It has become a matter of fact in the past few years, that in the UK, we have an aging population. According to UK National Statistics, over the period of 1985 – 2010, the number of people aged 65 and over increased by 20% to 10.3 million.
According to NHS statistics, in 2009/2010, 12% of people in England aged 16 or over were caring for a sick, disabled or elderly person – the equivalent of five million carers.
With these statistics in mind, the demand for carers – whether publically funded or not – is on the rise and it looks as though demand is already surpassing resources resulting in relatives adopting the role.
Just as Telecare provides assistive technology services in order to help those who are elderly or less-mobile, there are also retailers who specialise in daily living aids for this aging audience. Not only could this assist those who struggle to live independently but it can also relieve the duties of carers working for free.
The time that relatives or friends put into care for their relatives/acquaintances in need has been declared as valuable, not only to our economy but also by those who may not have any other assistance. Research published by the University of Leeds in 2007 valued the unpaid care that was provided at about £87 billion a year – a staggering amount.
In order for those who need care to not feel like a burden, or to feel more confident in living self-sufficiently, aids for daily living around the home could help relax this demand for carers as well asenabling more elderly or less mobile people to live autonomously.
These aids can include anything that provides the vulnerable with the reassurance they need to remain living in their own home – whether it be a grab rail, non-slip mat, or bath lift.
One area that does make some uncomfortable about living alone can be security but there are products available to assist here also. For example, keypads attached next to your exterior front door can give carers (or anyone you choose to give the access code to) entry without you having to get up to answer the door – particularly helpful for those with mobility issues. Similarly, electronic door phones mean you can speak to the visitor on your doorstep via intercom before having to go and see who it is for yourself.
The fact is that carer resources are strained and shall become more so as our population’s age continues to rise, alongside budget cuts within the health sector. The more that can be done at home, the better, both for the stretched carers industry as well as the individuals who really just want to live their everyday lives as easily and hassle-free as possible.
According to NHS statistics, in 2009/2010, 12% of people in England aged 16 or over were caring for a sick, disabled or elderly person – the equivalent of five million carers.
With these statistics in mind, the demand for carers – whether publically funded or not – is on the rise and it looks as though demand is already surpassing resources resulting in relatives adopting the role.
Just as Telecare provides assistive technology services in order to help those who are elderly or less-mobile, there are also retailers who specialise in daily living aids for this aging audience. Not only could this assist those who struggle to live independently but it can also relieve the duties of carers working for free.
The time that relatives or friends put into care for their relatives/acquaintances in need has been declared as valuable, not only to our economy but also by those who may not have any other assistance. Research published by the University of Leeds in 2007 valued the unpaid care that was provided at about £87 billion a year – a staggering amount.
In order for those who need care to not feel like a burden, or to feel more confident in living self-sufficiently, aids for daily living around the home could help relax this demand for carers as well asenabling more elderly or less mobile people to live autonomously.
These aids can include anything that provides the vulnerable with the reassurance they need to remain living in their own home – whether it be a grab rail, non-slip mat, or bath lift.
One area that does make some uncomfortable about living alone can be security but there are products available to assist here also. For example, keypads attached next to your exterior front door can give carers (or anyone you choose to give the access code to) entry without you having to get up to answer the door – particularly helpful for those with mobility issues. Similarly, electronic door phones mean you can speak to the visitor on your doorstep via intercom before having to go and see who it is for yourself.
The fact is that carer resources are strained and shall become more so as our population’s age continues to rise, alongside budget cuts within the health sector. The more that can be done at home, the better, both for the stretched carers industry as well as the individuals who really just want to live their everyday lives as easily and hassle-free as possible.
Original article: http://www.telecaretechnology.com/index.php/help-elderly-help-themselves
No comments:
Post a Comment