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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 …

White Christmas (U) Sing a Long on Weds 4th December 2019 at 1030-1245 – free tea and coffee from 1030, film starts at 1100

115 minutes + 20 minute interval.

WHITE CHRISTMAS tells the story of Two talented song-and-dance men (Crosby and Kaye) team up after the war to become one of the hottest acts in show business. It is a treasure trove of classical musical numbers, among them ‘Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep’, ‘Sisters’, ‘Blue Skies’, and the beloved ‘White Christmas’. At this special screening the lyrics to the songs appear on screen for you to join in.

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

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.

At Gardiner’s we feel that supporting people to vote  is important.  Ahead of the General Election on 12th December, this post provides information about supporting people to vote and how to make the provess easier.

Registering to vote

The deadline to register to vote in the General Election is midnight on 26 November.  Gardiner’s can support our cleints to register to vote if they wish.  Help with Supporting people to vote is also available from staff at the local council’s electoral services department.  Click here to apply to the voting register, you will need to have your National Insurance number available.

Assisting people to get to polling booths.

Gardiner’s are very happy to assist our clients to attend the local polling station to vote.  Help with supporting people to vote is also be available from the local council.

When you vote at a polling station you will be required to produce one of the following documents to confirm your identity:

• A UK, Irish or EEA driving licence (photographic part) (provisional accepted)
• A UK, Irish or EU passport (note: EU passports are not accepted at UK Parliamentary elections)
• An Electoral Identity Card – How to apply for a free Electoral Identity Card
• A Translink SmartPass

Postal votes

Everyone who is entitled to vote can apply to vote by post.  This is particularly helpful for people who may struggle to get to a polling station.  The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 26 November 2019.  Their postal vote must arrive at their Electoral Office by 10pm on 12 December 2019.  Click here to apply for a postal vote

While everyone should be free to decide which form of vote to use, the possibility of adverse weather in December may make opting for a postal vote a safe opiton for the upcoming General Election.

Mental capacity and the right to vote

The Electoral Commission’s guidance states that ‘Everyone, regardless of their capacity, should be registered to vote.  It is important that vulnerable people do not lose their right to vote’.

The Electoral Commission’s assisted applications guidance gives detailed advice for care staff and those holding a power of attorney, can go legally to assist people to register and exercise their right to vote.

Easy-read and accessible manifestos are usually available from the main websites of the political parties, Gardiner’s staff can support our clients to access these.

Proxy votes

A proxy vote is where someone goes to the polling station to vote for another person who is unable to attend to vote themself.  Where an individual appoints a proxy, they ask someone they trust to vote on their behalf.  People can only apply for a proxy vote under certain circumstances, including being away on polling day, having a medical issue or disability or not being able to vote in person because of work or military service.

The deadline to request a proxy vote for the upcoming General Election is 5 pm on 4 December 2019. 

A proxy postal vote can also be requested – the deadline for requesting this is 5 pm on 26 November 2019.

Click here for more information about applying for a proxy vote

It is also possible to ask for an emergency proxy vote, for example if someone becomes unexpectedly ill or incapacitated, also reasons relating to their occupation, service or employment, mean they cannot vote in person.  The applicaiton to do this must be made by 5 pm on the day of the election.

A word of warning

To avoid potential conflicts of interest, Care Workers should not be asked to act as proxies.  Any wrong-doing, for example, unduly influencing or voting on behalf of a service user could be a safeguarding matter.

More information

The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections in the UK – vist the ‘I am a voter’ section of it’s website to read about registering to vote, casting votes in the ballot.  There is information on voting at GOV.UK at: information about voting.

Please click here for our contact details if you would like to speak with our team about how we can help you or a loved one combat the winter blues.

With a ‘no deal’ Brexit seeming more likely by the day, this post details Gardiner’s No Deal Brexit plan.  Whilst it is unlikely that the UK will experience long-term catastrophic disruption from a no deal Brexit, there could be some significant short-term disruption which will impact us all.

