Kathy Lawrence
Maintaining a relationship when your parent has dementia – a real-life story
Our specialist ageing parent “agony aunt” Lesley Trenner has been talking to people about the emotions around caring for family members living with dementia. Here she tells how sisters Jean and Diane are taking this journey and offers tips to others with the same challenges. When your parent is diagnosed with dementia it can be […]
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What to put on your bucket list?
Written by Kathy Lawrence Lists of inspiring things to do in a lifetime become hugely popular. A survey asked older people what they would suggest for their younger family and friends. Here’s their top 20. Who better to take bucket list advice from than those who are now retired and living out their aspirations or […]
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How your employer can retain the skills of working carers
By Kathy Lawrence We’ve come a long way in recognising the needs of parents at work. Now in an ageing population it’s time to help at those caring for elders or risk losing experienced and talented staff. Forward-thinking organisations have already started implementing policies to retain staff who care and provide ideas that we can […]
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Why we shouldn’t de-clutter our family history
De-cluttering may be the road to an easier life but be sure you’re not losing important family history says Bryher Scudamore. She has riveting tales from her forebears to prove the point. The fashion for minimalist living is growing apace and the latest book on the benefits of de-cluttering (“Stuffocation” by James Wallman) has just […]
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How to successfully request flexible working hours
From June 30th this year, anyone who has been with the same employer for at least 26 weeks is legally entitled to make a written or verbal request for flexible working hours. For many who’re juggling work, family and caring commitments this is a welcome move forward. If you’re considering applying for flexible working hours […]
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How can flexible working hours help me look after my elderly parent?
As our parents get older they may start to face various health challenges. It can be difficult to fit their hospital and GP appointments into a full-time work schedule but with recent changes to flexible working legislation you can now apply to amend your contracted hours in order to help your parents without having to […]
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How to cope with bereavement
Written by Rebecca Lenton Grief is something no one is ever really prepared for. Learning how to live with loss can be difficult and bereavement affects everyone differently but finding the right support can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle. We share where to find help, your rights to workplace leave and tips on how […]
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Ageing parents – who cares?
The number of people aged 85 and over in the UK has shot up in recent years and it’s predicted to double in the next two decades. As they get older, people often need more care and support. But social services are struggling, communities are less cohesive than they used to be and families are […]
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Balancing dementia care with a full-time career
This week’s storyteller is Marianne Talbot. Marianne, Director of Studies in Philosophy at Oxford University, shares how she managed to care for a Dad with dementia and later a Mum with Alzheimer’s whilst working as a full-time academic. I was expecting people for supper when the phone rang. Dad had been rushed into hospital. I […]
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Fresh ideas on balancing work and eldercare
Written by Rebecca Lenton Women in their 50s and 60s are working longer whilst taking the lion’s share of care for ageing family members. As career opportunities begin to slim with care responsibilities often over spilling into working hours it’s clear that older women can have a tough time of it in the work place […]
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