Allowing elderly people to stay in their own homes rather than go into a home

Bridget Warr, Chief Executive of the UK Homecare Association has stated that funding care allowing people to stay at home is "cost efficient as it extends people's wellbeing, reducing admissions to A&E, and helps people return home from hospital quicker." The Care and Support Alliance study shows that since 2007-8 (when the global financial crisis began) the number of people receiving state-funded care in England slumped by 347,000 or more than a quarter. It is clear that services are being squeezed but if authorities take the long view, they will see that investing in providing good quality care in people's homes, they are saving money in the long run. Not just for themselves, but for their future care budget and NHS resources. Surely authorities and in particular government (as well as other political parties) should see the benefit of this way of thinking. It not only makes sense, it is practical and ensures the wellbeing of the older sections of the UK population.

The Amazings_learn some old skills in a new way

Think you could do with learning something new in 2014? The Amazings feature online courses in diverse subjects such as crocheting, quilting, felting, embroidering. All of the courses are hosted by older members of the community and you can start a free trial to see if you like it. They are a mixture of video, commentary, teacher's notes and I believe you can ask the tutor about the lessons. Now that is the sort of entrepreneurial spirit we love and we all get to learn something new too. https://www.theamazings.com/online_activities

Illusionist Derren Brown tries to change perceptions of older people

Some say he is controversial but there is no doubt that Derren Brown has talent and makes brilliant television. December 2013 and Channel 4 aired one of his programmes. Pensioners were trained to steal in The Great Art Robbery. There were a few people who couldn't quite believe it. A few of my younger friends were a bit confused about the whole thing and then a bit shocked that they would agree to do such a thing. But then having said that, would they be as shocked about people doing the same thing as a young man or woman? So the programme itself made me smile, laugh but most of all, I was astonished. Hats off to Derren Brown who is a genius. And for challenging stereotypes in the process! Yes! Derren Brown says "If I could be like (one of the participants) when I'm older, that would be great." Talking of the participants, he says... "They were all very engaged with life and very engaged with their retirement. It's good to know that you don't stop doing things just because you hit 65."

A study says dark blue plates encourages people to eat more

A survey of patients in two patient wards in Salisbury District Hospital. When they were given NHS meals on dark blue plates, they ate more. The consumption went up from 114g to 152g. The Head of Catering Ian Robinson says that the hospital trust might be switching to dark blue crockery. Why does this help patients? For patients of all ages, who feel their appetite has been lost, this could be fantastic news. But there is also the fact that elderly patients could benefit greatly because they might be encouraged to eat more. Age Concern did a study a few years ago and found that elderly people did not eat as much in hospital. As a result of this, patients may be staying in hospital for longer. A healthier patient is always welcome but it convinces medical teams they are ready to go home. It is also important, according to the Daily Mail, this is good for elderly patients with Alzheimer's because this is the most vulnerable group in the UK's hospitals. "The Campaign for Better Hospital Food says at present the equivalent of 82,000 hospital meals is thrown away every day." Source and Copyright: The Daily Mail. It could work in hospitals, care homes and for those looking after elderly people. It's worth a try because it appears not to have done any harm.

Talking of lonely older people....silverline could come to the rescue!

http://www.thesilverline.org.uk/what-we-do/

Patients visiting GPs out of loneliness

The Campaign to End Loneliness Carried out some research which said that up to ten patients a day who visit GPs for company. It is thought that a lot of these lonely people are over 65. A lot of people go to work, visit friends, visit libraries - although they are closing but the pressing concern for many is that older people are lonely and there could be places that will allow them to feel less lonely. The Idea Stores which operate as libraries in Tower Hamlets, east London run Golden Time sessions bringing older people together. They also provide places for people to sit down, read, stay in the warmth, talk to people. Perhaps authorities should look at initiatives to help with loneliness. It might alleviate some of the health concerns they feel they need to visit GPs about.

Kate Harries has opened something called the Nana cafe in Hackney, east London.   It is run by older ladies from the local area serving home cooked food and beverages.

What a brilliant idea!
To engage older people in their local community, to allow them to meet others like them and others in the community and to create a business idea which empowers older people rather than make them feel like a burden.

If you want to get involved sign up here:
http://www.wearenana.com/join-nana/

GPs to take more responsibility for care of elderly patients

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24945134

Grandpa doesn't like vegetables

Grandpa is a fussy eater... he has always been that way since he was a kid.  He hated vegetables and lots of fruit too.
So he managed to avoid eating it.

Now he is a lot older than a kid, he needs these vegetables and fruits to get all the good stuff into his body.  
It will help him but he doesn't think he needs it because he never did before!

So I made a soup and blended all the vegetables together.  I added some chunks of potato - he likes those - and put lots of crutons on top so he couldn't 'see' the vegetables.
And he ate the whole bowl!

It worked so I am going to try harder to make more of the same.


 

Casserole Club

A way of socialising for older people.
www.casseroleclub.com

You can volunteer, create a profile on the website and tell them what kind of food you like to cook and how far you can travel to deliver it.
You will be paired up with someone to cook for and then you both get together to work out the best way to do it.
Genius!

It is the perfect way for older people to get a nice square meal and to meet new people.  Two brilliant things and opportunities to do great things for others.