How do they do care for elderly citizens in other parts of the world?

Most of us have a reasonable idea of the way the system works in whichever part of the UK we inhabit, but how different is it in Canada? Or Germany?

Are there any ideas we should be picking up on?

Acorn Stairlifts has been investigating – you can read more here

 

I used to be part of very small minority, talking to my computer and expecting it to do as I ask. Then voice assistants such as Siri and Alexa came along, and everybody's at it!

Or not quite everybody. Until now, if you struggled to make yourself understood by other people, then speech recognition apps would be out of the question also.

Israeli start-up Voiceitt has been developing a system which translates unintelligible speech into clear words. 

Find out more here

 

Pressalit Care has launched a new height adjustable wash basin, the Matrix M. It has integrated power buttons for raising and lowering the basin, and to aid all-important hygiene control,  the plumbing has been incorporated into a discreet, concealed unit.

The Matrix M also features the company’s highly regarded grab handles at the front of the basin.

See more details here

 

 

Social enterprises (like this one) are more interested in doing useful work than making lots of money.

No doubt one useful outcome for any social enterprise would be providing employment opportunities for disabled people, a million of whom are willing and able to work, but excluded from the labour market.

So the news that disability charity Scope is investing £375,000 in social start-ups is definitely welcome.

Find out more here.

  

Site subscriber, Mercado Medic, provides a range of functional chairs for people with physical disabilities. They are based on a unique modular system, which enables them to be adapted to meet the needs of users whatever their disability.

You can see more about them on their newly updated showcase page.

  

If you provide high quality products and services, and you would like to reach our site visitors and newsletter readers, please email derek@independentliving.co.uk

 

Yesterday was Shrove Tuesday. Did you eat pancakes? If so, I hope they behaved themselves and didn't end up stuck to the walls or ceiling!

I'm sure you are wondering about the outcome of the Rehab Parliamentary Pancake Race – was it MPs, peers or journos who carried the day?

You can find out here.

 

The Work & Pensions Committee completed its investigation into employment support for carers, with a final evidence session last week.

Details here.

 

Don't forget that you can apply to join the Independent Living Facebook group, if you would like to spend more time discussing these themes with other interested people. 

There are various ways you can get in touch with us: email me; visit our Facebook page and leave a message there; or if it's short and sweet, Tweet!

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Until next time, all good wishes,

Frances