Articles
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Dementia Care: What is sundowning?
When caring for someone with dementia, you may notice their confusion and agitation increase as daylight fades. This common pattern, known as sundowning, affects many people living with dementia and can be particularly challenging for families. Our clinical team regularly…
What to do when an elderly parent refuses help
For many older adults, especially those who have lived independently most of their lives, accepting help can feel deeply uncomfortable. They may fear losing autonomy, feel embarrassed, or simply not recognise how much their needs have changed. As a child…
What is aggressive behaviour in dementia?
Caring for someone living with dementia can be emotionally challenging, especially when they display aggression. Outbursts, whether verbal or physical, can be distressing and difficult to understand. It’s important to remember that this behaviour isn’t personal. It’s a symptom of…
Why Listening Matters in Dementia Care
This October marks Speak Up Month in the UK. The campaign promotes environments where people feel safe voicing concerns. This year’s theme, “Listen Up”, emphasises that listening requires action, not just attention. For families navigating dementia care, this is fundamental.…
How Hometouch Builds Safety into Dementia Home Care
World Patient Safety Day took place last week and reminded us why preventing avoidable harm in healthcare matters. For families considering dementia care at home, this principle is especially important – how do you maintain clinical safety while preserving independence…
How the RESTORE2 Mini strengthens dementia care at home
When someone you love is living with dementia, you need more than just daily support. You need clinical expertise that recognises health changes before they become serious. At Hometouch, our dementia care specialists use the RESTORE2 Mini to identify early warning signs.…
Funding Live-in Care
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.…
Live-In Care Packages – What Social Workers Need to Know
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…
How Much are Dementia Care Home Fees in 2023?
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…
Elderly Fall Prevention and Common Causes
Falls in the elderly – causes As we get older, illness, pain and visual problems can increase the risk of trips and falls. Falls can cause injuries but they can also decrease confidence and make your loved one frightened to…
