My Dad

Three days ago my Dad died.

He was a major force in my educational history, so I'm going to share a few things with you concerning how he inspired me.

He believed passionately in lifelong learning. When his eyesight failed him, he read audio books and when his hearing failed him he read audio books AT HIGH VOLUME. He never stopped taking in new knowledge.

When I told him I was considering applying for university at the age of 27 he said, "about bloody time!" He could have said 'play safe and keep your job', but he didn't.

He also believed that nothing's worth doing if it's easy. When I was at uni this phrase drove me nuts. WHY COULDN'T IT BE EASY??? He'd shrug and say, 'because then anyone could do it'.

I hope you have someone who encourages, provokes, inspires or supports you. I'll be back at uni next week so if you want a lend of any of my Dad's words of encouragement you've only to ask.

I know he'd have liked that.

New report on caring for an ageing population

Hello.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) have today published a major report on the future of elderly social care in the UK. It states that the number of elderly people requiring home support will eventually outstrip the number of family members willing or able to offer assistance.

The factors which have contributed to this looming crisis are all too easy to identify; population dispersal, smaller families, longer lifespans are all elements of a very complex and expensive problem. The report also highlights the increase in older carers who want to look after their own spouses at home. This is something that my own family is currently dealing with. My own dad insisted on looking after my mum at home, even when her dementia was quite well advanced. My mum died two years ago and my dad (now 85) is still living at home. The reason he's able to be there is partly down to the support he receives from myself and my sisters.
Our situation is typical of many thousands of others in the UK which the report sheds a light on.

So the full report is here and the BBC's reporting of the issue is here.

As always, if you want to use it in assignments, you'll need to reference it correctly so ask for help if required.

Respite care for my Dad

I've recently come back from a long weekend on the Isle of Wight with my Dad and sisters.
This was possible due to a program of respite care that my dad needs as he's the main carer for my mum, who has dementia. My dad is in his 80's, is partially blind and has emphysema. I know, I know. I've been told I'm as stubborn as he is, but that seems impossible given that his mule-like refusal to accept any help resulted in years of soldiering on without respite. This seems to me to be remarkably common and he still feels pangs of guilt at needing help.

The issue of respite care was raised in the second electoral debate last week, so I hope it continues to be an issue that is in the spotlight.

This link will take you to a systematic review of the effects of respite care on the frail elderly, published in 2009.

Here are some photos of our trip featuring a lizard, a red squirrel and my Dad and sisters.