Author Archives: john graham

“Age Friendly Gadgets”

Posted on March 17, 2013 by john graham

Technology is intended to make our lives easier and over the last couple of centuries it has undoubtedly done so.    All of us take electricity forgranted, although very few of us could explain how it works.    The good news is … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY MARKET, Grey Products, GRUMBLES | Tagged | 3 Comments

” Dementia Avalanche “

Posted on March 14, 2013 by john graham

In researching for the GrumbleSmiles blog I follow a number of issues using a Google reader file that tracks news around the world.  The subject that attracts most publicity by a very long way is “dementia”.  Just in February and March of … Continue reading →

Posted in Dementia, HEALTH | 1 Comment

“Elderly Bouncers”

Posted on March 12, 2013 by john graham

Slow stream rehabilitation is a thing of the past.    Now they rush elderly people out of hospital faster than they rush them in.    Unblocking beds is almost as vital as unblocking drains.    Hot bedding does not include hot water … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH, N.H.S. | 2 Comments

“Southern Cross Shadow”

Posted on March 10, 2013 by john graham

Eighteen months ago, the Southern Cross Nursing and Residential Care Group was in the headlines every day (see “SOUTHERN CROSS” in the TAG CLOUD for earlier blogs). They were up to their necks in debt and in danger of imminent collapse.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Nursing Homes, Residential Care | Tagged | 2 Comments

“Dilnot Update 3”

Posted on March 7, 2013 by john graham

This is a continuation of the previous blog entitled “DILNOT UPDATE 2” on the 6th March 2013. The one key question that politicians of all parties will not face up to.   A “King has got no clothes” situation :- WILL … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY | Tagged | 6 Comments

“Dilnot Update 2”

Posted on March 6, 2013 by john graham

This is a continuation of the previous blog entitled “DILNOT UPDATE” on the 5th March 2013. The devil is in the detail of the Government’s proposals on long-term care funding.   That must be why they need four years to work it … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY | Tagged | 2 Comments

“Dilnot Update”

Posted on March 5, 2013 by john graham

It is now nearly three years since our politicians were so all consumed in finding a solution to funding long-term care.    This was in the run-up to the last general election.    (See all my earlier blogs on this subject by … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY | Tagged | 4 Comments

“The More you Walk”

Posted on March 3, 2013 by john graham

I have blogged about the merits of walking before and about the many excuses why I do not do it.  (Click on “WALK FOR LIFE” in the TAG CLOUD). A brisk walk everyday is an easy step on the health … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged | 4 Comments

“Hooked on Pills”

Posted on February 28, 2013 by john graham

Most children seem to instinctively have an aversion to pills.   That’s why “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down”. However, by the time we get to our later life years, the number of pills we take can become … Continue reading →

Posted in Dementia, HEALTH | Tagged , | 4 Comments

End to Junk Mail

Posted on February 26, 2013 by john graham

I have written a lot about the postal service, because I think it remains an essential lifeline for many older people and means an occaisional visit from a friendly face.  ( To  read my earlier blogs click on “Grumblesmiles Post” in the … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged | 5 Comments