Health
How can you help your parent stay well for as long as possible and find their way through a complex health system?
Changes to Care Act 2014 guidance during the coronavirus pandemic
The UK government has determined that the provisions of the Care Act 2014 should be eased during the current crisis. New guidance sets out how local authorities can use the new Care Act provisions, created under the Coronavirus Act 2020, to prioritise care and support for those who need it most. The government is stressing that […]
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Avoiding loneliness during the Coronavirus pandemic
Loneliness amongst older people was a growing crisis before the arrival of COVID-19. Now many of our parents are wisely staying at home completely, or following current government advice to only go out for walks and essential foods and medicines. The usual support and interest groups are on hold. Community centres have closed. Libraries aren’t […]
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Where to go for government and health advice in the coronavirus crisis
This page is devoted to links for official and expert information for everyone with questions about specific health conditions and what we can and can’t do in the crisis. We will be updating the page regularly as more advice becomes available. Government advice and resources Protecting the extremely vulnerable at risk of severe illness Register […]
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How the worldwide healthcare industry has responded to the Coronavirus outbreak
While ordinary citizens have been wondering how best to keep themselves and their families safe in the era of the Coronavirus, it’s the medical industry that is on the frontline, battling this new and unprecedented global threat. In a time of chaos of anxiety, the NHS has been called on to respond quickly. But what […]
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How to get food to your parents in times of coronavirus
With instructions to stay in to protect yourself and family from the COVID-19 virus, how can we make sure our parents are getting the food they need? Here are some thoughts that apply today, but with the rate of change it will be a good idea to check latest status when you want to place […]
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How long does the coronavirus live on surfaces – and is my Amazon package a risk?
Here’s a useful graphic from the New England Journal of Medicine that shows how long the coronavirus can stay on various hard materials. It should be helpful if you or your family members are out and about, using public transport, pushing trollies around supermarkets, or sharing any facilities with other people. The graphic shows that […]
Read moreStaying fit when you’re socially distancing
A key difference between self-isolating and socially distancing is that you can still get out of the house and get some fresh air and exercise while you’re socially distancing. What’s important is to be as far away from other people as possible. Having taken a walk along the river today, I’ve found that’s pretty […]
Read moreWho should be practising social distancing?
UPDATE 24 March 2020: Everyone has been asked to stay home and if they need to go out for exercise, to buy food or to collect medicines, everyone is expected to stay 2 metres apart from others. This is UK Government guidance, published 16 March 2020, listing those who should practise social distancing to help […]
Read moreCovid-19 compared to cold, flu and allergies
Not sure whether you’ve got a cold or something more serious? Here’s a useful guide.
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What’s the situation with care homes and coronavirus?
With the Covid-19 virus threat moving fast, this is merely a snapshot of how government, care home owners and staff are approaching the challenge today. But it’s all useful to know when we’re worried about our loved ones. What’s the current advice? Older people and those with underlying health conditions are at most risk from […]
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