Gardiner’s No Deal Brexit plan has considered what potential disruption we think may be relevant to our business, our Service Users and our team.  Having a prudent and pragmatic approach to planning for these scenarios should minimise or prevent harm to our Service Users and staff.

Availability of medicines or medical devices

Medicines and medical devices are manufactured and traded internationally and at present, the UK is part of the EU network of approvals and trade.  However, after Brexit, particularly if there are no agreed transitional arrangements, resulting from the UK leaving without a deal with the EU, there could be supply difficulties and increased tariffs which may affect the availability and prices of some products.

The Government is currently advising that “…There is no need to change the way that you order prescriptions or take your medicines. Always follow the advice of GPs and other health professionals who prescribe your medicines and medical products. There are enough medicines and medical products to meet current needs but if patients order extra prescriptions, or stockpile, it will put pressure on stocks, meaning that some patients may not get the medicines they need…”

Where Gardiner’s, as a care provider, are responsible for collecting people’s medicines or devices, extra time or extra visits may be required to allow Care Workers to make repeat visits to pharmacies if supplies are running low or if products are not available.  It may be necessary to check ahead that some products are in stock before going to collect them.

Even where Gardiner’s, as a care provider, are not normally responsible for collecting people’s medicines or devices, it may be that, in the event of supply difficulties, assistance is required from Gardiner’s staff.

Care Workers may need to stay additional time to help secure medication or medical devices for some Service Users.  Any additional time will be charged to Service Users and paid to Care Workers as normal.

Where supply difficulties are preventing access for Service Users to medication or medicinal devices, the advice of local GPs and pharmacists should be sought, especially to identify and secure supply of products considered critical for each Service User.

More info: www.england.nhs.uk/eu-exit/medicines/medicines-faq/.

Continence products & personal hygiene products

Those of us that use continence products will want to reassure ourselves that we will continue to have access to the products we need should normal supplies be disrupted.  A disruption in supplies may be less likely for those products which are easy to store however some individuals may which to consider keeping a small back-up stock

More info: www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-incontinence/incontinence-products/

The same considerations will apply to other items used daily, including access to cleaning products, toothpaste, emollient creams, moisturisers etc.  Service Users, and staff alike, may which to consider keeping a small back-up stock just in case normal supplies are disrupted.

In the event of supply disruption, Care Workers may, for Some Service Users, need to provide additional help to secure continence products or personal hygiene products.  Any additional time will be charged to Service Users and paid to Care Workers as normal. 

Personal protective equipment

Most care workers will use disposable gloves and aprons as part of their day to day routines where supporting with personal care.  To minimise our use of disposable (single use) plastic, our policy is already to limit the use of such PPE to higher risk activities where, for example, contact with blood, faeces or other bodily fluids could be expected.

Gardiner’s suppliers have reassured us that we will not face any supply disruption for PPE gloves or aprons.  We will continue to hold at the Gardiner’s office a minimum two-week stock level for PPE.  Gardiner’s also have accounts with alternative suppliers should they be needed.

Food: continuity of supply and safety

We will all need to ensure that we have an uninterrupted supply of safe food.  In the case of a ‘No Deal’ Brexit the need for additional border checks may slow down or prevent the supply of some foods, particularly fresh fruit and vegetables, currently sourced from the EU.  As individual people’s diets and access to food outlets will vary, the impact of such supply interruptions to individuals will also vary.

Those of us whose diets are highly focused on fresh produce may be more susceptible to supply chain disruption than those which includes pre-packaged, frozen or tinned items. The use of contingency stocks or alternative suppliers will need to be considered on a case by case basis.

Many clients use a food delivery service for fresh or prepared foods.  In these cases, it may be helpful to check the delivery service’s own contingency arrangements.

It may also be sensible to holding additional stocks of more non-perishable (tinned, dried) foods ‘just-in-case’ or frozen foods in our freezers.

