Domiciliary (HOURLY) care

What is domiciliary care?

Domiciliary care — also known as hourly care — involves a care assistant visiting you in your home, supporting your daily needs and enabling you to maintain your independence. With this kind of help, you can continue to live in your own home, keeping to your familiar routine and doing those things you enjoy.

Domiciliary care is generally provided for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to as many hours as you need. Carers can rotate, if required, and can visit you as many times as you choose – daily or weekly.

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10.04.2018

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5 Month Ago

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Key elements of UNIICARE COMPLEX CARE SPECIALIST

Highly-trained care assistants

We hold high expectations of our domiciliary carers — expectations which must be met before joining our team. With value-based interviewing and key criteria, we can ensure candidates are a perfect match for our high standards.

Rigorous recruitment processes, thorough background checks and on-the-job supervision further guarantee the calibre of our staff.

Guaranteed care cover

Our 24/7 care helpline is in place to support our clients and carers outside of office hours. This service offers a qualified care team who can be called upon at short notice, should an emergency ever arise.

Expert care and advice

Our team has a combined experience of over thirty years in the domiciliary care industry and, as such, we are well-equipped to manage your care needs. Working with other health professionals such as social workers, GPs and therapists, we do everything we can to support the delivery of the best possible health outcomes.

We have access to a unique support network of experts in the domiciliary care industry and, if ever there’s something we can’t help you with, we will be happy to refer you to a relevant professional who can. We are constantly striving to use best practice and improvement techniques in the provision we offer.

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Pneumonia often produces generalized symptoms like most other infections in animals: lethargy or tiredness, poor appetite, and so forth. In addition, animals with pneumonia may also develop specific respiratory symptoms as a result of the infection within the lung tissue. These symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, raspy or fluid-sounding respirations, hacking, and gagging. It is important to know that symptoms may be subtle.

It is also important to keep in mind that many disorders other than pneumonia can produce these same symptoms, so a dog or cat cannot be known to have pneumonia, even by the most skilled veterinarian, without diagnostic tests such as radiographs (x-rays) of the chest. Additionally, routine lab tests including a complete blood count, serum biochemistry panel, and urinalysis are necessary to seek out the effects and contributing factors of pneumonia in all animals suspected or confirmed of having pneumonia. Finally, cats with pneumonia should be s tested for feline leukaemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, since these serious conditions can have significantly compromised an animal’s immune system, making pneumonia extremely difficult to treat.

The best way to identify specific bacteria involved in pneumonia is to sample them directly, which is done either via transtracheal wash (under sedation, the patient has samples of the lung secretions retrieved with fluid and a catheter) or bronchoalveolar lavage (under general anaesthesia, a small camera [endoscope] is passed into the mouth and down to the lungs to identify and retrieve lung secretions and cells).

The following are a few classes of underlying causes of pneumonia:

Viral infections: As in people, these are viruses that are passed from one dog to another or one cat to another. Viral infections of the airways typically do not cause pneumonia by themselves but do weaken the local defenses, allowing bacteria to multiply and cause pneumonia. Some viral infections cannot be cleared by the immune system, and these may cause recurrent or persistent problems, whereas others are self-limiting and improve or disappear altogether in a week or two.

Megaoesophagus: Weakness of the oesophagus (the tube through which food travels from the mouth to the stomach during swallowing) can lead to recurrent regurgitation or “burping up” of food and water. Under these circumstances, food and water risk being inhaled into the lungs, causing pneumonia.

Fungal: Fungal pneumonias are the result of inhalation of spores of fungi in the soil. Examples are coccidioidomycosis (arid parts of the United States and Central America), histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis (damp, moist environments in North America). These fungal infections can cause severe pneumonias that are initially difficult to treat. However, when caught early and with good treatment response by the patient, a complete cure can be achieved.

Foreign Material: Foreign material inhaled into the lungs can mechanically and chemically irritate the lungs. The following inflammation often allows secondary bacterial infection and pneumonia.

