Tag Archives: Older care

Ageing without children: why is no one talking about it?

April 25, 2014   Carers, Older care, Social care

Without family carers, the health and social care system would collapse yet no one is addressing the growing number of older people without family to care for them

 

A new report from the IPPR predicts that, by 2030, there will be 2 million people over the age of 65 without adult children.

In this country, care for older people rests mostly on the backs of family carers. 70% of carers are supporting someone aged over 65. Half of these will live with the person and the majority are of working age, mostly in their 50s, suggesting that they are the children of those they are caring for.

They are a hugely underappreciated resource.

The way family carers are treated is appalling; their efforts taken for granted, the expectation that they will undertake any and all tasks, from giving injections to changing incontinence pads. And all without the help and training given to paid carers, for the paltry amount of £59.75 a week – if they even qualify for it.

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Elderly care demand to 'outstrip' family supply

April 24, 2014   Carers, health, Older care

“neighbourhood networks” should be built to help care for older people

 The IPPR said “neighbourhood networks” should be built to help care for older people

The number of older people in England needing care will “outstrip” the number of family members able to provide it by 2017, a think tank has warned.

An Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) report estimates that by 2030 there will be more than two million people aged 65 and over with no child living nearby to give care if needed.

The IPPR said the country must “build new community institutions” to cope.

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Technology offers solution to loneliness among elderly

April 22, 2014   Carers, Older care, Social care

In tens of thousands of households across Scotland the day begins early with a key turning in the lock.

‘It’s only me,’ cries a professionally cheery voice. Footsteps clatter to the kitchen to put the kettle on, a head appears round the bedroom door and a uniformed carer enters with a snap of plastic gloves. It’s time to get up.

What follows is a whirlwind of washing and dressing and with one eye on the clock the helper is away again leaving their charge with a cup of tea, a slice of toast, a long day ahead and, probably, the television for company.

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