Health
How can you help your parent stay well for as long as possible and find their way through a complex health system?
4 Handy Gadgets for Parents with Mobility Issues
Collaborative Post As our parents age, it can become harder for them to get around like they used to. There are some things they can’t do anymore – whether it is too physically intensive or simply needs a steadier hand to use. Here are some handy gadgets for your parents when they show signs of […]
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Can our parents now enjoy some safe retail therapy on the High Street?
With lockdown easing, and people being positively encouraged to get back onto the High Street to save ailing businesses, our older family and friends may be tempted back out if they’re not actively shielding. However, older people, especially if they live with a number of health issues, remain at risk of reacting badly if they […]
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Mental capacity and Covid-19
There have been some changes to the way that people lacking mental capacity are cared for during the Covid-19 pandemic. The UK Government has published guidance on the key points of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and deprivation of liberty safeguards (DoLS) in England and Wales, and what has changed temporarily. The changes centre around […]
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A visit to the dentist in social distancing times
I went to the dentist today. A few months that really wouldn’t have been worthy of a blog, unless I was feeling particularly self-indulgent. But in these bizarre times, it was another bite of unreality. I actually had no idea dentists were open again for normal appointments. And I hadn’t checked my really empty diary […]
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Practical ways to encourage older people to drink more fluids
Ever been in one of those conversations where you’re trying to encourage your older relative to drink more water? But they don’t want to because they’re not thirsty, or they’ll be getting up in the night even more often than they already do? Or they won’t be told by their children what to do? Getting […]
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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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