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How Complementary Therapies Help to Manage Dementia Symptoms

Medical treatments to prevent or reverse the various causes of dementia are still some way off. And while medications and lifestyle changes can help slow the onset of conditions such as Alzheimer’s, there is currently no cure. But there’s still plenty we can do to help reduce the impact that dementia has on people’s lives.

We’ve seen first-hand how various therapies can help people with dementia cope better and stay more positive and engaged. Although research is limited, there is scientific evidence that backs up what we’ve observed through supporting our care home residents.

Art and music therapy are regular features in the monthly activity programmes at Sherborne House, which specialises in Dementia care. Not only are these activities beneficial for self-esteem and wellbeing, but they encourage our residents to interact socially in a joyful, creative environment.

Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Dementia

There is growing scientific evidence to support the use of aromatherapy and reflexology in reducing the impact of dementia symptoms. Research has specifically highlighted how lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis) can improve cognition and mood in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, and how lavender oil can reduce occurrences of aggressive behaviour.

The results may be partly because aromatherapy helps people to be more relaxed and less anxious, so that frustrations don’t build up and boil over. The essential oils can be administered through massage or through bath additives or room scents. To ensure the best possible care for residents at Sherborne House, our care home receives weekly visits from an Aromatherapist.

Reflexology involves massage of the hands or feet and has also been shown to reduce the stress associated with dementia as well as reducing symptoms of pain and depression, proving to be a useful tool to help manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, as well as general aches and pains.

While we all hope that cures for the underlying causes of dementia will be found, it’s important that we all keep an open mind about complementary therapies and anything else that can help people to live more easily with their condition. To find out more about Altogether Care, contact us today on 01305 206140 or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk.

New Year, New Career: Why Care Is More Than Just a Job

How was the January return to work after the Christmas break? For many, the January blues are all too real as they get back into the monotonous routine of a job that they don’t much enjoy and which offers little scope for personal or career development.

Work can sometimes seem like fulfilling a job function rather than being who you really are. If the caring, industrious and people-centered aspects of your nature are all qualities that seem to stay at home while you go to work, perhaps it’s time to consider an alternative.

Is there an opportunity to be true to yourself and be more than just a cog in a machine designed to make money for somebody else? A new career in the care sector could be just what you need.

Careers in Care

The care sector is ever-growing with more jobs being created each year. Skills for Care estimate that the number of adult social care jobs increased by around 1.2% (an increase of 19,000 jobs) between 2017 and 2018. There are plenty of opportunities to find your first position, whether that’s in care delivery, admin, HR, marketing or some other supporting role.

There are long-term employment prospects in a wide range of roles, and there are opportunities for promotion and progression as well as job security.

Does This Sound Like You?

The people who build successful careers in care tend to be: friendly, attentive, positive, empathetic, open-minded, organised, reliable, patient, flexible, curious, and have a desire to learn. They also tend to have (or want to develop) skills in communication, critical thinking and problem-solving.

If you don’t want January 2021 to feel like January 2020, why not set yourself a new challenge. You could start by looking at the current vacancies in our care home and care at home services in Dorset, South Somerset and Hampshire. At Altogether Care, you’ll find a friendly and supportive team who will help you grow and thrive in your new career. For more information about careers at Altogether Care, contact our team on 01305 206140 or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk

Some recent day to day activities