Author Archives: john graham

“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

“Elderly Bouncers”

Posted on February 24, 2013 by john graham

Slow stream rehabilitation is a thing of the past.   Now they rush elderly people out of hospital faster than they push them in.   Unblocking beds is almost as vital as unblocking drains.   Hot bedding, just like hot desking, is becoming … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH, N.H.S. | 1 Comment

” A Step Too Far? “

Posted on February 21, 2013 by john graham

Assisted suicide has been a recurring subject in GrumbleSmiles ever since I wrote about it in my very first blog.   (See “LUCY DIED TODAY” by clicking in the ARCHIVE – MARCH 2010). I have no doubt there is sincerity on both … Continue reading →

Posted in Assisted Suicide, ELDERLY UK POLICY, HEALTH | Tagged | 1 Comment

“Simple Connections”

Posted on February 19, 2013 by john graham

A while ago I was grumbling about the complexity of modern technology for many older people.   What appears and appeals to the younger generation as the latest advance in easy living, is anything but to their grandparents.   (See my … Continue reading →

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“Retirement Planning”

Posted on February 17, 2013 by john graham

Thinking about taking the first steps onto the retirement ladder, I googled “Retirement Planning”, as any worldwide web wise pensioner would do these days.    And guess what?  All the top web links on Google are about money.    Pensions, annuities, savings … Continue reading →

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“Chillingly Killing”

Posted on February 12, 2013 by john graham

As I write this blog I am tucked up in bed with the central heating up high.   Outside it’s  minus 4ºC, the ground is covered with 6″ of snow and the roads and footpaths are sheets of ice. It’s Christmas … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged | 1 Comment