T: 01769 573166

Blog

The Signs, Symptoms and Stages of Mixed Dementia

The Signs, Symptoms and Stages of Mixed Dementia

25 September 2023
Dementia is a complex and often challenging condition that can manifest in various forms. One such form is mixed dementia, a condition where an individual experiences multiple types of dementia concurrently. This because there are various causes of dementia, such as vascular dementia, and if more than one come into play, you might get mixed dementia. In this short guide, we explain more about mixed dementia and what you can typically expect. We understand that a dementia diagnosis is a worrying time for individuals and loved ones. However, greater understanding can help. What is Mixed Dementia? Mixed dementia is a condition where a person exhibits symptoms and brain changes associated with more than one type of dementia. It often involves a combination of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, though other forms can coexist as well. This complexity can make diagnosis and care particularly challenging. It’s not uncommon for someone to be diagnosed with one type of dementia and later the diagnosis is changed to mixed dementia. What are the Signs and Symptoms of Mixed Dementia? The signs and symptoms of mixed dementia can vary based on the combination of dementia types involved. However, common signs and symptoms include: Memory Loss: […]
Care Home Interview Questions

Care Home Interview Questions

22 August 2023
When it comes to making decisions about the care and wellbeing of our elderly loved ones, every consideration is of paramount importance. Selecting a care home is a significant step, and asking the right care home interview questions can make all the difference in ensuring your loved one’s comfort, safety, and happiness. The answers to care home interview questions can also give you the peace of mind that you’re looking for. But what should you ask? Here we outline a comprehensive list of care home interview questions, including why each question matters. To make it easier to determine what you’re looking for, we’ve also included examples of what’s on offer at Eastleigh Care Homes. Care Home Interview Questions 1. What types of care do you offer? Importance: Understanding the range of care services available is crucial to ensuring that your loved one’s unique needs are met. Enquire about the specific types of care, such as close care, residential, palliative, nursing, and specialist dementia care. Eastleigh Care Homes take pride in offering a comprehensive selection of care options, tailored to each individual’s requirements. This ensures that your loved one’s needs can be met over time. 2. What are your staff-to-resident ratios? […]
Private Care for Elderly at Home vs Residential Care

Private Care for Elderly at Home vs Residential Care

22 August 2023
When it comes to making decisions about the care of our elderly loved ones, the choice between private care for the elderly at home and residential care looms large. Both options offer unique advantages and challenges, and finding the right fit requires careful consideration of individual circumstances. To help you with this decision, here we’ll explore the nuances of private care at home versus residential care, shedding light on the benefits and limitations of each. Ultimately, the decision hinges on a combination of factors, including the elderly individual’s needs, family dynamics, and available resources. Private Care for the Elderly at Home For families seeking to preserve their elderly loved one’s sense of independence and familiarity, private care for the elderly at home can be a compelling choice. This option allows loved ones to remain in the comfort of their own surroundings, surrounded by cherished memories and possessions. Here you can take a closer look at the pros and cons choosing private care at home for your elderly loved one.      Pros of Private at Home Care Personalised attention: Private caregivers provide one-on-one attention tailored to the individual’s specific needs and preferences. This level of personal care fosters a strong […]
What is the Best Personal Alarm for Elderly Loved Ones?

What is the Best Personal Alarm for Elderly Loved Ones?

25 July 2023
Personal alarms are small wearable pendants or watches that older individuals can use to get help in case of emergencies, such as a fall, feeling unwell, or needing assistance. With a simple press of a button, these alarms can alert others in the house or connect the wearer to a 24/7 monitoring team trained to assess the situation and arrange help accordingly. But with so many available, how do you know which is the best personal alarm for the elderly? Here we bring you Eastleigh Care Home’s guide to the best personal alarms for the elderly, highlighting their features and benefits. What makes each one ‘best’ is often down to personal preferences. Additionally, it’s worth noting that no personal alarm can remove the security of in-person care, such as that provided in our homes.   1. Taking Care Anywhere Personal Alarm The Taking Care Anywhere Personal Alarm is an excellent choice for active elderly individuals. It includes a GPS-capable pendant that can detect falls and allows wearers to have a conversation with Taking Care’s emergency response team. The system also features an emergency alarm button for immediate help. Additionally, customers receive a backup pendant to use while the main GPS […]
What is a Panic Button for the Elderly and When Should You Buy One?

