When someone no longer has the mental capacity to make their own decisions about their health, care and financial affairs someone else needs to make them on their behalf. The best way for this to happen is via legal power of attorney (LPA). This is because the individual, while they still have mental capacity, can decide who they want to make the decisions and express their wishes in advance. Unfortunately, LPA isn’t always put in place in time. In this instance, someone can apply for deputyship to make decisions on behalf of the individual. Types of deputyship There are two broad types of deputyship: Personal welfare deputyship This enables the deputy to make decisions about healthcare, care and support etc. Financial and affairs deputyship This allows the deputy to do things like pay bills and make some financial decisions. Additionally, an emergency deputyship can be granted if there is immediate risk to the individual lacking mental capacity. Furthermore, interim orders can be granted to make decisions possible if an individual has already applied for deputyship and is awaiting it. Deputyship isn’t simply granted and evidence needs to be given, for example that there is family dispute over what is in […]

There are several types of dementia, the most common being Alzheimer’s disease. Another type of dementia is vascular dementia. It affects around 150,000 people in the UK and happens when blood flow to the brain is reduced, usually due to strokes or mini strokes. It occurs most commonly after age 65. Vascular dementia and mobility difficulties often go hand in hand. Vascular dementia is degenerative meaning it gets worse over time although it may be possible to slow progression and to better manage symptoms. Vascular dementia and mobility are often considered together because it’s believed that good mobility can help prevent and slow the disease, but also because the dementia itself can cause mobility problems. Here we explain more about vascular dementia and mobility including the types of physical symptoms that may occur, why they happen, and how to encourage greater mobility in those with vascular dementia. Vascular dementia and mobility symptoms There are multiple symptoms of vascular dementia, including better known concerns such as memory difficulties, problems with concentration and planning, and confusion. However, vascular dementia and mobility symptoms also often go hand in hand. Vascular dementia and mobility symptoms vary from person to person, because it depends what […]

What is deputyship? When someone is living with dementia, it becomes harder for them to make important decisions in later stages of the disease. As such, deputyship exists to allow someone else to make decisions on behalf of the person with dementia. It’s the approach used when the person with dementia has not previously appointed someone to have power of attorney. There are different forms of deputyship including personal welfare deputyship and financial and affairs deputyship. It is possible to apply for deputyship in an emergency, for example if there is immediate risk to the person with dementia and a decision needs to be made about medical care. It is also possible to apply for urgent ‘interim’ orders, for example if there are outstanding care home fees that need to be paid. For an interim order, you must already have begun applying for deputyship. Evidence of the need will be required. How to apply for deputyship Becoming a deputy on behalf of someone with dementia is a huge decision. There’s an application process which should be followed which involves applying to the Court of Protection and submitting detailed information about the individual living with dementia covering aspects such as finances, […]

A question loaded with concern that we often hear from loved ones and family carers is when should someone be offered palliative care? Here we answer that question and many related ones. What is palliative care? Often ‘when should someone be offered palliative care?’ is a question that comes on the back of misunderstandings. The biggest misunderstanding is what palliative care actually is. Palliative care isn’t just care for those who are dying. It is the support and care needed, both practically and emotionally, by those with terminal illness or a life-limiting condition. Palliative care isn’t time bound, it doesn’t ‘run out’, and can last for days, weeks, months or even years. When should someone be offered palliative care? Given that palliative care is the type of care needed by someone living with a life-limiting or terminal illness, it is often considered to be an intensive form of care. This should be offered to help manage pain and enable daily living as much as possible. As such, palliative care can start at any point that the individual or those caring for the individual determine it to be necessary. Where is palliative care provided? Again, many misconceptions surround how and where […]

If you care for another adult, such as an elderly or disabled parent, then you probably qualify for a carers’ assessment. This is to determine what support you may need from your local council in order to continue with the caregiving role. A carers’ assessment gives you a chance to record the impact of the caring role on your wellbeing – physically, mentally and emotionally. This can determine if you can continue caring with help or if another solution is needed, such as moving your loved one into a residential care home. Are you eligible? Any carer who feels they need support is entitled to a carers’ assessment from their local council. This is irrespective of how much care you give, or the type of care. It’s also not related to your financial means, and applies whether you are working or not. You may live with the person being cared for, or you may not. You can get a carers’ assessment even if your loved one hasn’t had a care needs assessment or if the local council has decided that they aren’t eligible for support. How do I get a carers’ assessment? You may be offered a carers’ assessment by […]

Is Dementia a Mental Illness?   It’s a common question, but one that is difficult to answer: is dementia a mental illness? There are many reasons why dementia presents as a mental illness but also many reasons why it isn’t. Here we look at why it’s not a straightforward issue. The terminology of dementia The first issue when deciding if dementia is a mental illness is that the term ‘dementia’ is actually an umbrella term for different conditions causing a common set of symptoms, such as Alzheimer’s disease. These symptoms are a result of declines in brain functioning. This would make dementia a neurological condition, rather than a mental illness. However, the reason many ask ‘Is dementia a mental illness?’ is because many of the symptoms of dementia are similar to some mental illnesses. And, indeed, some mental illnesses (such as depression) are more common with dementia. Is dementia a mental illness in the eyes of the NHS? In the UK, we don’t categorise illnesses in such a clear cut way, and instead predominantly look to manage the symptoms, whatever their cause, with illnesses like dementia. However, the American Psychiatric Association maintains a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders […]

