Stroke and Dementia: What’s the link?
Both dementia and a stroke can significantly impact a person’s life, from the physical effects to the strain on your emotional wellbeing. Quite often, people are unfamiliar with the causes and impacts of dementia and strokes until they, or a loved one, have experienced them. There are numerous online resources which explain the link between a stroke and dementia, but we understand that this information can be difficult to understand, which is why we have put together a simple guide on how stroke and dementia are connected. The link between stroke and dementia Vascular dementia is a common type of dementia which is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. When you have a stroke, the supply of blood to the brain is restricted or stopped, which begins killing brain cells. A stroke can lead to brain injury or difficulty with thinking and memory, and for many people, these effects improve gradually over time. However, if the symptoms do not improve or get worse, this can be a sign of vascular dementia. Vascular dementia can be caused by: A stroke – known as post-stroke dementia or single-infarct dementia A series of mini strokes – known as multi-infarct dementia The narrowing of small blood vessels deep inside the brain – known as subcortical vascular dementia There are several factors that increase the risk of a stroke, such as consuming large quantities of alcohol, an unhealthy diet, not doing any exercise, high cholesterol, high blood-pressure and diabetes. By making changes to your lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, doing more exercise and treating your long-term health conditions, you may reduce the risk of experiencing a stroke and, subsequently, vascular dementia. Can a stroke cause dementia? The short answer is yes, a stroke can cause vascular dementia. However, this does not mean that everyone who has a stroke experiences dementia as a result. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, about 20% of people who have a stroke develop vascular dementia within the following six months. The most common early symptoms of vascular dementia are: Difficulty planning, organising, making decisions and problem solving Difficulty concentrating Slowed thought processing Difficulty following instructions or an ordered list (such as a recipe) Alongside cognitive symptoms, it is common for someone experiencing early vascular dementia to have changes within their emotional wellbeing, such as depression, anxiety and apathy. Changes to someone’s mood are not always good indicators as to whether someone has vascular dementia or not, as after a stroke it is not unusual to experience poor mental health, so it’s important to bear in mind that these symptoms may not exclusively point to vascular dementia. It is best to monitor your loved one’s behaviours and physical symptoms and keep an eye out for anything unusual, you should contact their GP if you have any concerns. What happens when someone with dementia has a stroke? If someone living with dementia has a stroke, they may find the recovery process and symptoms more difficult to understand compared to someone without dementia. The physical and emotional impacts of having a stroke can include pain, stiffness, weakness, depression and anxiety. If your loved one has dementia and has experienced a stroke, there are medications and therapies that can alleviate these symptoms and support you and your loved one throughout their aftercare. Please contact your GP to discuss the options available to you. Alongside medical support, it is important to provide as much assistance as possible to someone recovering from a stroke, especially if they are living with dementia. It could be that they are experiencing weakness in their legs and are therefore more susceptible to falls, so they might need a supportive arm as they navigate through the home. Or, perhaps your loved one is having difficulty understanding the pain in their arm; in which case, try to explain why it is painful in short and simple sentences. By being there to guide and comfort your loved one, they will feel more at ease. It is important to look out for non-verbal signs of pain or changes in behaviour, such as difficulty walking alone, a loss of interest in exercise/going out and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Non-verbal signs can indicate that someone is struggling with the effects of a stroke, but they may not be able to communicate their concerns to you or understand why they are experiencing these symptoms. What support is available? You can apply for a needs assessment to get funding for living aids for the home or for care at home, which can support you with medication administration and personal care. We understand that looking after a loved one living with vascular dementia can take a toll, and we believe that neither you nor your loved one should have to compromise your wellbeing or happiness. Helping Hands provide specialist dementia and stroke care that enables you or your loved one to continue to live safely at home. For more information, please call 0208 239 6877 or email us at info@unicarerecruit.co.uk and we will call you.
