Ross Drysdale, 73, constructed the sheltered walkway at his Christchurch bungalow in October 2024, aiming to provide his wife, Victoria, with greater independence following a severe stroke. Mr Drysdale was informed by a building inspector that the structure conformed with Building Regulations, but did not secure planning permission.
As you age, your body gets less efficient at repair and recovery, as your: Immune system gradually loses some of its resilience Digestion slows Chances of chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis increase Retirement can also impact your health in complex ways. While stepping away from work often reduces stress, it may lead to less physical activity and fewer social interactions-both of which can raise your health risks.
And 29% of carers in the capital were in poverty in 2021-22, according to Carers UK - a higher proportion than 21% of Londoners in poverty. Some of this is due to unpaid carers not being aware of benefits they are entitled to, including the Carer's Allowance (CA), which can provide up to 83.30 a week, with others not considering themselves as carers at all.
Sometimes it's a fall that brings a broken hip and a loss of mobility. Or memory problems that bubble into danger. Or the death of the partner who was relied upon for care.The need to move to a nursing home, assisted living facility or another type of care setting often comes suddenly, setting off an abrupt, daunting search. It's likely something no one ever wanted, but knowing what to look for and what to ask can make a big difference.
An elderly woman with dementia has been left terrified to leave home after she was muggedjust yards from her front door in east London. Katherine Stockdale, 84, was targeted on Sturry Street in Poplar on Saturday, January 24, while walking back from the local market with her trolley. CCTV footage, which has been circulating on social media, appears to show a woman stopping Katherine in the street and asking her something.
