Author: dukadmin

It is always interesting reflecting on trend reports from earlier in the year. We recently came across an assisted living trend report put together at the start of 2016 by The Senior List. It’s interesting to see that although the nine predicted trends have not necessary taken over the industry you can begin to see changes happening towards some of these trends.

The most obvious advances in this industry and many others is the impact of technology on our lives. As listed in these trend predictions – the increase in using memory care therapy and technology automation in both care homes and elderly peoples own homes have been seen this year and will no doubt continue to be seen in the coming years.

Technology

Ever evolving and developing technology is allowing the older generations to stay at home independently with more ease and safety, for longer than ever before. With the introduction of technology such as the internet of things, older people are able to easily manage everything from re-stocking the fridge without leaving the house to health monitoring with wearable technology that can be monitored by family/friends or health professionals.

For those who are unfortunately no longer able to be independent due to deteriorating health conditions, technology is increasingly becoming a comforting therapy or even friend that can be available to them. In some cases it is simply the ability to Skype family/friends using a device to beat loneliness and encourage interaction. But increasingly the industry is developing new technologies to comfort health deterioration to improve mood and restore personality – especially for patients with Dementia.

New developments in therapy style technology are happening all the time – the industry and healthcare providers are increasing understanding the results of using this form of therapy and how this can help people suffering with this complex disease. Reminiscence therapy has been seen to improve mood, cognitive ability and wellbeing to those who are suffering from Dementia. This therapy is often in the form of digital life story books or memory boxes which include images, videos and music from their life. There is research going into this area all the time with recent research by Leeds Beckett University released showing that recording regular audio diaries can boost the confidence of people with dementia and help to reduce stigma.

With the most recent trend showing the divergence between need and resource, technology could also be the future to bridging that gap.

The future

This really is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the technical ability that can be brought to our lives. What will the future bring? Assisted living may well become the norm for ageing generations.  And devastating diseases such as Dementia could be softened or even progression slowed down thanks to therapy developments. Ageing is inevitable but if we can implement technologies to make it more comfortable that has got to be a positive for the future.

Weymouth singer Chloe May struck a special note with care home residents recently when she sang a variety of well-known songs by artists such as Vera Lyn and Patsy Cline. Twenty five year old Chloe visited Weymouth Care Home in August to entertain the 35 residents.

Paula Hartley, Manager at Weymouth Care Home said, ‘Our residents enjoy a good sing-a-along and Chloe has a wonderful voice. She was able to sing songs that they remembered and enjoyed. It was great fun to see them all having such a good time’.

Chloe May understands the benefits of activity for older people as she has recently started training as an occupational therapist herself at Bournemouth University.

Chloe said, ‘I have just finished a dementia placement so I realise how important occupation is to older people. Regular therapy is a tonic for everyone and I feel privileged to be able to entertain such a lovely group of people’.

Chloe started singing professionally at the age of sixteen and works in and around Weymouth singing to small and large audiences. Her love of musical theatre was responsible for her wanting to sing. She hopes to sing at more care homes in the future and can be contacted on 07515 283196.

Weymouth Care Home has already booked Chloe for another event in the near future.

Residents at Weymouth Care Home opened its doors to a selection of creepy crawlies this month when Bugfest dropped in with a variety of creatures. From the small exotic bugs to an impressively large snake, the residents were able to get up close and learn all about the amazing animals. Bugfest, who are based in Dorset, provide educational visits for schools and care homes.

Paula Hartley, Manager at Weymouth Care Home said,

‘Our residents were very excited about our visitors, and I have to say, much braver than I was! Although they seemed a little nervous at first, they were soon put at ease by the handlers and it made a change seeing something that we all normally shy away from’.

Weymouth Care Home is owned by Altogether Care, a Dorset based care provider that encourages their residents to live life to the full.

If you’re choosing a care home for yourself or a loved one, your top priority will probably be finding somewhere which provides high-quality care.

But it’s also important to consider the activities that homes offer.

The physical benefits of staying active are obvious. But as you get older, being able to take part in activities and maintain interests can also help you retain independence, mental well-being and self-esteem.

Care home activities

An activity is anything that helps stimulate your body or mind. And as we’ve mentioned, many have a physical aspect, like ball games, walking or exercise classes.

But clearly, certain physical activities will not suit everyone. As we get older, eye sight and hearing can diminish, while conditions such as arthritis can also limit your movement.

If that’s the case, it’s important to choose somewhere which offers other ways to stay active – in the broader sense of the word. This might include sensory activities or mental stimulation, like a daily crossword, music, aromatherapy, arts, crafts, puzzles or even listening to a regular radio programmes.

It also makes sense to find out if a home organises trips and excursions because having a regular change of scenery provides variety and breaks up routine.

The benefits of activities

Staying physically active helps you feel more energetic and so provides a greater sense of well-being.

It helps strengthen bones and muscles – reducing the risk of falls & fractures and helps to maintain a healthy weight. Being active is also effective in managing high blood pressure and stimulating a poor appetite.

But it goes beyond physical fitness.

Being able to maintain activity helps boost your self-esteem and confidence as well as making you feel happier and more satisfied in your life.

Moving into a care home can be a frightening and intimidating experience – and it can be easy to become withdrawn. But by choosing somewhere which provides a broad range of activities you’ll be able to make new friends, as well as maintain the interests and hobbies you’ve enjoyed throughout your life.

