What is rheumatoid arthritis?

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term, life-limiting condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. The condition primarily affects the joints of the individual’s hands, feet, and wrists. As with many conditions, RA is not a stable condition and...
What is multiple sclerosis?

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis, or MS for short, is a lifelong condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, which causes a wide range of symptoms. It is a progressive condition that normally gets more serious over time. Different people can experience different levels of...
What is Parkinson’s disease?

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition caused by the breakdown or death of nerve cells (neurons) in a specific part of the brain called the Substantia Nigra. These cells, when healthy, produce an essential hormone called dopamine, so when...
When is the right time to move into a care home?

When is the right time to move into a care home?

If there is one question care professional gets asked more often than any other question when a family visits a care home for the first time, it is: ‘When is a care home right for mum?’ or ‘How will I know it is the right time for my Dad to move into a care home?’ Of...
The importance of exercise for arthritis

The importance of exercise for arthritis

Almost all healthcare advice, online or in person, will encourage those living with rheumatoid arthritis to take regular exercise. There is a lot of evidence that keeping active and taking regular exercise can help to ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It can also...
What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Stopping people with dementia becoming lonely and isolated

None of us wants to be lonely or become isolated and alone, but unfortunately, for people living with dementia, this is a common side effect. Many older people become lonely and socially isolated, but for those living with dementia this is an even bigger issue. ...
Section 117 After-Care

Section 117 After-Care

What is section 117 after-care? Some people who have been in hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983, i.e. were “sectioned” may be entitled to receive ongoing care and support after they leave hospital. The basic premise of 117 (‘one-one-seven’) after-care is that...
Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested allowance payable to eligible older people to help pay for any extra costs that their care and support requires. Eligibility To qualify and receive Attendance Allowance you must: Have reached State Pension age Have a...
What is multiple sclerosis?

Dementia Council Tax rebate

There is a council tax rebate that is available for people living with dementia if they fulfil several criteria.  It is called the Severe Mental Impairment exemption and it relates to many more conditions than just dementia. Severe Mental Impairment may sound quite...
Deferred Payment

Deferred Payment

A Deferred Payment Agreement is an arrangement with your local authority- essentially a loan. This loan is secured against the value of your house at a set, and often low, interest rate. The main purpose of the Deferred Payment is to help the resident pay for their...