What is a Panic Button for the Elderly and When Should You Buy One?

25 July 2023
A panic button for the elderly is often considered a solution to keep a loved one safe at home. Here we answer your questions about panic buttons and offer advice on when they are sensible and when you may need to consider an alternative.     What is a Panic Button for the Elderly? A panic button for the elderly is push-button device to provide immediate assistance during emergencies. It is usually a small, wearable device typically worn as a pendant or wristband, and when activated, it sends an alert to a designated emergency contact or a monitoring centre. There are also panic buttons which can be on a mobile phone, or statically located in the house. Image Source: agedcareguide.com What are the Different Types of Panic Buttons for the Elderly? h2 There are several types of panic buttons available, each with unique features to suit individual preferences. Basic panic button: This features a single button to be pressed in emergencies. Once activated, it sends a distress signal to pre-programmed contacts or a response centre who can usually communicate with the individual via speakerphone. GPS panic button: Equipped with GPS technology, this type allows the response team to work out where […]
Care Home Fees: How Much Money Can I Give Away Before Going into a Nursing Home, UK?

Care Home Fees: How Much Money Can I Give Away Before Going into a Nursing Home, UK?

19 June 2023
Making decisions about care home fees can be a complex and emotional process. As individuals and their families navigate the challenges of long-term care, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the logistics, legalities, and financial implications involved. Here we provide valuable insights into care home fees in the UK, addressing common concerns and offering guidance on financial planning to protect both savings and inheritances. We will explore important topics such as gift giving, asset protection, and the impact of the £86,000 cap on care home costs. Furthermore, we answer some of the most common questions about care home fees in the UK. Understanding Care Home Fees Care home fees are the costs associated with residential or nursing care provided by care homes in the UK. These fees cover accommodation, meals, personal care, many activities and sometimes medical support. The amount individuals are required to contribute towards their care home fees depends on various factors, including their financial situation, level of care needed, and whether they require residential or nursing care. How Much are Care Home Fees in the UK? Care home fees in the UK vary according to multiple factors such as the type of care provider, the […]
Exploring Dementia Occupational Therapy & Alternative Therapy

Exploring Dementia Occupational Therapy & Alternative Therapy

19 June 2023
Dementia is a challenging condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. As we strive to enhance the quality of life for care home residents and dementia sufferers, alternative therapies, including occupational therapy, have gained attention. Here we look at various alternative therapies that can potentially promote well-being and provide support for individuals with dementia. From animal therapy to reminiscence therapy, we explore the possibilities of improving their lives. Good and conscientious dementia care homes, like Eastleigh, incorporate occupational and alternative therapy strategies and approaches in the care they provide. full full full Dementia Occupational Therapy – How to Empower Individuals with Purposeful Activities h2 Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in assisting dementia patients to maintain their independence as much as possible, and engage in meaningful activities. By tailoring interventions to their abilities and interests, occupational therapists and carers help individuals maintain cognitive function, improve physical mobility, and enhance overall well-being. The therapeutic activities are designed to promote a sense of accomplishment and purpose, fostering a higher quality of life. What are the Alternative Therapies for Dementia? h2 There are many alternative therapies for those with dementia including animal therapy, gardening, doll therapy, reminiscence therapy, CBD oil and more. Dementia […]
15 Quirky Fundraising Ideas for a Successful Charity Event