LIVING WITH THE DIAGNOSIS

When medical tests, including chest x-rays in every case, confirm that pneumonia is present, treatment is necessary. In milder cases, this may mean antibiotic pills that you can give at home, but if the pneumonia is moderate or severe in degree, the dog or cat generally needs to be hospitalized so the antibiotics can be given by injection and in order to give intravenous (IV) fluids and other medications, as necessary. Another in-hospital treatment commonly used for pneumonia is nebulization, which is the inhalation of highly humidified air to help break up the thick secretions and mucus that are involved in the immune response. Coupage is a technique of gently thumping the chest to help break up the fluid in the lungs’ small airways to allow them to be coughed up. There are other treatments involved in hospitalized care of pneumonia patients, such as oxygen supplementation and ventilatory support, which may or may not be necessary depending on your pet’s specific type and severity of pneumonia.

Any pet that has pneumonia needs adequate time for rest and recovery. Often a pet will feel better soon after the initiation of the appropriate supportive care and medications. However, their lungs may still be congested with infected material. They may tire quickly or have shortness of breath after limited activity and can easily do too much. Therefore, any pneumonia patient who is recovering well should still be handled carefully for at least 1 or 2 weeks after symptoms have disappeared to allow the lung tissues to heal adequately.

The long-term outlook for recovery (prognosis) is dependent on the severity of the pneumonia and the underlying cause. Bacterial pneumonias are generally rewarding to treat, since a good response to antibiotics results in disappearance of the infection. However, bacterial pneumonia is often the “tip of the iceberg,” since certain viruses (e.g., distemper), concurrent conditions such as megaoesophagus, or other predisposing causes as discussed above are usually present, too, and these may or may not be easy to eliminate.

If the underlying cause of pneumonia is curable, then the healing of lung tissue can take place over the following days to weeks. If the underlying cause is not curable (such as scar tissue in the lungs, idiopathic megaoesophagus, etc.), then periodic flare-ups of bacterial pneumonia may occur for the remainder of the animal’s life.

The lungs have a great ability to compensate for damage, destruction, and temporary dysfunction. However, in the most severe cases, scarring and secondary damage following pneumonia can be severe enough to cause long-term respiratory (breathing) compromise.

Contagion (spread to other dogs or cats) can happen if the underlying cause of the pneumonia is a virus or certain bacteria. This is an important point worth raising with your veterinarian, and here again, the importance of identifying underlying causes of pneumonia becomes apparent. If in doubt, you should avoid having your pet with pneumonia be in contact with other pets to eliminate the risk of direct transmission of viruses or bacteria through secretions or through the air. Spread of pneumonia from animals to humans (zoonosis) is extremely unlikely. Precautions should be taken, and the situation should be discussed, especially if a member of the household or pet’s surroundings is immunocompromised.

TREATMENT.

Short-term care revolves around antibiotics and supportive care (hospitalization, intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy if appropriate, intravenous antibiotics, nebulization, coupage, etc.).

Long-term care and management revolves around identifying and then treating or removing the underlying cause. This is highly variable from one patient to the next. Some disorders are easily treated or self-resolving, such as some viral infections; others require ongoing medications (such as megaoesophagus) or an operation (such as inhaled foreign body); and still others cannot be eliminated completely and recurrent bouts of pneumonia are a lifelong condition (such as when scar tissue has formed within the lungs as a result of inflammation and long-standing infection of any cause).

DOs

Understand that your veterinarian should recommend medical tests, since pneumonia cannot be identified with a stethoscope alone. Your veterinarian may refer you to a specialist in internal medicine to search for, identify, and treat the disorder that may be underlying the pneumonia in your dog or cat.

Expect extended needs if the pneumonia is severe or the underlying cause is irreversible. Healing can be slow, and dogs and cats with pneumonia may need a lot of help and care at home instead of or after a hospital stay. Make sure your dog or cat with pneumonia continues to eat and drink to help with strength and to continue the healing process.

Continue to give medications even if your pet looks much better. Animals with pneumonia often start feeling better long before all of the infection is cleared from the lungs, and stopping the medication before it is all used up can allow the pneumonia to start all over again.

DON’Ts

Prevent any physical exertion or vigorous activity. Interacting with the environment and participating in normal activities often needs to wait until healing is complete. Animals with pneumonia need time to rest and recover.

Don’t confuse the “terminal retch” for vomiting. “Terminal retch” is a loud, hacking gagging sound that happens at the end of a fit of coughing and usually produces a small amount of foam from the mouth. This is a common way for a fit of coughing to end, and it is not a digestive problem (i.e., not vomiting).

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Back pain is an extremely common complaint. An estimated 80% of people in the UK are affected at some time in their lives.