What You Need To Know About Vascular Dementia
Whether you, your loved one, or someone you care for have recently been diagnosed with vascular dementia, we know that it can be a particularly difficult time and you may have many unanswered questions about the condition. It could be that you don’t know much about the condition, or perhaps you want to know more so that you can best support your loved one; with the right education and support, you can support your loved one living with vascular dementia to continue to live happily at home with a good quality of life. We understand that trying to navigate your way through endless resources to learn more about vascular dementia can be daunting; that’s why we have put together a comprehensive guide on what you need to know about the condition. What is vascular dementia? Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia (the most common being Alzheimer’s), with around 150,000 living with the condition in the UK. There are many types of dementia, and the term refers to a set of symptoms related to cognitive impairment, including memory loss, difficulty thinking, concentrating, problem-solving and speaking. Vascular dementia is caused by a reduced blood supply to the brain, which can cause severe damage to cells in the brain. It is quite common for people to experience ‘mixed dementia’, which means two or more types of dementia co-existing. For example, someone could live with both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s, which means that they are likely to experience more memory loss and lack spatial awareness. Symptoms of vascular dementia People often associate dementia with memory loss, which is common in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, but it is unusual to find this in the early stages of someone living with vascular dementia. Depending on the individual, those living with vascular dementia can also experience the physical impacts of a stroke, too. Early symptoms of vascular dementia can include: Slowed thought processing Difficulty planning and organising Difficulty concentrating Noticeable changes to mood Later symptoms can include: Feelings of disorientation and confusion Memory loss Noticeable changes to personality and behaviour Low mood or a lack of interest Limited mobility and difficulty with balance Incontinence What are the seven stages of dementia? Vascular dementia is a progressive condition, meaning that you or your loved one will notice the symptoms more over time as they begin to impact your everyday life. Vascular dementia is a condition that can affect many people in many different ways, but the progression can be explained broadly in seven stages: At this point, the person functions without any noticeable signs or symptoms. Very mild decline, slower thought processing and difficulty planning. Begins to experience difficulties in concentration, becomes anxious and more forgetful, family becomes aware of something unusual. Travelling to new places becomes more daunting, can begin to withdraw from friends and family, finds difficulties with managing finances. Needs help with everyday routines such as personal care and meal preparation, can become disorientated with time and place. May become incontinent and needs support with eating and using the toilet, can sometimes only remember details of their earlier life. Very little ability with speech and communication, often loses psychomotor skills such as walking, requires regular and more intensive support. Stroke and vascular dementia Vascular dementia and stroke are closely linked, when someone experiences a stroke, the blood flow is reduced or stopped to a part of the brain, and the subsequent damage can sometimes be a trigger for vascular dementia. The following things can also be a cause vascular dementia: A stroke (post-stroke dementia or single-infarct dementia) Narrowing of the small blood vessels in the brain (subcortical vascular dementia) Lots of mini strokes (multi-infarct dementia) Approximately 20% of people who experience a stroke are diagnosed with vascular dementia within six months. For many, this may be quite a daunting statistic, which is why it’s important to monitor your loved one’s symptoms if they’ve experienced a stroke. If their symptoms don’t improve over time, this could indicate signs of vascular dementia, so please contact your GP if you’re concerned. Support for vascular dementia When someone is diagnosed with vascular dementia, it’s not uncommon for their surrounding friends and family to step in and support their loved one with both physical and emotional support. However, we understand that caring for a loved one can be a tremendous responsibility, and it may not be a viable long-term solution if you have childcare and work commitments – but you need not worry. There are numerous options available to you and your loved one, whether you need some visiting care to help instil a daily routine, or you think you’d benefit from a live-in carer who will be there to support you day and night. Just because someone has a diagnosis of vascular dementia, that does not mean that they need to leave their beloved home or have to make compromises to their lifestyle. With a helping hand, you and your loved ones can live well with vascular dementia. For more information, please call 0208 239 6877 or email info@unicarerecruit.co.uk and we will call you.