15 Quirky Fundraising Ideas for a Successful Charity Event

28 April 2023
Charities depend on fundraising to have sufficient monies to meet their objectives. The great news is that with our quirky fundraising ideas that are all perfect for the UK, you can have a mighty good time while fundraising for a good cause. Read on to discover our 15 quirky fundraising ideas. full 1. Get soapy with a car wash At Eastleigh, we recently held a very popular car wash to raise money for Comic Relief. We charged £5 a car, ensuring an absolute bargain for staff and families looking to get their motor spruced up. It was a fun and rewarding experience for our car washers! Of course, we added in a classic fundraising bake sale too and the result was lots of money raised for a good cause. full 2. Get Tough and Go Commando Another popular Eastleigh fundraising idea is to club together with colleagues and sign up for a local commando course event while raising sponsorship for your chosen charity. Back in the autumn, and fast becoming an annual event, Eastleigh Aphas (Sarah, Lou, Holly, Felicity and Helen) broke their target to raise a whopping £340 for North Devon Hospice at Mission:Unbreakable. The day involved them tackling […]
Yoga for the Elderly | A Complete Guide

Yoga for the Elderly | A Complete Guide

28 April 2023
As we age, it’s important to maintain our physical and mental health. Yoga is an excellent way to achieve both, and it’s becoming increasingly popular among the elderly population. At Eastleigh Care Homes, we believe that yoga can offer a range of benefits for our residents, including improved flexibility, balance, and mental clarity. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of yoga for the elderly and offer tips for getting started with yoga in a care home setting. full full full Is Yoga Appropriate for the Elderly? h2 One of the most common questions we hear is whether yoga is appropriate for the elderly. The short answer is yes, yoga can be a safe and effective way to promote health and wellness in older adults. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. First, it’s important to recognise that not all yoga practices are created equal. Some styles of yoga, such as power yoga or hot yoga, may not be suitable for elderly individuals due to the high intensity and potential risk of injury. However, gentle yoga or chair yoga, which involves modified poses and can be done while sitting in a chair, are generally safe for elderly […]
Can You Trust a Dementia Test Online?

Can You Trust a Dementia Test Online?

20 March 2023
Dementia is a complex and devastating condition that affects nearly a million people in the UK. It can be difficult to diagnose, and early detection is crucial for effective management and treatment. As technology advances, more and more online dementia tests are becoming available. However, the question remains: can these tests be trusted? In this article, we will explore how to do a dementia test online and the different types, their benefits and limitations, and whether they are trustworthy. We will also examine the importance of accurate diagnosis and the potential risks of relying solely on online tests. full full full What is a Dementia Test Online? h2 Online dementia tests are assessments designed to help individuals or healthcare professionals screen for cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other symptoms associated with dementia. These tests are typically available on various websites and can be completed from the comfort of your own home using a computer or mobile device. full Some online dementia tests involve answering a series of questions about memory, language, and problem-solving skills, while others require you to perform specific tasks or games that measure your cognitive abilities. These tests may also include a self-assessment questionnaire or a cognitive […]
How to Choose the Best Mobile Phone for Elderly People: A Complete Guide

How to Choose the Best Mobile Phone for Elderly People: A Complete Guide

17 March 2023
Are you tired of seeing your elderly loved ones struggle with outdated and confusing mobile phones? Or are you looking for your next phone and want one that meets your needs more appropriately than your existing device? Well, it’s time to say goodbye to those clunky devices and hello to the best mobile phones for elderly people! At Eastleigh Care Homes, we believe that everyone should have access to technology that is user-friendly, reliable, and fun. Often, having a mobile phone helps our residents stay connected, engaged and entertained. So, here we share some of the best mobile phones out there that are perfect for elderly people who want to stay connected. full full full What to look for in a mobile phone for the elderly h2 There’s always a lot to consider when buying new tech. Should you get a big button mobile phone? Will the chosen phone work with a hearing aid? Here’s our list of points to consider when choosing a mobile phone for the elderly: Excellent screen visibilitySight problems are common for elderly people. Ensure the screen and/or buttons are large and clear. Big buttons or large virtual buttonsWhether the elderly person will cope with a […]