Home Instead
York & Ryedale newsletter
elder THE
September 2016
John’s Campaign – John’s Campaign is campaigning for the right of carers to stay with people who have dementia when they are admitted into hospital. The campaign was founded by the family of Dr John Gerrard who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s then suffered a dramatic decline after being admitted to hospital. People with dementia are often confused and frightened and a stay in hospital can be unnerving for anyone at any age. The feeling of abandonment can be terrible and the campaign supports carers of people with dementia to have the freedom to be with them in hospital whenever they are most needed.
Nicci Gerrard with her father Dr John Gerrard. Involving the carer from the moment of admission to hospital until the moment of discharge has been proved to give better quality of care and improved outcomes. Locally York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has signed up to the campaign and welcomes carers whenever the patient needs them. You can read more at www.johnscampaign.org.uk.
Do you know your body age? Our bodies cannot escape the wear and tear of everyday life but we can limit the damage. If you’d like to know what your body age is versus your actual age you can go onto the BBCs iWonder website – bbc.co.uk and do the quiz which will tell you just that! Take the test: What’s my real age? and find hints and tips about what changes you could make in your life to improve your health. You’ll just need to know your height and weight to get started.
Julia Jones is Nicci Gerrard’s co-campaigner. Her 91-year-old mother, June, lives with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Family and carer support helps her maintain some of her pleasure in life: an unsupported hospital admission would be unthinkable. Above is her plea “To whom it may concern”.
Council Tax reduction for people who suffer with dementia Some people with dementia are eligible for a discount on their council tax bill and sometimes people who care for them are also eligible for a discount. The Alzheimer’s Society have a factsheet which looks at who needs to pay council tax, and the reductions, discounts and exemptions that may be available. The factsheet can be found on the Alzheimer’s Society web site at www.alzheimers.org.uk.