BRIEFINGS (EXAMPLES)

-,  NB Silver Voices Members can obtain back copies of specific briefings by e-mailing info@silvervoices.co.uk

VACCINATION SURVEY

Our Briefing 21/21 outlines the results of a major survey on the Covid-19 vaccination programme. There was strong support for a vaccine passport/certification scheme for both foreign and domestic use. And nine in ten members agreed that health and social care staff in direct contact with vulnerable people should be vaccinated.    

RETIREMENT HOUSING

Our Briefing 14/21 proposed a new model of retirement homes, advanced community villages, which are self-sufficient in terms of funding and retain close links with the surrounding communities.  

 

COST OF DYING

Briefing 06/21 highlights the staggering rises in the costs of funerals over the last decade and the need for independent regulation and inspection of the funerals industry as recommended by the Competition and Markets Authority.

COVID-19 SURVEY

Our Briefing 78/20 carried the results of a comprehensive opinion survey of our members on the performance of the UK Governments in handling the pandemic, the views on current restrictions leading up to Christmas and their likely success, and attitudes to the new vaccines

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 TRIPLE LOCK AND PENSIONS UDATE 

Our Briefing 63/20 covered possible threats to the Triple Lock, which appear to have receded, the loss of the Court of Appeal case by the 1950s women and outstanding injustices and inconsistencies in the state pension system. 

NHS CHALLENGES

Our Briefing 53/20 sought the views of members on the challenges facing the NHS in the aftermath of the pandemic, particularly the huge waiting lists, increased privatisation and the development of a “virtual” NHS with restrictions on face to face consultations.  

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS 

We have issued many briefings on the Coronavirus crisis since March, which have been widely read. Topics have included the lack of support for social care staff, the huge death toll from Covid-19 in care homes, the woeful performance of the Government in coordinating testing and the supply of PPE to the front line, international comparisons, the debate over the use of face masks and our opposition to the ending of shielding support.  

 

BREXIT QUESTIONS REMAIN

Our Briefing 05/20 raises ten outstanding questions, that require answers, on issues of major significance to older people, now that the UK has left the EU.  

RESIDENTIAL HOMES SIPHONING OFF VAST PROFITS

Our Briefing 03/20 analyses a report highlighting how the big residential home operators (often owned by hedge funds) use various dubious techniques to suck out huge profits from the sector.

 

GOVERNMENT MUST KEEP ITS PROMISES

Our first Briefing of 2020 (01/20) lists some of the key promises made in the General Election campaign, which we will be expecting the Government to deliver on without delay.

 

AGEISM IN THE NHS

Our Briefing 52/19 concentrates on age discrimination in the provision of health services, particularly the age cut-off points for cancer screening.

 

PENSION AGE TO RISE AGAIN?

Our Briefing 47/19 analyses a report from an influential think-tank which proposes that the state pension age should rise to 70 by 2028 and to 75 by 2035.

 

RETIREMENT HOUSING

Our Briefing 43/19 highlights the appalling lack of accessible homes suitable for older people; and seeks Silver Voices members’ views on the priorities for tackling this crisis.

 

BREXIT AND HEALTHCARE

Briefing 40/19 describes the major risks to the health of senior citizens from a ‘No Deal’ Brexit

 

SCAMMERS TARGET US

Our Briefing 39/19 shows how and why scammers target vulnerable older people.

 

DEMENTIA DISCRIMINATION

Briefing 37/19, for members only, applauds the belated media campaigns to highlight the gross discrimination faced by those of us living with dementia.

 

GPs REFUSING TO PRESCRIBE MEDICINES

Our Briefing 35/19 covers the increasing difficulty of getting appointments with GPs; and the new policy of refusing to prescribe medicines that can be bought from pharmacists.

 

ABUSE IN CARE HOMES: STAFF AND RESIDENTS ALIKE

Briefing 34/19 covers surveys showing that poor wages and conditions in the residential care sector leads to abuse and neglect for both workers and those they care for.

 

CARERS: THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL TOLL

Our Briefing 30/19 during Carers’ Week describes research on the health impact of unpaid caring on the carers themselves. The response from the Government has been token.

 

HOUSE OF LORDS ATTACK ON PENSIONS AND BENEFITS

Briefing 27/19 publicises a disgraceful report by a House of Lords Committee which proposes scrapping the triple lock on state pensions, restrictions on free bus passes and cuts to other senior citizen benefits; all in the name of intergenerational fairness!

 

EXCESSIVE FUNERAL COSTS

Our Briefing 26/19 covers Silver Voices’ comments to the Competition and Markets Authority on their investigation into sharply rising funeral costs.