...with a long-term condition before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The briefing focuses on the impact of the pandemic on physical health; diet and nutrition; cognitive decline; people affected by dementia; long term conditions and shielding; mental health and wellbeing; self-neglect; bereavement; loneliness; and health inequalities. While some older people have used the last few months as an opportunity
(Edited publisher abstract)
This briefing presents findings of a study on the impact of the pandemic on older people’s physical and mental health. It is based on 569 responses to a survey – 369 respondents were older people themselves and 200 answered on behalf of an older person; and representative online polling of 1,364 people over the age of 60 – of these nearly half were over the age of 70 and 40% were already living with a long-term condition before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The briefing focuses on the impact of the pandemic on physical health; diet and nutrition; cognitive decline; people affected by dementia; long term conditions and shielding; mental health and wellbeing; self-neglect; bereavement; loneliness; and health inequalities. While some older people have used the last few months as an opportunity to do more exercise and improve their fitness, this study suggests that many have seen their health deteriorate in the face of isolation and reduced opportunities to socialise and be physically active – sometimes drastically so. The pandemic has taken its toll on older people’s mental health. Older people with pre-existing mental health conditions have seen an increase in the severity of their symptoms, while others are struggling for the first time. Clubs, activities, and volunteering, which older people previously were involved with have been put on hold, while friends and family have needed to stay away, leaving many older people feeling lonely and isolated. Critically, older people from more disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds have been more severely affected, both mentally and physically.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
older people, surveys, user views, Covid-19, health, mental health, long term conditions, loneliness, health inequalities, bereavement;
...police forces, local authorities and the Government can do to better prevent fraud and protect older people. The report highlights that cuts to Trading Standards budgets have undermined the ability of local authorities to tackle scams among older people; the need for better security in banking services and extra protection to customers in vulnerable circumstances such as those living with dementia
(Edited publisher abstract)
Based on the experiences of older people and their families and recent polling evidence commissioned by Age UK, this report highlights the risk to older people of becoming victims of fraud and financial scams. It explores older people’s views and experiences of fraud, looks at what can put them at risk and the financial and health impacts of fraud. It also sets out recommendations on what banks, police forces, local authorities and the Government can do to better prevent fraud and protect older people. The report highlights that cuts to Trading Standards budgets have undermined the ability of local authorities to tackle scams among older people; the need for better security in banking services and extra protection to customers in vulnerable circumstances such as those living with dementia; and for the Government to ensure that local authorities have the resources needed to meet their safeguarding duties under the Care Act. It also calls greater partnership working between adult social care services, Trading Standards services, police forces and other local agencies in order to tackle fraud.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This guide has been written for people with dementia. It explains what dementia is, and what kind of support is available for those living with it. It also explains what can be done to live well with dementia, and plan ahead. The guide provides practical tips and information, covering a whole range of activities and situations, including: talking to family and friends; counselling and other kinds...
(Edited publisher abstract)
This guide has been written for people with dementia. It explains what dementia is, and what kind of support is available for those living with it. It also explains what can be done to live well with dementia, and plan ahead. The guide provides practical tips and information, covering a whole range of activities and situations, including: talking to family and friends; counselling and other kinds of therapy; helpful strategies; driving; working; holidays; creating the best possible home environment; keeping active; relationships; getting involved in dementia research; organising personal finances; dealing with legal issues; benefits; memory cafes; day centres; getting help from social services; and housing.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
dementia, quality of life, planning, advice services, access to services;
Highlights the main issues arising for people with dementia and carers from a variety of population groups. These include: the oldest old, young onset, people with disabilities, black and minority ethnic people (BME), women, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGB&T), and different socio-economic populations. The paper considers the prevalence of dementia within each group...
(Edited publisher abstract)
Highlights the main issues arising for people with dementia and carers from a variety of population groups. These include: the oldest old, young onset, people with disabilities, black and minority ethnic people (BME), women, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGB&T), and different socio-economic populations. The paper considers the prevalence of dementia within each group and the needs and experiences of people living with dementia and carers within each protected characteristic group. It also provides information, recommendations and resources for commissioners, service providers, service users and their carers to ensure that the best possible care and support to people living with dementia and their carers is expected and delivered. The paper proposes to consider dementia as a disability and to take a social/rights based approach to the way we respond to dementia. Using the social model of disability takes a person-centred view of disability that additionally tries to ensure the environment does not further disadvantage people with dementia. The paper also raises issues of the rights of people with dementia under the law, and considers how dementia is experienced and perceived by people with dementia and their carers. The key overarching themes emerging in this paper include: understanding each person with dementia, and carer, as an individual; considering different pathways to diagnosis; exploring tailored support options following diagnosis; enabling a variety of peer-support options for people with dementia and carers; tailoring engagement with families and carers; working through community intermediaries; locally tailored public-awareness campaigns; professional understanding of equity issues and how this affects individuals; exploiting local data resources; and embedding people’s experience of dementia in research and evaluation.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
carers, dementia, social model, rights based approach, socioeconomic groups, black and minority ethnic people, LGBT people, equal opportunities;
...life; how ageing and dementia affect the capacity to manage money; challenges and opportunities for financial services; building resilience and reducing risk; changing technologies in financial services: opportunity or threat for people with cognitive decline; financial planning for an uncertain future; and how people living with cognitive decline can remain financially included.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report summarises the second symposium of the WEF Global Agenda Council on Ageing on the implications of ageing and cognitive decline for financial services, which was hosted by Age UK in London, 3-4 February 2016. The presentations, panel discussions and workshops covered: the particular challenges and opportunities of Japan’s ageing society; cognitive vulnerability and resilience in later life; how ageing and dementia affect the capacity to manage money; challenges and opportunities for financial services; building resilience and reducing risk; changing technologies in financial services: opportunity or threat for people with cognitive decline; financial planning for an uncertain future; and how people living with cognitive decline can remain financially included.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
ageing, older people, financial abuse, personal finance, cognitive impairment;
This report is designed to support implementation of the National Dementia Strategy and ‘Dementia: a state of the nation report on dementia care and support in England’. It presents a range of services for people living with dementia and their carers that local Age UKs provide, often working in partnership with other organisations. The document provides commissioners with clear and simple ideas...
