Are you tired of seeing your elderly loved ones struggle with outdated and confusing mobile phones?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 […]

Vascular dementia is a type of dementia that is caused by damage to the brain’s blood vessels. It can develop when blood vessels in the brain are blocked or narrowed, preventing proper blood flow and leading to brain damage. The vascular dementia timeline explains how the condition develops over time, with patients experiencing different stages of the disease. At Eastleigh Care Homes, we care for many residents with stage 3 and above vascular dementia, as denoted on the timeline. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for families with loved ones at stage 2 on the vascular dementia timeline to consider long term support with dementia care. In this article, we will explore the vascular dementia timeline and how it progresses over time. What is Vascular Dementia? h2 full full full Vascular dementia is a type of dementia that is caused by damage to the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the brain, such as with a stroke. The condition occurs when the blood vessels in the brain become damaged or blocked, which can lead to a reduction in blood flow and oxygen to the brain. This damage can cause cognitive decline and other symptoms that affect an individual’s daily functioning. […]

Contrary to popular belief, there is no single memory test for dementia. To diagnose dementia, a combination of assessments and tests is required, which can be carried out by either a GP or a specialist at a memory clinic or hospital. If a person is referred to a specialist, a more detailed medical history will be taken. The doctor will ask about the onset and severity of symptoms and check whether any pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease or stroke, are being managed properly. Additionally, the doctor will review any medications being taken, including over-the-counter and alternative products. Here we look at what’s usually part of the wider concept of a memory test for dementia, as well as specific tests that may be used to reach diagnosis. Assessments and the Memory Test for Dementia h2 Assessment Testing & elimination Diagnosis & support To begin the process of diagnosis, it is important to have a conversation with your doctor regarding any concerns you may have. To ensure all necessary information is provided, bringing along a trusted family member or friend can be helpful. It is recommended to also bring a detailed list of any memory and cognitive changes you have experienced, […]

Vascular dementia is progressive. This means the condition causes deterioration over time through seven different stages. So, what are the 7 stages of vascular dementia? In exploring this, we look at the support that is needed at the different stages. Image courtesy of Science Direct What is vascular dementia? Before coming onto what are the 7 stages of vascular dementia, it’s necessary to understand what vascular dementia is. Dementia is a broad term applying to a number of progressive types of cognitive impairment. Decline happens over time. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Another type of dementia is called vascular dementia. It’s less common than Alzheimer’s but is still the second most common form of dementia. In very basic terms, in Alzheimer’s the dementia is caused by excess protein amassing in the brain. However, in vascular dementia, the similar symptoms are caused when blood flow to the brain has been impaired. This happens during a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) (or mini stroke). This causes a form of brain damage that then leads to the vascular dementia. Although it is caused by impairment to the blood flow to the brain, often during a specific event, vascular […]

There is a huge range of choice when it comes to considering walking aids for elderly loved ones. How do you know which type is best? Different walking aids for elderly people are best suited for different needs and different settings. It’s normal to need a few different types and this may change over time. Here we take you through the ten best walking aids for your elderly loved ones to help them retain independence for as long as possible. 1. Standard walking stick or cane Walking sticks are the first walking aid that most people consider. They come in a range of types and styles. A walking stick can offer basic support with typical walking. They are particularly useful for assisting with balance, but they will not prevent someone from falling. It’s important when choosing a walking stick or cane as a walking aid that it meets the needs of the individual or it can actually make things more dangerous. Wooden canes are often preferred for looks, but aluminium makes a strong and reliable stick. It’s important that the height is correct and the handle fits the individual and has good grip on the handle and base. Some sticks […]

A dementia forum is an online chat room where you can chat with other people either with a dementia diagnosis, those going through the process of diagnosis, or with other loved ones of someone living with dementia. A dementia forum is a place to post questions and hear answers from others who have had similar experiences. It’s a way of sharing information and learning more. A dementia forum can be an immeasurable source of support as you get to communicate with others in the same boat. Understanding: If you are experiencing memory issues or your loved one is, you may find that this is a bewildering and confusing time. It’s worrying thinking about what lies ahead. Talking to other people who are going through the same thing, or have been recently, can help you navigate the process. Advice: On the dementia journey, it’s often a case of not knowing something or that an avenue of help exists. From knowing the best tech gadgets to make it easier to follow processes to ways to better manage medication side effects, getting tips and advice from others is helpful. Support: Being the loved one of someone with dementia can bring its own concerns. […]

