Wow the sun seems to be shining and the rain has gone away for the moment. We do love to talk about the weather don't we - always good for an icebreaker.

The condition of some of the more weak and vulnerable in our society is a different thing altogether. There's been a lot of media buzz about Alzheimer's recently - Terry Pratchett's decision to be open and honest about it is admirable and there's been some good things on the TV. But the problem is nothing can really explain the awful impact on those who care for the sufferers, living with the problems day after day. It is isolating and emotionally draining.

Our staff are used to such things but even they find prolonged exposure exhausting, so the impact on those who are with it 24 hours a day is for most of us inconceivable.  If you know someone who is caring for a relative don't shy away - one of the simple things you can do is be there and talk to them. 

The Alzheimer's Society does some great work in this field and they can always do with more help.