So....do you recommend others become unpaid carers?.....

That was a question someone asked me the other day. I had to stop and think. The years I have been doing it....being an unpaid carer for loved ones...a caregiver, they trendily call it....I didn't think about recommending it to anyone. It is just something you do isn't it? It is sort of a choice that you make but because you feel you want to do it and the alternatives aren't suitable for the people you love. Anyway, I stopped. Then I thought....yes, your life is changed dramatically. Nothing is ever the same again. You have worries and concerns. You think, boy life is different. And you wish that it was simple again. You sit in the park and feel envious of people who wander round without a care in the world. You see people going out on Saturday night, getting sloshed and wondering why the heck you aren't doing the same. But then I stopped again. I see, feel, know, sense miracles every day. I can't say it's one big fuzzy feeling. It is really about those little miracles each moment. Someone saying something that touches your heart. Someone doing something that is considerate and kind - when you thought everyone had forgotten about you. Or a little kindness when someone holds a door open as you push someone through it in the wheelchair. In the end, the little miracles add up...they accumulate and they become something to feel, to remember and hold onto when something challenging comes up. It's all so bloody sentimental but when I hear someone say, do you recommend becoming an unpaid carer, you stop. I will be honest but I will probably say the most positive thing I can.

Motion sickness research

This could be amazing....if there is more research carried out into it. Scientists at Imperial College in London have done some early trials on a small number of people. They say that if they use electricity to stimulate parts of the brain, they may be able to ease symptoms of motion sickness. A mild electrical current interferes with messages arriving from part of the ear controlling balance. There are also bands which you can wear which work on acupressure points to alleviate the nausea. Also, ginger which is great in crystallised form can help with nausea. A word of caution: Professor Chambers, Head of Brain Stimulation at Cardiff University says this "Until the findings are replicated in a large registered trial, I recommend that the public approach any claims about treatment benefits with a healthy scepticism."

Fish consumption could help reduce the risk of depression

Chinese researchers in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health have found that eating more fish could reduce the risk of depression. Professor Dongfeng Zhang, Medical College of Quing dao University said 'Higher fish consumption may be beneficial in the primary prevention of depression.' If you are a veggie, there is a Flaxseed or Flaxseed Oil capsules, nuts and other seeds. Avocados alongside these provide fats too.

Encouraging green eating

How do you get older people to eat their greens? I know, I know. It sounds strange but some of them hate eating vegetables and would rather eat chips. Wouldn't we all? But how do I encourage any of them to eat veg? Curried, in lasagne, salads of fish and chicken 'garnished' with a number of leaves, lots of dressing on big colourful salads and the promise of melon within the subtle flavours of a salad. Gem lettuce leaves, rocket with tuna, tomatoes, avocado, cucumber. Then drizzled over with virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and some garlic crutons maybe?

Disabled loos

Radar keys, the right size, where are they, people using them when they shouldn't? There are so many things to write about. But what about when a location has their disabled loos in awkward areas? Down long corridors, behind heavy doors which pull outwards so someone operating a chair or pushing one has to hold it open with their foot, while hoping to edge the chair through? People who design these facilities - STOP THINK DO! Just go through it with a wheelchair user or a disabled person. They will tell you what you need to know. Or just observe them. That provides all the information you need. Common sense approach rather than sit round a table Apprentice style with no understanding of the users. Rant over!

Doctors and their manner and isms

A visit to the GP. The usual bish bash bosh. Why are some of these people so quick to diagnose and usher you out when you ask them why they are prescribing certain medication? Alright so we aren't qualified because we didn't spend seven or plus years at med school. But it doesn't mean we don't have the right to question decisions. People go on about rights and sometimes it gets bloody annoying. But in the case of what a GP prescribes, I really will question it. HOw many types of medication are out there? How do they get to market? Who decides which brands to buy? NICE? Is it a procurement process? After all the trials or just some? And I would save the NHS money because I would know which medications work effectively and which don't gel with others. Okay, so GP's have targets and time constraints and know it all politicians breathing down their necks. Only to find themselves promoted/shunted aside in a year. But just talk to us. Communication is key. If you learn one thing out of that module they should teach you at med school, it should be that listening to a patient, gives you so much more insight. The old school docs sometimes did the listening thing. And that is why we form an orderly LONG queue to see them at the surgery!

Vitamin D

The British government want us all to take Vitamin D supplements. Well anyone in at-risk groups. These are: "Current advice is only at risk groups - including pregnant women, under fives and over 65s - should take supplements." BBC News online I have seen at my local GP surgery the free prescriptions which have totted up for the vitamin. They must be expensive high dosages. They are available from supermarkets but it is worth considering the right dosage. Ask pharmacists as they are usually informative. When you get a good pharmacist, hold onto them for they are like gold dust! Vitamin D can also be found fish oils or by eating oily fish. But also some nuts. I have found out that almonds are a good source of vitamins. All I know is, in the UK, it is vital we take it because the amount of sunlight we receive is not always enough to keep this vitamin stored in our body.

Tanni Grey-Thompson leads wheelchair alliance

http://www.nhsiq.nhs.uk/improvement-programmes/my-voice,-my-wheelchair,-my-life/wheelchair-alliance.aspx At long last! I have seen people struggle. In the end I know people who have bought their own chairs and mobility scooters. This is because the authorities don't have a co-ordinated approach or they don't have the funds. There are some fantastic services out there. And perhaps this will bring all these brilliant people together. With a co-ordinated approach we can help those who need it most.

