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Reports on a support scheme in Sheffield for family carers over the age of 70, who care for a person with learning difficulties. The scheme won the carers category at this year's Community Care awards.

Liveability is a NHS nurse-led service providing instructor-led exercise classes and gym sessions in Liverpool. The service collaborated with a European research project Innovate Dementia to increased access to Liveability for people living with dementia and to evaluate the benefits for those taking part in the programme. The evaluation found that involvement in the exercise programme brought many benefits for individuals with dementia and their carers. Core themes are discussed in relation to enjoyment and recreation and improved fitness and cognition.

The special carer grant has so far failed to live up to expectations, especially in targeting ethnic minority carers. David Hepworth outlines what more needs to be done to help these 'hidden carers'. 

There are around 6 million ‘informal carers’ in the UK. This series of 5 articles sets out to explain what informal caring is and how healthcare assistants and nurses can work with and meet the needs of a variety of informal carers in a variety of clinical and healthcare settings and environments. This short series will commence with a brief definition of what informal caring is, placing this short definition within a demographic framework.

Carers UK is calling for a social contract for care following research it launched last month. Evidence from reports – the Carers, Employment and Services series – shows the need for a radical shake-up to the way we support carers.

Carers have greater risk of ill health and unemployment according to the latest comprehensive research for Carers UK. Sue Yeandle outlines what reforms are needed. 

Norwich: a ‘coffee morning’ initiative aimed to give people with dementia and carers the ordinary social opportunities they were missing. It has succeeded and also brought many further benefits, as Judith Farmer explains

Discusses the benefits of personal budgets for carers, which are a priority for government's new vision for adult care, due next month. A short case study of a couple who benefited from Surrey's carers' personal budget scheme is also included. The scheme gave them the choice to use the money for a joint activity rather than for short break respite care.

Cases of carers harming or killing those they care for are few. But such rare occurrences should not blind us to the frustrations and isolation that drive many carers to believe they can no longer cope, writes the author. [Journal abstract]

Hospice nurses are finding new ways to care for bereaved people, reports Jennifer Trueland

Bereavement care is a vital but under-funded part of palliative care services, and there is growing evidence that people who have lost a loved one are at increased risk of serious illness. The Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted is providing innovative care for families of patients before and after death. ‘Life-changing’ initiatives include cookery classes and pony rides.