It is also one of the main reasons for sickness absence.  On daily average, about 1% of the working age population are on sickness absence due to a back problem. Nearly 5 million working days were lost through bad backs in 2003/04. On average each person affected took about 20 days off in that period.  Most back pain is caused by strains and minor injury rather than serious injury and is often called “simple back pain“. Although the pain often comes suddenly and may be triggered by a particular movement, the causes may have been building for some time.

Some of the commonest causes of stress and strain on the spine are: 

• On-going poor posture 
• Slouching in chairs 
• Driving in hunched positions 
• Standing badly 
• Lifting incorrectly 
• Sleeping on sagging mattresses

Posture 

Good Posture encourages your muscles, joints and ligaments to work as nature intended. Remember that many adults with chronic back pain can trace their problem to years of bad posture habits.

1. Avoid slouching and stooping. 
2. To encourage good posture, try and think about the way you sit and stand. 
3. When standing for long periods of time, consider whether your shoulders are hunched; if so, stretch them back gently. 
4. Remember that placing pressure unevenly on one leg throws your spine’s curvature, which can make the shoulders and hips uneven.

Measures to Reduce Injuring Spine

Whenever possible:

1. Avoid lifting and carrying heavy objects.
2. Use a shallow trolley at the supermarket to avoid stooping and bending.
3. Avoid spending long periods of time hunched over the computer.
4. Adjust the car seat to provide you with support and a good position.
5. Take breaks on a long journey; take time to stretch your spine and limbs.
6. Gardening can be a good form of exercise but try not to get too hot or cold as this can increase body stress, due to excessive bending and twisting.
7. Maintain a regular exercise programme. Walking and swimming can contribute to reducing back pain.    

Activities and Exercises to improve Healthy Spine Muscle

• Strengthen the muscles that support your spine 
• Improve balance and posture 
• Counter the effects of depression 
• Help you become more flexible and supple 
• Improve circulation 
• Help keep your weight under control 
• Help you sleep better and be more alert mentally 
• Improve your general level of fitness and stamina

The post Back Pain: A Nuisance to Good Health appeared first on Elite Care Specialist Ltd Complex Care.

Smoking causes nearly 1 in 5 cancer cases and more than 1 in 4 cancer deaths each year in the UK. Decades of policy action have steadily cut the UK’s smoking rates to one of the lowest in Europe. But with around 1 in 7 people still smoking, tobacco continues to place an enormous cost on our society and our economy. Last November, the UK Government published its vision to put “Prevention at The Heart of Our Nation’s Health”, recognising the importance of preventing cancer amongst other long-term health conditions. A government policy published, gave an indication of some new and old ways that the Government might deliver on this. And when it comes to tackling smoking, the plan to make England “SMOKEFREE” by 2030 is bold.

The government is on high priority alert to make smoking become a thing of the past. The MPs are working assiduously with government to achieve this intended purpose of contributing towards the United Nations Sustainability Development Goal 3 of attaining Good Health and Wellbeing for its citizens.

To achieve this milestone of ensuring smoke free environment, the leadership have made personal and moral commitment to contribute effectively to bring to finality the intended purpose of achieving this aim of “SMOKEFREE” environment in England by the end of the next decade.

NHS And Local Government Need Support

NHS England has promised that, by 2024, every hospital patient who smokes will be offered treatment to help them quit. But this is not enough. People also need to be offered treatment to quit by their General Practitioners. Smoking cessation services in local communities are being increasingly threatened. The Government must support local councils and authorities with funding to help them pay for vital services that are proven to bring smoking rates down.

Slashed budgets have jeopardised vital public health services. And since 2015, the public health budget has fallen by £700 million. Funding for wider tobacco control measures and stop smoking services have been among the worst hit.

The NHS must liaise with “Stop Smoking Services” which offer smokers a combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioural support. These are thoughtful ways of providing support for numerous patients who are ready to quit smoking. However, ongoing cuts to public health funding have meant that just over half the local authorities in England have a specialist stop smoking service open to all smokers in the area.

Possibility of a ‘Polluter Pays’ Approach

Tobacco companies are responsible for the greatest and most enduring man-made public health epidemic in history, yet they continue to profit from a product that kills one in two people who use it. In its Policy Paper, the Government recognises that charging tobacco companies in France and the USA for the damage they cause has helped to fund some tobacco control efforts, suggesting that the UK may be open to a similar approach. These new Government proposals mention a charge on the tobacco industry. This is something the government has tabled since 2015. It is part of a potential solution to plug the current funding gap for tobacco control.

