Author Archives: john graham

“Two Pomegranates”

Posted on December 18, 2014 by john graham

It seems like only yesterday that I was blogging about pomegranates.  (See my earlier blogs by clicking in the archive on December 2014 and look for “Too good to be true”).  Now like buses, two come along in quick succession. … Continue reading →

Posted in Dementia | Tagged , | 1 Comment

“Am I going nuts”?

Posted on December 14, 2014 by john graham

It only seems five minutes ago since I discovered the virtues of eating almonds.   In fact  was in September, just at the very time that the squirrels are stocking up on food for the winter.  (see “Wonder Nut” by clicking … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged | 2 Comments

“A Convenient Generational Truth”

Posted on December 11, 2014 by john graham

The Gerontologist is a journal that you would pretty much only read if you are old and then only if you have nothing better to do and you can find a copy lying around in the doctor’s surgery.  Unless of course, you … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged | 1 Comment

“Too good to be true”

Posted on December 9, 2014 by john graham

When I was a child, pomegranates were an annual special treat in a Christmas stocking.  Ice cream was a more frequent reward, but only if you were good and only in the summer when the Mr Softee van came around, … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

ExtraCare Traditions 5 – Gardening

Posted on December 7, 2014 by john graham

THIS IS ONE OF A SERIES OF BLOGS OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS DESCRIBING SOME OF THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF THE EXTRACARE CHARITABLE TRUST.    THIS WAS THE ORGANISATION I FOUNDED AND WORKED FOR FROM 1987 THROUGH TO THE TIME … Continue reading →

Tagged | 1 Comment

“Elderly No-care Costs 1”

Posted on December 5, 2014 by john graham

This is the start of a series of blogs which will cover the financial cost of providing for oneself in later life, including the cost of care should you need it. As we move closer to the next General Election … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY, Residential Care | 1 Comment

N.H.S. Golden Goodbyes

Posted on November 20, 2014 by john graham

  Once again the elderly are being cast as a problem to the NHS.  The trouble is they will keep getting ill ! The Health Service chief Sir Bruce Keogh has been talking in the last few day about the … Continue reading →

Posted in N.H.S., SMILES | 5 Comments

“Final Swiss Tour”

Posted on November 5, 2014 by john graham

Switzerland is a wonderful place to visit, the scenery is fantastic, but if you go on a Warner’s Coach Tour, be very careful where you get off. Researchers at the University of Zurich found that the number of people travelling … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY | Tagged | 3 Comments

“Failure to adapt”

Posted on November 4, 2014 by john graham

Some recent work by AGE UK has highlighted the delays elderly people experience in securing aids and adaptations to their homes before they can leave hospital.  New figures suggest that some older people can spend a month longer in hospital, … Continue reading →

Posted in RETIREMENT HOUSING | Tagged | 5 Comments

“Residential No Care”

Posted on October 30, 2014 by john graham

Around 30 years ago I spoke at Birmingham City Hall at a conference about the future of care homes for older people.  I controversially suggested that all residential homes should be shut down within 10 years.  I was assailed by … Continue reading →

Posted in Residential Care | 2 Comments