Are you tired of seeing your elderly loved ones struggle with outdated and confusing mobile phones?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

St David’s Day ????

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, […]

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Here at Eastleigh Care Homes we strive to continually provide high standards of care and a principal to our daily work is always to consider if we meet our core value of:‘Everything I would look for ifit were for me or my family’To ensure we meet this we endeavour to always:Understand our residents’ needs,Promote excellent care values,Ensure that we select, continually train and motivate our staff to exceed resident expectations.

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, […]

From all at Eastleigh Care Homes, we would like to thank the pupils at Minehead First School for the amazing christmas cards they made for the residents. ✉️ Such a kind gesture that bought a lot of Christmas cheer into the home. ???? We hope you all have a magical Christmas ✉️❄️????