More than 7 in 10 adults in England said they would support a fee on tobacco manufacturers that could fund stop smoking services and prevent young people from taking up smoking, according to reports commissioned by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). It is a matter of fairness that the tobacco industry should pay for the damage to health that they have caused says the Government.

Alongside this, the Policy paper also suggests that an “Insert carrying quitting advice” could be included inside cigarette packs. Canada is the only country in the world that does this, the government hope this could discourage young adult smokers from continuing to smoke.

Organisations and companies with an interest in the proposed measures – whether they prioritise public health or not – are now free to weigh to influence how these proposals are taken forward.

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There are many different techniques that you can use to alleviate the symptoms of dementia, which can help ease the challenges faced by someone who is living with the condition, and those closest to them. It has been found that music can have an influence on dementia, it can work towards ‘unlocking’ memories and reaching parts of the brain which other forms of communication cannot.

Using music within dementia care

Music can be an incredibly useful tool when caring for someone living with dementia. It can help to calm someone, change their mood, connect with others and even reduce the feelings of isolation often associated with dementia. Playing soothing or familiar music can result in an emotional reaction, which can be explained through the initial development of the brain.

“We know that the auditory system of the brain is the first to fully function at 16 weeks, which means that you are musically receptive long before anything else,” explains Professor Paul Robertson, a concert violinist who later went on to study the connection between music and dementia. “So, it’s a case of first in last out when it comes to a dementia-type breakdown of memory.”

This means that someone with dementia loses their most recent memories first, and they remember their oldest memories most strongly. To start, you could try playing your loved one a song that once meant a lot to them. This could be the music they had their first dance to, a favourite song from their youth, or one that might remind them of a special occasion.

It is important to remember to watch their reaction as the music plays. If they appear to be uncomfortable or agitated, turn the music off. It could be down to something as simple as the wrong song choice, or perhaps they are not in the right frame of mind, so try it again at a later time with another genre of music or a different time of day.

As research shows, using music when caring for an individual with dementia can not only help the individual to feel genuinely relaxed and comforted, but it can also help you to understand the progression of their condition and what makes them feel happy.

Here at Elite Care Specialist Ltd, we believe that dementia care at home can provide you and your loved ones with the tools you need to live comfortably at home, with more time to spend together as a family. Whether you think they’d benefit from some companionship, or perhaps your loved one would like some support getting out of the house, our person-centred care is tailored around you and your needs.

For more information, please call 0208 239 6877 or email us at info@Elite Care Specialist Ltdrecruit.co.uk  and we will call you.

The post The relationship between music and dementia appeared first on Elite Care Specialist Ltd Complex Care.

People are often reluctant to learn about stroke and the possible effects, due to a fear of what they might find out. However, it can be beneficial to read the facts about the condition, as by breaking down ‘the unknown’, you are not only more aware of the signs of a stroke, but further knowledge might actually help you feel more at ease.

If you, or your loved one, have been affected by stroke, we understand it can be daunting trying to comprehend what has happened, but it is important to remember that you are not alone; it could even be as simple as sharing this article with a loved one or friend to help them understand what you are going through.

What are the three different types of stroke?

A stroke, sometimes referred to as a ‘brain attack’, is when the blood supply is restricted or completely stopped to a part of the brain, causing severe damage to the surrounding brain cells. Depending on the severity of the stroke, it can sometimes lead to long-lasting brain damage and even affect how someone thinks and feels.

The three different types of stroke are:

• An ischaemic stroke: which is caused by a blood clot cutting off oxygen and the blood supply to the brain.
• A haemorrhagic stroke: which occurs when a blood vessel inside the skull bursts and bleeds in or around the brain.
• A transient ischaemic attack or TIA: also known as a mini-stroke, is the same as the ischaemic stroke but the blockage is only temporary.

What are the five warning signs of a stroke?

The signs and symptoms of a stroke vary between each person and the type of stroke that they are having, but they often come on very suddenly.

The five warning signs of a stroke are:

1. Weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
2. Difficulty speaking or significant change to speech.
3. A sudden change in vision.
4. Being unable to walk or experiencing sudden difficulty moving.
5. A very severe headache that comes on suddenly.

