Care experts Unique Senior Care (USC) has today issued an alert regarding the “invisible” physical and career toll facing millions of unpaid carers in the UK.
Drawing on the latest 2024–2026 data from the Centre for Care and Carers UK, USC highlights a critical tipping point for the UK's Sandwich Generation, adults aged 45–64 balancing careers, children, and elderly parents.
The data shows 600 people are leaving the UK workforce every single day to take on unpaid caring responsibilities, often at a high cost to their own health and financial security.
Unique Senior Care’s review of current care trends identifies a worrying physical and emotional impact on those providing intensive support at home:
Physical strain: 42% of unpaid carers report their own physical health has worsened since they began caring, with 20% suffering a physical injury directly related to their responsibilities. Often because they have no training in lifting patients, etc.
Financial impact: Families in the “sandwich” group are losing an average of £6,268 per year in income due to reduced hours or leaving work.
Emotional burnout: 74% of family carers now report feeling significant levels of stress or anxiety.
“Most families don't see themselves as ‘Carers,’ they’re just daughters, sons, or partners doing what is necessary. But the transition from occasional help to full-time support often happens so gradually that the physical toll is ignored until a crisis occurs,” Helena Hitchcox, Director of Operations for Unique Senior Care, told That's Health.
To address this, USC has integrated a free Is It Time For Care? assessment into their 2026 Statistics Hub. This tool provides families with a Personalised Care Radar, designed to identify early warning signs of caregiver exhaustion and elderly isolation before they lead to injury or hospitalisation.
“Professional care is increasingly about supporting the entire family unit. By introducing support earlier, we can help protect the careers and health of family members, allowing them to focus on their relationship with their loved one rather than the physical demands of 24/7 care.”
Further insights are available on the Unique Senior Care Statistics Hub.
Unique Senior Care is a premier provider of fully managed hourly home care and live-in care services across the UK. Recognised for their "Outstanding" Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and relationship-led approach, they specialise in dementia support, Parkinson’s care, and palliative support at home.
A remarkable fundraising challenge is coming to London this April, and it’s set to shine a spotlight on the lifesaving work carried out in neonatal units across the UK.
The Ickle Pickles Children's Charity has announced Paralympic wheelchair fencer Gemma Collis will attend the upcoming 28K Incubator Push at Tooting Common on Saturday 18 April. The family-friendly event will raise vital funds and awareness for babies who require specialist neonatal care.
The challenge is exactly what it sounds like. Participants will take turns pushing a road-worthy neonatal incubator for 28 kilometres, symbolising the charity’s goal of raising £28,000, the cost of a single incubator used in neonatal intensive care units.
It’s a powerful and visible reminder of just how essential this equipment is for premature and seriously ill newborns.
A Special Guest with a Personal Story
Gemma Collis will help kick off the event, meet supporters and join participants during the day. Her presence is particularly meaningful because she understands the neonatal journey personally.
Gemma was born prematurely at just 29 weeks, weighing only 2lb 11oz. Her early days were spent in neonatal care after complications that required specialist treatment, including a transfer to the John Radcliffe Hospital.
Today she is a triple Wheelchair Fencing World Cup winner and former world number one, demonstrating the extraordinary outcomes that can be possible with the right medical care and support in those fragile early weeks of life.
Why Neonatal Equipment Matters
Over 90,000 babies require neonatal care in the UK every year, and the specialised equipment used to treat them is both complex and costly.
An incubator alone can cost around £28,000, while neonatal care itself can reach £2,000 per day. That’s where the work of the Ickle Pickles Children's Charity becomes so important. The charity focuses specifically on funding intensive and special-care equipment for neonatal units across England and Wales, helping hospitals give vulnerable newborns the very best chance of survival and recovery.
For the Tooting event, the charity is partnering with First Touch, which supports babies and families at St George’s neonatal unit.
How to Get Involved
The 28K Incubator Push will take place from 10am to 4pm at Tooting Common. Supporters can sign up to push a lap, form a team, or simply come along and cheer on participants while learning more about neonatal care and the charity’s work.
Events like this combine community spirit with a powerful cause — helping ensure that every tiny baby who needs specialist care has access to the equipment that can save their life.
To find out more or register for the event, visit:
Orchard Care Homes has appointed Wrapped Agency to design and build a new website as part of its continued investment in specialist dementia and mental health care, alongside its established residential, nursing and dementia services.
The project will support Orchard’s continued growth and repositioning as a modern, specialist care provider, with a particular focus on its Reconnect communities, an innovative model designed to help people living with dementia and mental health conditions reconnect with the life they love.
