A new study by researchers at the University of the West of England (UWE) has found that patients with rheumatic conditions are still feeling the damaging effects of shielding during the pandemic. This is both because of missed healthcare appointments and reduced access to treatment, and also the detrimental effect…
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have conditionally recommended the use of five wearable technologies to monitor the symptoms of Parkinson’s. The remote monitoring devices will be made available to the NHS to improve the health and quality of life of patients, Parkinson’s UK reports. Parkinson’s is…
The latest census data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that there are 120,000 young carers in the UK between the ages of five and 17. There are fears that the real figure could be much higher, with a serious impact on the education, health, and social…
The recent announcement by the family of Bruce Willis that the actor is suffering from frontotemporal dementia has helped to raise awareness of the condition. Dementia is an umbrella term for a degenerative brain disease that causes disruption to thought processes and changes in behaviour and personality. There are several…
Caring for a loved one can be a fulfilling and worthwhile experience, but it can be easy to neglect your own needs in the process. However, keeping yourself in the best possible mental and physical health is crucial not just for your own wellbeing, but to allow you to carry…
The health and social care sector is to have its first dedicated trade and recruitment show to help ease the high volumes of staff shortages across the sector. Care Home Professional reports that Jobshows, a specialist job events company based in Milton Keynes, will hold the first event in White…
The government recently announced an extra £250m of funding to speed up the discharge of medically fit patients from hospital. The money will pay for extra beds in care homes to try and free up some of the 13,000 hospital beds that are currently occupied by patients who can’t be…
It is estimated that there are about six million unpaid carers in the UK, who provide help with the daily tasks of living for family members, friends, or neighbours. This may be because the person has a long term illness, health condition, or restricted mobility. The work carers do is…
The landmark Carer’s Leave Bill has gained the support of 36 more cross party MPs after a Westminster event on 25 January. Carer’s UK reports that the proposed legislation would give extra rights to an estimated 2 million employees who are currently working and carrying out an unpaid carer role. …
The charity Alzheimer’s Research UK has encouraged people to take more care of their brains, after raising concerns that most people are not doing enough to mitigate against the chances of developing dementia in later life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia that affects over 520,000 people…
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition, which affects the mobility and cognitive functions. It is most common in people over the age of 50, but it can develop in adults under 40 as well. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but there are treatments and living aids available…
Scientists have developed a new blood test that could be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. The Guardian reports that the test could mean a faster and less difficult diagnostic method, potentially leading to earlier and more effective treatment and management of the disease. The current methods of detecting dementia involve…
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has released new advice about how houses can be best planned to accommodate elderly people, PBC Today reports. The plans focus on both the design of the buildings themselves, and also how well located they are to meet the needs of older people. The…
A new study has found that three out of five disabled people have difficulty accessing their own bathrooms. The Community News website reports that a survey commissioned by the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability also found that a quarter of disabled people had difficulty getting into and out of their own…
Disability rights campaigners have criticised the postponement of plans to increase the number of step-free stations on the London Underground. The BBC reports that at least three projects have been put on hold, after Transport for London (TfL) said that it was experiencing a serious funding shortfall. Currently, only about…
This winter, many of us may be more cautious than previously when turning on the central heating. Soaring energy prices over the past year have meant that fuel bills have more than doubled for some households, on top of other increased costs for essentials such as food, petrol, and mortgages.…
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of just how important our surroundings are to our mental and physical wellbeing. As many of us have spent more time at home than usual in the recent past, this has led to a new trend for optimising our homes to…
Many people cut back or stop exercising altogether as they get older, for fear of falls and injuries. Adults who have never exercised regularly often assume that it is too late to start, or that it will bring no benefit to them. However, these are false assumptions, according to medical…
The UK has an aging population, and currently just 9% of the housing stock is classed as accessible. The government has recently introduced new legislation which requires that all new homes be built to minimum accessibility standards, including entrance level step-free access. However, campaigners argue that the measures don’t go…
A new investigation by the BBC has found that three out of 10 major cities in the UK have no plans to provide more wheelchair accessible homes. Currently, the national guidelines state only that entrance level access at doorways and hallways should be standard for wheelchairs. Having an accessible bathroom,…
The bathroom facilities are one of the most important aspects of any reputable care home, and they need to be exemplary in order to satisfy the residents and their families, as well as staff members, stakeholders, financial controllers, boards, and inspectors. Strong bathroom design is essential to ensure the very…
Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the UK, and it affects up to 10 million people. It can be a painful and debilitating condition which causes inflammation of the joints, leading to stiffness and reduced mobility. It’s more common in elderly people, but it can begin at…
Disabled people around the UK are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Euan’s Guide Access Survey to make their feelings known regarding disabled access, as well as matters such as disabled parking, accessible toilets, transport and cost of living increases. The 2021 survey revealed some interesting findings, including…
We take certain aspects of life for granted until the day we suddenly aren’t able to perform such tasks as easily. Washing independently is certainly one of these, as it’s something that needs to be done regularly each day… but, unfortunately, washing and bathing is one of the first activities…
Bristol may now be on the map as a tourist destination for more disabled people, thanks to two new specialist toilet facilities. The BBC reports that the Changing Rooms toilets have been approved for installation at the Blaise Castle Estate, and the Royal West of England Academy Art Gallery (RWA). …
Choosing a walk-in shower is an excellent way to help people with reduced mobility wash themselves independently, or allow enough room for a carer to assist them. Regular showering or bathing is important for both physical and mental health, so being able to carry this out safely and comfortably should…
When making bathroom adaptations, it is not always possible to have both an accessible shower and a bath. The bathroom is often the smallest room in the house, and the extra space required for mobility aids means that often, householders will have to decide whether to install a bath or…
Arthritis is a degenerative condition which causes inflammation around the joints. This can result in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Sadly, there is no cure for arthritis, but there is a lot of research currently going on into potential treatments. Some people also like to find natural ways to manage…
"You fitted a Molly Bather bath lift for my Mum Mrs Keane. She was delighted with the service she received. The service was swift and the fitters friendly polite and did a great job. The bath lift works like a dream and she can bathe without any worry in comfort. Thank you very much."
Mrs Wickens – East Sussex