And even though you’re moving into a residential home, it doesn’t mean you should be wholly reliant on others. Taking part in events and activities you enjoy means you have more choice in how your days are structured and maintain control of your life.

So when considering and looking around at your options of care homes, make sure to check out the activities that are available. If you’d like to find out more on the activities that we provide in our care homes please get in touch: altogethercare.co.uk & 01305 300 161.

Residents at Weymouth Care took part in a lively Zumba class this month to help improve their fitness and wellbeing. Everyone in the home was encouraged to get involved, enjoy the upbeat music and appropriate exercises, which included moving beautifully coloured ribbons around in their chairs.

Paula Hartley, from Weymouth Care Home said, ‘Our residents enjoyed ‘Chair Zumba’ which is a more realistic version for older people. It’s still energetic and lots of fun so it creates lots of laughter which can
be a health tonic in itself.  Any kind of fitness is a good thing and they all had a great time’.

Weymouth Care Home currently has 30 residents and is part of Altogether Care, a Dorset and Somerset care provider.

To celebrate Care Home Open Day, Sherborne House had a garden party on Wednesday 15^th June. Unfortunately due to weather it became a lounge party instead but it was enjoyed by all who attended.

We proudly raised £190.45 altogether throughout the afternoon. The residents enjoyed many activities which included, guess the weight of the cake (made and decorated by our chef Julie and residents), match the baby picture of the staff member and forget me not badges on sale in the name of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Steepleton Manor Care Home marked the Queen’s 90^th Birthday with a visit from two Owls.  Biscuit and Olly, a Barn Owl and a Tawny Owl popped into the residential nursing home on the 21^st April with their handler Mike Savage from Woodlands Haven Wildlife Rescue, a Dorset based wildlife rescue centre.

Mike Savage said, ‘We really enjoyed visiting the residents as it’s always a pleasure to raise awareness of local wildlife. Owls require specialist care and should not be kept as pets’.

Steepleton Manor has twenty one residents who celebrated the Queen’s birthday with a special lunch complete with Union Jack flags. Alyson Mead, Manager at Steepleton Manor said, ‘The Queen has very much wisdom so we thought it very fitting to have two lovely owls visiting as they are often known for their wisdom. The residents love to see animals and wildlife so this is a real treat for them’.

Woodlands Haven Wildlife Rescue is not open to the public but regularly visits schools, hospitals and other establishments to raise awareness of British wildlife.

Steepleton Manor Care Home now looks forward to regular visits from Oscar, a local therapy dog who has stolen the hearts of the Residents and staff at the Nursing Home based in Winterbourne Steepleton.

Oscar has been a therapy dog for the last 5 years and his friendly and calm nature makes him ideal company for the twenty three residents.  Alyson

Mead, Manager at Steepleton Manor said, “Oscar has been coming a few months now and he’s as pleased to see the residents as they are to see him.

He mingles well and receives lots of fuss and attention from everyone. His presence is a joy to all who meet him. It makes such a difference to the residents, some of whom used to have dogs before coming to Steepleton Manor. We are very grateful to his owner for allowing him to spend special time here”.

Oscar is ten years old and lives with his owner Victoria Peel, close to the Nursing Home.

Choosing the right type of care

Most people need some type of long-term care when they get older.

When the time comes, the thought of changing the way you live is daunting enough. But with so much to take into account, it can be an even more frightening and confusing experience.

So, whether you’re at this stage of your life or you want to make plans for a loved one, it’s worth thinking about the options available, so you can make the right choice.

Probably the biggest decision to make is whether you’re cared for in a residential home, or in your own house.

Many people prefer to remain in their own home, particularly if they’ve lived there for many years. The surroundings are familiar, and it helps you feel safe and secure if family and friends are nearby. Plus, it allows you to stay more independent.

If that’s the case, you can get regular visits from a carer, who can help you with daily tasks like cooking meals, shopping and personal care. You can get fall alarms installed or special adaptations fitted, to give you peace of mind for times when you’re on your own. And if you still enjoy getting out and about, your care could include day centre visits with transport provided.

But if you need more round-the-clock help, or it’s not safe for you to stay in your house, you might have to think about moving into care home.

There are many types of care home. They employ trained staff and can offer a range services, so which you choose will probably depend on how much support you need.

For instance, you may only need help with certain tasks, like getting dressed and washed.

Or you may need more specialist help, which involves nursing care or support from an experienced carer. Many homes also provide support for people with dementia.

It’s also more of a social environment. So, if you enjoy company and always having someone to talk to, it could be the best choice for you. If your spouse is still with you, often they can move in as well.

Choosing the right type of care is never easy, but Altogether Care makes the process as stress-free as possible. Our Care Match options are designed to give you the care that best suits your needs. And if those needs ever change, we make it simple to switch to another option, so your care always fits around you.

Thinking about how to pay for your care can also be stressful.

While financial help is available, most people have to pay at least something towards the cost of their care. How much of your own money you’ll have to use will depend on what you can afford.

At the moment, if you have between £14,250 and £23,250 in property and savings (and qualify for help), the council will contribute towards the cost. If you have less, most local authorities will cover all your care costs. If you have more, you won’t get any help.

(In 2020, this threshold will increase and a cap on the cost of care is being introduced, so more people will be eligible for help sooner.)

It’s also important to know that, before you can apply for financial help, the council will assess you to find out how much care you need.