What Happens When You Have A Stroke
t is important to educate yourself on stroke and the warning signs, whether or not you or a loved one have been directly affected by the condition. By simply reading this article, you will be more informed on what a stroke is and what to look out for, and therefore be more equipped to notice the signs of a stroke in your loved one. People are often reluctant to learn about stroke and the possible effects, due to a fear of what they might find out. However, it can be beneficial to read the facts about the condition, as by breaking down ‘the unknown’, you are not only more aware of the signs of a stroke, but further knowledge might actually help you feel more at ease. If you, or your loved one, have been affected by stroke, we understand it can be daunting trying to comprehend what has happened, but it is important to remember that you are not alone; it could even be as simple as sharing this article with a loved one or friend to help them understand what you are going through. What are the three different types of stroke? A stroke, sometimes referred to as a ‘brain attack’, is when the blood supply is restricted or completely stopped to a part of the brain, causing severe damage to the surrounding brain cells. Depending on the severity of the stroke, it can sometimes lead to long-lasting brain damage and even affect how someone thinks and feels. The three different types of stroke are: An ischaemic stroke: which is caused by a blood clot cutting off oxygen and the blood supply to the brain. A haemorrhagic stroke: which occurs when a blood vessel inside the skull bursts and bleeds in or around the brain. A transient ischaemic attack or TIA: also known as a mini-stroke, is the same as the ischaemic stroke but the blockage is only temporary. What are the five warning signs of a stroke? The signs and symptoms of a stroke vary between each person and the type of stroke that they are having, but they often come on very suddenly. The five warning signs of a stroke are: Weakness or numbness on one side of the body. Difficulty speaking or significant change to speech. A sudden change in vision. Being unable to walk or experiencing sudden difficulty moving. A very severe headache that comes on suddenly. The British Heart Foundation recommend ‘acting F.A.S.T’, an acronym that summarises the most common warning signs of a stroke and makes them easier to remember: Face: their face may have dropped on one side; they may not be able to smile or their eye or mouth have drooped. Arms: they may not be able to lift both arms due to weakness or numbness in one arm. Speech: their speech may be unclear or slurred, or not able to speak at all. Time: if you notice any of these signs, it is time to call 999. Building confidence after a stroke When someone has a stroke, it is not uncommon for them to experience a loss of confidence. A stroke can be a life-changing event, whether or not you have long-term physical changes from it, the stroke itself can often instil feelings of anxiety and trepidation. You or your loved one may be tempted to shy away from your usual activities, but by taking things at your own pace with the right support, there is life after stroke. It could be that you are adjusting to life with limited mobility, or you want to maintain a healthier diet to reduce your risk of further strokes, whatever your concern, it can be beneficial to break it down into small, achievable goals. For example, if you are finding it difficult to leave the house due to feelings of anxiety related to walking and mobility, you and your loved one or carer could set out the following goals: Do some gentle daily exercises to improve your balance. Practice walking with a supportive arm around the house or in the garden. Go for a walk to the end of the road and back again. Pick a local café or garden centre and aim to walk from the car to that destination. By turning your concerns into goals, you will change your mindset to be more positive, therefore helping you to be proactive in building confidence after a stroke. We recommend working with a loved one or carer to achieve your goals, not only will you feel more supported, but they will find it easier to understand what makes you feel anxious. You can print off our ‘weekly goal planner’ to keep track of your goals and progression. We understand that your daily tasks may not be as easy as they used to be, and you may even be experiencing difficulty adapting to the impacts of a stroke, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Here at Helping Hands, we provide bespoke stroke aftercare based entirely around your needs and your lifestyle. Whether that means visiting care to ensure you keep on top of your medication, or a live-in carer to help you re-learn skills and build confidence, our care is focused on you. With a helping hand, you and your loved ones can live well after a stroke. For more information, please call 0208 239 6877 or email us at info@unicarerecruit.co.uk and we will call you.
Supporting Elderly Neighbours
There’s no question that modern life can be busy; the pressures of work and family often mean that our feet barely seem to touch the ground as we dash from one location to another. We frequently have to cram as much as we possibly can into every day, and once we finally get home, we only have the energy to drop into a chair and put our feet up. We have good intentions; often wondering how elderly neighbours or friends may be getting on, but we don’t always give ourselves enough time for a proper visit. Instead, we find ourselves throwing a quick ‘how are you?’ into the air as we wave at elderly neighbours through a window, mentally reminding ourselves to stop by soon to check on them properly. Well perhaps this year, we should do things slightly differently by making an extra effort to give our elderly neighbours the gift of time. Our time. Why we should show companionship towards our neighbours At Unicare, we pride ourselves on our compassionate, empathetic care towards all our customers, but there are plenty of older people in our society who don’t require formalised live-in care, so who should be keeping an eye on them? The answer is every one of us. While there are plenty of older people who manage practical, day-to-day life at home very well, that doesn’t mean they never get lonely and wouldn’t welcome a phone call or visit from time to time. Maybe they’d appreciate a friendly check-in to see how they’re doing, or a catch-up over a cup of tea or two, especially in the current climate. Now that we have weathered lockdowns and many of us are able to go out and about again, we should still be sparing a thought for those