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As we grow older, our mental health is just as important as our physical wellbeing. Yet, for many older adults, emotional health often takes a back seat – overshadowed by physical challenges, life changes, or the belief that feeling low or anxious is simply part of ageing. But it doesn’t have to be.

At Altogether Care, we believe that good mental health in later life means more than the absence of illness. It’s about feeling valued, connected, and supported – maintaining a sense of purpose and belonging every day.

Understanding Mental Health in Later Life

While ageing brings wisdom, independence and joy for many, it can also bring challenges that quietly impact emotional wellbeing.

Some of the most common influences include:

• Loneliness and Isolation

As friends, partners, or social circles change over time, many older people find themselves spending more time alone. Mobility issues, bereavement, or distance from family can make social contact less frequent – and loneliness can take a real toll on both mind and body. Research shows that chronic loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking or obesity, making companionship and community vital to wellbeing.

• Physical Health Changes

Pain, reduced mobility or sensory loss can affect confidence and independence. Everyday tasks may feel harder, and people sometimes worry about becoming a burden. Supporting individuals to stay active, involved and independent helps boost mood, confidence and quality of life.

• Cognitive Changes and Memory Loss

For some, memory lapses or early dementia symptoms can cause worry and withdrawal. Understanding, reassurance and practical support can make a huge difference – helping people feel secure and able to maintain a sense of identity.

• Loss and Change

Bereavement, retirement or moving home can bring feelings of loss that go beyond grief. Roles, routines and purpose can shift – and with them, a person’s sense of self. A compassionate ear, shared activity, or structured support can help people rebuild confidence and meaning.

• Financial Worries and the World Around Us

Rising living costs, concerns about heating bills, and uncertainty about the wider world can all weigh heavily on people’s minds. For many older adults, watching the news or managing finances can become a source of real anxiety, especially for those living alone on a fixed income.

Practical advice and reassurance can go a long way in easing these worries. We always encourage anyone feeling financial strain to seek guidance from trusted organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, who can help with benefits, energy support, and other available assistance.

Sometimes, just having someone to talk to about these concerns makes all the difference – reminding people they don’t have to face these challenges alone.

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in Older Age

Mental health problems are not an inevitable part of getting older – and with the right support, later life can be a time of fulfilment, connection and peace of mind.

At Altogether Care, we see every day how small, thoughtful acts can make a big difference to emotional wellbeing. Our care teams provide more than physical support; they offer companionship, empathy and encouragement, helping people live life on their own terms.

Here’s how we help nurture mental wellbeing:

• Meaningful connection: Regular visits, friendly conversation and social activities help people feel valued and less isolated.
  
  
• Person-centred care: We take time to understand each person’s story, interests and routines – building care around what truly matters to them.
  
  
• Trained, compassionate carers: Our teams are trained to recognise signs of loneliness, anxiety, or cognitive change, and know how to respond with sensitivity and care.
  
  
• Encouraging physical wellbeing: Nutrition, gentle exercise and good sleep are key to supporting both mental and physical health.
  
  
• Reducing stigma: We encourage open conversations about emotions and wellbeing, helping people feel comfortable asking for help.

Caring for the Carers

We also know that carers, whether family members or professionals – need care too. Supporting others can be emotionally demanding, and wellbeing is vital for both those giving and receiving care. That’s why we offer mental health support, wellbeing initiatives and training for our teams, to ensure every carer feels valued and supported.

Looking Ahead

As we mark World Mental Health Month this October, it’s a reminder that caring for our minds is every bit as important as caring for our bodies. With compassion, connection and understanding, we can all help make later life a time to thrive – not just to get by.

If you’re concerned about a loved one’s wellbeing or would like to know more about how care can support emotional and mental health, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us on 01305 300 161 or contact us online.

September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – a time to shine a light on the condition, raise understanding, and highlight the importance of support for those living with Alzheimer’s and their families.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting memory, thinking and behaviour. In the UK, over 850,000 people are living with dementia, and Alzheimer’s accounts for around 60–70% of these cases (Alzheimer’s Society). Behind each number is a person – a parent, grandparent, partner, or friend – navigating the challenges that Alzheimer’s brings.

