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This page details some of the Dementia Support activities and groups available locally

Singing for the Brain – Dementia Support group

The Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain groups use singing and other activities to bring together people with dementia or memory loss.

Click here to watch a video of a group of participants talking about their experience of Singing for the Brain

Where?

• • Calcot – Tuesdays 1030 – 1200 at Kennet Valley Free Church, Carters Rise in Fords Farm, RG31 7YT.
  • Emmer Green – Fridays 1030 – 1200 at St. Barnabas Church Hall, 20 St. Barnabas Road, RG4 8RA.
  • Wokingham – Tuesdays 1030 – 1200 at The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, RG40 1UE.
  • Charvil – Thursdays 1030 – 1200 at Charvil Village Hall, Park Lane, RG10 9TR.
  • Burghfield Common – Every other Weds 1330 – 1500 at Burghfield Common Methodist Church Hall, Reading Road, RG7 3QA.

There are also groups in Wokingham, Bracknell, Newbury, Maidenhead, and Charvil.

To find out more contact the Alzheimer’s Society’s Reading office on 0118 959 6482.

Greyfriars Activities Group – Reading dementia support group

What is it? – Themed activities
When is it? – on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 1030 – 1230.
Where is it? – at Greyfriars Church, Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1EH.
Contact Reading office on 0118 959 6482

Empowerment Group – dementia support group

What is it? – Come and have your say! Encouraging people with dementia to speak out about issues affecting their lives.
When is it? – 3rd Monday of the month from 1400 – 1600
Where is it? – at the Alzheimer’s Society office Reading.
Contact Reading office on 0118 959 6482

Gardening for the Brain  – dementia support group

What is it? – Nature related Craft activities.
When is it? – For dates contact Reading office.
Where is it? – Ufton Nervet / For venues contact Reading office.
Contact Reading office on 0118 959 6482

Dance back in time – Maidenhead

What is it? – Music, dancing and afternoon tea.
When is it? – Last Tues of every month 1400-1530.
Where is it? – Highview, North Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1PL.
Contact Annabel on 01628626331

Poetry Group – Midgham

What is it? – Bring along your favourite poem to share over lunch.
When is it? – 18th Jan & 15th March from 1230.
Where is it? – Berkshire Arms, Midgham, RG7 5UX.
Contact Reading office on 0118 959 6482

Yoga – Thatcham

What is it? – Relaxing seated exercise, suitable for all abilities.
When is it? – Fridays 1400-1530.
Where is it? – Thatcham Rugby Club, Henwick Lane, RG18 3BN
Contact Reading office on 0118 959 6482

Dementia / Memory Cafe

What is it? – An opportunity to meet regularly and talk about living with dementia in an informal social environment.  Information provided about dementia, local services and practical tips about living well with dementia.
When is it? – 2nd Friday of each month 1030-1200.
Where is it? – Coopers Hill Community Centre, Bagshot Road, Bracknell, RG12 7QS
Contact Reading office on 0118 959 6482

Do you need help at home or to attends outing?  Contact Gardiner’s to find out how we can help you.

Every year a group of volunteers in Reading organizes a Community Christmas Dinner.  It is a lovely occasion, perhaps you know someone who might like to attend?

The dinner is free of charge and transport can be provided for those that need it.

Community Christmas Dinner – where and when?

Tuesday 25th December, 1230 at Christ Church Centre, Reading Road, Henley on Thames RG9 1AG

To book places or find out more:

Please call 07961694399 or email [email protected]

Loneliness and its impact on health

No one should have no one, especially at Christmas time. Age UK say that over recent years a greater understanding of the impact loneliness has on health has been gained.  For example, the effect of loneliness and isolation can be as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It is also more damaging than obesity and can cause sleep problems amongst other health issues.  For more information visit http://www.ageuk.org.uk/health-wellbeing/loneliness/

Providing companionship

Our care workers provide companionship to those alone at home. They shall be continuing to visit many of our service users over the festive period ensuring that they get to see a familiar friendly face.  To find out more about what Gardiner’s Homecare can offer, click here.

Christmas Homecare – Over the past few weeks our team has been busy preparing for Christmas.

We have been in contact with all our clients to see if they need any extra Christmas Homecare over the festive period.  Or if they need to cancels any visits perhaps due to family visits.

Similarly, we have been speaking with our fantastic team of care workers.  We wanted to support all our team take time off at this special time.  Thanks must go to those wonderful people who are keen to provide extra extra help with Christmas Homecare .

Thank you and well done to the office team for all of your preparation.  Especially Jane, our Lead Care Coordinator, who has worked wonders with covering all of the duties.  Thank you all for making sure that all of our clients will be well looked after this Christmas.