who may be reluctant or unable to leave their homes. Organisations quickly mobilised, and volunteers were utilised all over the country to ensure that older and vulnerable people self-isolating in the community were taken care of. Apps were produced that could put vulnerable people in touch with a registered volunteer, and supermarkets kept back delivery slots so that those who were self-isolating could receive essential supplies. However, as time went on and the lockdowns lifted, those of us who were mobile were able to start taking part in (albeit a reduced) society again. While many were able to return to work and start seeing family and friends, there were a lot of older people who hadn’t the confidence to go outside, or due to unclear advice regarding the dangers posed by COVID-19, didn’t want to risk interacting with others, either inside or outside of their homes. These are the people who remain at risk from loneliness, and as the nights have drawn in and the hours of darkness lengthened, they are likely to have even fewer opportunities to see people. The year of 2020 was such a strange time for everyone and probably the most isolated year in living memory, so perhaps we can instead embrace this and turn it into a positive? When talking to family and friends we should be starting a conversation on how we can all do our part to ensure that the more vulnerable and isolated in our communities are not forgotten this winter. There are many organisations who work tirelessly to ensure that those at risk of loneliness and social isolation are supported, pairing them with a volunteer who then visits them at home or takes them out locally, and most are bound to be eagerly recruiting volunteers in every area of the country during the pandemic. Reputable organisations, such as Age UK will ensure that the volunteers are thoroughly vetted and background checked via the government’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), to safeguard the wellbeing of the most vulnerable members of society. What can I do to support elderly people in my area? It’s really important that we don’t presume that every person living alone is lonely and try to force them to engage socially with those around them. Some people may prefer a more isolated way of life and it would be wrong for us to presume that just because someone lives alone, they would welcome hordes of well-meaning callers. However, if you’re checking in on a neighbour, the chances are you already know their preferences and whether they would welcome a visitor or not. We also have to be mindful of whether someone is self-isolating in the current situation. If the person is able to have some company though, what else could we do to be useful to them? Care packages Care packages are a lovely way to put together essentials that someone may need but are unable to resource themselves, perhaps due to being unable to leave the house. There are also older people who may not feel comfortable ordering from the internet or may not have the resources to do so, which means that a care package left on the doorstep for someone isolating would be a lovely touch. Additionally, why not put a note through a neighbour’s door asking if they need anything from the supermarket? If your isolated relative is further away you can still make them feel special, as there are companies online who specialise in care packages that are designed for letterbox delivery. Run errands Supermarket essentials won’t be the only thing that older people may struggle to access, whether they’re self-isolating or not. Often it can be essential medical supplies that need collecting from the pharmacy for instance; and even though many now deliver directly to their more vulnerable customers, the person themselves may not know how to access this service so may not have set it up. There’s also the question of pets. In the colder months of the year, many older or vulnerable people may struggle to care for their animals, for instance walking dogs or fetching specialist food. Why not offer to take their dog for his daily walk or see if they need any extra supplies? Stay
The Coronavirus Outbreak and Live-in Care
As the country prepares itself for another national lockdown, our attention is turned towards our elderly loved ones who are the group most at risk of serious illness. It is understandably a worrying time for anyone with a loved one who falls into this category, particularly if they have an underlying medical condition or age-related frailty which means they require additional care and support. If you are considering care homes or have a loved one currently living in a residential care home, it may become increasingly difficult to visit them during ever-changing precautions against Coronavirus. With self-isolation being central to advice on how to protect yourself from Coronavirus, care homes may not necessarily be the safest place for your loved ones to be, with many people living under one roof and the ratio of care staff to residents often being stretched which is why so many families are now choosing to hire a professional live in carer to provide 24/7 care for their loved one at home. So how can we help? How live-in care can help With so much uncertainty currently surrounding the outbreak of Coronavirus, it’s important to do all that we can to keep our elderly loved ones safe and mentally well. Live-in elderly care enables older people to continue living independently in their own homes, with the support of a professional live-in carer. With many care homes facing the possibility of being required to lock down, live-in care provides a less disruptive option that allows you to continue visiting loved ones, while also providing peace of mind that they are being looked after should you begin to show signs of Coronavirus yourself. Other benefits of our live-in care include: Infection control – unfortunately, those who live in care homes are more prone to infection due to air, space and equipment being shared by multiple people. This means that organisms are present that make it easier for infections to break out (such as Coronavirus). Dedicated 1-2-1 care at home – one of the main advantages of live-in care is having a tailored care plan provided by one person who is there solely for you (meaning that attention is not divided between multiple people). Live-in carers are skilled at recognising when something is not right with those they care for, which is crucial when it comes to spotting signs of Coronavirus. Companionship – with isolation being the main Coronavirus precaution being advised, it’s easy for older people to begin to feel lonely. A live-in carer not only provides professional care, but