Radio 4’s Book of The Week – “Somebody I Used To Know” by Wendy Mitchell. Wendy, an NHS Manager, was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 58. She tells her story, speaking movingly of hopes and challenges. Having feared that her diagnosis and forced early retirement would leave her purposeless and isolated, […]
Living with Parkinson’s
Facts about… Living with Parkinson’s Disease What is Parkinson’s disease? The NHS defines Parkinson’s disease as a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years. Clinically, Parkinson’s disease is primarily described as a movement disorder, and is characterised by its variety of motor symptoms. How many people are affected? Parkinson’s […]
How homeshare works- A couple speak about their experiences
Florence is 95. She’s partially sighted, an RAF veteran, and used to be a keen tennis player. She also has a 27-year-old housemate called Alexandra. When Florence’s husband died she said she “desperately needed company”. She was one of nine million adults in the UK who say they are often, or always, lonely. By chance, […]
Dementia Diagnosis
Dementia DiagnosisThe Facts About… Dementia Diagnosis In the UK it is estimated that 800,000 individuals are living with dementia, yet fewer than 50% of that number are ever formally diagnosed. Belief that dementia is part of normal ageing and that nothing can be done contribute to the low diagnosis rate. The Department of […]
UTIs and the Elderly
We often hear about older people suffering from urinary tract infections [UTIs] and the serious effects these can have on their mental as well as physical health. We thought it would be helpful to put together some information about this painful and distressing issue.
Compassionate Communication with People living with Memory Loss
DON’T Don’t reason Don’t argue Don’t confront Don’t remind them they forgot Don’t question recent memory Don’t take it personally DO Give short, 1-sentence explanations Allow plenty of time for comprehension, then triple it Repeat sentences or instructions exactly the same way Eliminate “but” from your vocabulary; substitute “nevertheless” Avoid insistence. Try again later Agree […]
What not to say to people with dementia
This recent article from the Guardian is interesting and helpful… https://www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/social-life-blog/2017/aug/09/losing-marbles-what-not-say-people-dementia
The Great British Seaside
What are your memories of your childhood holidays? Mine are as clear as if it had been yesterday – the smell of the sea, sound of the waves breaking on the beach, begging to be allowed to buy flags to fly on our sandcastles, burying each other in the sand. The agony of having to […]
BBC’s “Right on the Money” exploring how Homeshare works
Today on the BBC programme “Right on the Money” there was a lovely piece about Doreen and Anouck who are Homesharing together. The Homeshare concept is for, two people who would not normally meet each other are helped to get to know each other and become housemates. Usually an older person who has a spare room […]
The History Of Holidays
It’s that time of year; exams are over, sports day is coming up and the summer holidays are looming. As we think about dusting off the suitcases, buying the sun cream and finding the passports, we thought this would be a good opportunity to look at the history of holidays. And our next article will […]
