As we get older, fading sight can come to be a real issue, with one in five of those over 70 suffering from sight loss, rising to half of those over 90. A high proportion of the UK’s carers are looking after an elderly person. If that person has sight loss this will be something that can add additional problems to the day to day care. What is the impact of sight loss?  If the person…

Technology has already revolutionised the way we communicate, the way we work, the way we play. The question is can it also revolutionise the way we look after ourselves and others? Transforming lives Technology is changing the way we care for older and vulnerable people. There is now a huge variety of different equipment designed to give support and independence to carers and the people they look after. One of the simplest forms of technology…

How carers will be affected by planned changes to benefits In February 2012 the Government is in the process of making the biggest changes to the working-age benefits system for decades. This is bringing a great deal of uncertainty and fear for families affected by illness and disability who depend on benefits for their everyday living costs.  To try and explain, in plain English, what these changes will mean for carers and their families, Carers…

We take it for granted that we can get the nutrition we need from our diet. A healthy diet gives us the strength and energy to go about our daily lives. But there are reasons why some people might not be able to eat properly or take in nutrients they need - illness, disability and old age can all play a part.  A new research survey from Carers UK and Nutricia shows 60% of carers…

One of the key changes in recent times has been for family members to live some distance from each other. One outcome of this has been the rise of ‘distance caring’ – caring for an ill, frail or disabled relative, partner or friend who may be living in another part of the town, region, country or the world.  Distance caring can affect your health, work, finances and personal relationships. Carers UK recently heard from a…

Caring can place a big strain on families and carers sometimes say that friends and family disappear once caring begins. This can lead to isolation and resentment. In this article we examine what happens when your support networks fall away.