Tag Archives: social care

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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News Society Older people 'Most of these elderly people have a simple need – not to be on their own'

April 21, 2014   Carers, Independent living, Older care, Social care
For thousands of isolated older people whose families are far away and whose council help has been cut, innovative community schemes are tackling the ‘generation strain’ of lonelinessare

 

Eric Clayton, kneeling, with volunteer Brian Slack on their allotment at Garforth, Leeds.

Richard, 79, a retired railway engineer in the Midlands, is cheerful and courteous on Good Friday as he explains that since the council axed the Dial-a-Ride scheme his social life, including a lunch club, shopping and outings, has been reduced to a single visit each week to church. A neurological condition means that Richard (not his real name) needs a wheelchair. A member of the congregation comes to push him the short distance to church. “I’m extremely lucky in that respect,” he says. Richard is now confined to his room in his sheltered accommodation, six days out of seven. A reduction in staff from six to two also means that his fellow residents are unknown to each other, as there is no extra help to arrange social events.

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Older people in NHS care suffering in silence.

April 7, 2014   Carers, Older care, Social care
Dame Julie Mellor believes over-65s either fear a backlash if they raise issues or don’t like making fuss

Dame Julie Mellor, the parliamentary and health service ombudsman

Dame Julie Mellor, the parliamentary and health service ombudsman. Photograph: Martin Argles for the Guardian

Older people might be “suffering in silence” under NHS care because they are reluctant to complain about the care they receive, the parliamentary and health service ombudsman for England has said.

Dame Julie Mellor believes over-65s either fear a backlash if they raise issues or don’t like making fuss, meaning watchdogs are only seeing the tip of the iceberg of serious failings.

“Older people are some of the most frequent users of the NHS but they are less likely to complain about treatment and care when standards slip to unacceptable levels,” Mellor said in an article for the Daily Mail on Monday.

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