Operating 23 homes across the North of England and Midlands, Orchard is expanding its specialist services in response to growing demand for more tailored, high-quality care for older people.
Its Reconnect Dementia and Reconnect Mental Health communities offer a more personalised, homely approach, combining specialist clinical support with environments designed to reflect everyday life.
The new website will play a central role in communicating this evolution, helping families, professionals and partners better understand the organisation’s full range of services, while supporting recruitment and future growth.
Wrapped Agency will lead the strategy, user experience, design and build of the platform, creating a clear, intuitive experience that reflects both the complexity of Orchard’s services and the human impact of its care.
The project forms part of a broader period of transformation for Orchard, including a refreshed brand identity, new mission and values, and an ambition to significantly expand its footprint in the coming years.
Eleanor Mercer, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Orchard Care Homes, told That's Health: “We believe care should be about more than meeting need, it should be about helping people live meaningful, connected lives.
“Our Reconnect communities are designed to do exactly that, creating environments where people feel at home, supported and able to continue the routines and activities that matter most to them. As we continue to grow and evolve, it’s important that we communicate that clearly and confidently to the people who rely on us.”
Becky Robinson, CEO and Performance Strategist at Wrapped Agency, added: “We’re working with Orchard at a pivotal point in their journey. This is a growing organisation with a clear vision for the future of specialist care.
“Our role is to make that clear, taking a complex proposition with multiple audiences and turning it into something that feels simple, reassuring and easy to understand, whether you’re a family member, a professional or someone considering a career in care.”
The new website is expected to launch in its first phase in April 2026, with further enhancements to follow.
The Wrapped Agency is a specialist brand and marketing agency working with forward-thinking organisations across regulated sectors including healthcare, fintech and property.
When flu is circulating widely, including the strain often referred to in the media as the “Australian superflu”, protecting vulnerable people becomes just as important as treating the illness itself.
Older adults, people with long-term health conditions, those who are immunocompromised, pregnant women, and very young children can all become seriously unwell from flu.
Even when vaccinations have been taken (and they absolutely still matter), extra care is essential.
This guide is written for households who want to do the right, sensible things without panic, guilt, or turning daily life into an obstacle course.
Who is considered “vulnerable” to flu complications?
In UK health guidance, higher-risk groups include:
Adults aged 65 and over
People with heart, lung, kidney, liver, or neurological conditions
Those with diabetes
Anyone with a weakened immune system (including cancer treatment, long-term steroid use, or certain medications)
Pregnant women
Young children, especially under five
If someone in your household or family falls into one of these categories, flu should always be taken seriously.
Vaccination still matters — even when flu breaks through
A common and understandable frustration is:
“But they had the flu jab and still got ill.”
Flu vaccines are designed primarily to reduce severity and complications, not to guarantee complete protection.
Even in seasons where the circulating strains don’t match the vaccine perfectly, vaccination significantly lowers the risk of hospitalisation and serious outcomes.
Encouraging eligible loved ones to keep up with vaccinations remains one of the most effective protective steps.
Everyday protection that genuinely helps
You don’t need medical-grade routines — consistency is what counts.
Hand hygiene (the boring one that works)
Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
Especially after coughing, sneezing, blowing noses, or caring for someone ill
Alcohol hand gel is useful, but soap and water are better when available
Shared spaces: small changes, big impact
Wipe down door handles, remote controls, phones, kettle handles
Avoid sharing mugs, cutlery, towels, or pillows during illness
Use separate bins or empty them frequently
Ventilation (yes, even in winter)
Fresh air reduces viral concentration indoors.
Open windows briefly several times a day
Ten minutes can make a meaningful difference without freezing the house
Masks: when they make sense at home
Masks aren’t necessary all the time — but they can be useful when:
Someone with flu symptoms is caring for a vulnerable person
Close contact can’t be avoided (helping with washing, dressing, medication)
A vulnerable person must be in shared spaces with someone unwell
A simple, well-fitting mask worn correctly can reduce risk without drama.
Managing visitors during flu outbreaks
This can feel awkward, but it’s important.
It’s reasonable to:
Ask visitors to postpone visits if they’re unwell
Request handwashing on arrival
Keep visits shorter and in well-ventilated rooms
Anyone who truly cares will understand.
Food, fluids, and energy: quiet protection
For vulnerable people, dehydration and exhaustion can worsen outcomes.