Where Care Workers shop for (or with) the people we support, extra time may be needed to buy additional food stocks in advance of the Brexit deadline.   In the event of food supply disruption, Care Workers may, for some Service Users, need to provide additional help to secure food products.  Any additional time will be charged to Service Users and paid to Care Workers as normal.

It is important to correct understand the meanings of and importance of

• “Best Before” – foods used after their “Best Before” dates will still be safe to eat but may not taste as good.
• “Use By” – foods should not be used after their “Use By” date as they will not be safe to eat.
• “Display Until” or “Sell By” – these dates are used for stock control purposes by the retailer and are instructions for shop staff, rather than customers. The important dates are the “Use By” and Best Before” dates.

More info: www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/best-before-and-use-by-dates

www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-labelling-terms

Access to fuel for vehicles

If there are major fuel shortages Government contingency plans would come into effect.  Although it is unlikely that fuel supplies will be affected over a long period there may be localised shortages, perhaps due to panic buying.   It is important that staff keep their fuel tanks topped up.

All staff are aware to contact their line manager or on call if they are unable to work.  In the event of being unable to use their own car, staff will be expected to use alternative transport methods such as public transport or walking wherever possible.  This may mean that extra time needs to be allowed for Care Workers to travel between Service Users.  Some care duties may need to be covered by alternative Care Workers however it is important to check this with the Service User first.

Where Service Users need Care Workers to travel for support tasks such as shopping, in the event of fuel shortages, this may require an alternative Care Worker to visit or additional time to be allowed and other transport methods arranged for example taxi or public transport, or arranging delivery.

Workforce Considerations

“Freedom of Movement”, which is a fundamental right of EU membership.  If there is a “No Deal” Brexit, freedom of movement will end immediately when the UK leaves the EU and EU or EEA nationals entering UK will not have an automatic right to work in the UK.

At present, EU, EEA or Swiss citizens, and their families can apply to the UK’s EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK.  If their application is successful, ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ status may be granted.   Irish citizens and those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK do not need to apply for settled status.

More info: www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

Gardiner’s No Deal Brexit plan reviewed our staff profile and we are confident that we do not expect staff turnover to increase as a result of a no deal Brexit, or to face any significant difficulty or change in managing the recruitment of replacement staff.

If you require extra care to help prepare for a no deal Brexit, to deal with the consequences of any disruption, or to discuss Gardiner’s No Deal Brexit plan, please contact us.

Have you heard about the Bluebells Day Centre in Henley?  It provides activities and care for people suffering with Dementia and related disabilities.  Dementia can be a very isolating condition, importantly the Bluebells Day Centre provides a chance for atttendees to engage socially.

Bluebells Day Centre also provides Respite Care to allow those who care for people with Dementia to have a little much needed time to themsleves.

The Bluebells Day Centre was run by AgeUK for 20 years, however in 2018 it was one of six out of eight clubs earmarked for closure following cuts by Oxfordshire County Council.  Staff, families and attendees were devastated by the loss of the service.  There was a real need in Henley for the provision of services for people suffering with dementia.

The Bluebells Day Centre was re-established as an independent charity and opened its doors again on April 25th, 2019.  The project to replace the Bluebells Community Club was led by Henley Mayor, Councillor Glen Lambert and supported by many others.   The new Bluebells Day Centre charity is one of the Mayor’s three charities for his mayoral year.

The Co-ordinator for the Bluebells service is Gardiner’s Care Worker, Suri Poulos.

Bluebells is open every Thursday from 10:30 to 15:30 at the Christ Church Centre, 46 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1AG.

A cooked lunch is provided by the Christ Church Centre.

Bluebells works closely with the Henley Handybus and may be able to provide transportation to the Day Centre if required.

If you would like to find out more about the Bluebells Day Centre please call Suri on 07931 980 597 – or  email [email protected]

“Dementia is among the cruellest of conditions, slowly robbing a person of everything that makes them who they are. Day Centres, like Bluebells, are of enormous benefit to people suffering with dementia and to the carers who look after them. That we are now able to provide this service in Henley once again, is something we can all be proud of.”