The Reality of Living with Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect memory. Over time, it can impact daily routines, confidence, independence and relationships. For families, it can be heartbreaking to watch a loved one struggle with things that once came so naturally. Feelings of grief, frustration and uncertainty are common – yet so too is resilience, love and the drive to make every day meaningful.

Why Awareness Matters

Talking openly about Alzheimer’s is vital. Greater awareness helps break down stigma, encourages earlier diagnosis, and ensures families know where to turn for help. Early support can make a big difference in managing symptoms, planning for the future, and helping people to continue living well for as long as possible.

How Care Makes a Difference

At Altogether Care, we know that care is about more than practical support – it’s about connection, dignity, and understanding. For someone living with Alzheimer’s, that can mean:

• Familiar routines that bring comfort and reduce anxiety.
• Companionship that helps ease feelings of loneliness.
• Practical help with meals, medication, or personal care.
• Specialist support for memory care and cognitive wellbeing.
• Reassurance for families, knowing their loved one is safe, supported and respected.

Whether through receiving Care at Home, Live-In support, or the dedicated teams in our care homes, we create personalised care plans that adapt to each individual’s needs – and evolve as those needs change.

Staying Connected and Supported

Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelming, but no one has to face it alone. If you’re concerned about memory problems in yourself or a loved one, the first step is to talk to a GP. There are also excellent organisations offering advice, support and information, such as the Alzheimer’s Society.

A Message of Hope and Care

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is not only about recognising the challenges – it’s also about celebrating the moments of joy, connection, and love that shine through every day. At Altogether Care, we are proud to walk alongside individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s, offering compassionate care that supports independence and dignity.

Because while Alzheimer’s changes many things, the ability to feel love, comfort and human connection never fades.

If you’d like to talk to someone about Alzheimer’s or dementia care, give Altogether Care a call, visit our website, or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk.

Coming home after a stay in hospital – whether due to illness, surgery, or an unexpected accident – can be both a relief and a challenge. While the comfort of familiar surroundings is welcome, the road to recovery often still lies ahead. At Altogether Care, we understand how vital those first few weeks and months are in helping people regain strength, confidence, and independence.

The Transition from Hospital to Home

Discharge from hospital doesn’t always mean someone is back to full health. Many people, especially older adults – find themselves needing extra support with everyday tasks like washing, dressing, cooking, or medication. Without this help, recovery can stall, and the risk of returning to hospital increases.

That’s why thoughtful, personalised support at home can be such a vital part of the healing process.

Tailored Support for Your Recovery

Our post-hospital care services are designed to offer just the right level of support, right when it’s needed. This could be a daily visit to help with medication and meals, short-term live-in care to aid with mobility and routines, or flexible support that gradually reduces as both confidence and health return.

No two people are the same, and neither are their recovery journeys. That’s why we create personalised care plans based on individual needs, preferences, and goals – from regaining mobility to simply enjoying a cup of tea in the garden again.

Helping You Feel Safe, Comfortable and Heard

Recovering at home can feel daunting, especially for those who live alone or whose loved ones are juggling work or distance. Our trained carers not only provide practical help but offer companionship, encouragement, and peace of mind. Families know someone is checking in and keeping an eye on things – especially important in the early days after a discharge.

We also regularly review the care being provided and adjust it as recovery progresses. That means if your needs change, so does our support – ensuring you never receive more or less help than you really need.

From Recovery to Independence

Our aim is always to help people live as independently as possible. For some, a few weeks of support is all that’s needed to get back on their feet. For others, ongoing care – either at home or in one of our warm, welcoming care homes – can offer the safety and reassurance they need to enjoy life again.

Whatever the journey looks like, we’re here to support every step.

Let’s Talk About Recovery Support

If you or someone you love is due to be discharged from hospital, or recovering from an illness or injury at home, we’re here to help make the transition as smooth and supported as possible.

📞 Call us on 01305 300 161
📩 Or contact us via our online form

At Altogether Care, we believe great care comes from the heart. Every day, we see the life-changing difference a kind, committed care worker can make – offering comfort, dignity, and practical support to those who need it most. But right now, the very workforce that delivers this essential care is under threat.