Support with:
Regular drinks (water, squash, warm beverages)
Nutritious but gentle foods (soups, stews, porridge)
Encouraging rest without pressure to “keep going”
Small, frequent intake is often better than large meals.
Antivirals: worth knowing about
In the UK, antiviral medicines such as oseltamivir may be offered to people at higher risk of complications if flu is suspected — especially if treatment can begin early.
Access is usually via:
NHS 111
GP services
Out-of-hours services
If a vulnerable person develops flu symptoms, don’t wait it out — ask for advice promptly.
Warning signs that need medical advice urgently
Contact NHS 111 or seek urgent care if a vulnerable person experiences:
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Chest pain
Confusion or unusual drowsiness
Very little urine output or inability to keep fluids down
Symptoms that worsen after seeming to improve
High fever that isn’t settling
Trust your instincts — early advice can prevent serious complications.
Emotional care matters too
Illness can be frightening, especially for older or medically vulnerable people.
Reassure without minimising
Keep explanations calm and clear
Maintain routines where possible
Let rest be restorative, not isolating
Loneliness and anxiety can slow recovery just as much as physical illness.
A final word from That’s Health
Protecting vulnerable people during flu season isn’t about fear — it’s about thoughtful, practical care.
Vaccinations, hygiene, ventilation, rest, and early medical advice form a quiet safety net that genuinely saves lives.
If flu is circulating where you live, being cautious is not overreacting.
Elder, the UK’s leading care home care platform, has urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to put an end to rumours regarding tax-free pension changes by providing clarity ahead of the Autumn Budget.
Media and analysts have speculated that Reeves could make changes to the 25% tax-free Pension Commencement Lump Sum (PCLS), which, in turn has seen a heightened level of pension withdrawals and anxiety for taxpayers.
According to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the money withdrawn from pensions soared by more than a third in 2024/25, jumping from £52.2 to £70.9 billion.
Elder Founder and CEO Pete Dowds said that the Chancellor’s silence on the PCLS was forcing families into irreversible financial decisions.
“The cost of leaving families in this state of uncertainty is far too high, and savers who have worked diligently to provide for their later years deserve stability and assurance,” he told That's Food and Drink.
“We strongly urge the Chancellor to address this speculation now, before the Budget, to safeguard the retirement plans of millions of hardworking families.”
Mr Dowds said that the PCLS was the most crucial source of accessible capital used to cover the upfront costs of care for self-funding families, and if changes were made, it would also undermine the Government’s ‘Home First’ objective to support people at home and improve hospital flow.
“The tax-free lump sum provides the essential bridge that allows people to afford high-quality live-in care, keeping them independent and actively supporting the reduction of pressure on the NHS,” he said.
“Any budget measure that diminishes the value of this tax-efficient capital would hasten the depletion of families’ savings, undermining their ability to self-fund.”
FACTFILE:-
In its tenth year, Elder is an award-winning home care platform that matches older adults with self-employed carers for flexible and personalised home care across the UK.
Founded on the principle that home is the best place to age, Elder is committed to delivering solutions that enhance patient dignity and provide families with peace of mind. Elder has helped to deliver more than 15 million hours of home care across the UK.
While live-in care promotes longevity and continuity, there are very few instances where a carer resides in the home for a remarkable eight years.
For Mr John Beard and his late wife Jean, this was precisely the case. The bond they formed with their carer, Oyeyemi ‘Yemi’ Olaseinde, was undeniable.
“She used to call me dad,” said a smiling Mr Beard.
Yemi’s eight years of continuous care meant putting her life in London on hold, spending months at a time away from her two daughters. During the pandemic, and as Jean’s dementia worsened, Yemi stayed with the couple for six consecutive months.
This is the longest care placement Elder has facilitated, and perhaps one of the longest examples of “loving care” as Mr Beard describes it, in the country.
We travel to the sleepy but strikingly beautiful part of the UK, Great Longstone in the Peak District, where Mr Beard resides in the Bungalow built for Jean. It’s a home brimming with character and rich in memories.
Greeted at the door by the 90-something-year-old, Mr Beard ushers us over to a framed photo of the couple from their 1954 wedding, and a certificate from the Queen of England acknowledging their diamond anniversary.
As we’re seated in the living room, Mr Beard hands over his wife’s funeral programme and remarks on her picture.
“That was taken when I went into the RAF,” he said.
“We got married on July 10, 1954, and I was called up in October.
“I had it by my locker.”
Mr and Mrs Beard dated from the ages of 16 to 22; their bond solidified at a local church youth club. The couple’s first encounter, or rather Jean first laying eyes on John, was rather comical.
