What you need to know when choosing a nursing home

It looked like a four-star hotel, with flowers in the foyer and art on the walls, but the problems began almost as soon as Bill Lawrence’s mother moved into her private nursing home.

Bad food, negligence around medication, and a poor standard of care which led to his mother being hospitalised for dehydration meant that the period she spent in the home were, the retired businessman now says, the most stressful time of his life.

So angered was Bill by his experience that he wrote a book on it, When the Unacceptable Becomes the Norm; Choosing A Care Home in the 21st Century.

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Published last weekend, the book aims to provide a guide for people trying to source care for an ageing parent while knowing little about the care sector.

The issue is increasingly significant for Irish families. CSO projections show the number of elderly people in the population is growing rapidly — as is the projected rate of dementia.

In 1961, there were 315,000 people aged 65 or over, here. By 2011, that figure had increased by 70% to 535,393, and, by 2046, it’s expected that the number of people over 65 in this country will have reached 1.4 million. Meanwhile the number of people with dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, is expected to rise from an estimated 48,000 in 2015 to around 140,000 by 2041.

In 2007, Bill Lawrence — the name is a pseudonym he adopted to write the book —was informed that his 96-year-old mother, who had a degree of dementia, was no longer capable of living alone.

Bill moved her into what he called a “new, attractive, purpose-built” facility in the UK.

“It looked super,” he recalls. However, almost immediately, he and his wife became concerned.

When nursing home staff wanted to change his mother’s medication regime, he referred them to her GP and was assured they had consulted the doctor — only to hear from the GP that she’d never spoken to anyone from the home about his mother. He and his wife struggled with an array of problems, including poor quality food, carelessness about medication, and a failure to ensure she was adequately hydrated — at one stage during her stay, she had to be hospitalised with dehydration.

Bill’s mother passed away in 2012 at the age of 102, after six years in the facility — by which stage, despite the problems, her care was costing £28,000 annually.

Bill wrote and self-published the book as a guide to other people trying to source the right care for an ageing parent, he recalls, adding that he and his wife initially had very little knowledge about the sector.

For most families, placing a loved ones in a care home is not something that they’ve been planning for — it usually happens quickly in the wake of a crisis, says Mary Burke, a registered nurse and director of care at Killure Bridge Nursing Home in Co Waterford.

About 80% of residential admissions are people who arrive in a nursing home from hospital following an accident of some kind, or as a result of general physical or mental deterioration, says Ms Burke.

So like Bill and his wife, most people know little about the sector until the time comes to find a place for a relative. However, standards of care and training, as well as the physical environment of Irish nursing homes, have improved since HIQA was put on a statutory footing in 2009 says Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland, the representative group for private and voluntary nursing homes. That organisation is behind Nursing Homes Week, which runs all this week until Monday June 5.

“There is independent regulation of both public and private nursing homes, and standards have improved generally,” Mr Daly observes.

However, both he and Ms Burke agree that there are things that families can do to make both the transition of a loved one, and their life at the chosen care facility, happy — starting with the selection process.

Check Hiqa inspection reports on the facility carefully, advises Ms Burke, and visit potential homes.

Be alert to the demeanour of staff — are they warm and friendly? Be conscious of the residents — are they clean, and well-dressed? Are they bright-eyed and active at 10am — or asleep in their chairs?

Talk to other visitors you meet at the facility, to people you know who already have relatives in the home — and ask your GP. Remember, says Daly, you’re not choosing a home for yourself — step into your parent’s shoes to see the facility through their eyes.

For Bill, selecting the home was only the first of many challenges:

“We had enormous complaints about the food for example,” he recalls, adding that a district nurse once warned him that “every nursing home resident needs an advocate — somebody to keep an eye on what is happening and be ready to complain when necessary”.

The price of keeping your loved one in a care home is being in a state of “eternal vigilance”, he says — you must be on top of everything and be ready to complain.

Before you decide on a potential care home, visit many times and at different times of day, advises Bill, including mealtimes and Saturday evenings.

If you call at 9pm and find all the residents in bed it’s not a good sign, says Ms Burke — it means care at this home is staff-focused rather than centred around the needs of residents. How flexible or rigid is the schedule? Can mum have a lie-in? Can she stay up until 11pm if she wishes?

Arrive at mealtimes, says Bill, and watch how the food is serviced. Is it slopped on a plate or presented in an appetising manner? Elderly people may often not be inclined to eat — so watch to see if staff gently try to persuade them or whether they shrug and take the plate away.

