Support Resources

The population of the UK, as with other developed nations, is ageing. Estimates show that in 50 years’ time, there are likely to be an additional 8.6 million people aged 65 years and over living in the UK (Office for National Statistics [ONS], 2018a). The increased ageing and morbidity of our population is driven by several factors.

As the population continues to age and the incidence of dementia and associated costs increases, there will be a greater need for unpaid care with research suggesting that one in three of us will become a carer for someone with dementia during our lifetime. It is estimated that there are in excess of 700,000 people in the UK acting as primary unpaid carers for people living with dementia, all of whom make a substantial contribution to their care and support. Carers of people living with dementia can experience high levels of carer burden alongside poor health and wellbeing because of their caring roles. However, they may not identify themselves as carers or be recognised as such by health and social care professionals. Consequently, they may not have access to the support they need, thus identifying and valuing unpaid carers is the first step in supporting them. Community nurses are well placed to do this. This sixth paper relating to dementia considers the contribution of unpaid carers in the context of the families of Dhriti Singh and Gregory Brewin, who we have been following throughout this series.

The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) is one of a number of charities that will receive additional support from the Covid-19 Healthcare Support Appeal (CHSA) this year. The funding allocated to the QNI will be used to support community nurses in financial need over the next 12 months. The new money from CHSA is specifically for nurses whose financial circumstances have been impacted by the pandemic and is one of several initiatives it is supporting across the voluntary sector.

The Colostomy Association is a national charity that provides support, reassurance and practical advice to anyone in the UK who has, or is about to have, a colostomy. We are here to help and support patients, their families and carers. Our helpline is manned 24 hours a day by volunteers who all have a stoma. Our wide range of leaflets, quarterly magazine Tidings and closed Facebook group offer information and support to anyone affected by life-changing stoma surgery.

Anne Williams explores the issue of cancer survivorship from the perspective of women who have undergone breast cancer treatment. The article examines three specific aspects relevant to breast cancer and its treatment: fatigue; psychological distress; and lymphoedema. It considers the implications for health professionals such as community nurses in supporting women who are living with and beyond breast cancer.

Anne F Williams, Macmillan Teaching Fellow, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, EH11 4BN

Article accepted for publication: October 2011

Tom Owen discusses the health care needs of older people.
Tom Owen BSc Hons, MA, Dip DW My Home Life Programme Help the Aged & City University.
Article accepted for publication: February 2008
Acknowledgements: Acknowledgement must be made to Hazel Heath and Clare Goodman, University of Hertfordshire from whose papers this article is based. Acknowledgement also goes to BUPA Giving who have provided some initial funding to roll-out the programme.

Barbara Borwell discusses how an individual’s ability to deal with the practical features of stoma care will differ, therefore, requiring unpredictable levels of intervention. This article focuses on the principles of stoma care acknowledging the importance of factors, which can enhance the quality of life

Barbara Borwell MA (Ed), RGN, ENB 216, ENB 980, Dip. Counselling, Cert. Psychosexual Counselling & Therapy, NDN Cert. City & Guilds FETC, BCN is an Independent Nurse Consultant/Lecturer, Nationally/Internationally

Article accepted for publication: April 2011