Health
How can you help your parent stay well for as long as possible and find their way through a complex health system?
The doctor may see you now – if only virtually
With GP appointments increasingly difficult to come by, how will digital fit into the future of local patient care? ‘I can’t get an appointment to see my GP!’ We hear that cry of desperation on a regular basis. The system for making appointments seems to vary from surgery to surgery. Sometimes it’s fine, and you […]
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Travel insurance, pre-existing medical conditions and Brexit uncertainty
Please note: As the UK finally leaves the EU on 1 January 2021, there are changes to requirements for health insurance. Check government advice for latest guidance. It’s tempting to believe that travel insurance is an optional extra when you’re fit and healthy. But as soon as you or your older relative develop chronic conditions […]
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Organising a funeral
Some people like to plan their own funeral. Others don’t want to think about it and leave the organisation to family once they’ve gone. Either way, it’s surprising how much there is to think about. By Kathy Lawrence The number of decisions you need to take while organising a funeral can be quite daunting. Here’s […]
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Tips on coping with incontinence
Incontinence is a difficult subject to bring up. But if you can talk about it, there are plenty of ways you can help someone dealing with its challenges. By Ryan Jones Some of the challenges our relatives face as they grow older are easy to talk about, and others are far harder. The ideal path […]
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How will the promised boost in funding help to solve the social care crisis?
With a growing number of older people needing help to live independently at home, there is massive pressure on funding. A promised increase may go some way to helping. By Camille Leavold The UK Government recently announced a £3.5bn annual real-terms increase in funding for primary and community care in England, with Prime Minister Theresa May suggesting […]
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How NHS GP videoconference consultations work
by Kathy Lawrence As the UK government has just announced that videoconferencing with GPs is the way forward for the NHS in England, we’re talking about how the service works, and whether it’s something that can help older people. Experiencing LIVI for the first time Our local GP practices have been contacting patients to let […]
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Christmas celebrations and dementia
Christmas and other family celebrations can be an overwhelming time for someone living with dementia. A sudden influx of friends and family can cause individuals to feel stressed, agitated and confused. Active Minds outline their top tips for supporting your loved one through the Christmas period, ensuring you enjoy a magical festive time together. Planning […]
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When and how do we talk with GPs and hospitals about dying choices?
By Kathy Lawrence Talking about the likelihood of a loved one dying in the near future is always going to be difficult. But if we want to give them the good death that we would like, we and their physicians need to know their preferences. But how can we know if anyone has asked, let […]
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Footwear choices for older people
Feet and the way people walk change as they get older. Some find their balance and mobility are impaired. So is there advice for everyone to help them stay comfortable and stable (as well as looking good!) in later life? We posed some questions we hear regularly to footwear retailer Brantano for their expert advice. […]
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Hospital discharge and getting the right services in place
We often see stories in the media about older people being discharged from hospital without enough care to support them at home. Aleisha White, an independent social worker and founder of The Care Advice Service, explains what services should be available and how you can make sure they are in place. Why patients are discharged […]
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