Home Instead Senior Care Durham

We'd love to see you on Thursday, we've got a great box of war memorabilia on loan from Beamish to start a discussion and spark memories

Alzheimer's and other dementias gradually reduce a person's ability to communicate. Dementia is a syndrome, and there are many diagnoses under that umbrella. As the disease progresses, it becomes more and more challenging to communicate.
Some common communication challenges for those with dementia include forgetfulness, growing easily frustrated, making inappropriate remarks and have difficulty remembering certain words. Keep in mind that symptoms may vary depending on the d...iagnosis. Different types of dementia can have very different symptoms. But if you’re struggling with communicating with your loved one living with Dementia, I would consider how you're speaking to them.
It's easy to get frustrated with the person who has the disease and we don't always take the time to think about how we're approaching them. It's important to speak slowly, clearly and ideally at the same physical level. People living with dementia may sometimes have an outburst or two, but they are not children. Don't tower over the person, baby voice or talk about them like they aren't in the room.
I know it's easy to become frustrated, but remember it is not the person's fault. Are you asking a lot of questions over and over again? You can quickly make your older adult feel as if they're being interrogated. Instead, try getting your information through casual conversation. Putting them on the spot may cause them to become angry or just withdraw.
Remember that the person living with dementia has brain failure, they can no longer think on their feet. While you're able to shoot off response after response, their brain is processing information at a slower speed. In some instances, they may even hear something different than what you said.
Our website has numerous resources for families who have questions about caring for loved ones with dementia. Read more at https://goo.gl/nudmWM
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As part of our continuing effort to Change The Face of Ageing, from April we will be resuming our dementia care training, free of charge, to all families and unpaid carers, even those who don't use our services. Our workshops look at the dementia journey, how life history can help with personalised care, the types of behaviours you may encounter and tips and techniques to help manage those behaviours. Please get in touch if you are interested. We also run separate workshops for people in the local community, hairdressers, cleaners, shop assistants, chiropodists, opticians, dentists and so on.

World Thinking Day is a day for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts across the world to think about new topics. A lot of our amazing clients and CAREGivers have been Guides or Scouts during their lives, or indeed Brown or Tawny Owls. Do you have any memories from your time as a Guide or Scout? We'd love to hear about them :)

You know those little raised bumps on our pavements?
It turns out they have a fascinating language of their own.
For visually impaired pedestrians, a variety of tactile markings and patterns help them navigate our towns and cities.
... For example, these raised circular bumps mean a dropped curb before a crossing.
Horizontal stripes? There are stairs or obstacles ahead of you. Verticle stripes: the path is safe.
Circular dots that aren't aligned? There is a train or gap ahead!
Visually impaired people rely on these patterns, however, councils outside of London seem to be moving towards aesthetic considerations. They’re changing the colours to darker greys, so it blends in more.
Interested to learn more? Watch this fascinating video on YouTube: https://goo.gl/ksQIEi
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If you ever think you're too old to change your career, then look at Alf's case study. He discovered Home Instead beyond retirement age, and now says he can't think of a more rewarding job.

A few more exciting activities proved by Door's Open, Kettle's On

Very happy to help publicise this great dementia friendly initiative. A chance to socialise, and take part in a gentle exercise session. Drop by and see what else they offer

At Home Instead, we are committed to helping older people live well at home for longer, and with our care and companionship, reduce their risk of being hospitalised. Have a read of our article covering 5 ways to reduce your risk: https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/…/5-ways- to-reduce-your-risk-…

“Life is like a Ferris wheel, one minute you’re on top and the next you’re at the bottom. Just stay in your seat, enjoy the ride and hang on until you reach the top again."

Many studies have shown that art therapy can have a positive impact on those with dementia. It’s shown to enhance communication, brain function and even triggers dormant memories and emotions!
Many museums and community centres are trying out art therapy so if it's of interest to you then be sure to check out opportunities in your local town!

“Life is like a cup of tea, it’s all in how you make it.” 🍵
Which cup of tea below is just PERFECT for you?

Happy Valentines Day everyone!
From the bottom of our heart, thank you to all our CAREGivers and staff who give so much to others. You are all incredible!
💜"When you LOVE what you do, you never work a day in your life" 💜

A good friend will be there for you through thick and thin, offer advice, a listening ear, and will make you laugh so hard you're concerned for your stomach! But did you know a good friend can also keep you from developing numerous detrimental health effects in later life including an increased number of falls, dementia, and heightened risk of risk for re-hospitalisation? A good companion has never been so important!

Our lovely CAREGivers do this every day

Did you know companionship has been linked to helping fight off symptoms of depression in adults older than 65? Companionship is extremely important for both mental and physical wellbeing! Even if it's something as simple as baking some delicious treats with your loved one today, make sure they're getting enough social interaction!

Have you noticed your parent responding oddly to questions lately?
A lot of the time our immediate reaction is to jump to dementia- but before worrying yourself, get their hearing checked. Sometimes the elderly will fake hearing due to embarrassment or pride, and the problem actually has nothing to do with their brain at all. So if you have been noticing some troubles, get their hearing checked out and then make the necessary steps from there.