“She once saw me riding to school and thought my cycling was somewhat ungainly," he said, chuckling.
She said to a friend ‘Who’s that drip?’, and she put up with that drip for 71 years.
“She was a bit shy, she was interested in everything, she was straightforward.
“She was my all.”
After Mr Beard left the RAF in 1956, as part of his national service, the couple moved to Sheffield to raise a family. With the welcomed addition of their two children, Alastair and Fiona, the family moved several times before residing in Ashford In The Water, not five kilometres from their Dagenham bungalow.
Jean ran the home whilst devoting her time to her local community. She served as treasurer and a committee member for The Ashford Institute and The Women’s Institute, an organisation that provides a space for women to connect, learn new skills, and campaign on issues. She also volunteered for numerous years at the Bakewell Red Cross Store.
Mr Beard built himself a successful career as an accountant, joining what had been his grandfather’s firm in Sheffield. In retirement, he became heavily involved with the Freemasons. As a member of the charitable committee, he ultimately earned himself the title of Deputy Grand Master for Derbyshire.
Noticing the signs of dementia
Upon Jean’s dementia diagnosis in 2009, it became apparent to Mr Beard that their home of 32 years, a converted 200-year-old barn in Foolow, wasn’t adequate for his wife’s needs.
Relocating to their bungalow a year later, Mr Beard recalled the time both he and Jean realised her condition was worsening.
“She’d taken our grandson to swimming. She had come out (in her vehicle) and didn’t know which way to turn. She turned left instead of right. It was then that I realised that something was wrong.”
“Then we went through all the different stages they go through. They worry about curtains getting pulled, doors being locked.
“Then it gets to the stage where they don’t worry. So in a way it’s good, but it also means they’re at a lower stage.”
It wasn’t until a fall, in which Mrs Beard fractured her pelvis, that Mr Beard realised he needed help.
“At that stage I had to do something,” he said.
“Whilst I could help her during the day, I couldn’t do the night bit as well.”
More than just a carer
At first, the idea of having a carer in the home can be daunting for most, but the help from carer Yemi proved invaluable in so many ways.
Within a few weeks, Yemi and Mrs Beard bonded. Between the care duties, they watched television, shopped, and completed puzzles, a favourite hobby of Mrs Beard’s before her diagnosis.
Mr Beard recalls the smells of Nigerian cooking and how Yemi referred to him as “dad”.
“She was very capable at caring, and she looked after Jean very well,” he said.
For eight years, the Beards, John, Fiona and Alastair, entrusted Yemi to their loved ones’ care. Yemi became the foundation of Jean’s world, and in turn, the family rallied to see Yemi return home to London for breaks when she could.
Mr Beard would pay for Yemi’s train tickets where he could, and Alastair would drive her back to London.
Before going on break, Yemi made sure that John and Jean found the best respite carer.
“We always tried to get the same carers, and Yemi was insistent she got the right person,” Mr Beard said.
“Yemi and I used to look at carers and make our decisions together.
“She (Jean) would settle when Yemi was away, but she always knew her when she came back.”
Away from her two daughters, Yemi was embraced as a member of the family and cared for Mrs Beard until her peaceful passing in March this year.
The benefits of live-in care
There was no doubt in Mr Beard’s mind that home, as opposed to a care home, was where his wife needed to be. Continuity of care and a familiar environment were paramount to Jean’s health, safety, and peace of mind.
“The fact that she was here (home) and I was here, it made life much better for her, and much better for us,” he said.
“Home every time.”
With the bungalow just around the corner from their daughter's home, the couple could expect regular visits from their grandchildren. This, Mr Beard said, used to “pluck up” his wife, especially as her dementia worsened.
“You tried telling her that you loved her very much, but you weren’t sure she was getting it,” he said.
“Towards the end, there wasn’t much reaction, but one breakfast time, I went in and got the most dazzling smile. It was like a ray of sunshine.”
Carer becomes a family member
Yemi knows all too well the hardships faced regarding a dementia diagnosis.
Looking after her grandmother, who lived with dementia, inspired her to become a carer.
“I like being a companion,” she said.
“That’s what a lot of the elderly want. A companion, a friend.”
Yemi’s longest placement with John and Jean Beard was for six months during the pandemic. While it was difficult being away from her two daughters for such a lengthy period, she described the Beard family as “marvellous”.
“Mrs Beard was used to me,” she said.
“I knew all of the family, the grandchildren, everyone.
“When it came time for the placement to end, Mr Beard didn’t want me to go.”