Talk to, among others, the catering manager, housekeeper, and the activities manager, he advises.

“We didn’t know a lot of these things because we didn’t know we needed too. You want a caring environment and you need to satisfy yourself that it is a caring environment,” he warns.

Don’t expect to be happy with your first visit to a home, says Ms Burke — it’s likely to be emotional because it is the first step in a major life transition.

However, she reassures, on subsequent visits, you may find yourself feeling more positive about the facility.

Take the time to observe how the staff interact with residents, she advises, adding that other warning signs include the management’s response to accidents — are spills cleaned up rapidly? Is the furniture well maintained or torn and tatty?

Check what recreation will be like. What kind of activities are available to male and female residents? Is there a library or garden, or access to one? Are residents encouraged to get fresh air? Can they bring possessions from home or even keep a pet?

If possible, says Mr Daly, encourage the future resident to visit the home. Ensure the facility is nearby so that you can visit often and make a point of remaining engaged with your loved one following entry to a nursing home.

“A good nursing home will welcome that because it needs to know if there are concerns — raise concerns and raise them early,” he advises.

Your financial situation is also assessed to see how much you will have to contribute towards your nursing home fees. If your contribution is less than the amount of the fees, the HSE will pay the rest. Assets, such as savings and property, are taken into account.

SOURCE: Irish Examiner, Ailin Quinlan

NHS could be overwhelmed as the number of over-65s needing care is set to leap by a quarter in a decade

The NHS is set to be overwhelmed by a surge in elderly disabled people over the next decade, experts warned last night.

The number of over-65s in England and Wales requiring care will grow by 25 per cent by 2025, according to a study published in the Lancet Public Health journal.

That will take the cared-for population in this age group to 2.8million, up 560,000 since 2015.

The NHS is set to be overwhelmed by a surge in elderly disabled people over the next decade. Over-65s in England and Wales requiring care will grow to 2.8million, up 560,000 since 2015

Experts at the University of Liverpool, who made the predictions, said people need to start taking more responsibility for their health earlier in life to reduce this burden.

They called for urgent disease prevention policies aimed at improving diet, reducing drinking, helping smokers to quit, and targeting high blood pressure and physical inactivity - and warned that without a major change the NHS is to come under severe pressure.

Lead researcher Dr Maria Guzman-Castillo said: ‘The societal, economic, and public health implications of our predictions are substantial.

‘In particular, our findings draw attention to the scale of societal costs associated with disability in the coming decade.

 ‘Spending on long-term care will need to increase considerably by 2025, which has serious implications for a cash strapped and overburdened National Health Service and an under-resourced social care system.

‘More cost-effective health and social care provision will be needed, such as increased availability of institutional care, and better financial support - such as tax allowances or cash benefits - for family members providing informal and home care.’

The study models future trends in disability and life expectancy in England and Wales between 2015 and 2025, taking into account predicted rates of heart and artery disease, dementia and other conditions.

The proportion of the population over 65 is expected to rise by 19 per cent from 10.4 million to 12.4 million over the decade.

People aged 65 in 2025 should expect to live another 21.8 years - meaning they will reach 86.8, 1.7 years older than those who turned 65 in 2015.

Experts at the University of Liverpool, who made the predictions, said people need to start taking more responsibility for their health earlier in life to reduce this burden

But a quarter of remaining life after 65 is likely to be spent coping with disability, the researchers said.

Overall, dementia is the biggest disability threat, with rates expected to increase by 49 per cent among people aged 65 and over.

In 2025, an estimated 699,000 people in England and Wales are likely to require dementia care, compared with 468,000 in 2015.

Other care burdens including mental health problems, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders are predicted to increase by 37 per cent.

Among the over-85s, they were set almost to double.

Co-author Professor Eric Brunner, from University College London, said: ‘Our new forecasting model uses real-life evidence to assess the future impact of the competing forces that give rise to loss of health and well-being in older people in our country.

‘We find that ageing of the population in the next 10 years will cause an increase in burden of disability that we must not ignore.’

Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: ‘It’s a great testament to medical research, and the NHS, that we are living longer - but we need to ensure that our patients are living longer, with a good quality of life.

‘For this to happen, we need a properly funded, properly staffed health and social care sector with general practice, hospitals and social care all working together, and all communicating well with each other, in the best interests of delivering safe care to all our patients.

‘But as well as more resources, we agree with the authors of this study that prevention of chronic diseases that can have a serious effect on a patient’s quality of life is key, and this is something for which we all bear responsibility.

