Health
How can you help your parent stay well for as long as possible and find their way through a complex health system?
Will the post-virus world be kinder to the old and vulnerable?
Editorial While living with a pandemic has been strange and difficult, it gives us an opportunity to reset attitudes and behaviours towards the older members of society. But there are many questions with unpredictable answers. The first question of course is when will there be a post-covid world? For those going back to work and […]
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Tips on updating wills and LPAs while social distancing
While many people are hoping for the end of lockdown restrictions, for the older and vulnerable, social distancing remains the best option. Yet it continues to be important to keep estate planning, wills and provision for future challenges up to date. That includes putting measures in place to make life easier for all the family […]
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Why and how to exercise at home in later years
Physical activity of any sort is highly recommended for everyone at any age. Even when gym workouts seem far behind us, keeping moving is important. Exercise is cited as an important tool in protecting hearts, joints and our immune systems. It can help diabetics with their blood sugar levels, promote better sleeping patterns and increase […]
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Foods to boost the immune system in times of coronavirus
A strong immune system can be key to fighting off the worst of the coronavirus. That’s why people at risk of becoming seriously ill are considered to be all those likely to have weakened immune systems, commonly defined as the over 70s and those with ‘underlying health conditions’, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and obesity. […]
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Funerals during the coronavirus lockdown in the UK
Update 28 May 2020 As the UK starts to come out of lockdown, the government has published new guidance for England. The advice is much the same as we’ve outlined below. Funerals are still limited in numbers attending and social distancing must be observed. Online books of condolence are one of the ways that are […]
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Help at home after hospital from the Royal Voluntary Service
What help is available to older people leaving hospital? If your parent has been in hospital for a while, they may need help to get back into life at home. When they’re ready to go home they should be connected to a number of healthcare and care professionals to get the right services in place. […]
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Age as a risk in the coronavirus pandemic
The subject of risk is as confusing as anything else around the coronavirus. With new knowledge being gleaned every day, the advice given to the public can change as fast. The risk we’re talking about here is not the likelihood of catching the disease, but the probability of being severely affected by it. All older […]
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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, health and care 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 The UK government offers advice and requirements primarily for England, […]
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