected by dementia at some point in our lives. Many families of those with dementia often find it hard to know where to turn.

Here, Janet Roberts, of the Wales Dementia Helpline, outlines the role the team can play in providing support to those affected by the condition

COMING to terms with a dementia diagnosis can be difficult for the person newly diagnosed, but it also affects the whole family.

While families want to support the person with dementia, they can also be fearful for the future and sometimes doubt their own ability to cope.

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Continuing Healthcare: deadline looms for 'secret' care fund

August 19, 2012   Carers, dementia, Older care

The little-known NHS Continuing Healthcare benefit can help the most vulnerable, but with the clock ticking thousands of people could forfeit backdated payments

 

If the main reason for a person going into a home is ill-health, they should be eligible for Continuing Healthcare, which means the NHS covers all the costs.

Time is running out for many of Britain’s most vulnerable people who are struggling to pay crippling care bills and could be eligible for several years backdated funding from a “secret” NHS scheme. If no one acts on their behalf before the end of next month the right to retrospective payments going back to 2004 will be lost.

Every year thousands of family properties are sold to enable mainly elderly people to meet the costs of their care. But if the main reason for a person going into a home is ill-health they should be eligible for the virtually unknown Continuing Healthcare, which means that the NHS covers all the costs, including accommodation. There is no ceiling on the amount that can be paid out, there is no means test and it is not age-related.

Anyone who is successful in claiming on behalf of a loved one could be entitled to have the payments backdated to April 2004, even if their relative is no longer alive. But applications must be submitted before 30 September.

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