SOURCE: MailOnline, Ben Spencer

Isnt it a wonderful testament to the NHS and Public Health that we are all living longer? The increased burden on resources and the social care sector is something that needs addressing. Quality of life and safe care is paramount.

Seven things you didn’t know about dementia

The Alzheimer’s Society has provided the following information to help raise awareness of dementia - a condition affecting 14,000 people in Hertfordshire.

Dementia Awareness Week runs from May 14-20.

1. Dementia is an umbrella term

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting 62 per cent of those diagnosed.

The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that can include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language.

In different types of dementia such as vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, mixed dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies, there is damage to different parts of the brain.

2. Dementia isn’t a natural part of ageing

Dementia doesn’t care who you are and can affect anyone.

It’s caused by diseases of the brain which includes Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia affects everyone differently.

Someone with the condition might experience a number of changes including problems with memory, thinking, concentration and language.

It mainly affects people over the age of 65 however there are more than 42,000 people under 65 living with dementia in the UK.

3. Dementia is a progressive condition but with support people can continue to live well

Dementia is progressive, meaning that symptoms gradually get worse.

However, many people living with dementia lead active and fulfilling lives for many years.

There are many ways to help support someone living with dementia from becoming a Dementia Friend, gaining a better understanding of the condition, to volunteering with Alzheimer’s Society’s Side by Side service.

The charity is for everyone affected by dementia, to find out more about local services or volunteering visit alzheimers.org.uk

4. By 2021, one million of us will have dementia

There are 850,000 people in the UK who have a form of dementia, of which 14,000 live in Hertfordshire.

Dementia has replaced heart diseases as the leading cause of death in England and Wales, accounting for 11.6% of all deaths registered in 2015, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Dementia is set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes.

5. There is no cure for dementia

Delaying the onset of dementia by five years would halve the number of deaths from the condition, saving 30,000 lives a year.

Of the top 10 causes of death, dementia is the only one we can’t prevent, cure or even slow down, but funding of dementia research is still far too low.

Research is continuing into new drugs, vaccines and other medical treatments.

Drugs do exist for Alzheimer’s disease which can improve symptoms or temporarily slow progression, in some people.

There are no licensed drug treatments for other forms of dementia.

6. Dementia research is underfunded

Dementia research is desperately underfunded. For every person living with dementia, the annual cost to the UK economy is over £30,000 and yet only £90 is spent on dementia research each year.

Alzheimer’s Society is committed to spending at least £150 million over the next decade on dementia research including a £50 million investment in the UK’s first dedicated Dementia Research Institute.

7. We can beat dementia through research

Alzheimer’s Society provides information and support, improves care, funds research, and creates lasting change for people affected by dementia. The charity is investing in research into dementia care, cause, cure and prevention of all types of dementia. Dementia devastates lives. The Alzheimer’s Society needs people to unite against dementia now. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer or campaign, every action makes a difference.

SOURCE: Welwyn Hatfield Times, Nina Morgan

More interesting facts about Dementia related illness to follow over the next few weeks...

Half a million frail over-80s who can't wash, dress or eat by themselves are being 'abandoned by the care system'

Nearly half a million frail over-80s who cannot carry out routine functions like washing, dressing or eating get no help from the care system, a report said yesterday.

Another 300,000 get some assistance to carry out their basic everyday tasks, but not enough to cover everything they need, it said.

The report, by the Age UK charity, said that a total of almost 800,000 elderly people do not get enough help to live their lives at a decent level.

Nearly half a million frail over-80s who cannot carry out routine functions like washing, dressing, eating, getting out of bed, going to the bathroom, dressing or walking unaided

Its findings underline deepening fears for vulnerable old people struggling to survive at a time when the social care system, operated by local councils, appears to be breaking down.

The charity, who timed its report to coincide with election manifestos, called for the next government to inject urgent cash to shore up the care system and develop a new long-term plan. 

Director Caroline Abrahams said: ‘These figures do not so much reflect a social care system which is sometimes performing less well than we would like, but instead, a complete breakdown in the way we care for our growing older population, with even some of our oldest being left to manage with help that is grossly inadequate or sometimes offers no help at all.’ 

The report, based on findings from the large-scale English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, counted numbers of people of 80 or older who are unable to carry out at least one task described as an ‘activity of daily living’. 

These include washing, eating, getting out of bed, going to the bathroom, dressing or walking unaided.

It said more than a third of over-80s, 926,000, have difficulty with at least one of these, and 794,000 of them get too little help from carers or no help at all. Among those with at least one difficulty, more than half, 491,000, get no help at all.