The British Heart Foundation recommend ‘acting F.A.S.T’, an acronym that summarises the most common warning signs of a stroke and makes them easier to remember:

Face: their face may have dropped on one side; they may not be able to smile or their eye or mouth have drooped.

Arms: they may not be able to lift both arms due to weakness or numbness in one arm.

Speech: their speech may be unclear or slurred, or not able to speak at all.

Time: if you notice any of these signs, it is time to call 999.

Building confidence after a stroke

When someone has a stroke, it is not uncommon for them to experience a loss of confidence. A stroke can be a life-changing event, whether or not you have long-term physical changes from it, the stroke itself can often instil feelings of anxiety and trepidation. You or your loved one may be tempted to shy away from your usual activities, but by taking things at your own pace with the right support, there is life after stroke.

It could be that you are adjusting to life with limited mobility, or you want to maintain a healthier diet to reduce your risk of further strokes, whatever your concern, it can be beneficial to break it down into small, achievable goals. For example, if you are finding it difficult to leave the house due to feelings of anxiety related to walking and mobility, you and your loved one or carer could set out the following goals:

• Do some gentle daily exercises to improve your balance.
• Practice walking with a supportive arm around the house or in the garden.
• Go for a walk to the end of the road and back again.
• Pick a local café or garden centre and aim to walk from the car to that destination.

By turning your concerns into goals, you will change your mindset to be more positive, therefore helping you to be proactive in building confidence after a stroke. We recommend working with a loved one or carer to achieve your goals, not only will you feel more supported, but they will find it easier to understand what makes you feel anxious. You can print off our ‘weekly goal planner’ to keep track of your goals and progression.

We understand that your daily tasks may not be as easy as they used to be, and you may even be experiencing difficulty adapting to the impacts of a stroke, but it is important to remember that you are not alone.

Here at Helping Hands, we provide bespoke stroke aftercare based entirely around your needs and your lifestyle. Whether that means visiting care to ensure you keep on top of your medication, or a live-in carer to help you re-learn skills and build confidence, our care is focused on you. With a helping hand, you and your loved ones can live well after a stroke.

For more information, please call 0208 239 6877 or email us at info@Elite Care Specialist Ltdrecruit.co.uk and we will call you.

The post What Happens When You Have A Stroke appeared first on Elite Care Specialist Ltd Complex Care.

It could be that you don’t know much about the condition, or perhaps you want to know more so that you can best support your loved one; with the right education and support, you can support your loved one living with vascular dementia to continue to live happily at home with a good quality of life.

We understand that trying to navigate your way through endless resources to learn more about vascular dementia can be daunting; that’s why we have put together a comprehensive guide on what you need to know about the condition.

What is vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia (the most common being Alzheimer’s), with around 150,000 living with the condition in the UK. There are many types of dementia, and the term refers to a set of symptoms related to cognitive impairment, including memory loss, difficulty thinking, concentrating, problem-solving and speaking. Vascular dementia is caused by a reduced blood supply to the brain, which can cause severe damage to cells in the brain.

It is quite common for people to experience ‘mixed dementia’, which means two or more types of dementia co-existing. For example, someone could live with both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s, which means that they are likely to experience more memory loss and lack spatial awareness.

Symptoms of vascular dementia

People often associate dementia with memory loss, which is common in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, but it is unusual to find this in the early stages of someone living with vascular dementia. Depending on the individual, those living with vascular dementia can also experience the physical impacts of a stroke, too.

Early symptoms of vascular dementia can include:

• Slowed thought processing
• Difficulty planning and organising
• Difficulty concentrating
• Noticeable changes to mood

Later symptoms can include:

• Feelings of disorientation and confusion
• Memory loss
• Noticeable changes to personality and behaviour
• Low mood or a lack of interest
• Limited mobility and difficulty with balance
• Incontinence

What are the seven stages of dementia?

Vascular dementia is a progressive condition, meaning that you or your loved one will notice the symptoms more over time as they begin to impact your everyday life.

