The Times – Future of Health care

  22nd May, 2019

Danny Buckland writes about the lack of research into older people who have a combination of a number of illnesses, referred to as co-morbidities. He talks about a fact that has long been known to those of us who work with older people – we are living longer – but, by definition, our extra years are not spent as lively and active 40 year olds – they are spent in their 80s and beyond, often having a level of ill health that can make life far from pleasant.

Danny talks about the research underway which looks at what happens to our cells as we age (senescence) and he also talks about some of the exciting new work which aims to use the science of genetics to reduce the clinical complications of old age.

In the meantime, Danny makes the point that we should be encouraging healthy living for all ages and balancing the financial investment into preventing or curing the age related, multiple diseases with investigating what society can do to improve life in general for older people.

The Times also carried a letter last week where a very satisfied client of a live-in care service stressed how the company had successfully allowed both her father and her husband to end their days comfortably and safely in their own home.

Live-in care, properly managed, delivered by trusted, well trained and loving carers, really is a more cost-effective option than most Care Homes and it allows nature to take its course at its own pace – whilst providing dignity and comfort to people who are not as well as they used to be.

We need to accept that people at both ends of their lives need support, love and comfort. We need to take pride in providing “care and support”. Of course we must continue with medical research: of course we must continue to influence social policy. It is not, however, until we change the mind-set that old age (whatever that may be) equals dependence and problems to one which celebrates the success that medical science ( and social policy ) has delivered, will we harness the financial and intellectual capacity needed to conduct this vital research.

  • "We used Arbour Care to provide care for our parents while we were on holiday. Our parents were originally reluctant to have someone living in their home but eventually agreed that it was the best option. The care they received was so good, the carer cooked delicious meals (I need some recipe ideas!) she was company for Dad and made it possible for us to enjoy our holiday knowing there was someone available if anything was to happen. We would have no hesitation in recommending Arbour Care to anyone looking for care providers."

    Clare H

  • "The carers have been very good, one even using her free time to visit the husband in hospital and really going the extra mile."

    ED Westcott

  • "The care that Jola provides is fabulous in every respect. I cannot praise her highly enough for the patience she shows with. It was a happy day when she came to us "

    RL Englefield Green

  • "As far as I am concerned, Roberta has been an absolute rock for our family. Completely unselfish in her care and invaluable."

    CB Guildford

  • "We are absolutely delighted with Karolina she is gentle and kind I love chatting to her and really enjoy her company."

    JH Cambridge

  • "Arbour provided live-in carers for my wife for six years from 2017-2023 including the pandemic. My main impression is of a very professional organisation in which owners and staff worked all the time to provide the support the client needed at as high a standard as possible. They gave equal attention to statutory requirements, care plans and staff training and never cut any corners."

    Mark

  • "The support that we have had from Arbour Care has been, quite literally, lifesaving. They found an amazing carer to look after my elderly and disabled husband, who is very experienced, kind and thoughtful. She has made an enormous positive difference to the quality of our lives and I will always be grateful to her and cannot thank her enough."

    Jesse

ukhca
cqc
nsa
alzheimersassociation
strokeassociation
ageUK