More than 250,000 people over 80 are said to have three difficulties – one in ten of all over-80s. A third, 86,000, get no help, and another 145,000 get some but not enough, Age UK said.

Labour’s manifesto promised £8billion extra cash for care over the next parliament, £1billion to be spent in the first year, and the establishment of a National Care Service costing £3billion a year. Lib Dems suggest proceeds of a 1p income tax hike will free up more for social care.

Meanwhile Theresa May has hinted at bringing forward David Cameron’s pledge of a £72,000 cap on the amount anyone would have to spend on their own care. 

Miss Abrahams said: ‘Older people in their 80s and beyond have spent many decades contributing to our society ... But too many who are in declining health and who need help are now being expected to fend for themselves amidst the unprecedented challenges facing our care services.’

SOURCE: MailOnline, Steve Doughty

Nurses with dementia should be allowed to keep their jobs, says Royal College of Nursing

Nurses who are diagnosed with dementia should keep their jobs and be allowed to continue caring for patients, the profession’s trade union has demanded.

The Royal College of Nursing said the health service should “set an example” to the rest of society by allowing staff with the degenerative condition to carry on working.

The organisation insisted nurses with the disease could continue practising without posing a risk to patients, but safety groups branded the proposal “frightening and extraordinary”.

Under current Nursing and Midwifery Council rules, which do not explicitly mention dementia, nurses must be able to deliver “safe and effective practice” and must take “all reasonable personal precautions” to avoid causing risk to the public.

But in reality, the “assumption” is that a diagnosis marks the end of a nurse’s career, according to RCN President Janet Davies.

On Monday, the college passed a resolution stating that staff with the disease should keep their jobs, providing they are not allowed to make “critical decisions” or precise calculations such as measuring out medicines.

Joanna James, of the college’s Older People’s Forum, said: “We should be embracing nurses with dementia, making it possible for them to continue to deliver excellent patient care in spite of their disability.  It will send the right message.”01:06

Each year around 42,000 people in the UK develop dementia in the years before they turn 65, approximately five per cent of all sufferers, and an ageing nursing workforce means increasing numbers of staff are expected to develop the condition.

There are currently around 270,000 nurses working in the NHS, with a third expected to retire in the next three years.

Janet Davies said there were “lots” of roles a nurse diagnosed with dementia could perform, including caring for patients.

However, safety campaigners Patient Concern said the union had “lost its mind”. Joyce Robins, a spokeswoman, said: “This motion is frightening and quite extraordinary. I would not want someone with dementia treating me.

“I would be worried that they may give me the wrong medication or forget how to perform a life-saving procedure. They could kill someone.”

She added: “People with dementia are the ones that should be receiving care, not giving it.”

Although the RCN resolution was passed by a clear majority, it was vigorously opposed by some nurses who said that dementia could be deceptive and that, even after diagnosis, people with the condition can appear more capable than they really are.

Shirley Ali, a nurse from South East London, said: “If I was ill and I had dementia, I wouldn’t want me to be looking after me. “If I have dementia, how am I ensuring patient safety?”

Around 1 million people in the UK are expected to be suffering from dementia by 2021.

Matthew Norton, Director of Policy at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: “Dementia is a progressive condition, and in the early stages symptoms may appear gradually over many months or even years before a diagnosis is made.

"The impact of the condition can vary hugely from one person to another, with some people experiencing a much slower decline in thinking and memory skills than others. The Alzheimer’s Society, which represents people with the condition, welcomed the RCN vote.

Jackie Smith, Chief Executive and Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, said: "We agree that employers should provide reasonable support for any nurse or midwife with a disability - including dementia - so that they can continue to make a valuable contribution towards delivering care.

"However, at the same time, this does need to be balanced with the requirement that every individual nurse and midwife on our register needs to be able to provide safe and effective care as set out in the Code. Paragraph 20.9 of the Code states that all nurses and midwives must maintain the level of health they need to carry out their professional role.”

SOURCE: Telegraph, Henry Bodkin

This is an interesting article in that it raises so many issues on the whole subject of dementia and the far reaching consequences of a diagnosis. 

Will dementia defeat Dibley's Jim Trott? No, no, no, no: Trevor Peacock can't remember his life in showbiz. But he's still raising smiles (and cash) as he battles with Alzheimer's

For years he was one of the best-loved actors in one of Britain’s most popular sitcoms. But Trevor Peacock, who played bumbling Jim Trott in the Vicar Of Dibley, can’t remember anything about it – or the rest of his 50-year career.

