Author Archives: john graham

“My Country Garden”

Posted on June 22, 2011 by john graham

Everyone needs a garden in their life.  Not necessarily a literal garden, just somewhere where things can grow.  Everything from plants to ideas to children to peace of mind. Right now at six o’clock in the morning, I am sitting … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged | 3 Comments

“Granola Wars”

Posted on June 19, 2011 by john graham

As our society ages, manufacturers that don’t make products suitable for the grey market, will miss out on a huge segment of elderly consumers.  It is especially frustrating when excellent products are wrapped up in impossible-to-open packaging because by then … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY MARKET | Tagged | 2 Comments

” If the cap fits” – Commission on Funding Care & Support – 5

Posted on June 11, 2011 by john graham

The Dilnot Commission is due to report in July and in true political style they have decided to fly some kites before making any formal announcements.  In an interview with The Daily Mail, Andrew Dilnot dropped out clear hints as to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Care Funding, Residential Care | Tagged , | 5 Comments

“The £6 Billion Question”

Posted on June 8, 2011 by john graham

A recent report on the funding of residential care contained some significant information of major consequence to older people.  It was produced by the relatively obscure Local Government Information Unit and commissioned by the equally unknown care home fees specialist – … Continue reading →

Posted in Residential Care | Tagged | 4 Comments

“Neglect Shames Britain” – 5

Posted on June 7, 2011 by john graham

Headlines in the Daily Mail again on the subject of the inhumane treatment of the elderly in NHS hospitals – “Elderly patients dying of thirst“. This is a continuation of a campaign started nearly six months ago under the front … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY, Residential Care | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

“Breakfast Exercise” 6

Posted on June 5, 2011 by john graham

The New York Times regularly has good coverage on ageing. Recently I was sent a very interesting article entitled “Tai Chi eases depression in elderly”, by someone who knows it is a regular early morning pastime of mine. The report … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH, SMILES | Tagged | 3 Comments

Southern Cross card game televised. 6

Posted on June 3, 2011 by john graham

  The Southern Cross card game is now being watched by millions on TV.  The Chairman was forced to come out into the public gaze and submit to an inquisition by John Snow on Channel 4 News. Meanwhile, the newspapers … Continue reading →

Posted in Care Funding, Residential Care | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

“The Last Chance Saloon” – Southern Cross 5

Posted on June 2, 2011 by john graham

I first started talking about Southern Cross in my blog “Houses built on Sand” (16th January 2011), when I forecast the melt down of the company unless the Government took action – which I did not expect them to do. … Continue reading →

Posted in Residential Care | Tagged , | 1 Comment

“Swimming with Sharks” – Southern Cross 4

Posted on May 30, 2011 by john graham

In my time with ExtraCare Charitable Trust, we often did very adventurous things with our elderly residents.  Sailing, climbing, canoeing, absailing and horse riding were all accomplished by the hundreds of residents who went to the Calvert Trust Outward Bound Centre … Continue reading →

Posted in Residential Care | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Dream Chocolates

Posted on May 29, 2011 by john graham

It has to be too good to be true – anti-wrinkle chocolates. Just 3 a day smoothes wrinkles away!  Not only that, research on this new product also suggests it may lower blood pressure and improve memory. This could be … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged , | 4 Comments