Home Care News
Bingo and staying in school could delay Alzheimer's
25 Feb 2016
Bingo and other mind-stimulating activities, when combined with more education, could delay symptoms of Alzheimer’s, but not for most of the population. New research published in the journal Neurology, suggests.....
Leading doctors claim NHS is 'over medicating' elderly patients with 'more medicine is better' culture
24 Feb 2016
A group of high-profile doctors have called for an independent inquiry into the safety of medicines, after claiming NHS patients are being over medicated resulting in thousands of deaths every year. Older.....
Nearly half of women feel their partner's erectile dysfunction is their fault
23 Feb 2016
Over half of women worry that their partner’s erectile dysfunction is their fault, with nearly a fifth fearing their partner no longer finds them attractive, according to new research. Erectile dysfunction.....
Council tax rises could still leave social care services in crisis
23 Feb 2016
Planned council tax increases will not create enough revenue to alleviate the growing pressure on vital services caring for older people and those with disabilities, the latest information from the Local Government Association (LGA).....
Crisis prevention services must be improved in England, report reveals
22 Feb 2016
A report published by the British Red Cross has suggested the local authorities in England should do more to improve the services available that prevent, reduce or delay the need for social care and support. The report comes at.....
Government urged to appoint Learning Disabilities Commissioner to protect rights and champion reform
22 Feb 2016
Sir Stephen Bubb, who wrote the original report into the abuses that took place at Winterbourne View, has called for the Government to appoint a Learning Disabilities Commissioner. In his new report ‘Time.....
'Mum-worthy' home care provider rated 'Outstanding'
18 Feb 2016
A daughter upset by the poor care given to her mother, set up a home care firm to deliver ‘mum-worthy’ care which has received an ‘Outstanding’ rating. Home Instead Senior Care Durham has been rated ‘Outstanding’.....
Staying social in later life could lead to increased longevity
16 Feb 2016
Socialising and attending community groups, such as book clubs and church groups in later life, could boost health as much as regular exercise. In a study carried out by the University of Queensland in Australia and published in.....
Sex linked to brain health in elderly, study reveals
16 Feb 2016
Older people who are sexually active have a higher level of cognitive ability than those who aren't, according to research published in Age and Ageing. In total 6,833 older people aged between 50 and 89.....
Government pledges extra £1bn for mental health care
15 Feb 2016
An extra £1 billion is to be invested by 2020/21 to plug ‘critical gaps in the care’ of mental health patients as highlighted by an independent task force. One million extra people will be provided with support.....
Charity launches website to keep older drivers safe on the roads
12 Feb 2016
A website aimed at helping older people adapt to changes in their driving to stay safe on the road, has been launched by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). The website offers tips.....
Life expectancy reaches its highest level for over 65s
12 Feb 2016
The length of time people can expect to live once they reach milestones in old age has reached a record high, a new report from Public Health England (PHE) has revealed. Figures show that for those aged 65,.....
Meal Makers project receives Government funding to combat malnutrition and social isolation
11 Feb 2016
The Scottish Government has promised a six-figure fund to help combat loneliness and social isolation across Scotland. Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil has announced a £548,000 cash injection aimed at making life more enjoyable.....
Increasing activity levels in middle age could prevent brain ageing
11 Feb 2016
A new study has suggested that exercising between the ages of 40 and 50 could help prevent the brain from shrinking, potentially adding years to life expectancy. The research, published in the Neurology medical.....
Age UK and E.ON temporarily suspend energy tariff aimed at older people
10 Feb 2016
Age UK Enterprises Ltd are to temporarily suspend a ‘controversial’ Fixed 2 Year energy tariff aimed at older people. The withdrawal for new and renewing customers was prompted by ‘continued speculation.....
BBC documentary tells the story of one man's decision to end his life at Swiss suicide clinic
10 Feb 2016
How to Die: Simon’s Choice is an observational BBC Two documentary telling the story of terminally ill Simon Binner and his decision to ends his life. The documentary by award-winning film-makers, producer and director Rowan Deacon.....
Over one million old people are malnourished, claims Taskforce
10 Feb 2016
New research by the Malnutrition Taskforce reveals that only half of health professionals regard malnutrition as a priority in their organisations. The ‘Experiences of Patient Malnutrition’ survey conducted.....
Lack of hospital beds force thousands of mentally ill adults to travel miles
09 Feb 2016
The practice of sending mental health patients long distances for treatment should end, a Commission has said, as experts brand some services ‘potentially dangerous’. Each month, around 500 adults with mental.....
Dog IQ test could provide link between intelligence and dementia
08 Feb 2016
Scientists have developed an IQ test for dogs which could help understand the link between intelligence and human health, according to new research published in the journal, Intelligence. Recent studies have.....
Healthy living 'reduces dementia risk' for older people
08 Feb 2016
According to new research, fewer people are developing dementia as they lead healthier and better educated lifestyles. Researchers at Cambridge University found that the chances of over-65s developing the.....
Home care workers rate their bosses in new Best Employers in Care awards
05 Feb 2016
Home care employers will be rated by their staff in a new awards scheme based on feedback from thousands of care workers. The biggest challenge facing many home care providers is recruiting and retaining.....
Dementia Diaries provide a window into the lives of people living with dementia
05 Feb 2016
The number of people living with dementia in the UK alone is expected to reach one million by 2025, and the Government, healthcare professionals, charities and community organisations are striving to educate people about what dementia.....
Loneliness 'is not just a public health epidemic, it is a plague', warns Older People's Commissioner
05 Feb 2016
Sarah Rochira, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, has added her voice to the growing calls for something to be done to tackle the huge problem of loneliness in the UK. Social isolation and loneliness.....
Why we need a dementia inclusive society
05 Feb 2016
The number of people living with dementia worldwide is expected to reach 76 million by 2030, while the people in their 60s have a one per cent chance of being diagnosed with dementia, those in their 70s have a five per cent chance. As.....
Mental health stigma leaves nearly 90 per cent of people feeling isolated and ashamed
04 Feb 2016
In a survey of more than 7,000 people living with mental health problems, it has been revealed that nearly 90 per cent of respondents have experienced stigma and discrimination as a result of their mental health problems. The.....
Home care boss who struggled to find good care for her terminally ill parents gets 'Outstanding'
04 Feb 2016
Clare Jefferies who set up Home Instead Senior Care Wimbledon & Kingston, after she lost both her parents in the same year and saw them receiving poor care, has seen her company rated 'Outstanding' by the CQC......
Dementia carers struggling with stress and anxiety due to lack of support
04 Feb 2016
The UK's largest research trial designed to support carers of people living with dementia has been launched. The trial will test Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and offer carers support when they feel.....
CQC experts’ pay dispute threatens to delay care inspections
02 Feb 2016
A pay dispute that risks delaying care inspections has forced the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to negotiate better wages for inspection experts, as part of the £7m a year contract it recently awarded to Remploy. On.....
Care for older people requires 'radical' new approach, Commission says
01 Feb 2016
Care for older people should be driven by the needs of individuals, rather than institutions and structures, The Commission on Improving Care for Older People has said in a new independent report. The Commission has called for.....
GPs vote to opt out of care home visits and house calls
01 Feb 2016
GPs have voted to end their responsibility for visits to care homes and house calls, arguing they ‘have not got the time, the workforce or the flexibility’ to fit them into their day. At Saturday's.....