Trevor, 85, famous for his stock response of ‘No, no, no, no...!’ to just about any situation in Dibley, has Alzheimer’s disease and has been left confused, frustrated and, at times, unable to name objects or people.

He has no recollection of starring alongside comedian Dawn French and others in the much-loved show, and is baffled when he is recognised by fans.

His daughter Sally said: ‘As a character actor, he has made so many people laugh for such a long time. Sadly, now he doesn’t understand why people want to come up to him to talk to him or thank him for his work.’

Trevor’s heartbroken family have decided to reveal his struggle to raise awareness of the illness which is expected to affect more than one million Britons by 2025, but also to share a message of hope.

His second wife, actress Tilly Tremayne and his other children – Daniel, a writer and director, actor Harry, and Maudie, who works for the BBC – are pulling together to make his life as comfortable as possible.

They are also supporting the Alzheimer’s Society’s new fund-raising drive, the United Against Dementia campaign. The message is that we can all play our part in improving care for the 850,000 people with dementia in the UK.

As well as regular visits from his children, six grandchildren and one great grandchild, Trevor’s family are using art and music as forms of therapy. Maudie, who has taken time out from her job in radio to support her father, said: ‘Music is a great mood changer and enhancer, and I know what will move him and make him smile.

‘I also remind Dad of as many comic moments as I can remember. He told a joke or a story like no other and was able to make you laugh or cry. Thanks to YouTube, I can put his favourite sketches, film clips and music on.

‘He has rediscovered Tommy Cooper and he loves the Pharrell Williams song Happy. It takes him out of himself and his illness and he has a little dance.’

Sally said: ‘I wanted to do something special with Dad that meant we could spend precious time together, and at the same time distract him from whatever was going on in his head.

‘Dad and Tilly have the most beautiful garden which is full of sticks and wood ready for a bonfire, and my dad is never without a stick in his hand, or as the family fondly call it, Dad’s “pointer”.

‘So I came up with the idea of collecting these sticks and, with some twine, securing them together to make a tree-like structure.

‘Dad and I made the first Trevor Tree in February 2016 to feed the birds in his garden. Three months later, in May, we spent another wonderful weekend together getting Trevor Trees into production and larking about as we did so.

‘It was cold and rainy in the garden, but Dad was happy and full of laughter. There was no Alzheimer’s getting in the way and, for a while, I had my dad back.

‘When I went away he collected sticks of different sizes and put them into order so we could make the trees when I next visited.

‘I had found something we enjoyed doing together, and maybe it can help others as all the profits from the sale of Trevor Trees goes to the Alzheimer’s Society.’

Trevor’s career has spanned acting on stage, film, radio and TV and songwriting

– he wrote the 1960s pop hit Mrs Brown, You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter, which was a US No 1 for Herman’s Hermits. He started experiencing health problems in 2003 when he had a mini-stroke while performing in Hobson’s Choice at the Exchange Theatre, Manchester. 

In 2009, he was diagnosed with vascular dementia – the death of brain cells brought on by a stroke – and in 2013 he was told he had Alzheimer’s disease, in which abnormal proteins cause brain cells to die, leading to gradual mental decline.

Sally said: ‘I first noticed a change when he was preparing for his part in the film Quartet, which came out in 2012. He was staying with me in London and I noticed he was struggling to learn his lines.

‘All the family was aware that he was slowly changing and something wasn’t quite right. He was getting more forgetful – and it wasn’t just forgetful through old age, but something wasn’t there any more. The disease made him frustrated and confused and was beginning to take some of his spirit and this wonderful soul.

‘When as a family we got together for special occasions, which can be quite animated affairs, we were all aware that Dad was no longer able to participate as he once did. Instead, he would quietly take himself away to another room to listen to music, walk in his garden or take himself up to bed.

‘Now it is like he is lost within himself. He no longer knows what a daughter is, or who Sally is, but he recognises me when I see him. A smile comes across his face and it melts my heart.

‘The last job Dad did was for Comic Relief a couple of years ago. It was a Vicar Of Dibley sketch to raise money for the charity

‘He stopped working after that. It’s such a shame that he can no longer remember this amazing part of his life and the happiness he has brought to so many.’

Sadly, a further deterioration in Trevor’s health now means he is no longer making his ‘trees’ – though Sally is still going strong and has now produced about 120 and raised more than £700 for the charity.

She said: ‘I am so proud of our achievement. Sadly Dad’s health has deteriorated since Trevor Trees started 15 months ago, so now he has very little involvement, but he is often still found with a pointer in his hand.’