In England, social care isn’t free. As such, everyone who requires care (not just those who choose private care homes), are required to pay for their care. Local authorities are able to charge for services, although they may also offer some services at reduced costs or even free of charge. As such, those who need care discover that they experience very high care costs. This leads to a reducing estate and assets, and most income goes on care. This looks set to change with the social care cap. What is the Social Care Cap? h2 Contact our friendly team to discuss funding options and more Worried about care home costs? https://eastleighcarehomes.co.uk/contact/ In September 2021, the government announced a social care cap. This will be a cap on care costs which will come into effect in October 2025. It was originally due to come into place in October 2023, but this has been delayed by two years. The social care cap will place an upper limit on the amount an adult receiving social care will have to spend. The social care cap is effectively, a way of limiting the total liability an individual has for their own care costs. In essence, […]

Nurses are not in all care homes – it depends on the type of care provided. However, if your loved one needs higher level care, provided by nurses in care homes, then it’s important that you understand which type of homes are appropriate. Furthermore, it’s important to identify how you can be sure the nurses in the care homes you look at are suitably qualified and a good fit for your loved one. Here we look in more detail at nurses in care homes and include a list of questions that you can ask about nursing care when visiting a home. Which types of care homes use nurses? Residential care for older people is split into some broad categories: Residential care In residential care you won’t find nurses in care homes, rather trained care staff. The care provided here supports personal care, as well as providing things such as meals and social activity. Nursing care In nursing care, this is where you will find nurses in care homes. There are care staff, as with residential care, but there are also nurses providing a higher level of care which we detail below. Dementia care Dementia care is a specialist form of […]

Both delirium and dementia can be confusing to onlookers, yet in some ways the two conditions can mirror or mimic each other. Furthermore, it’s very common for those with dementia to develop delirium if they become unwell, confusing the matter further. This is difficult for many reasons and can prevent the sufferer from getting the right support and help. Here we look at dementia vs delirium and explain the main differences so that you can understand and interpret the symptoms. Dementia vs delirium: causes of cognitive impairment Both dementia and delirium are types of cognitive impairment – the most common ones you are likely to see in older people. This means that they affect thought processes and the way a person understands and interacts with the world around them. When considering dementia vs delirium, it’s important to remember that both cause disordered cognition and this can make them difficult to tell apart. What is dementia? Dementia is a general term for a group of conditions which impair cognition, mainly in terms of memory. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is considered to be progressive and will ultimately significantly impair someone’s ability to manage daily activities. Unfortunately, […]

The next Dementia Action Week will run from 15-21 May 2023. We thought we’d get ahead of the game with the campaign, and also share some ways that you can help all of the time, as well as during Dementia Action Week itself. Read on to discover 8 ways you can help during Dementia Action Week and throughout the year. What is Dementia Action Week? Dementia Action Week is an awareness week run by the Alzheimer’s Society. Indeed, Dementia Action Week is the Alzheimer’s Society’s longest running and biggest campaign, where people are encouraged to act on dementia. The awareness week is important to raise awareness of dementia and what can be done to support those living with it, as well as those caring for them. Dementia Awareness Week has a huge impact. In fact, the Alzheimer’s Society reports a 43% increase in calls to their support line during the week. But we’d argue that its importance goes beyond the single week alone. Diagnosis was a focus for the 2022 campaign and we’re yet to learn of the focus for the 2023 week, but here are 8 things you can always do to help. Learn more We need more people […]

When you’re considering residential, nursing or dementia care for your loved one, it can be difficult to know which home is right and best. We always recommend visiting shortlisted homes to see for yourself which are most suitable, and to chat with the staff to get a good feel of how it will suit your loved one. However, it’s also useful to get an outside professional view. That’s where CQC reports for care homes come in. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) carries out inspections of care homes in England and then gives them an overall rating of Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate. The snapshot rating gives you a quick overview of a care home’s suitability, but CQC reports for care homes go into much more detail and so they are worth reading in full for your shortlisted choice of homes. Why are CQC reports for care homes important? The Care Quality Commission is England’s independent regulator for all care providers in England. This includes residential care homes but they also inspect places like hospitals and even GP surgeries. Their role is to check that providers are delivering high standards of care, specifically in terms of effectiveness, safety and compassion. […]

Dementia is a progressive condition. As such, there will come a point where it is no longer possible, safe or reliable for an individual to make a range of decisions concerning things such as their healthcare, care provision and finances. A lasting power of attorney enables someone else, usually a close family member, to make the decisions on the individual’s behalf and in their best interests. Let’s first explain a few important things about it, before we move onto how to get power of attorney for an elderly parent with dementia. What is a power of attorney? A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is the name of the legal document in England and Wales which appoints one (or sometimes more) people to be an individual’s ‘attorney’. The attorney can then make decisions on their behalf. These decisions should always be made in the person’s best interests. Two types of LPA exist: Health and welfare LPA This enables the attorney to make decisions around healthcare, care needs and treatment. Property and financial affairs LPA This enables the attorney to make decisions around financial accounts, buying and selling property, benefits and pensions. An individual can have both drawn up or just one. […]