also companionship which helps to boost mood and prevent people from feeling alone. As the time period for self-isolation is currently up to 12 weeks, it’s important that older people feel supported. Live-in care after hospital discharge As the NHS gears up for the burden that is likely to be placed on already stretched resources by the Coronavirus, it’s important for us to consider the number of elderly patients in hospitals. The truth is that many older people do not need to be in hospital and could be moved home – as long as the right care is in place. Not only is it a well-known fact that people recover quicker in the familiarity of their own home, but they are also less likely to be readmitted. According to Home Care Insight, there are now 12 million people in the UK aged 65 or over – the primary at risk group for Coronavirus. As the Coronavirus pandemic escalates, many elderly patients will face the reality of care after hospital discharge – not only to reduce ‘bed blocking’ and unnecessary costs, but also to avoid putting lives at risk. Older people will be safer at home – and it will need to happen sooner rather than later. Do you think live-in care may be the right option for your loved one during the Coronavirus outbreak? Contact one of our friendly experts today, who will be more than happy to discuss the elderly live-in care packages we offer. Alternatively, call us on 0208 239 6877.
Rules Regarding Pets
When looking for care there are many things to consider. One of the most sensitive issues being the family pet. Cats and dogs naturally become an integral part of a person’s family. They help with loneliness and most people build strong bonds and relationships with their pets. When the time has come to move into residential care, what are the rules regarding pets and what can you do? Care homes that accept pets You must first consider all options and understand the persons relationship with their pet. The simplest choice is to transfer the care of the animal to a friend or family member; however, this isn’t always an option. You may even consider putting off going into residential care and arranging a home carer if the thought of being away from your close companion is too distressing. There is also the possibility of choosing a care home that accepts certain pets. This has become more common in recent years but there are still many things to consider: Only a small percentage of homes are ‘pet friendly’. Would your pet cope with the change in environment? Is the care home going to be a suitable place for your pet? Are you going to be able to look after your pet? Is your pet house trained, well-behaved and predictable? What if other residents complain about your pet? How would you feel and what would you do? Will your Vet visit your pet in the home? What would you do if you were no longer able to look after your pet? You must remember, the most important thing is your health. If you can’t look after yourself, you probably won’t be able to look after your pet and ensure they are fed, loved and cared for. Care options that allow you to keep your pet? Home care is becoming an increasingly popular option that allows people and their pets to stay in the familiar surroundings of their own home. Home care can be tailored to individual needs and requirements. The carer can complete any tasks you’re finding difficult, including help to feed and walk your beloved cat or dog. All being said and done, the health benefits of caring for pets in your twilight years are well documented. Pets offer unconditional love; they give the owner a sense of reward and responsibility. They encourage the owner to exercise, provide stimulation and socialisation and a perhaps above all they give a sense of purpose and fun to life.
Rules on Decorating & Furnishings
Nervous about moving your loved one into a care home? Packing up your belongings and moving into a care home is a big step for anyone. Here are some simple tips on how to make their new room feel less clinical, less intimidating and more homely. Of course there has to be a balance between safety, functionality and décor especially for dementia units and hospices, however with a few small changes you can vastly improve a rooms atmosphere. Most care homes are only too happy for you to bring your own home comforts. After all they want you or your relative to be happy and stay. If you want to bring large items of furniture or hang items on walls you’ll have to check with the home manager first. Once you know the guidelines you can begin to filter through your loved one’s possessions. Try to include them in this process, it encourages them to be involved and allows them to choose items that are important to them. Astonishingly smell is the most important sense linked to memory. People remember 35% of what they smell and 5% of what they see. Smell can evoke vivid memories and feelings of nostalgia. Smell can be the most comforting thing of all. Our sense of smell is the closest to our hippocampus, this is thought to be the area of our brain closely associated with memories. Every home has a familiar scent that’s difficult to replicate . By bringing personal items such as slippers, house coats, woolly blankets, teddy bears and soft furnishings that generally hold there familiar smell will help with their transition. Family photo Ideas. Photos of loved ones, friends and holidays may seem obvious but if possible, put a few in walkways and more importantly, displaying their favourite ones at eye level can be a far better option than placing them all on a sideboard. Create multiple montages and get some of their favourite ones blown up to A3 size. This makes compelling viewing and is a fabulous talking points for visitors. Familiar items such as furniture, their favourite book, CD’s and ornaments. Try to bring as many familiar items as possible. This will help ease the transition, these don’t have to be big items; it can be their favourite chair or bookcase. Radio. The familiar sound of a regular presenter can be comforting. Many people will remember listening to Terry Wogan, Jimmy Young or Ed Stewart to the point that you think you personally know them. Listening to Desert Island disks or the Steve Wright show is less intrusive than watching the TV and can be a reassuring background noise. Don’t forget their favourite duvet! This may seem like a simple idea, but can bring comfort and familiarity. Decorations and material items can work wonders for a new environment, but remember by far the biggest and easiest way to make a home more homely is with the familiar face of friends and family. Visit and call as often as you can and ask friends and siblings to do the same.