The family believe that making people with dementia feel safe and comfortable is the most important thing carers can do.

Maudie said: ‘Websites with advice are one thing but it requires a team effort to look after someone with dementia, and that’s where Government help and funding should come in.’

‘My family haven’t avoided any pain but we’ve all had each other. Sadly not everyone has that. My heart reaches out to all those dealing with this dark condition.’

HEALTH COMMENT BY DR ELLIE CANNON 

Dementia is a terribly frightening diagnosis for patients, but also for their families.

As a GP, I have seen the stress and worry it causes for families as they deal not only with the distressing symptoms of the disease but also the conundrum of caring for their relative and making sure they have a good life until the end.

The efforts that Trevor’s family have gone to in order to spend quality time with him mean they will continue to enjoy his company, even if it is in a different way to before.

Everyone has had to adjust, but diagnosis with dementia is not a full stop, even if disease progression is inevitable.

Across the board, for a whole host of diseases that are both mental and physical, having supportive relationships and avoiding isolation and loneliness is known to be associated with better outcomes and a better prognosis.

As this campaign says, everyone does have a role to play in the care of those with Alzheimer’s, and I think that is empowering for families who often feel helpless, and tremendously therapeutic for patients.

SOURCE: MailOnline, Rachel Ellis

Saving enough money to cover the cost of dementia care for a typical patient would now take 125 YEARS

It would take more than a century for a patient to save enough to pay the typical cost of dementia care, a report warns.

They would need to save £800 a year for 125 years to reach

The Alzheimer’s Society, which carried out the study, warns the cost of social care is leaving families destitute and is calling on the next government to create a ‘long-term, sustainable system’ to fund it.

A poll of more than 2,300 adults aged 16 to 75 for the charity also found that 47 per cent have not started saving for the care they might need in the future.

Rob Burley, director of policy at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘People affected by dementia have had to empty their bank accounts and sell their home to foot a tremendous bill for social care. 

'This is simply not fair. Other diseases are supported by the NHS, yet people with dementia fall into a void and feel abandoned by the state.

‘A caller to our helpline told us how they had to borrow money for food from friends and family because all their pension was being drained on care home top-up fees.

‘Successive governments have shirked this issue. On behalf of people with dementia, I challenge the next government to create a long-term, sustainable system for funding dementia care.’

On average dementia patients live for five years.

The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that three years of care at home costs about £39,000. Sufferers are then likely to need two years in a care home, costing £62,000.

People would need to save £800 a year for 125 years to reach the £100,000 experts say it now costs to live comfortably with dementia for five years. 

The charity also based its calculations on the assumption that people could save £800 a year – the average sum they put aside for their pension.

One family said they spent more than £500,000 over ten years on dementia care after they were found to be ineligible for state-funded help.

Judith Jordan, 48, from Ashtead in Surrey, initially cared for her mother, Joan, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in her early 60s. Aged 65, she moved into a care home and cashed in stocks, shares, her husband’s life insurance and her pension to fund her care.

She could not move properly, suffered bedsores and epilepsy, and could not speak for the last five years of her life.

But despite five assessments for state funding, she was repeatedly ruled ineligible.

When she died in August 2016 aged 76, Joan weighed just over 63lb and was paying £4,000 a month for her care.

Mrs Jordan said: ‘My mum ended up spending over £500,000 on her dementia care.

‘She would be devastated to know her money was gone and she could only leave her grandchildren a fraction of what she had hoped.’

SOURCE: Ben Spencer, Daily MailOnline

There are so many of these very sad situations coming into the spotlight very regularly now, how dire does the situation need to become to ensure positive action?

Two knee operations can’t stop care home resident Vanda Norgate from cycling 21 miles for MS Awareness Trust

A nursing home resident who has undergone two knee operations cycled 21 miles on a static machine during a fund-raising week.

Residents and staff at Meadow House nursing home in Swaffham took part in challenges to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis and funds for the MS Awareness Trust.

Staff arranged activities for residents, their relatives and day centre service users.

They ran bingo games, held a raffle, sang karaoke and held a coffee morning. The main challenge was a static bike ride.

Between them, the residents and service users, many of whom live with severe physical challenges, cycled 102 miles.

Resident Vanda Norgate, who has recently had two knee operations, cycled 21 miles.

In total, £500 was raised.

SOURCE: Eastern Daily Press, Adam Lazzari

Isnt this great? Getting together socially and to raise funds for a good cause, what a team effort!