What’s Changing and Why It Matters

From 22 July 2025, major government changes to immigration rules will significantly restrict the route for overseas care workers to come to the UK. These include:

• End of Overseas Sponsorship for Care Roles – employers will no longer be able to sponsor new overseas recruits for Care Worker or Senior Care Worker roles (SOC codes 6135 & 6136) under the Skilled Worker or Health and Care visa routes. This effectively ends international recruitment for these roles from that date.
• Higher Salary Thresholds – Any remaining eligibility for sponsorship would require meeting the new general salary threshold of £41,700 – a figure well above standard care sector pay, and far beyond what most care providers can offer for frontline care roles.
• No Family Dependents Allowed – A policy already in effect, meaning that overseas care workers can no longer bring their partners or children with them to the UK. This makes relocation far less attractive and unviable for many skilled professionals.

These changes might feel distant or technical, but they will have a very real and detrimental impact on the lives of older and vulnerable people across the country. Why? Because our sector is already under strain, and overseas workers are a vital part of helping us meet growing care demands. In fact, the NHS and social care sector would have collapsed long ago without the support of overseas staff.

The Role of International Care Workers

Contrary to some misconceptions, overseas staff are not temporary or less invested. Many are highly skilled, deeply committed professionals who have chosen to build lives in our communities. They are our neighbours, our colleagues – and for many families, they are the reassuring presence caring for loved ones day in and day out.

At Altogether Care, we’ve worked hard to ensure our international staff not only meet the highest standards – but feel truly supported in their new roles and homes. That includes:

• Providing safe, accessible key worker accommodation
• Ensuring full compliance with rigorous checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, visa documentation, and sponsorship requirements
• Helping staff settle confidently into life in the UK by offering support to understand local culture, day-to-day living, and how things work – both in and outside the workplace

These are people who choose to care – who undergo intensive vetting, training and personal financial cost to come and contribute meaningfully to our communities.

International colleagues do more than fill the staffing gaps in our industry – they add cultural depth to the fabric of our teams. Their presence enriches local lives, reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, providing connection and understanding across cultures.

What About Growing Our Own Workforce?

It’s something we passionately believe in and already do. In fact:

• 100% of our Registered Managers were promoted from within
• We provide structured in-house training, including the Care Certificate and Levels 2–5 qualifications
• We work with local colleges to offer apprenticeships and adult social care diplomas

But even with all of this in place, we can’t fill every role through domestic recruitment alone. The scale of need is simply too great, and funding too limited.

A System Under Strain

Without access to overseas talent, care providers like us will struggle to meet current and rising demand. This puts pressure not only on our teams, but on unpaid family carers, hospitals, and the wider health system. It means delays in hospital discharges, longer waiting times for support, and increased risk to those who rely on timely, person-centred care.

This isn’t just a workforce issue. It’s a wellbeing issue, a health issue, a human issue.

What Needs to Happen Next

We believe in a future where care is respected, supported, and sustainably funded. But to get there, we need:

• A coordinated national workforce plan
• Reconsideration of immigration policies that acknowledge the true value of care professionals
• Greater investment in domestic training and international recruitment

Because the truth is, great care knows no borders. It is found in the quiet patience of someone helping a client get dressed. In the warm conversation shared over a cup of tea. In the reassurance families feel knowing their loved ones are in safe, capable hands – no matter where the carer originates from.

Standing Up for the People Behind the Care

Despite protests from us and other care providers across the country, the concerns of our sector have largely been ignored. Independent providers like Altogether Care simply cannot compete with NHS pay, pensions, and benefits – yet we are expected to meet the same complex care needs under increasing financial and regulatory pressure.

At Altogether Care, we see firsthand the dedication, compassion, and expertise our international and domestic staff bring to their roles every day. They are the heartbeat of our services – and they deserve to be recognised, respected, and supported.

Now more than ever, we must speak up for the people behind the care. We must push for policy that reflects the true value of this workforce, and for a care system that is fair, inclusive, and fit for the future.

Dementia is a condition that touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of people across the UK – not just those diagnosed, but their families, friends and communities too. It often begins quietly, with small signs that are easy to brush off or put down to age. But when forgetfulness starts to affect daily life, it may be time to ask whether something more serious is happening.