Glen Lambert, Mayor of Henley-on-Thames

Gardiner’s Homecare has again received fantastic ratings in the Homecare.co.uk care awards.  A huge thankyou to all those who took the time to review our service and to all of our fantastic staff.  

We are very proud of our score of 9.887 and the feedback received.  Sadly, for 2019, unlike in previous years Gardiner’s did not recieve an award for being in the top 20, congratulations to those who were included (ssee below).

At Gardiner’s we are not selective about who we ask to provide a review which is why we have 88 reviews.  Our total is more than double any of those awarded top 20 staus in the South East of England, 6 of whom had less than 20 reviews.

In May 2019 we contacted Homecare.co.uk to explain that we felt their system for ratings and awards did potentially allow for providers to be selective about who they requested feedback from.   If you agree with us that the rating and award system needs to be revised and weighted fairly to reduce chance of  slective review requests, please contact homecare.co.uk

Our 2018 post…

Gardiner’s have again been recognised as a Top home care agency for delivering excellent care at home.  Gardiner’s have been awarded a ‘Top 20 Recommended home care agency provider (South East England) 2018’.

Top home care award

The homecare.co.uk top home care agency provider awards highlight the most recommended home care providers in each region of the UK.  The awards are based on nearly 10,000 reviews from those who rely on care at home as well as their friends and family.

To read our reviews visit – homecare.co.uk

Perhaps Gardiner’s can help you or someone you know?  If so, or just to find our more about us, please do get in touch.

Gardiner’s were recognised during the first year of the awards in 2015.  After an absence in 2016, Gardiner’s were again recognised in 2017.  We are delighted to make it now 3 times in 4 years that we have received this award.

Extract from 2015 & 2017 awards…

Our aim is to be the best homecare provider, the stand out provider of quality domiciliary care in Reading, Henley and South Oxfordshire.  This award was based upon the feedback received from service users and demonstrates that we are meeting our aim.

Our success is only achieved as a team.  That team work includes everything from the management of the business to the training and support provided to care workers.  Also the hard work and dedication of all our Care Managers and their teams of amazing care workers.

Our thanks and appreciation go to everyone that was a part of this and we congratulate them all.  We wish to thank all of our clients that took the time to provide the feedback.  For them to acknowledge the dedication of their care workers is so appreciated.  Some of the comments made were very moving.  It is extremely rewarding to have made such a difference to so many people lives at what can be a very difficult time.

We are very proud of this award and it is much appreciated.  Gardiner’s shall not rest on our laurels.  We will continue improving our service through the maintenance of good quality practice.

2015 Davina Ludlow, director of homecare.co.uk, said:

“We felt the best people to say how good a home care agency really is, are those receiving the home care as well as their families and friends. Their recommendations show the warmth and excellent care that is given by so many home care agencies.  These highly recommended home care agencies enable people to still live in their own homes.  Home care workers often become their friend and lifeline to the outside world.”

“Gardiner’s Nursing and Homecare has proved that it provides great care.  We would like to congratulate it on being a top recommended home care agency in South East England. It’s a fantastic achievement to be recognised for being a highly recommended home care agency from the people you care for.”

2017 Davina Ludlow, director of homecare.co.uk, said:

“Good quality home care enables people to stay in their homes and keep their independence, with their home care worker often becoming their friend as well as a lifeline to the outside world.

“Our reviews are given by those receiving home care as well as their family and friends. This helps people to search for the right care home provider, where trust and dignity are paramount.

“Gardiner’s Nursing & Homecare has shown that it provides high-quality care and we’d like to congratulate it on being one of the top home care providers in South East England!

“Looking for the right home care provider can be tough. We hope our awards will help to make people’s search that little bit easier.”

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 / craft

What is it? – Nature related craft activities.
When is it? – Tuesdays once a month 1030-1200.
Where is it? – Ufton Nervet / For venues contact Reading office.
Contact Reading office on 01628626331

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? – Sep 27th & Nov 15th 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.