How to Apply for a Blue Parking Badge Permit
The blue badge permit was setup to allow people with mobility issues to park their car close to shopping, entertainment and work facilities. It allows drivers, or their blue badge holding passenger to park in allocated parking spaces free of charge. It also allows blue badge holders to park on double yellow lines for up to three hours as long as there are no restrictions are in force*. How to apply You apply for a blue badge at your local authority. If you’ve previously been refused a blue badge you can appeal or re-apply using the same procedure, however, blue badges are issued based on symptoms of mobility rather than on diagnosis of a specific condition. For example, a diagnosis of asthma, multiple sclerosis or incontinence may not automatically qualify you. Grounds for eligibility are based on; Permanent and sustainable difficulty in walking or inability to walk. This means you are physically unable to walk through mechanical means or you experience excessive pain or breathlessness caused by the effort to walk. Your council will ask a series of questions based on this fundamental qualifying factor and they may ask you to meet with a medical professional to assess your condition. Severe disability in both arms. You may be eligible for a blue badge if you regularly drive and have considerable difficulty parking or using parking meters caused by severe disability in both arms. Most drivers who qualify under this criterion will have a steering wheel adaptation in their car. Drivers will not quality on the basis that they have difficulty in carrying shopping or any other items short/long distances when travelling to services. You may automatically qualify for a badge if you meet any of the following conditions; You receive compensation from the Armed forces scheme and have been assessed and certified as having considerable difficulty in walking. You receive a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement. If you have a child under three years old who has a medical condition that requires them to be accompanied by bulky or heavy equipment; or a child that needs to be near transport in case of emergencies. If you are in receipt of the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance. If you are registered as blind and have severely impaired sight. You may be eligible for an organisational blue badge if you regularly transport multiple people who would be eligible to receive a blue badge permit in their own right. An example would be a minibus for a hospice or nursing home. Please note these lists are not exhaustive and you will need to supply the correct documentation to the local authority in which you are applying. Applying for a Blue Badge You can apply online for a permit at gov.uk/apply-blue-badge or you can call the enquiry support service on 0844 463 0213. Alternatively, you can call your local authority and ask for the blue badge section who will send an application form to you in the post.You will need a recent passport approved photo, passport or driving license and details of any benefits you currently receive. If you are re-applying for a badge you will need particulars of the expired badge. Blue Badge Rejection If your application is rejected, you can appeal the decision with the local authority If you believe that they have not taken all the facts into consideration. The local authority may refuse to issue a permit If you do not supply enough evidence to support your application or they suspect the badge might not be used correctly.
