Find out all about the latest care sector developments, new research into medical conditions associated with ageing and awareness initiatives.
Welcome to Care Sector News Review, February 2018 edition.
Each month, we’ll introduce you to a selection of the latest news stories relating to the care sector, medical research and awareness initiatives.
Read on to find out what’s been happening across the care sector in February 2018:
Care services
- One-third of people with dementia in England aren’t receiving the individual care package they’re entitled to, according to new research from Age UK. Only 282,573 of the almost half a million people diagnosed with dementia received a new care plan or care plan review within the last year.
- The National Audit Office (NAO) has warned that the current social care system is leaving over 1 million vulnerable older people without the support they need. NAO stated that the number of over 65s not receiving sufficient support has risen by 200,000 in the last year.
- Older people may be authorised to make tax-free withdrawals from retirement savings to purchase care insurance policies. This aligns with Jeremy Hunt’s pledge to reform what he described as an “unfair” care system that has a disproportionate financial effect on people with dementia.
Medical research
- A positive attitude towards getting older could halve the risk of developing dementia, new research from Yale School of Public Health has revealed. Lead author Prof. Becca Levy said: “This makes a case for implementing a public health campaign against ageism, which is a source of negative age beliefs.”
- An Oxford University and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre study has indicated that drugs currently used to treat rheumatoid arthritis could also halve people’s risk of dementia. The study analysed medical records of people given disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- 10 minutes of one-to-one conversation about their interests or family can significantly enhance the lives of people with dementia, according to new research from University of Exeter. The effect was greatest when combined with a personalised care plan.
- Cambridge University researchers have identified how excess calcium in brain cells could aid the formation of ‘toxic clusters’ thought to cause Parkinson’s. Related US research is also looking into whether these clusters can be prevented from forming using existing medications.
Awareness initiatives
- February 4 saw World Cancer Day 2018. Participants marked the occasion with awareness-raising initiatives, which included everything from organising campaigns to sharing pre-prepared resources on social networks.
- Events to support Raynaud’s Awareness Month have also taken place throughout February. Organisers Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK raised research funds and promoted awareness events relating to the condition, which is a common cause of poor circulation.
- Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2018 is scheduled to take place between 26 February and 4 March, raising funds and awareness to combat eating disorders. Although such conditions are usually associated with younger people, older people also experience disproportionately high rates.
- February has been a month of endeavour for fundraisers. A Portsmouth schoolboy raised £2,000 for dementia research in memory of his grandfather, while a US man has now finished a 67-day, 2,500 mile walk to raise funds for Parkinson’s research.
Join us again in the last week of March for the next edition of Care Sector News Review.
If you’d like to find out more about The Good Care Group’s live-in care services, contact our friendly team.
Discover More
Dementia Awareness Week 2016 – Day One
This week is Dementia Awareness Week, and to commemorate this week The Good Care Group want to share some of the wonderful stories that our Carers.
Find Out More
Events arranged across the UK for Dementia Awareness Week 2016
Events have been held across the country to mark Dementia Awareness Week 2016, which is set to conclude on Saturday 21st May. Events have been held.
Find Out More
Care Sector News Review: March
Read our news review to find out all the latest information relating to the care sector; care services, medical research and awareness initiatives..
Find Out More