A Walk Through Dementia from Alzheimer’s Research is a Virtual Reality Dementia Experience using an App on your smart phone to put you in the shoes of someone living with dementia.  It demonstrates some of the symptoms that pose challenges to many people living with dementia using everyday situations:

• A trip to the supermarket
• Being on the road
• Life at home

Whilst you may be familiar with some of the symptoms of dementia, many of us tend to not think beyond the obvious memory loss.  You may find that some of the symptoms in the Virtual Reality Dementia Experience will surprise you and may help you think a little differently about dementia.

Popping to the shops – did you pick up on these sypmtoms?

• Struggling to read your shopping list
• Short term memory loss
• Changes in food preferences and eating habits
• Frustration
• Navigation problems
• Anxiety

In Hot weather home security can often be overlooked due to the need to keep cool.

Here are some top Hot weather home security tips from the Thames Valley Police about how to help protect your home against burglary in warm weather:

• Fit window opening restrictors to all easily accessible windows – this will allow ventilation while restricting access.
• Close and lock all windows and doors, even if just out in the garden.
• Remove window and door keys from the locks, store out of reach and away from your letterbox.
• Keep valuables out of sight, along with any visible signs including charging cables.
• Hide the keys to your vehicle, and if you have a keyless entry, store the fob in a RFID pouch to block the signal.

For more guidance on how to protect your home, read the  the Thames Valley Police website and read their Home Security Guide

Did you know:

• Burglars tend to avoid homes with security systems.
• Most burglaries take place between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• The majority of break-ins are committed by burglars who live nearby.
• Most criminals can burglarize a home in less than ten minutes.
• Almost 30% of burglars enter a home through an unlocked door or window.
• An astonishing 34% of burglars enter through the front door.
• Burglars usually go to the master bedroom first.
• Someone is home during nearly three out of every ten burglaries.

Home Security post from Gardiner’s

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

A Heatwave Level 2 warning has been issued from 08:00 on Tuesday, 25th June to 20:00 on Thursday, 27th June 2019 in the South East.  This means that temperatures are likely to rise to levels that increase the risk of ill health among vulnerable adults, particularly the very young and older people and those with long-term health conditions. Met office notice

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

Overnight care provides peace of mind and reassurance that you will be looked after whatever happens through the night.  Care isn’t only needed during the day but often at night too.  Your Care Workers will stay with you in your home throughout the night to assist and support you as and when needed.

Gardiner’s team of experienced, loyal and dedicated Care Workers have provided Overnight Care to many, many people in the local area.  This care has allowed those we have helped to continue living at home, retaining levels of independence and dignity that are very hard to match if moving to a care home.  Our Care Workers provide a reassuring presence throughout the night when you feel most vulnerable.  They can be there to support with toilet breaks, moving safely around your home or assistance with medication.

Overnight care can be beneficial to family members also.  Perhaps by providing a break to a family member, giving them the chance to get a good night sleep.  It also provides peace of mind knowing someone will be there to assist during the night as well as to help with getting up in the morning and helping with breakfast.

Sleepover Service or Waking Night?

Overnight care can be either on a sleepover basis or a waking night.  A sleepover service is where your  Care Worker will require a bed and quiet place to sleep.  Your night carer will wake up if they hear any stirring in the house.  They can also be woken up anytime during their shift if help is needed.  Often clients will use a bell or intercom / alarm system to request help.

Waking Overnight Care is for when the client needs attention through the night and cannot be left alone.  The Care Worker can stay awake all night to watch and assist and be there for you.

As you would expect, a waking night is always more expensive than a sleeping service – please click here to view our charges.

Arranging Overnight Care

Overnight Care can be arranged for any day of the year.  Overnight Care can be requested as a regular ongoing arrangement, or for ad hoc individual nights.  Family members will often request nights duties to provide respite and allow them an undisturbed rest at night.  The minimum duration for any night duty is 10 hours and the duty should start at the latest by 10pm.

If you would like to talk to us about Overnight Care, please do call – Call us on 0118 334 7474

Please click here to read feedback about our service.