The Campaign To End Loneliness

This is a charity and a special one. They say that one in five elderly people feel lonely and have nobody they can turn to. One in five. That's a shocking statistic. Someone I know is looking for work... she has been doing so for some months now but cannot find anything suitable. Okay. How about drop in an older neighbour - check if they need something from the shops, the next time you go out to the shopping mall? 'It's a bit tricky isn't it? They might think I'm prying. They might think I'm being nosey or they can't be independent or they...or they?' No! Just bloomin' well ask. If they tell you to get the hell outta there, then you've asked. You might have upset them temporarily but you asked. If they don't open the door to you because they don't know who you are, then fine, you tried. You ventured. I said you will have thought, do you know what? I read that report about one in five older people feeling lonely or having nobody to turn to and thought, I'll try to make a difference. I'll keep saying it until I'm blue in the face... maybe she'll get the message. http://www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk/ They do tea parties and my friend holds a few every year. But you can help in many many other ways. http://www.thesilverline.org.uk/ 9 out of 10 older people told researchers that “a chat on the phone” is the most helpful solution when they feel lonely.

Eczema cream

There are plenty of creams on and behind the counter at the pharmacy. I went into one in a large pharmacy store on a very busy high street. Queues of people were waiting to buy their fizzy drinks with sandwich at lunchtime. I was having a brief respite and decided to get all the boring chores done first before sitting down to watch the ducks swimming along on the pond. I held my toothpaste, bandages and lip salve. Why I need this in summer I don't know but what is it about lip balms and the like? We feel we need them. I realise now it's because I should just drink more water instead. And who cares that my lips are dry? Half a litre of water should alleviate that in no time. I digress. 'Oh and er Eczema Itch Relief cream please.' The assistant looked behind her. There were so many. 'Oh,' I say. I look behind me now... the queue is long and the people impatient. They only have an hour to buy lunch, find a random spot to eat it while sunbathing and eat said lunch. 'Erm, just give me that one... in fact I'll come back.' 'No, no. You have to get the right product. What kind of eczema is it?' 'I don't know. All I know is, it's bad...' 'Fine, you can try this it has....' she lists a lot of chemicals. I have mentioned this before but I can't say I am convinced by these the plethora of creams. I can count on one hand, the number which are genuinely useful. For eczema, ask your doctor what they recommend but try to avoid the steroid creams for older people. They thin the skin which is already quite thin anyway. Ask a pharmacist but also ask them to go for the cream with the least number of ingredients. I still believe coconut oil, sweet almond oil with a drop of lavender essential oil infused and aloe vera gel are all effective. But these can be helped along with the specialist creams. It feels as if it is a minefield. All this while the people you care for, with the problem are suffering. Seek advice and if you're very concerned, ask the GP to refer you or your loved one, to a specialist.

Scaffolding

Yes a snazzy title. But on the apartment block in which the people I care for, live, they are putting up scaffolding. And of course, they are plugging away early one morning when I walk through to the entrance. It's narrow and I can see that a pram could squeeze past but not a wheelchair or someone using a frame. So I shout up to one of the scaffolders, thinking I won't get a response or if I do, it will be a nonchalant 'yeah? what?' 'I say....' Of course, it doesn't quite come out like that. The lead scaffolder steps down the ladder and meets me. 'Look I don't think I can get a wheelchair through this narrow set of scaffold.' Silence. Oh no, I have mortally offended the chap. 'Yeah, I see your point. I'll have to do it again. I think he called the chap standing next to him Ron but I was in such shock that he agreed with me, I forget now. 'Well the thing is, I could squeeze it past but...' What am I doing? I'm self sabotaging the whole situation!!! 'No, no no. It's all got to be done. It's a legal requirement. Glad you told me on day one instead of three weeks in when I've put the whole thing up around the building.' Well yes quite. 'I'll sort it out. Don't worry.' He walks off, talking to Ron, or whatever his name is. I walk through the entry door. A day later, one of the residents complains about the scaffolders singing while they work. 'I can't say a bad word against them. They re jigged their scaffolding to fit wheelchairs or walking frames through. They're saints in my opinion.' Said resident wasn't too pleased. If we just ask, we sometimes get results! And thank our lucky stars for that. I know a few carers who would have said something but I also know a few who would have remained quiet. Don't worry about offending anyone, just ask. All they can say is no. And if they do, let's move on.

Eddie Izzard on TV

His report for Unicef highlighted that people are suffering in the Middle East region... refugees are fleeing from Yemen and they need to raise funds for these people. Water, food and medicines in blistering heat. http://www.unicef.org.uk/Donate/

Channel Four Television Dispatches

http://www.channel4.com/4viewers/help-support/families Here are some organisations who could help when looking after older people. Or for older people themselves. Also, please watch the programmes. http://www.channel4.com/dispatches There are some brilliant organisations out there. The programme highlighted that there are local authorities who have made some serious cuts to services. It is worth thinking about how your local authority can help with older people and any care they need. It is worth trying to find out who the meals on wheels charity are in Norfolk.... their funding was withdrawn by the council. They are still trying to produce meals for older people who are lonely and need a hot meal. Their kitchen may close. A few other organisations found in a search have proven to be a treasure trove: http://www.voluntarynorfolk.org.uk/opportunities/323/meals-on-wheels-delivery-person http://www.ageuk.org.uk/norwich/how-you-can-help2/

Fruit smoothie lollies

In warm weather, we all love lollipops and ice creams. Here is something I put together which is so easy to make. 2 bananas a handful of strawberries a quarter cup of apple juice but I also tried it with coconut milk and it worked too (If you find the mixture too tart, add a small amount of honey or golden syrup) Blitz them together and place them in lollipop moulds. Freeze overnight. Eat them within a few days as they contain fresh fruit and juice.

Waitrose to check in on older folk

Waitrose are hoping that delivery drivers who bring groceries can also see if their elderly customers are doing ok. Brilliant idea. It will only be to look out for them rather than to provide the services that other agencies should provide. It's all good for helping but let's not allow local authorities to using these services as a substitute.