Keiron Broadbent • May 28, 2021

 

Boris Johnson has expressed "full confidence" in Health Secretary Matt Hancock over claims he lied about protecting care homes from Covid. The West Midlands Care Association does not share Boris Johnson’s confidence!


It is inherently clear that at the outset of the Covid pandemic, hospital patients were being sent to care homes without being tested. This has been corroborated in the testimony provided by former Prime Ministerial advisor Dominic Cummins to the select committee this week.


Our members were hampered at the start of this crisis by non-existent, or conflicting advice; being forced to accept residents discharged from hospitals who were not tested, or who's results were unknown, all while operating without proper access to PPE.


During a time of unprecedented upheaval, and despite having received no proper advice from the government, our members acted quickly and decisively to implement procedures to mitigate the spread of the virus.


If our members had not reacted as and when they did, the outcome would have been far worse. They have gone above and beyond to protect the vulnerable people in their care.


The government has failed our members and the families who have tragically lost relatives prematurely to Covid. They deserve the truth. We fully support demands for an official inquiry to be held into these failures now.

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October 14, 2025
Supporting People Living with Dementia During Halloween While Halloween can be a fun and festive time for many, it can present unique challenges for people living with dementia. The sudden changes in environment — from decorations and costumes to unfamiliar sounds and social interactions — may lead to increased confusion, anxiety, or distress. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind: 🧠 Confusion & Disorientation Halloween brings unusual sights and sounds, such as costumes, animated decorations, and themed music. These can be disorienting and may heighten feelings of anxiety or fear. 🎭 Strangers & Social Interactions For those who struggle to recognise familiar faces, engaging with costumed individuals can be unsettling and may lead to withdrawal or distress. 🚢‍♂️ Impacts on Mobility Decorations like hanging spiders, wires, or floor props can become physical hazards, especially for individuals with mobility issues who may feel unsure navigating altered spaces. πŸ”Š Overstimulation Loud music, sound effects, and busy environments can easily overwhelm someone with dementia, leading to agitation or confusion. 🏠 Changes in Routine & Environment Quick changes to the layout or appearance of a care home — such as sudden decorations — can disrupt a person’s sense of familiarity and make it harder for them to understand where they are. Recommendations for a Dementia-Friendly Halloween To ensure Halloween remains safe and inclusive, consider the following approaches: πŸ‚ Use autumnal decorations Opt for seasonal, non-threatening décor that supports orientation and creates a calming atmosphere. πŸ•―οΈ Create a calm environment Limit exposure to loud noises, flashing lights, and crowded spaces to reduce overstimulation. πŸ•°οΈ Maintain daily routines Keeping familiar schedules helps provide stability and reassurance. 🀝 Monitor interactions If Halloween activities are planned, stay close to individuals with dementia, observe their responses, and offer gentle reassurance as needed. πŸ’™ Promote care, not fear Above all, foster an environment rooted in empathy, understanding, and comfort — where care takes precedence over spectacle. By making thoughtful adjustments, we can ensure Halloween is a positive experience for everyone — especially those living with dementia.
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