It hasn’t all been work though….

Christmas party

A the start of the month we had our Christmas party at the Penta Hotel.  The office team were joined by many of our care workers and guests to enjoy a lovely meal.  The off to the dance floor.

Santa Run

Some of our team got rid of any sore heads and raised money for charity by taking part in the santa run…

Christmas afternoon tea

We held a Christmas afternoon tea at the Crowne Plaza for our care workers and office team.  All enjoyed some lovely cakes and a good old catch up.  It was another lovely valuable opportunity for our team to get together.

Office decoration

Our Christmas lights and decorations both inside and outside of the office.

Christmas Jumper Day

We have had Christmas jumper day at the office raising money for Save the Children.  It was really lovely that so many of our care workers and also service users joined in with this also.

We have also been collecting food donations for https://readifood.org.uk/ – Reading Food Bank, as well as clothes for a local homeless charity

Secret Santa gifts have been exchanged and cards sent.

Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year

If you are a carer you may well need to help the person that you care for to move around.  Helping people to move safely is really important so that you don’t hurt yourself or your loved one.   Consider if you get injured what would happen to the person that you provide care for?  Carers often suffer from back injuries.  Recovery can be slow and may prevent a carer from looking after their loved one.  Lifting someone incorrectly can damage fragile skin, cause shoulder and neck injuries, increase existing breathing difficulties, or cause bruising or cuts.

Helping people to move safely

Before moving someone ask yourself:

• Do they really need help to move? Clear instruction and supervision might be a safer option.
• Have you told them you’re moving them? Maintain good communication throughout.
• Are you healthy and strong enough to move them?
• Is there anyone who could help you?
• How long will it take?
• Is there enough space around you? Any obstacles should be removed.  Good light is important.
• Are you wearing suitable clothing and shoes – for example, if you are on a slippery or damp surface?

Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment – Helping people to move safely

If you find it difficult to help someone move around, contact your GP or your local authority to arrange an Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment.  Specialist equipment, such as hoists and standing aids, can often provided free of charge.   The OT will also be able to provide advice on any other equipment which may help you to care safely for your loved one.  To arrange a private OT consultation a good local contact to try is Therapies on Thames.

Which Elderly Care has a guide for choosing and buying mobility products such as frames, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.  As well as useful equipment that can make houses safer.

Standing up – Helping people to move safely

Helping someone to stand up can be difficult, especially if they are sitting in a low chair or on a sofa.  Help from the side of their seat, so you are facing in the same direction as they are.  Bring them to the front of the chair and get them to lean forward.  Place your arm diagonally across their back and help them to stand by moving forward and up, pushing with your arm.  By pushing forwards and up with your hand on their back you can encourage them to stand without having to pull on their waistbands or lift under their arms.

Safe use of a wheelchair – Helping people to move safely

• Getting into a wheelchair – Make sure that the brakes are on.  Fold up the footplates and move them out of the way.  With both hands on the armrests, lower yourself onto the seat.  Swing the footplates back in to position and place your feet upon them with heels resting at the back.
• Getting up from a wheelchair – Make sure that the brakes are on.  Move the footplates out of the way.  Move forwards on the seat.  Place both feet firmly on the ground, slightly apart and with one foot further back.  Place both hands on the front of the armrests, lean forwards with head and shoulders over your knees to give balance.  Push yourself up.
• Transferring sideways from a wheelchair – Place wheelchair alongside the chair, bed, or toilet to which you wish to transfer.  Make sure that the brakes are on.  Move the footplates out of the way.  Move forwards on the seat.  If possible, have someone to hold the handles of the wheelchair so that it will not move.  Remove the armrest on the side from which you are transferring. Place one hand on the armrest and the other, palm down, on the surface to which you are transferring. Move forwards on the wheel chair seat, lean slightly forwards, push up and slide across to the other surface.
• Negotiating curbs – Whenever possible avoid curbs. Always try to use ramps or curb cuts on sidewalks.

Helping people to move safely – Perhaps care from Gardiner’s would help your loved one to be a little safer when moving about their house?

The Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk was held on a lovely sunny day on Sunday September 30th 2018.

At the Kings Meadow start / finish area, the Alzheimer’s Society had done a fantastic job, creating a great atmosphere.  The event had built on it success last year and attracted a large number of participants all of whom were motivated to help raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The beautiful 6.5km walk took us along the Thames Path, looping around Thames Valley Park, before returning.  There was also an alternative 2.5km route which was a gentle stroll suitable for all including those of us who had brought our slightly unenthusiastic children along!

