Dr Jamie Wilson is hometouch’s founder and Chief Medical Officer. Jamie’s creation of hometouch was inspired by his work as a dementia psychiatrist in the NHS, and he has written about healthcare issues in The Times and the Evening Standard. Jamie has a MBBS from the University of Leeds and has spent a decade in the NHS, working as a Psychiatric Registrar and Memory Specialist at Imperial College Hospital.
For many older adults, especially those who have lived independently for most of their lives, the idea of having assistance or being reliant on others can be difficult to accept. They may fear losing their autonomy, feel embarrassed, or not…
Caring for someone with dementia is emotionally demanding, and managing dementia aggression can be especially overwhelming. It’s normal to feel exhausted and frustrated when facing verbal or physical outbursts from a loved one. This article explains the causes of aggression…
Live-in care is an increasingly popular option for those who require assistance with daily activities but wish to remain in their own homes. For many, it’s a preferable alternative to residential care, offering a sense of independence and comfort. However, the cost of live-in care can be substantial, and understanding the various funding options available is crucial for making informed decisions. This article delves into several key funding sources: Attendance Allowance, Direct Payments, Immediate Needs Annuity, Equity Release, and NHS Continuing Healthcare. Attendance Allowance Attendance Allowance is a benefit provided by the UK government for individuals aged 65 or over who need help with personal care due to physical or mental disability. It’s a non-means-tested benefit, meaning it’s available regardless of income, savings, or national insurance contributions. There are two rates – a lower rate for those who need daytime help and a higher rate for those requiring around-the-clock care.…
For many elderly citizens and those with disabilities, living independently is more than a challenge; it can be downright impossible. Live-in care is becoming an increasingly popular way for those in need of extra help to remain in their own…
When elderly patients are discharged from the hospital, they often need help with transitioning back into their home environment. One way to ensure their safe and comfortable transition is by creating a care package filled with helpful items that can…
Care home fees for dementia care homes in the UK vary from around £1000 to more than £3000 per week. Care homes fees for dementia care in the UK have been increasing year on year by at least 5%. This is 0.5% higher than the average care home fee which has also increased by 5% per annum over a 3-year period so there seems to be a trend showing that care home fees are increasing at faster rate than general living costs. Another reason is due to the an ageing population and people newly diagnosed with dementia which means that there are not enough specialist care homes available at present. Additionally, staff shortages are driving up costs which is further contributing to dementia care home fees inflation. The cost of dementia care homes varies across different regions, care homes and countries. This may be due to different government policies, rates…
Losing track of time is one of the early symptoms of dementia. Whether it’s a missed doctor’s appointment or a frantic phone call about whether they’ve had lunch, losing track of time can be a distressing experience for your loved…
How do you arrange care after hospital discharge? After hospital care for the elderly comes with certain challenges, that include devising a robust care plan, facilitating a safe transition to the home environment, and ensuring that the patient remains independent…
Support, understanding, and social interaction are things we can all benefit from. Dementia cafes seek to provide exactly that for people whose lives are affected by the condition. Up and down the country dementia cafes and memory groups are providing an invaluable service to local communities. At Hometouch, we know how tough a dementia diagnosis can be, both for the person living with the condition and their families. So, with dementia cafes playing such a vital role for so many people, we shine a light on the support they provide and explain why they are so beneficial. What are dementia cafes? Dementia cafes provide a safe, welcoming space for those whose lives are affected by dementia. They give people living with dementia and their families a chance to meet others in a similar situation as well as getting access to expert advice. Often ran by charities, community groups, or volunteers,…
Just like any big decision, this requires time, effort, and research. This article will help you take the first steps in interviewing live in carers. We will tell you what aspects of a live in carer matter during the first meeting with them and which of these will have an impact on their time with you or your loved one. This information will help you judge whether they are the right fit for you or to keep looking.We’re here to help. Call us if you have any questions about our exceptional live-in care.020 3870 4220 What attributes should I look for in a live in carer? Essentially, these questions revolve around the usual ‘getting to know you’ phase in any new relationship. Hometouch already has a rigorous screening process which includes things like reference checks, induction, and training, but in the end, you are in charge of judging which kind…
Hometouch has been one of the best companies I have worked for in the care sector! I have always been told I’m appreciated and been made to feel like it too. I’m so happy to be a part of the Hometouch team
Shaheen