Mr Beard and Yemi still stay connected via regular phone calls.
The importance of an early dementia diagnosis
Mr Beard stressed the importance of looking out for signs of dementia and seeking help and a diagnosis immediately.
“First of all, you’ve got to realise the symptoms and you’ve got to make sure you get them looked at by a psychiatrist, via a doctor, because the signs are always there,” he said.
“It needs to be diagnosed at an early stage, and I’m all for that.”
Elder’s Head of Clinical, Bianca Wardle, concurs.
“From a clinical standpoint, an early dementia diagnosis is fundamentally the most important step a family can take, as it reduces uncertainty and gives the person and their families a greater sense of control,” she said.
“An early diagnosis allows families to develop a personalised care plan, involve relevant professionals, and introduce supportive therapies while the person can fully participate.
“Most importantly, it gives families the time to make informed decisions about care and future planning before a crisis hits.
“Waiting until symptoms worsen can make planning more challenging, may lead to last-minute decisions that affect the person's dignity and well-being, and could contribute to a faster progression of their condition."
In recent years, virtual wards have gained popularity in the healthcare industry as a promising solution to improve patient care and reduce hospital readmissions.
These innovative systems aim to monitor and support patients remotely, providing timely interventions and preventing unnecessary hospitalisations. While the concept of virtual wards holds great potential, they are not without their shortcomings. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the failures and challenges associated with virtual wards.
Limited Access and Connectivity
One of the most significant issues with virtual wards is that they heavily rely on technology. While this reliance on technology can be efficient and cost-effective in many cases, it also poses challenges for those who do not have reliable internet access or the digital literacy needed to use these systems effectively. This digital divide can exclude vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, from receiving the benefits of virtual ward services.
Data Security and Privacy Concerns
The transfer and storage of sensitive patient data in virtual wards are essential for their operation. However, this also brings forth a myriad of privacy and security concerns. Ensuring that patient data remains protected from breaches and unauthorised access is a constant challenge, especially when dealing with numerous data points and interconnected devices. As the healthcare industry faces a growing number of cyberattacks and data breaches, the security of virtual wards is a significant concern.
Lack of Personalised Care
Virtual wards often rely on algorithms and automated systems to monitor patients' vital signs and assess their health status. While this approach is cost-effective and efficient, it can neglect the nuances of individual patient needs. Virtual wards can lack the personal touch that healthcare professionals can provide in traditional hospital settings. This can lead to misdiagnoses or inadequate care, as well as patient dissatisfaction.
There can also be issues with a patient, who previously would have been hospitalised for treatment, remaining at home in the care of elderly and often poorly family members or relying on visiting carers with the potential problems this can bring with it.
Technological Glitches
As with any technology, virtual wards are susceptible to glitches and technical malfunctions. When these issues occur, patients may experience disruptions in their care, and healthcare providers may struggle to respond promptly. Relying on technology in a healthcare setting means that there is a risk of system failures, which can have severe consequences for patient safety.
Staffing and Training Challenges
To ensure the success of virtual wards, healthcare providers must have well-trained staff who can use the technology effectively and provide the necessary support to patients. Staffing virtual wards with skilled professionals and providing ongoing training can be costly and challenging. This could lead to a lack of qualified personnel, undermining the effectiveness of the virtual ward model.
Regulatory and Legal Hurdles
The healthcare industry is highly regulated, and virtual wards are no exception. Navigating the complex web of regulations and compliance requirements can be a significant challenge for healthcare organizations. Additionally, legal questions surrounding issues like liability and informed consent in virtual ward settings have yet to be fully resolved.
Conclusion
While virtual wards hold promise in improving patient care and reducing hospital readmissions, they are not without their failures and challenges. Limited access and connectivity, data security and privacy concerns, the potential for a lack of personalized care, technological glitches, staffing and training challenges, and regulatory and legal hurdles are all significant issues that need to be addressed to make virtual wards a viable and safe healthcare solution.
As virtual ward technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to learn from these failures and work toward solutions that make remote healthcare monitoring more accessible, secure, and patient-centred. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, we can ensure that virtual wards can fulfil their potential and help shape the future of healthcare in a positive way.
This has resulted in 85.5% of residents being able to remain in their home after a fall, instead of a potentially unnecessary trip to A&E.
An innovative healthcare partnership is celebrating its tenth anniversary and has increased the services it provides to mark the milestone.
Immedicare, a partnership between Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and Involve Visual Collaboration, provides digital services delivered by an NHS clinical team, enabling care home residents to receive clinical consultations at home, rather than travelling to hospital.