Gardiner’s were well represented at the walk.  We would like to thank all those who participated from Gardiner’s including Nanette, Trish, Sam, Theresa, Loretta, Natalie, Sandra, Kelly, Sheila, Donna and John-Joe – as well as all of the family members, friends and dogs that they bought along.  We are still adding up the total raised by our team, however one of our number raised over £700 by themselves, a fantastic effort – well done, we are really proud of you.

https://www.memorywalk.org.uk/fundraise/sponsorship/

To find out more about the Memory Walk and the Gardiner’s team, please call and speak to John-Joe

The Memory Walk helps the Alzheimer’s Society to fund vital research by joining 100,000 people, united against dementia.  The support of the Alzheimer’s Society volunteers enables them to raise money for a world without dementia.

Regal Picturehouse in Henley-on-Thames is a Dementia Friendly Cinema.  Once a month they have Dementia-Friendly Screening.  The cinema is open to all but especially for people with dementia and their family, friends and carers.  There is a chance to socialise for 30 minutes before the film and enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits.

During the film, lights are left on low.  Viewers are welcome to talk, move around and sing along as they wish.  There is also a 20 minute interval halfway through the film.  As you will see from the list below, the films selected are films which many people with dementia may well be familiar with from years gone by.

Tickets are £4 and free for carers.

Next Dementia Friendly Cinema film showing …

The Producers (PG) on Weds 3rd October at 1030-1245 – free tea and coffee from 1030, film starts at 1100

90 minutes + 20 minute interval.

Mel Brooks’ uproarious Oscar-winning comedy The Producers returns to cinemas in a stunning 50th anniversary 4K restoration on August 5th, including a special Mel Brooks introduction from Turner Classic Movies.

Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) is a washed up Broadway producer forced to romance old ladies to finance his plays. When timid accountant Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) is brought in to do his books, he inadvertently reveals to Bialystock that under the right circumstances, a producer could make more money with a flop than a hit. Bialystock cajoles Bloom into helping him achieve this end and together they come up with what they consider to be a sure-fire disaster waiting to happen – a musical version of Adolf and Eva’s love story entitled ‘Springtime For Hitler’. But is it possible that they might actually have the most unlikely hit of all time on their hands?

Click here for more information about other Dementia Friendly Cinema films showing at Henley Picture House

Upcoming Dementia Friendly Cinema films showing at Henley Picture House:

• Wed 7th Nov 1030 Modern Times
• Weds 5 Dec 1030 Wizard of Oz

Perhaps Gardiner’s could help you or a loved one to visit a Dementia Friendly Cinema screening, please click here to learn more about us.

After more than four years as Registered Manager for Gardiner’s Nursing & Homecare, Annabel Wickens has made the decision to retire.  Annabel will be leaving her Registered Manager’s role at the end of August.  She is greatly looking forward to spending more time with her husband, children and five grandchildren.

Annabel’s message for the team

“I have met many lovely people during my time here and everyone has been wonderfully supportive. I have been so impressed with the dedication, skill and experience you all bring to your work which gives Gardiner’s its well-deserved reputation and I am very proud to have been able to represent Gardiner’s during this time.”

Our thanks to Annabel for her contribution as Registered Manager

Please join us in thanking Annabel for her vital contribution to Gardiner’s over recent years.  Annabel has been an absolute pleasure to work with.  She has have made such a difference to the service users that we support.  She has also been a huge support and leader for our fantastic team of care workers and the office team.  We have all benefited from Annabel’s calm, considered and caring approach.  Thank you Annabel, we will all miss you.

Krista Hallett to take on new role of Registered Manager for Gardiner’s Nursing & Homecare

We are delighted to announce that Krista Hallett has agreed to take on the Registered Manager role.  Krista has a wealth of experience and with such a great team behind her both in the office and out in the field, we know that she will do a great job.

Annabel won’t be disappearing from the face of the earth!  You may well still see her in the office occasionally and we will make sure that there is an opportunity over the next couple of months to congratulate both Annabel and Krista.

https://www.homecare.co.uk/homecare/agency.cfm/id/65432193076

Caring for someone with dementia in a heatwave.  For many people, warmer weather can cause discomfort, dehydration and distress.  Those with dementia may find it difficult to take the steps we all take to help us cope in the heat.  Here is some advice about caring for someone with dementia in a heatwave, to help make things a little safer and more comfortable.

Caring for someone with dementia in a heatwave.

Dress appropriately

People with dementia might follow wear their usual clothes and forget to dress for the weather.  Leave out (or encourage them to wear) light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres along with a hat for outside.  This can help keep people comfortable and prevent overheating.