Vascular dementia is a condition that can affect many people in many different ways, but the progression can be explained broadly in seven stages:

1. At this point, the person functions without any noticeable signs or symptoms.
2. Very mild decline, slower thought processing and difficulty planning.
3. Begins to experience difficulties in concentration, becomes anxious and more forgetful, family becomes aware of something unusual.
4. Travelling to new places becomes more daunting, can begin to withdraw from friends and family, finds difficulties with managing finances.
5. Needs help with everyday routines such as personal care and meal preparation, can become disorientated with time and place.
6. May become incontinent and needs support with eating and using the toilet, can sometimes only remember details of their earlier life.
7. Very little ability with speech and communication, often loses psychomotor skills such as walking, requires regular and more intensive support.

Stroke and vascular dementia

Vascular dementia and stroke are closely linked, when someone experiences a stroke, the blood flow is reduced or stopped to a part of the brain, and the subsequent damage can sometimes be a trigger for vascular dementia. The following things can also be a cause vascular dementia:

• A stroke (post-stroke dementia or single-infarct dementia)
• Narrowing of the small blood vessels in the brain (subcortical vascular dementia)
• Lots of mini strokes (multi-infarct dementia)

Approximately 20% of people who experience a stroke are diagnosed with vascular dementia within six months. For many, this may be quite a daunting statistic, which is why it’s important to monitor your loved one’s symptoms if they’ve experienced a stroke. If their symptoms don’t improve over time, this could indicate signs of vascular dementia, so please contact your GP if you’re concerned.

Support for vascular dementia

When someone is diagnosed with vascular dementia, it’s not uncommon for their surrounding friends and family to step in and support their loved one with both physical and emotional support. However, we understand that caring for a loved one can be a tremendous responsibility, and it may not be a viable long-term solution if you have childcare and work commitments – but you need not worry.

There are numerous options available to you and your loved one, whether you need some visiting care to help instil a daily routine, or you think you’d benefit from a live-in carer who will be there to support you day and night. Just because someone has a diagnosis of vascular dementia, that does not mean that they need to leave their beloved home or have to make compromises to their lifestyle. With a helping hand, you and your loved ones can live well with vascular dementia.

For more information, please call 0208 239 6877 or email info@Elite Care Specialist Ltdrecruit.co.uk and we will call you.

The post What You Need To Know About Vascular Dementia appeared first on Elite Care Specialist Ltd Complex Care.

The link between stroke and dementia

Vascular dementia is a common type of dementia which is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. When you have a stroke, the supply of blood to the brain is restricted or stopped, which begins killing brain cells. A stroke can lead to brain injury or difficulty with thinking and memory, and for many people, these effects improve gradually over time. However, if the symptoms do not improve or get worse, this can be a sign of vascular dementia.

Vascular dementia can be caused by:

• A stroke – known as post-stroke dementia or single-infarct dementia
• A series of mini strokes – known as multi-infarct dementia
• The narrowing of small blood vessels deep inside the brain – known as subcortical vascular dementia

There are several factors that increase the risk of a stroke, such as consuming large quantities of alcohol, an unhealthy diet, not doing any exercise, high cholesterol, high blood-pressure and diabetes. By making changes to your lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, doing more exercise and treating your long-term health conditions, you may reduce the risk of experiencing a stroke and, subsequently, vascular dementia.

Can a stroke cause dementia?

The short answer is yes, a stroke can cause vascular dementia. However, this does not mean that everyone who has a stroke experiences dementia as a result. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, about 20% of people who have a stroke develop vascular dementia within the following six months.

The most common early symptoms of vascular dementia are:

• Difficulty planning, organising, making decisions and problem solving
• Difficulty concentrating
• Slowed thought processing
• Difficulty following instructions or an ordered list (such as a recipe)

Alongside cognitive symptoms, it is common for someone experiencing early vascular dementia to have changes within their emotional wellbeing, such as depression, anxiety and apathy. Changes to someone’s mood are not always good indicators as to whether someone has vascular dementia or not, as after a stroke it is not unusual to experience poor mental health, so it’s important to bear in mind that these symptoms may not exclusively point to vascular dementia. It is best to monitor your loved one’s behaviours and physical symptoms and keep an eye out for anything unusual, you should contact their GP if you have any concerns.

What happens when someone with dementia has a stroke?

If someone living with dementia has a stroke, they may find the recovery process and symptoms more difficult to understand compared to someone without dementia. The physical and emotional impacts of having a stroke can include pain, stiffness, weakness, depression and anxiety. If your loved one has dementia and has experienced a stroke, there are medications and therapies that can alleviate these symptoms and support you and your loved one throughout their aftercare. Please contact your GP to discuss the options available to you.