Recently, Immedicare enhanced its services to care homes, to include seven care elements which align with the Enhanced Health in Care Homes (EHCH) framework. In addition to the core online consultation service, which has received over 150,000 calls from care homes over a 4-year period, Immedicare can now offer support in the following areas:
Falls
Medicines Optimisation
Tissue Viability
Core Skills Training
Enhanced end-of-life care
Nutrition and Hydration
Care Connect
As one example, falls are the leading cause of attendance at hospital A&E departments for older people. In response to this, Immedicare has developed its falls service to provide remote assessments of residents who have fallen, and the development of a falls risk assessment and prevention plan can also be carried out remotely.
This has resulted in 85.5% of residents being able to remain in their home after a fall, instead of a potentially unnecessary trip to A&E. Immedicare has a Consultant Pharmacist as part of our multi-disciplinary team to support medicines optimisation and offer advice in complex cases.
To provide further value to care homes as part of its service development, Immedicare now offers a series of core skills training programmes that can be accessed by care home staff at all levels with over 1,200 care staff having completed our courses over the past year. The training consists of 15 core skills courses which have been specifically designed to upskill care home staff so they can provide the best possible outcomes for their residents.
As part of the new service package, Immedicare has launched a new brand identity, to highlight its enhanced services that care homes now have access to. The new branding will be seen across all of Immedicare’s digital marketing channels as well as having a presence within the Digital care Hub, based at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.
Marie Buchan, Head of Digital Care Hub at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust commented; “We’re proud of our new branding and how it will be used to raise awareness of the enhanced clinical service offerings, knowing how the new care elements will improve the support Immedicare provides to staff and residents in care homes.”
Mick Roach, who is the Director of Digital Healthcare Alliances, Immedicare said: “We’re so proud to have reached this 10-year milestone and to launch our new brand identity, which reflects the significant development Immedicare has undergone over the past two years to further enhance the services it delivers to its users.
For more information on Immedicare’s services please email: enquiries@immedicare.co.uk or visit our website at www.immedicare.co.uk
If you or a colleague are looking to discover innovative new equipment and technology to assist independent living or get up to scratch on the latest approaches to care then look no further than this year's Naidex National.
From 1st-3rd May the UK's largest disability, homecare and rehabilitation exhibition takes place at the Birmingham NEC and with a growing exhibitor list and enhanced show features it is shaping up to be an unmissable event.
A visit to Naidex National allows you to network with colleagues, share best practice and discuss the latest industry developments while those involved in the purchasing of new equipment will find a superb choice of wheelchairs, hoists, scooters, adaptive vehicles, adjustable furniture and shower commodes, plus much more on display.
In addition to viewing and testing thousands of new products to aid daily care, healthcare professionals will also benefit from the free Naidex Conference, with three seminar theatres offering dedicated streams for all professional groups to enhance their CPD portfolios. Visit www.naidex.co.uk/national to see the full Conference programme and speaker profiles.
You and your colleagues will also enjoy the friendly, relaxed environment and the free advice available from various experts including OTs and physiotherapists about any issues or concerns they may have. To register yourself and any colleagues for free tickets to the show visit the new Naidex National website at www.naidex.co.uk/national and quote priority code EP7.
Oxfordshire mother-of-three launches new one-stop website to help families find the care they need.
Kathleen How, 31, from Witney, set up TotalCareOnline after she and her Mum found it difficult to get the right care for her newly widowed, wheel-chair bound grandfather.
"It was really tough finding the right person or place to look after him so I decided to create one place that people can go to for all their care needs, whether that is someone like us who needs help to look after an elderly relative, a family wanting childcare or someone needing disability or respite care", explains Kath.
Kath already has considerable experience of the care industry, having run her Oxfordshire based Little Angels, nanny and nursery agency ( www.littleangelsnna.co.uk ) for 7 years, and worked as a nanny and carer ever since leaving school.
TotalCareOnline is a national online resource listing childcare, elderly care, disability and respite care jobs as well as carers, agencies and support services across the UK.
The site also includes interview tips and advice for those looking for carers.
Users can select from three main areas, Childcare, Elderly/Respite Care and Disability/Respite Care and then choose a county.
Making the TotalCareOnline site easy to use was a priority for Kath who understands that some people can still find online searches rather daunting.
"I have spent a lot of time making sure people can access what they need simply and quickly", she says.
TotalCareOnline is free for families and job seekers to use although they can upgrade to paid-for packages. The site is currently offering a free 90 day trial for subscribers.
