No practical support for 1 in 3 full time carers

Carers UK warns welfare and care cuts risk turning the clock back on carer support
 
A third of those caring full-time for older, disabled or seriously ill loved ones receive no practical support, new research from Carers UK reveals.

The results of a survey of over 3,000 carers across the UK show that many are struggling alone without advice or support and are seeing caring taking a toll on their health, family finances and careers as a result.

Full Article on Mature Times

Call to end postcode lottery for MS sufferers

PEOPLE with multiple sclerosis in Wiltshire have among the poorest access in England to physiotherapy needed to help manage their condition, an MS Society report has revealed.

Forty-two per cent of people with MS surveyed by the MS Society across the county who said they needed to access the support of a specialist physiotherapist have been unable to see one.

The MS Society surveyed 101 people from Wiltshire as part of a nationwide poll of more than 10,000 adults living with MS.

Full Article on This is Wiltshire

Government launches new care comparison website

Information to help people choose, compare and comment on residential care homes and home care services is now available on NHS Choices.

The new care profiles provide the most comprehensive source of information on care services. Launched today by Care and Support Minister, Norman Lamb, they help people to search and compare residential care homes and home care services and make confident choices about registered care for themselves or family members.

Full News Release on Gov.uk

More dementia advisors to start work in Wiltshire

Four new dementia experts will be on hand to support those with the condition across Wiltshire from May 1.

The service from charity Alzheimer’s Support will see advisors split their time between doctors surgeries in Market Lavington, Marlborough, Upavon, Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon, Warminster and Westbury.

They will also be making home visits and be available to be phoned to provide advice.

Full Article on Gazette & Herald

Turning Point for Wiltshire drug and alcohol service

Turning Point, a leading health and social care provider, has been commissioned by Wiltshire Council to provide Wiltshire Substance Misuse Service, a countywide integrated drug and alcohol service.

Lord Victor Adebowale, chief executive of Turning Point, visited Wiltshire last week and spoke about his vision for improving services for people with substance misuse and ensuring people have the best chance of achieving their goals for recovery.

Full Article on Gazette & Herald

EVENT: Understanding the UK health care system and financial planning for long-term care

Thursday 25th April 2013, 10am - 12.30pm  Hayswood Room, Cumberwell Park Golf Club,Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2PQ (map)

Agenda;- Understanding the system, including NHS and Local Authority obligations and who pays.

            - Strategies available to minimise the impact of care fees, including property, assets, wills and powers or attorney.

            - Financial planning including equity release, investment bonds, pensions, immediate care annuities and inheritance tax.

             - Questions and answers.

Light refreshments available.

 To book your place call 0800 072 86 36 or register online

New autism service launched

A NEW service has been launched in Wiltshire to help raise awareness of autism.

The Wiltshire Autism Diagnostic Service (WADS), launched by the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership, aims to work with organisations and the public to help people recognise the signs of autism. Only about 15 per cent of people with autism currently have a job, which means they can miss out on a lot of the usual things that people get by going to work.

Full Article on Salisbury Journal