Alongside medical support, it is important to provide as much assistance as possible to someone recovering from a stroke, especially if they are living with dementia. It could be that they are experiencing weakness in their legs and are therefore more susceptible to falls, so they might need a supportive arm as they navigate through the home. Or, perhaps your loved one is having difficulty understanding the pain in their arm; in which case, try to explain why it is painful in short and simple sentences. By being there to guide and comfort your loved one, they will feel more at ease.

It is important to look out for non-verbal signs of pain or changes in behaviour, such as difficulty walking alone, a loss of interest in exercise/going out and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Non-verbal signs can indicate that someone is struggling with the effects of a stroke, but they may not be able to communicate their concerns to you or understand why they are experiencing these symptoms.

What support is available?

You can apply for a needs assessment to get funding for living aids for the home or for care at home, which can support you with medication administration and personal care.

We understand that looking after a loved one living with vascular dementia can take a toll, and we believe that neither you nor your loved one should have to compromise your wellbeing or happiness. Helping Hands provide specialist dementia and stroke care that enables you or your loved one to continue to live safely at home.

For more information, please call 0208 239 6877 or email us at info@Elite Care Specialist Ltdrecruit.co.uk and we will call you.

The post Stroke and Dementia: What’s the link? appeared first on Elite Care Specialist Ltd Complex Care.

We already know that Christmas is probably going to be very different for us all this year, but if your loved one has dementia, there may be a few scenarios that could make them feel a little unsettled. Here are a few small adaptations you can make this Christmas to make your festive season dementia friendly.

Decorate gradually

Transforming your home into a festive fantasy overnight may cause your loved one to feel a little confused, especially if some parts of your house are a little less recognisable. Perhaps try and put the decorations up gradually over the course of a few days and ask your loved one to help. That way, they can feel more involved and be a part of the Christmas process.

Keep food portions small

Dementia can have a big impact on appetite, which can lead to those living with dementia feeling intimidated if their plate is filled with food. Be mindful of portion sizes, and perhaps try a few vegetables and a slice of meat to start with – your loved one can always go back for seconds!

Create a safe space

Christmas activities can bring a wealth of joy and laughter, but if your loved one starts to feel a little unsettled by the noise, it may help to find a safe space for them to go and be in the quiet for a little while. If you can, try to keep a quiet room free for them, in case they become overwhelmed and need a little break.

Bring a little nostalgia

It may be that you have photographs to share from Christmases past, or perhaps you have your loved one’s favourite Christmas album on CD or available to stream. Revisiting happy memories will bring some familiarity for your loved one, subsequently helping them to feel more at ease.

Acknowledging the past

It’s also important to be open to discussing why Christmas might be particularly difficult for them if their loved ones are no longer here, or if they just don’t like Christmas in general. Gently help them remember good times with those that have passed by discussing any fond memories you have of them.

Keep them involved

Dementia can be a very lonely condition to live with, and feeling confused or unsettled in a room full of people might lead them to feel quite isolated. If you can, be mindful to involve your loved one in games and conversation; it might well be the thing that helps them to relax throughout the day.

An alternative to Christmas

Some people just don’t like Christmas, and that could be exactly how your loved one has felt all of their life before they had dementia. Why not ask them how they want to spend the day? They might not want to put up any decorations but instead just want to enjoy a cooked dinner and some peace and quiet. Be mindful that although you may love Christmas and the weeks leading up to it, it might not hold the same sentiment for them.

If you or your loved one would like additional support this Christmas, we’re here to help. Our care teams work right through the Christmas and New Year period and are available to support with hourly visits or 24-hour live-in care. Whether it’s help with getting dressed and ready for your family festivities or simply a friendly face to pop in and spend some quiet time with you, our dedicated team of carers are here to support you this Christmas. We can also support families in different areas to meet up with one another if you live a fair distance away from your loved one. Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs in more detail.

The post Living with Dementia During the Christmas Period appeared first on Elite Care Specialist Ltd Complex Care.

Well perhaps this year, we should do things slightly differently by making an extra effort to give our elderly neighbours the gift of time. Our time.