The ExtraCare Charitable Trust offers older people the opportunity to enjoy a healthier and more independent lifestyle in a community which represents an alternative to the traditional care homes. The trust has announced its plans to create a new state-of-the –art retirement village in the heart of Coventry, just a short walk from the city centre.
The new complex will be Coventry’s first retirement village and will look to house around 350 senior citizens. Aiming to be finished by 2015, ExtraCare has earmarked Earlsdon Park as the most popular area which will play host to a food store, restaurant, theatre, hotel and cafe amongst other amenities.
The new village will feature a range of homes available for purchase or rent which will be offered to prospective residents aged 55 or over. As well as creating a vibrant and engaging hub for older people to build a new home, there are plans to build a library, well being centre, gym, IT suite and greenhouse for residents to pass their time and build a community around.
ExtraCare is committed to creating a more independent living experience for the residents, in a step away from the traditional care homes across the country. There will, however, be 24 hour support through the Well Being Centre for any residents requiring help.
Any families interested in discovering more about the ExtraCare communities and the holistic approach towards the new residential complexes are invited to register their interest via the website. Click here to navigate straight to the site and find out more.
Carers’ organisations across England are disappointed that their local Primary Care Trusts (PCT) have not committed to using all of their allocated budget to support unpaid carers.
Two of the country’s leading carers’ charities, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care, have launched the Give Carers a Break campaign to ensure every pound of the £400million allocated by the Government for carers’ breaks is spent on carers.
Research from the two charities has shown that the vast majority of PCTs are failing to show how they will be spending the cash on carer services – in complete contradiction of government guidelines.
Nine out of ten PCTs responding to the survey from the two charities still haven’t committed to using the funding to support carers. And while over half of respondents said they will revise their plans to support carers, England’s five million unpaid carers fear they will miss out again if PCTs aren’t held to account.
The campaign to push PCTs to give carers the support they desperately need is being backed by new Dragon’s Den star Hilary Devey.
Millionaire business-woman Hilary, a long-term supporter of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, said: “As a former carer and a business-woman it makes perfect sense to me that carers should be supported in this way. Breaks from caring responsibilities make all the difference to the carers’ mental and physical health and well-being. It’s a sound investment that saves money in the long run because without breaks many carers are not able to continue as their health deteriorates and they end up needing care or hospitalisation themselves.”
The overwhelming majority of PCTs (82%) claimed they had worked with carers’ organisations or carers to develop plans and budgets but local carers’ organisations dispute this claim, pointing out that nearly half (40%) of PCTs did NOT engage with them in any way at all.
Liz Fenton, Chief Executive, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers said, “As part of this campaign we’re calling on the Government to ensure every PCT spends their allocated budget supporting carers. Because the money is not ‘ring-fenced’, cash-strapped PCTs are not obliged to spend the money on carers and are in danger of diverting the funds elsewhere.”
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain this data from PCTs in England.
Michael Kerstein had the best kind of motivation to start supplying assistive technology phones with additional telicare services. He went shopping for a new phone for his Dad!
“My dad is 89, on medication and lives 170 miles away. I visit him when I can, however the distance and being worried about his health means that the phone is a vital life line for us both. When I started looking for a phone that was easy for him to use I realised there were great products on the market but many offerings depended on having someone there for you to set it all up. If half of people over the age of 75 in the UK live on their own many people who need assistive technology phones don’t have that luxury.."
In May 2011, Michael set up www.easiphone.co.uk offering a selection of large button mobiles and telephones suitable for the elderly and disabled in the UK. In addition, Easiphone has unique telicare services which offer pre programming of friends and family and a daily reminder service which sends text or vocal messages to prompt people to remember appointments, when to take their medication, or simple things like birthdays. Customers can receive the phone pre programmed with important contacts and emergency numbers.
Research from Age UK highlights 55% of people over the age of 60 are deaf or hard of hearing, 28% of people over the age of 65 have problems with their eyesight and dementia affects 1 in 6 over the age of 80. Yet 17% have less than weekly contact with family, friends and neighbours.
According to charity Independent Age ‘loneliness is as threatening to health as smoking and obesity’. A big button phone which is hearing aid compatible, easy to read and use, with added features such as alarms, daily reminders, pre-programmed friends and family - is not only useful in emergencies but vital to keep elderly and disabled people feeling independent yet socially included and in touch with friends.
