Author Archives: john graham

“A Die-Lemma”

Posted on May 6, 2011 by john graham

Dying is not a subject most people want to contemplate.  It engenders sad emotions and fearful prospects.  Nonetheless, it is a subject which we will all have to face more frequently as our population ages. What prompted me to write … Continue reading →

Posted in Assisted Suicide | Tagged | 4 Comments

“Southern Cross Card Play”

Posted on May 3, 2011 by john graham

In the weeks following my blog “Southern Cross Poker Game” (see 5 April 2011), there have been a few cards played but no winning moves just yet. Southern Cross Management – made the first move when their Chairman resigned and … Continue reading →

Posted in Residential Care | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

“Mouse Traps become bridges”

Posted on May 1, 2011 by john graham

The older generation grew up in an era when mouse traps were an every day piece of household equipment.  Mice were a pest and the top cat was the best “mouser”.  It is little wonder that people get grumpy about … Continue reading →

Posted in GRUMBLES | 1 Comment

“Memory Plays Tricks”

Posted on April 26, 2011 by john graham

I have always thought I have a very good memory for things that are important to me, particularly in business and especially with figures, I can recall things from months and even years ago.  But this will be a surprise … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged | 4 Comments

“Walk for Life” 2

Posted on April 24, 2011 by john graham

Although they have not yet won the London marathon,  it seems like the Americans are catching up with us. Back in November last year, I wrote about some research from Bangor University extoling the virtues of 30 minute sessions of … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

“A Questionable Bonus”

Posted on April 20, 2011 by john graham

Generally, as I have commented on in my “Submission to the Dilnot Commission” dated 6 February 2011, I am strongly in favour of a radical change in NHS care of the elderly.  I am less sure about the changeover from … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY | Tagged , | 6 Comments

“Residential Care Dilemma” 4

Posted on April 17, 2011 by john graham

I have already forecast that we are heading for a financial meltdown in the residential care market – see “Residential Care Dilemma” dated 12 October 2010 and “Houses Built on Sand” dated 16 January 2011 (both can be found by … Continue reading →

Posted in Residential Care | 3 Comments

“Reflection on Blogging”

Posted on April 14, 2011 by john graham

Q1  Why am I blogging? I have something to say about all things “elderly” Writing can be therapeutic   Fun when it flows easily – a topic that fires my imagination Frustrating when on an important issue – the simple … Continue reading →

Posted in ABOUT GRUMBLESMILES, SMILES | 4 Comments

“Free Bus Pass Deception”

Posted on April 10, 2011 by john graham

In July last year, at the time when the Coalition Government was contemplating lots of different ideas on how to approach the cuts, one of the ideas they floated was to remove free bus passes from pensioners.  At the time … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY | Tagged | 3 Comments

“SOUTHERN CROSS POKER GAME – Residential Care Dilemma” 3

Posted on April 5, 2011 by john graham

The history of residential care has had its highs and lows over the years (see “Residential Care Dilemma dated 12 October 2010).  At times there has been rapid growth and high profits, but always on shaky foundations (see “Houses Built … Continue reading →

Posted in Residential Care | Tagged , , | 3 Comments