Home Instead Senior Care - Down & Lisburn

Pop in for a chat at our office next Wednesday 11:00-16:00. Find out more about joining our amazing team of CAREGivers, who provide the kind of care and support we’d want our own family to have. Part-time and full-time roles available, flexible hours or guaranteed hours contracts.

12 things to always remember:⠀
1. The past can’t be changed.⠀ 2. Opinions don’t define your reality.⠀ 3. Everyone’s journey is different.⠀... 4. Judgements are not about you.⠀ 5. Overthinking will lead to sadness.⠀ 6. Happiness is found within.⠀ 7. Your thoughts affect your mood.⠀ 8. Smiles are contagious.⠀ 9. Kindness is free.⠀ 10. It’s okay to let go and move on.⠀ 11. What goes around, comes around.⠀ 12. Things will always get better with time.
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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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Haven’t you heard? 60 is the new 30!
It's important for us to rethink "old age". The media and society has painted a pretty bleak picture when it comes to ageing. And sure, we don't appreciate when our knees suddenly don't work quite as well as they used to or that certain fashions are out the window, however, I believe there is plenty to embrace as we age.
You can still accomplish your dreams in spite of ageing. People start businesses, run marathons, go back to school and... achieve so much in later life. In fact, this may actually be the best time to start something new! You have more time to focus on yourself and put all those years of learning to the test. We see this every day with our clients who refuse to 'grow old' and are determined to stay as active as they have ever been. And what feels amazing is that we're here, at Home Instead, to help them do just that. 💪
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Our two newest recruits showing #youcancare along with Mahan, our Trainer, and Noleen, our Recruiter - showing the love this Valentines day!

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" 💜

Let's talk about driving.
So your elderly loved one is still on the road. Maybe they are a perfectly safe driver. Perhaps they are not. How can you tell?
We work with families who have often waited too long to have this important conversation and get prepared.
... While a Home Instead survey revealed nearly one-third (31%) of surveyed clients 70 and older who were still driving said that a recommendation from family or friends may make them reconsider driving, most of these older adults (95%) have not had these conversations.
Fear can keep families silent. But avoiding the conversation doesn’t make the issues go away. There are lots of options out there, both to keep loved ones safe on the road longer as well as to prevent isolation when they do give up driving.
It’s important to let them know that giving up driving is not giving up engagement in the community, recognising that exploring and becoming comfortable with alternatives will take some work. Of course, our CAREGivers regularly help clients stay active in their community by assisting with transport. This is one of the many ways we help clients remain independent, safe and connected to their community and usual routines.
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Alzheimer's can be heartbreaking and certainly does not come with a roadmap. One of the most helpful things I've learned is not to tell someone with Alzheimer's that they are wrong.
It's normal in society to correct people, especially children. However, correcting someone with Alzheimer's usually doesn't pay off in the same way, even if your intent is to help. Typically, if the person realises they were wrong they simply end up feeling embarrassed and may become agitated- making the situation worse. Avoid phrases such as "don't you remember the morning when..." or "What did you and Alison do yesterday afternoon?". It won't fix everything, but remember time can be limited so make the best of the time you have now 💜

Follow us on #Instagram #youcancare

"What do we live for, if not to be there for others?"

"Sometimes we need someone to simply be there. Not to fix anything, or do anything in particular, but just to let us feel that we are cared for and supported."

This is for all of us driving in winter weather.
We love to be at home by the fire when we can, but we appreciate our CAREGivers who get out to work in testing weather to help keep our clients safe and well at home.

If asked, of course you appreciate your parents. They raised you, they cared for you, they may not be perfect, but yes, you appreciate them. But are you showing that to them? Our to-do lists are full and our lives so busy as we rush in and out. I urge you all today to remind your parents just how much you appreciate them.

If you're concerned about your parents needing more help, take a couple of hours to go through their routine with them. Have them drive you to the local shops the next time they need to pick up groceries. Without judging or jumping to conclusions, watch how they're driving. At the shops, are they leaning on the trolly to assist themselves? When putting away the food, check if there is food going bad in the fridge. These are all signs giving you clues about how your parents are really doing.

We've all heard the "8 glasses of water a day" rule, but with our elders, it's not as simple as that.
There are more factors for dehydration such as medications, thirst decreasing or illnesses. Fortunately, there are many ways to stay hydrated other than just drinking water, but it's important that you stay aware that your loved ones may need a little more to combat dehydration.