As Michael says: "At Easiphone all our products are easy to use, easy to hear and easy to see. Our telicare services can help the most vulnerable be better connected & offer peace of mind for family, friends and carers who cannot be there 24/7"
To celebrate National Carers Week Easiphone are offering free friends and family pre programming and 1 months daily reminders telicare package with every phone purchased between now and 30th June 2011.
Bupa care homes residents from all over the UK rolled out the red carpet as they added a local twist to the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
Altogether over 250 care homes, including dementia care homes, transformed rooms into in-house cinemas and put on showings of some real classic films.
Staff joined in the fun, too, dressing up as famous film stars like Charlie Chaplin, and cinema ushers to bring the festival to life. Care home residents were served popcorn and ice cream during the film intervals. The homes were also joined by local entertainers to serenade the residents with their favourite show tunes.
Each home was provided with a selection of iconic movie star photographs in order to set really the scene.
Penny Leng, Bupa Care Homes' national activities manager, said: "Our residential and care home staff really went the extra mile to recreate the cinema experience so residents had the chance to feel part of the action.
"It was a fantastic way to appreciate the glitz and glamour of the Cannes Film Festival, as well as offering a great opportunity for our residents to reminisce and talk about their favourite legends of the silver screen.
"Many of our residents remember the bygone era of when going to the cinema was a really thrilling experience, and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed bringing that sense of excitement to life in our homes."
This year marked the 64th Cannes Film Festival, which took place from 11-22 May. Known as the world's oldest and most esteemed showcase for European films, movie stars and producers flock to the festival each year to launch their new films.
'Community Crops' is a Bupa care homes initiative which promotes the health benefits associated with gardening and growing your own fruit and veg.
The project is being supported by young people involved with The Prince's Trust, who are working with Bupa homes, including nursing care homes, across the UK to help sow and grow the crops.
Residents have also been inviting local schools and community groups to lend a hand with planting and start their own vegetable plots.
Caroline Davy, Bupa's community affairs assistant, said: "This is a great way for our residents to appreciate the fresh air, stay active and get a real sense of achievement by tending to the crops and watching them grow.
"For our residents who were keen gardeners before they joined us, 'Community Crops' offers a great opportunity to get involved in gardening again, but it also helps minds as well as bodies.
Particularly for our residents receiving dementia care, sharing stories about 'dig for victory' and the tradition of growing your own are excellent memory triggers to aid connections with the past."
Helen Thurston, from The Prince's Trust added: "'The Community Crops' campaign is a fantastic project which provides our Prince's Trust XL club members with the opportunity to get involved with their local community. It enables young people to engage in a positive way with a different generation and learn about the importance of healthy eating."
Altogether, the Community Crops campaign has taken root in gardens and greenhouses in over 300 care homes across the UK.
FACTFILE:
Bupa Care Services runs 305 nursing and residential homes in the UK and cares for almost 18,500 people. Its homes are open to everyone - with over 70 percent of UK residents receiving state funding. It offers Alzheimer's Society-trained Dementia Champions in its UK specialist care homes and over 25% of its beds in the UK are registered for specialist dementia care. Bupa Care Services employs over 27,000 people and owns care homes in Spain, Australia, and New Zealand.
Bupa's purpose is to help people lead longer, healthier, happier lives. A leading international healthcare group, it offers personal and company health insurance, run care homes for older people and hospitals, and provide workplace health services, health assessments and chronic disease management services, including health coaching, and home healthcare.
With no shareholders, Bupa invests its profits to provide more and better healthcare. It is committed to making quality, patient-centred, affordable healthcare more accessible in the areas of wellness, chronic disease management and ageing.
Top UK skincare chain, sk:n Clinics, has announced a magnanimous 25% off promotion covering its entire range of procedures from laser hair removal to liposuction.
The new promotion comes soon in the wake of the Spring Revival, a package of deals and offers laid out by sk:n Clinics over March and April.
This promotion will be accessible for clients all over the UK, this is thanks to the chain having a presence in over 30 locations. Whilst many are in London, clinics can be found in almost every part of the UK.
For over 20 years, sk:n have gained a reputation for providing a competitive standard of cosmetic treatment, carriying out over 3 million treatments over a 20 year period.
The spectrum of therapy that will fall under this offer, which is timed to coincide with the generous bank holiday allowances made possible by the Royal Wedding, ranges from minor procedures such as Botox and laser hair removal to surgical treatments including breast enhancement and liposuction.
Treatments are carried out by an experienced team of sk:n experts and trained practitioners in a calm and relaxing environment.
Free consultations can be booked by calling 0800 180 8702, or by visiting the website at http://www.sknclinics.co.uk