Keep the house cool

Check that the central heating isn’t on.  Get a fan and turn it on. Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day on the sunny side of the house.  In the evening, open the windows to let the warm air out and colder air in.

Avoid the midday sun

Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm. When outside, seek out shade. Keep a bottle of sunscreen on you, and make sure it’s reapplied regularly.

Cool off

Encourage to take a cool bath or shower to cool down.  A cloth soaked in ice to dab or place on one’s forehead can really help.

Arrange extra visits

It is a great idea to organise extra care visits during hot weather.  The carer or visitor can check that they have a drink and that everything is ok.

Avoid dehydration

It is  key when caring for someone with dementia in a heatwave, to avoid dehydration.  Memory problems mean someone with dementia can easily forget to drink enough water.  As we age, we sometimes don’t feel thirsty.

Read the Gardiner’s post on hydration

Ways to help prevent dehydration:

• Leave drink water within easy reach.
• Make drinking easier – make sure the glass or bottle is easy to see and use, perhaps provide a straw.
• Make drinking enjoyable – make it a social occasion, stay and chat.
• Provide reminders to have a drink.
• Give food with high water content.

For more information about water, drinks and your health, please visit the NHS choices website

It is really important not to underestimate the importance of good hydration for those receiving care at home.

How much water should we drink each day?

The amount you should drink each day depends on several factors including climate, physical activity and diet.  The UK Food Standards Agency recommends that “in a moderate climate, such as the UK, we need to drink at least 6 -8 cups or glasses of water (or other fluid) to prevent dehydration.”

To maintain good hydration for those receiving care at home, it is important to meet the 6-8 glasses of water per day target.

How can we identify dehydration?

You can monitor hydration levels by observing urine colour.  Urine should be clear or pale colour.  Observing lighter coloured urine throughout the day is an indicator a person is drinking enough and is well hydrated.

As we age we become more at risk of dehydration

Elderly people can often be physically frail with reduced mobility & activity.  This makes it harder not only to get a drink but also to go to the toilet.  Some people may decline drinking sufficient volumes of water in order to avoid need to go to the toilet later.

Those with poor memory or other mental issues may needed prompting to drink a sufficient amount.

As we grow older our feelings of thirst reduce.  As a result we drink less which can lead to dehydration.

Our kidneys don’t work as well as we grow older.  We also may develop any of number of medical problems (or / and take medication) which make it very important to stay well hydrated.

Dehydration is dangerous.

Dehydration causes dizziness which can lead to falls.  It can cause tiredness, lethargy, confusion and constipation.  The kidneys don’t produce urine so well increasing the risk of urinary tract infections.

How can you promote good hydration for those receiving care at home?

• Encourage those who you provide care for to drink a little more.
• When you visit, offer a drink when you arrive.
• Encourage sips during your visit.
• Leave them a drink for later.
• Find out what the person you are caring for likes to drink.
• Sometimes it can help to be aware of and record how much they are drinking.
• Let those that you care know that by having another glass of water they are helping to keep themselves well.
• Encourage drinking water even when people don’t feel thirsty; by the time you feel thirsty your body has lost between 2 and 5 cups of water.
• Suggest starting the day with a cup of hot water with a good squeeze of fresh lemon.
• Discourage caffeine and alcohol, drink water.  Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics and cause the body to lose water.  You could also suggest a glass of water with coffee and tea?
• Throughout the day make water constantly available, keep a bottle of water within reach.
• Perhaps create a daily schedule; drink a glass after breakfast, one before lunch etc.
• Suggest to people to keep a drinks diary which will help to raise awareness about how much they are drinking.

Some great reason to stay well hydrated

• Concentration – When you are dehydrated your attention and concentration can decrease by 13% and short term memory by 7%.  Stay well hydrated helps to improve your concentration.
• Are you really hungry? – People often confuse mild feelings of thirst with mild hunger.   Drinking water can help manage weight by curbing the appetite and it is calorie free.  Also eating more fruit and vegetables can help because they are good for you and are 80-90% water.
• Active today?  – Drinking water before, during and after any physical activity will help keep your heart rate and body temperature lower.
• Hot? – In hot temperatures your body loses more water.  Drink additional water each day to compensate for this loss.
• Look great! – Dehydrated skin looks older. Drink lots to keep your skin looking younger and vibrant.

Perhaps Gardiner’s can help?  A daily visit from our care workers may be all that is need to help encourage your loved want to drink more.  Equally the reassurance of knowing that someone is coming to help assist to use the bathroom or change pads can give those with mobility issues the confidence to maintain good levels of fluid intake.

For more information about water, drinks and your health, please visit the NHS choices website