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.

Teachers identify young carers among their classes

It is believed that many teachers in the UK encounter a young carer in one of their classes regularly. It is also thought that these brave young individuals face bullying and teasing from their peers. They may also suffer from falling behind in class. There are charities who try to help these children and teenagers specifically. Recent TV documentaries by high profile artist such as Tulisa Contostavlos and Oritsé Williams from the disbanded group, JLS, featured challenges which young carers face. So can things be done? Can there be an organised network where an adult or child is brought to a day carer's centre and a number of young carers given support in their own learning while the person they look after, are in safe hands for a day? Can large advertising agencies give something back by creating campaigns to highlight young carers' plight? Campaigns could be highlighted in schools and colleges. Peers will harass them less and they can be put in touch with people who can help. If politicians could spend a little more time focusing on the people who count amongst their electorate, and not just one-upmanship on the soundbite loop, things could improve dramatically. And in a much shorter space of time.

BBC on self funded and self funding carers

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30919511

BBC on how the care system works in the UK

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30902552

UK_Care Act 2015

On 1st April 2015, the UK will see changes for unpaid carers. They will be able to get assessments from Social Services and other authorities about their needs as well as those they are caring for. They will also need to get more involved in lobbying their employers about flexible working and benefits they should be entitled to. If we are to help ourselves, as individuals and as a group, we need to make businesses and industry aware of our input into society and into their profit base. Unpaid carers save the authorities millions of pounds. And this applies to their employers because they do their utmost to continue in their roles and do the best they can for those businesses. There is a general election taking place on May 7th 2015 so it is important to understand how unpaid carers are going to be addressed in political party manifestos. If you can write to your MP, or politicians whom you deem appropriate, they could take note. These are some of the most challenging times for them... it is important to understand this and use the opportunity.

Egg curry

Ingredients 4 large free range eggs - boil for ten minutes first 1 medium onion 3 cloves garlic 1 inch fresh root ginger 1 green chilli 3 tablespoons rapeseed oil 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 1 tin of chopped tomatoes Fry the onion, crushed garlic cloves and grated ginger in the oil. Wait for the onions to go light brown then add the spices and seeds. Fry for another two minutes and then add the green chilli and tomatoes. Simmer for around four minutes. Then add the boiled eggs. If you simmer for a few minutes then keep the boiled eggs intact but if you only leave it one minute, slice the boiled eggs and then put them into the curry. You want the eggs to soak up the sauce and take on the flavour. Serve with basmati or jasmine rice (check the instructions on the packet) and a green salad goes nicely with this dish. If you can find Indian pickles, mango, lime or aubergine, they go well too.

Chick Pea Curry

Ingredients 1 tin of chick peas 1 medium onion 1 green chilli - deseed if you want to get rid of the heat 3 tablespoons of rapeseed oil 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon turmeric 3 cloves of garlic 1/2 a tin of chopped tomatoes or tomato passata Place the oil in a saucepan and fry the chopped onions and garlic Fry them for about 4 minutes. Then add the spices and chilli. Chop the chilli if your guests don't mind the heat. Stir and cook for another minute. Add the tomatoes and the chick peas (drain out the salted water - it's a bit too salty) Allow this mixture to simmer on a low heat for another ten minutes Add fresh coriander leaves and a dollop of yoghurt Serve with basmati rice (check instructions on the packet!) Or bread to dunk into the curry A salad of sliced tomatoes and onions goes down a treat with this dish

Smartphones change our brains, say researchers

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30586017 Science researchers have looked at EEG investigations on the brain to find out how we adapt to using smartphones. They argue that smartphone users had bigger EEG brain activity measurements in response to mechanical touch on the thumb, index and middle fingers What does this mean for those of us who do not use smartphones but use conventional cell phones? What about those who don't use them at all? http://www.ageuk.org.uk/work-and-learning/technology-and-internet/computer-training-courses/