hometouch care advice

Here you can read inspiring interviews and interesting articles, access useful tools, and download our latest guides.

/  |  3 min read by Dr Jane Gilbert, April 2, 2019

Cognitive remediation and reminiscence therapy

Talking to someone with dementia
Scientists are still fighting to find a cure for dementia. Frustratingly, a way to reverse the brain damage caused remains elusive; however, there are ways of improving function and wellbeing. Specialised therapeutic techniques have been developed, which may help unlock memories, improve function and boost wellbeing in people living with dementia. The names of the …

Continue reading “Cognitive remediation and reminiscence therapy”

/  |  4 min read by Dr Jane Gilbert, March 26, 2019

Fluid and diet management in dementia

Food and drink in dementia
Poor appetite, problems with food preparation, depression and difficulties with swallowing or chewing can make it a challenge for people with dementia to get the nutrition they need. Weight loss and dehydration can be a problem, especially in advanced disease, which can make your loved one frail and vulnerable to illness and infections. Food and …

Continue reading “Fluid and diet management in dementia”

 |  3 min read by Dr Jane Gilbert, March 25, 2019

Home modifications for a live-in carer

Talking to someone with dementia
A live-in carer can enable your loved one to continue living safely in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. However, there are a few practical measures and steps you should take before they move in. Dementia, illness or disability can make it impossible for someone to live independently, without the significant risk of …

Continue reading “Home modifications for a live-in carer”

/  |  4 min read by Dr Jane Gilbert, March 18, 2019

Moving from a care home to live-in care

dementia support services
Choosing the right care for a loved one can be a challenge. The choice can seem overwhelming. Dementia, disability, family commitments, or a crisis at home can make a residential facility look like the only option. However, the change in environment and routine may not suit all individuals. Living away from home comforts and friends …

Continue reading “Moving from a care home to live-in care”

/  |  3 min read by Dr Jane Gilbert, March 14, 2019

Managing wandering in dementia

Wandering in dementia
When an individual with dementia wanders, they’re at risk of accidents, injuries and even death. Wandering is defined as: ‘A tendency to move about either in a seemingly aimless or disoriented fashion, or in pursuit of an indefinable or unobtainable goal.’ Confusion, disorientation, boredom and loneliness can all precipitate wandering in someone affected by dementia. …

Continue reading “Managing wandering in dementia”

 |  2 min read by Stephen Portlock, March 13, 2019

Occupational therapy for dementia

occupational therapy for dementia
What is occupational therapy? Occupational therapy is the use of assessment and intervention to support someone with everyday tasks. Often, it’s used as part of rehabilitation after an illness of injury. Practitioners are called occupational therapists and will take stock of the person’s needs and potential risks, and recommend and assist in ways to live …

Continue reading “Occupational therapy for dementia”

/ /  |  1 min read by Stephen Portlock, March 7, 2019

What do Admiral Nurses do?

What do Admiral Nurses do?
Admiral Nurses are specialist nurses trained to provide support for people and families affected by dementia. They get their name from ‘Admiral Joe’ Levy, founder of Dementia UK and a keen sailor. They can work in a number of environments – in the community as NHS staff, or hospitals, hospices and care homes. We’re here …

Continue reading “What do Admiral Nurses do?”

/  |  4 min read by Dr Jane Gilbert, March 6, 2019

Managing challenging behaviour in dementia

Managing challenging dementia behaviour
The brain damage of dementia can cause behaviour changes, which can be upsetting for the individual affected and for those that care for them. hometouch carers have the knowledge and experience to manage the symptoms sensitively, so that the person lives safely and with dignity. The hallucinations, delusions, and wandering of advanced dementia can be …

Continue reading “Managing challenging behaviour in dementia”

/  |  2 min read by Stephen Portlock, March 1, 2019

Personal health budgets explained

How to get a personal health budget
What is a personal health budget? A personal health budget is one of the ways a clinical commissioning group provides care to people. PHBs are designed to involve the person receiving care (or their representative) in the decision making process, and to offer freedom in choosing the care that’s right for them, whether that’s residential …

Continue reading “Personal health budgets explained”

 |  1 min read by Stephen Portlock, February 27, 2019

CHC decision support tool explained

The NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) decision support tool helps to decide if someone is entitled to ongoing publicly funded healthcare. It’s used by a multidisciplinary team made up of social workers, psychiatrists and other specialised healthcare professionals. It’s similar to the CHC checklist, which covers many of the same areas and is used by GPs …

Continue reading “CHC decision support tool explained”

Page 2 of 28