Why we should show companionship towards our neighbours

At Elite Care Specialist Ltd, we pride ourselves on our compassionate, empathetic care towards all our customers, but there are plenty of older people in our society who don’t require formalised live-in care, so who should be keeping an eye on them? The answer is every one of us. While there are plenty of older people who manage practical, day-to-day life at home very well, that doesn’t mean they never get lonely and wouldn’t welcome a phone call or visit from time to time. Maybe they’d appreciate a friendly check-in to see how they’re doing, or a catch-up over a cup of tea or two, especially in the current climate. Now that we have weathered lockdowns and many of us are able to go out and about again, we should still be sparing a thought for those who may be reluctant or unable to leave their homes. Organisations quickly mobilised, and volunteers were utilised all over the country to ensure that older and vulnerable people self-isolating in the community were taken care of. Apps were produced that could put vulnerable people in touch with a registered volunteer, and supermarkets kept back delivery slots so that those who were self-isolating could receive essential supplies. However, as time went on and the lockdowns lifted, those of us who were mobile were able to start taking part in (albeit a reduced) society again. While many were able to return to work and start seeing family and friends, there were a lot of older people who hadn’t the confidence to go outside, or due to unclear advice regarding the dangers posed by COVID-19, didn’t want to risk interacting with others, either inside or outside of their homes. These are the people who remain at risk from loneliness, and as the nights have drawn in and the hours of darkness lengthened, they are likely to have even fewer opportunities to see people.

The year of 2020 was such a strange time for everyone and probably the most isolated year in living memory, so perhaps we can instead embrace this and turn it into a positive? When talking to family and friends we should be starting a conversation on how we can all do our part to ensure that the more vulnerable and isolated in our communities are not forgotten this winter. There are many organisations who work tirelessly to ensure that those at risk of loneliness and social isolation are supported, pairing them with a volunteer who then visits them at home or takes them out locally, and most are bound to be eagerly recruiting volunteers in every area of the country during the pandemic. Reputable organisations, such as Age UK will ensure that the volunteers are thoroughly vetted and background checked via the government’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), to safeguard the wellbeing of the most vulnerable members of society.

What can I do to support elderly people in my area?

It’s really important that we don’t presume that every person living alone is lonely and try to force them to engage socially with those around them. Some people may prefer a more isolated way of life and it would be wrong for us to presume that just because someone lives alone, they would welcome hordes of well-meaning callers. However, if you’re checking in on a neighbour, the chances are you already know their preferences and whether they would welcome a visitor or not. We also have to be mindful of whether someone is self-isolating in the current situation. If the person is able to have some company though, what else could we do to be useful to them?

Care packages

Care packages are a lovely way to put together essentials that someone may need but are unable to resource themselves, perhaps due to being unable to leave the house. There are also older people who may not feel comfortable ordering from the internet or may not have the resources to do so, which means that a care package left on the doorstep for someone isolating would be a lovely touch. Additionally, why not put a note through a neighbour’s door asking if they need anything from the supermarket? If your isolated relative is further away you can still make them feel special, as there are companies online who specialise in care packages that are designed for letterbox delivery.

Run errands

Supermarket essentials won’t be the only thing that older people may struggle to access, whether they’re self-isolating or not. Often it can be essential medical supplies that need collecting from the pharmacy for instance; and even though many now deliver directly to their more vulnerable customers, the person themselves may not know how to access this service so may not have set it up. There’s also the question of pets. In the colder months of the year, many older or vulnerable people may struggle to care for their animals, for instance walking dogs or fetching specialist food. Why not offer to take their dog for his daily walk or see if they need any extra supplies?

Stay in touch

The most effective way of reducing loneliness and social isolation is simply to generate a sense of community and talk to people. Knock on a neighbour’s door, give loved ones a call and most importantly, if you haven’t seen someone around for a few days, don’t ignore it. Ask other neighbours if they’ve seen them around or knock and check on them. Tell-tale signs from years ago such as milk not being brought in are less common these days, so it can be harder to immediately spot if someone isn’t up and about as usual, but there are ways. Curtains not being drawn, blinds being closed or items poking through the letterbox are all warnings that someone may not be feeling their best.

It can take minutes to check on a neighbour, and even if they don’t want to be disturbed, the worst that will probably happen is them saying so. Therefore, it can benefit everyone to get to know their neighbours wherever possible, as a sense of community can be good for everyone, of any age.

The post Supporting Elderly Neighbours appeared first on Elite Care Specialist Ltd Complex Care.