Why Work in Care Industry as a Carer
A career in the care sector is renowned for being one of the most rewarding jobs you can do, and for many good reasons. Being a carer means you are able to make a real difference to peoples’ lives on a daily basis – from cooking their favourite meal to making sure they are safe in their own home. While building a unique connection with your customers is an essential part of being a carer, there are many additional benefits of working in the care sector that can enhance your personal and professional life. If you are considering a career in care, read some of the best reasons to become a carer today. Why become a carer? Being a carer is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do Working in the care sector is an incredibly rewarding job, so it’s no wonder that it is one of the most commonly spoken about reasons to be a carer. Everyday you will be making a difference to someone’s quality of life, supporting them to remain living in their own home, independently. Being a carer can be challenging for a number of reasons, but when the person you are caring for smiles at you as you walk through the door, or begins to open up to you over a morning cup of tea, you will know you are making someone feel truly valued. Flexible working hours One of the biggest benefits of working in the care sector is the flexible care work that is on offer. While you are required to provide care for your customer for the length and time of your assigned job, you are also able to choose the amount of time you work for and how much you have off inbetween jobs. If you have children off during school holidays or you are studying for your care qualifications, the flexibility of being a carer means you can fit work around your other commitments. Training and development opportunities tailored to you While care qualifications you have already obtained are going to be beneficial for a care role, you don’t always need to be fully qualified to work in the care sector. Most employers provide on-the-job training to make sure their staff have all of the necessary skill-sets to do the job in hand. There are also often many opportuinities to work towards further care qualifications, such as an NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care. Depending on your career goals, NVQs are available up to level 7 for managerial care staff. A range of perks… Many care roles come with a range of employee perks alongside the benefits of flexible care work and opportunities for professional development. These often include: Competitive pay Carer and ongoing training Diploma in health and social care Paid holiday entitlement Pension scheme Free uniform (if applicable) Company paid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) No two days are ever the same One of the most exciting aspects of working in the care sector is the variety of the role. Being a carer means you will constantly be introduced to new people, new environments and new challenges. This level of diversity will help you to develop skills in adaptability and provide a more personalised care service – no two customers will ever be the same! Real job satisfaction As well as being among the most rewarding jobs you can do, being a carer also provides true job satisfaction. Providing care for someone on a regular basis allows you make a real difference to someone’s life, particularly when you are supporting someone who is living with a condition that requires a wider range of more complex care needs. Whether it is making sure someone is taking their medication correctly or ensuring they make it to their doctors appointment on time, knowing you have done your best for your customer will provide you with a sense of job satisfaction rare in most other professions. Providing piece of mind for family members Although the person you are caring for is your main responsibility, being a carer means you are able to provide extra piece of mind for their family. Whether you are visiting someone on a regular basis or providing 24 hour live-in care, you may pick up on issues that arise before family members are aware. Feeding this information back to your customers’ loved ones is invaluable, as issues like decreased appetite, increasing confusion or irritability can often be signs of a more serious problem. If your customers’ family have decided to take a holiday, they can rest assured that their loved one is safe in your care. Join us today
Stages & Signs of Dementia | What to Look For?
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of disorders. There are many forms of dementia, the most common forms including Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular dementia, Lewy bodies and frontotemporal. Dementia is a progressive disorder with symptoms gradually worsening over time. Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) is an assessment tool used to determine which stage of dementia a person is experiencing. The tool is used as a rough outline to determine the best course of care or treatment for the person diagnosed with dementia. While not everyone will experience the same symptoms there is a 7-stage progression most individuals will follow. These 7 stages are then categorised by 4 diagnosis, No dementia, early-stage dementia, mid-stage dementia and late-stage dementia. No Dementia Stage 1 – In this stage there are no signs of dementia. The person functions normally and there are no signs or symptoms. Stage 2 – Very mild cognitive decline. In this stage people start to experience ‘normal’ forgetfulness. This is sign is normally associated with aging resulting in loved ones and professionals not noticing the underlining cause. Stage 3 – Mild cognitive decline. In this stage, loved ones may begin to notice the increase in forgetfulness, difficulty in concentration and speech difficulty. This is the final stage in this category prior to the onset of dementia. Early-Stage Dementia Stage 4 – Early-stage dementia. In this stage, professionals can detect cognitive decline problems during a patient appointment. The person will begin to have trouble concentrating, performing daily tasks such as finances, increase in forgetfulness and memory issues. Mid-Stage Dementia Stage 5 – Moderately severe cognitive decline. In this stage, signs and symptoms will be easy to identify. The person will have major memory issues and they will now need assistance with daily living activities. Stage 6 – Severe cognitive decline. In this stage the symptoms of dementia will be having a profound effect on the individual. They will start to forget names and have little memory of events or earlier memories. In this stage the individual will have personality/ emotional changes, bladder control issues and anxiety. Late-Stage Dementia Stage 7 – Very severe cognitive decline. Stage seven is the final stage of the dementia progression. At this stage, most people will have no ability to speak or communicate. They will require assistance with most daily activities including walking, dressing, bathing, and toileting. This stage requires 24-hour care and assistance.