How to Get an Elderly Person into a Care Home: A Guide for Families   Knowing what type of care home is needed, what level of care is required, how it will be paid for and how to physically make the move, are all concerns loved ones have when faced with elder care. All of these concerns come under the umbrella of how to get an elderly person into a care home. Here we look at everything from your first steps and early questions about types of care through to making the move itself, so that you know how to get an elderly person into a care home with minimal stress or difficulty. How do you know a care home is needed? Moving an elderly person into a care home is a huge decision. It’s not just costly, but you may have concerns about whether it’s necessary, the right setting for them, or how to encourage your elderly relative to consider other care options. It is generally best to consider a care home for an elderly person if they are struggling to live alone at home. It may be possible to mitigate some of those difficulties with help and support […]

Government guidance on managing Covid concerns in care homes was withdrawn last month. This is great news in many ways, but has left many confused about what care home Covid rules they need to follow. While there are no government-led care home Covid rules, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any rules governing visits. This is because individual care homes still have the responsibility of ensuring the safety of their residents. As such, they may have their own rules and these can vary from home to home. However, there are some general principles which should govern the individual care home Covid rules that are in place. This helps you to determine what is fair, but also give you peace of mind that adequate safeguarding of your loved ones is taking place. Care home visits are important The overriding principle that should lie behind all care home Covid rules is that visits from loved ones to care home residents should be considered important. At Eastleigh Care Homes, we value the enormous contribution of visitors for our residents. They contribute to the wellbeing of residents, help them feel valued and cherished, and also add to the sense of community in our homes. […]

It can be a hard step to take, but acknowledging that a dementia day care centre can help your loved one is invaluable. The very best dementia day care centre can improve quality of life, help keep an individual safe and feeling valued, stimulate and engage, and also offer peace of mind and reassurance to the family. The important thing to know is when they are being helpful, but also being able to recognise when it’s time to consider more comprehensive care. Dementia day care centres – what are they? Day centres are a place the elderly can go to during the main part of the day for companionship, activities, support and a good meal. A dementia day care centre is similar, but it focuses on supporting those with a diagnosis of dementia and the structure and activities at the centre will cater for these needs. Using a dementia day care centre ensures someone living with dementia gets support, stimulation and a good meal, while retaining the independence of still living at home. It can offer respite to family carers, especially if they are working themselves. They bring together others in the community living with dementia. A typical day at […]

Preparing for care home visits are a vital part of ensuring the wellbeing of a care home resident. However, to make care home visits go smoothly, it is essential that you know what to expect and how to prepare. Armed with this knowledge and by taking a prepared approach, you can ensure that the visit is worthwhile and enjoyable for both the care home resident and the visitors. When to visit Care homes often have designated visiting hours. These are determined around the routine of the home, ensuring that your visit takes place when your loved one isn’t busy being washed, dressed, eating or enjoying a scheduled activity. You will need to establish the best time that works around your loved one’s needs and your schedule. However, for those with dementia, morning or middle of the day visits work best. At this point, your loved one is likely to be most alert and refreshed and able to engage more easily. Be aware that evening visits may be characterised by agitation. If this is the case, speak with the care staff about how this can be managed. Emotionally prepare If you are emotionally preparing for care home visits then they are […]

A common question for those with dementia and their loved ones is: is staying at home or moving into a specialist dementia care home best? There are pros and cons to both arrangements, but often it comes down to judging when dementia care in your own home isn’t practical, safe or most beneficial for the individual living with dementia. Dementia care in your own home may enable you to live largely independently for many years, but often there comes a point when it is in your own interests to have more comprehensive care provided in a care home setting. It can be a difficult decision, but feeling in control of it is important. Here we look at everything you need to know about dementia care in your own home so that you can make the best decisions for your future. The pros and cons of dementia care in your own home · Familiar environment Your home is, of course, your most familiar environment and this is a huge draw for remaining at home. This can be very reassuring in the short term. It allows you to retain independence for as long as possible. However, over time, it may become apparent […]

When choosing a care home for your loved one, it’s important that you feel confident in your choice. You can look around the home and chat to staff. This is essential for seeing what the home is like and envisaging your loved one living there. However, beyond this, care home reviews can be a really valuable way of getting a good insight into what the home is like. There are a number of sources of care home reviews in the UK. However, you need to be a little wary to ensure you are looking at genuine reviews which haven’t been filtered. It’s important to seek out independent reviews. To ensure that you are getting clear, authentic and unbiased care home reviews we recommend two sources: Carehome.co.uk reviews and the relevant Care Quality Commission (CQC) report for the target care home. Be very wary of Google reviews which are peppered with marketing, spam and biased information. Also be very wary if reviews provided are based solely on feedback cards given to residents and their loved ones in a home, and then published elsewhere. This system is fraught with bias! You are likely to only see positive reviews and others will have […]