Choosing the right level of care for your loved one can feel like a minefield. There’s a lot of different terminology to understand, at a time when emotions and anxieties are likely to be running high. Senior assisted living is, effectively, the first level of residential care. An example is our self-contained apartments in Rossiter House in South Molton, Devon, which is adjacent to one of our residential care homes, East Street. Senior assisted living enables the individual to live as independently as possible, in their own apartment, but with a wider support network easily on hand. You should expect there to be a self-contained flat with a living area, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen or kitchenette. However, residents should also have access to care staff, if needed. Usually the amount of support is tailored to the individual, but you should choose the facility based on the availability of services and facilities such as: Onsite manager or warden: An onsite manager or warden should be available, at least during office hours. They will organise everything from building maintenance to social events. They aren’t a carer but oversee the running of the premises. 24 hour emergency alarm system for help: All apartments […]

The coronavirus has led to care homes around the world restricting visiting for the safety of their residents. It makes sense to protect our most vulnerable, but it can leave relatives concerned about making sure their loved one in a residential care home feels remembered, loved and not isolated.

We don’t generally think about the changing needs we have of our furniture as we age. Indeed, for many there’s a lack of knowledge about how and why furniture can help. There’s also the associated cost and upheaval of change. However, the right furniture can help to reduce the risk of falls, provide greater support and comfort and even help to reduce anxiety in a dementia patient. At our care homes in North Devon and Somerset, we understand the vital importance of furniture when providing care for the elderly and those with dementia. At our Raleigh Mead home particularly, we use innovative and pioneering research regarding furniture design and provision. However, there are also changes you can make at home for a visiting elderly relative, or in their own home for one seeking to retain their independent living. Furniture for the elderly – Key Points Changes in mobility or health bring challenges in the daily living environment. Before we come on to furniture for the elderly itself, there are some good general rules which will help you to get the best from your space and furniture. Size: It is generally easier to keep a space functional and maintain good flow […]

How You Know it’s Time for Assisted Living Knowing when you need to consider assisted living is a difficult decision for any person to face. However, it’s often a matter of loved ones being in the position to identify when a move needs to be made. Roles are often reversed with adult children taking on the position of caregiver. Knowing when assisted living is now required can feel like a complex and overwhelming decision. As Somerset assisted living providers, we see this situation play out time and again, in various different ways. There are some common signs that can help you realise that it’s time for assisted living to be considered. The Obvious Signs It is unlikely to be much consolation, and resistance can still be met, but there are some obvious signs that assisted living is needed for your relative. Falls and injuries: If your relative has fallen and been injured, it may be clear that independent living is no longer a safe option. Hospital may also only discharge an elderly person if they believe their care arrangements to be suitable. This can push the issue. Close calls: Not quite as clear cut, but frequent ‘close calls’ where an […]