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report is designed to support implementation of the National Dementia Strategy and ‘Dementia: a state of the nation report on dementia care and support in England’. It presents a range of services for people living with dementia and their carers that local Age UKs provide, often working in partnership with other organisations. The document provides commissioners with clear and simple ideas for support and services that contribute to key outcomes, including: timely diagnosis; treatment with dignity and respect; support for carers; social inclusion; participatory research; self-care; control over decisions affecting the day-to-day lives of people with dementia; and good end of life care. Through case studies and quotes of older people living with dementia and carers who are using these services, the report brings to life the ways in which policy can be translated into positive, practical and life-changing action.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
dementia, case studies, quality assurance, outcomes, dignity, user participation, participatory research, end of life care, social inclusion, self care;
...prevention, assistive technology for people with dementia, cognitive stimulation therapy for people with dementia, and memory services.
(Original abstract)
This report presents jargon-free summaries of research on key aspects of services for older people, each written by experts in their field. It also draws out seven major themes from the research covering service design, the role of carers, the need for regular assessment, and the importance of social interaction. Contributors cover the following areas: service cost-effectiveness, what works in integrating health and care, dignity of older service users, safeguarding, supporting older people and their carers, council managed personal budgets, paying for social care, involving older people in evaluation and research, preventing isolation and loneliness, promoting inclusion in rural communities, housing with care, home telecare, supporting older people in the community, services for men, falls prevention, assistive technology for people with dementia, cognitive stimulation therapy for people with dementia, and memory services.
(Original abstract)
Subject terms:
older people, service development, social care provision, carers, needs assessment, user participation, housing, telecare, needs;
This is a guide for carers of people with dementia, providing practical information on a broad range of aspects, from getting a referral to a memory clinic, through talking to family and friends about the diagnosis, joining a carers’ group, sorting out legal affairs, getting help from social services and more. Throughout this guide carers will find suggestions for organisations that can offer
(Edited publisher abstract)
This is a guide for carers of people with dementia, providing practical information on a broad range of aspects, from getting a referral to a memory clinic, through talking to family and friends about the diagnosis, joining a carers’ group, sorting out legal affairs, getting help from social services and more. Throughout this guide carers will find suggestions for organisations that can offer further information and advice about available options. Their contact details can be found in the ‘Useful organisations’ section.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
carers, dementia, access to services, access to information, social services;
Although the number of people with dementia in black and minority ethnic communities in the UK is increasing, research on this subject is limited. This report outlines the learning from a one-day learning event, run jointly by the Race Equality Foundation and Age UK. The event brought together practitioners from across the voluntary, community and statutory sectors, to explore ways to deliver...
(Edited publisher abstract)
Although the number of people with dementia in black and minority ethnic communities in the UK is increasing, research on this subject is limited. This report outlines the learning from a one-day learning event, run jointly by the Race Equality Foundation and Age UK. The event brought together practitioners from across the voluntary, community and statutory sectors, to explore ways to deliver better support to black and minority ethnic older people living with dementia. It was funded by the Department of Health as part of the Health and Voluntary Sector Strategic Partnership Programme, of which Age UK and the Race Equality Foundation are both partners. This paper summarises the issues raised by speakers and participants, particularly in relation to risk factors associated with dementia, such as stigma and language barriers. It sets out examples of good practice for statutory services, the voluntary sector and individuals to support black and minority people living with dementia. The learning event also saw the launch of a new briefing paper, ‘Black and minority ethnic communities and dementia: where are we now?’ produced by David Truswell for the Race Equality Foundation’s Better Health briefing collection.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
dementia, black and minority ethnic people, needs, good practice;
...a difference for their service users who suffer from sight problems. The guide provides information about: the main causes of sight loss; how to identify sight loss in service users; sight loss and other health issues (dementia, falls, and hearing loss); how to meet the specific needs of service users with sight loss; and changes to the services environment that make a difference. Tips are also provided
Sight loss becomes increasingly likely with age, currently affecting 1 in 5 people over 75 and 1 in 2 people over 90. Services for older people should routinely be well equipped to meet the needs of older people with sight loss. This guide is aimed at services working with older people. It aims to help providers understand the needs of people with sight loss and to make changes that can make a difference for their service users who suffer from sight problems. The guide provides information about: the main causes of sight loss; how to identify sight loss in service users; sight loss and other health issues (dementia, falls, and hearing loss); how to meet the specific needs of service users with sight loss; and changes to the services environment that make a difference. Tips are also provided for lunch clubs, on how to keep people active, and on helping people move around the service. Case studies are also provided which offer ideas and practical examples on how to help make services accessible to blind and partially sighted people.
Subject terms:
older people, service users, social care provision, visual impairment, dementia, environment;