The Hidden Struggle of Living Alone

For those living alone, the early stages of dementia can be especially difficult. Without someone nearby to notice the changes, signs may go undetected until they start to pose real risks – missed meals, forgotten medications, unopened post, or confusion about time and place. This creates a heavy emotional load for loved ones, especially when they live far away and can’t see what’s happening day to day.

Is It Just Forgetfulness – or Something More?

It’s natural for memory to change slightly with age. But dementia is more than occasional forgetfulness. Signs that may suggest dementia rather than normal ageing include:

• Repeating the same questions or stories frequently
• Struggling to follow conversations or find the right words
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Difficulty with planning, organising, or handling money
• Personality or mood changes
• Withdrawing from social situations or hobbies

If you’re concerned about someone you care for, the NHS has a helpful guide to recognising the early signs of dementia and what to do next:
🔗 www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/about

Making the Home a Safer, More Supportive Place

Practical home adaptations can make a big difference for those living with dementia -helping them stay safe, confident, and independent. Some useful aids include:

• Large-faced clocks showing both date and time clearly
• Signage or labelling around the home (e.g. kitchen cupboards, bathroom doors)
• Automatic pill dispensers and medication reminders
• Motion sensor lighting for night-time safety
• Simple-to-use appliances like one-button radios or phones
• Memory boxes and photo frames to prompt familiar memories
• Colour-contrasting furniture or flooring to reduce confusion
  
  

How Altogether Care Can Help

At Altogether Care, we understand that staying in your own home for as long as possible is often the most comforting and dignified option. Our care at home and live-in care services are built around each person’s unique needs, routines and preferences.

We support individuals and families by:

• Offering personalised care plans tailored to the challenges of dementia
• Helping with daily tasks, medication, companionship and emotional support
• Giving family members peace of mind, knowing their loved one is safe and cared for
• Technology Enabled Care (TEC) that uses discreet, innovative products placed around the home to help identify care needs early, supporting a proactive and preventative approach to wellbeing
  
  
• Promoting joy, dignity, and connection through respectful and meaningful support

If you’re worried about someone or need advice about dementia care, we’re here to listen and help.

👉 Get in touch with us today for a friendly, no-obligation chat

There was a time when Mary’s home was never silent. The echoes of children’s laughter, the hum of conversation over dinner, the steady rhythm of daily life filled the walls with warmth. But now, the house stands still. The clock ticks loudly in the quiet, marking the long hours of the day. The phone doesn’t ring as often as it used to. Friends who used to visit are now facing their own struggles with aging, while her loving family is scattered across the country, busy with their own lives.

Understanding Loneliness in Later Life

Loneliness in later life is a quiet struggle, often unspoken but deeply felt. For many older adults, waning health and mobility can make leaving the house a challenge. The simple pleasures of visiting a café, walking in the park, or attending social gatherings can slip away, leaving behind days that feel long and empty. The home that was once a bustling hub of activity can become a place of stillness, a stark contrast to the past.

The emotional impact of isolation can be profound. Human connection isn’t a luxury; it’s essential for our wellbeing. Without it, feelings of sadness, anxiety, and even depression can creep in. Studies have shown that loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking or obesity, affecting both mental and physical well-being. (Age UK: Loneliness in Later Life) Yet, despite its prevalence, loneliness is often overlooked – a quiet struggle faced behind closed doors.

The Power of Connection

The smallest interactions – a familiar voice, a friendly face, can bring colour back into daily life. Regular visits, companionship, and meaningful engagement can rekindle the warmth of human connection. Whether it’s a care professional who takes the time to chat over a cup of tea, a community volunteer bringing a friendly visit, or a family member making time for a phone call, these moments can transform isolation into comfort.

For older adults struggling with loneliness, support is available. Services such as the Silver Line Helpline provide free, confidential support for older people who need someone to talk to. Local charities and organisations also offer befriending services, providing regular phone calls or visits to ensure no one has to face loneliness alone.

How Altogether Care Can Help

At Altogether Care, we understand how important companionship is. Beyond providing essential care, our team is there to listen, to share stories, to bring joy into everyday moments. A regular visit can mean more than just practical support – it can be the highlight of someone’s day, a reminder that they are valued and cared for.

If you or a loved one could benefit from a little more company and support, we’re here to help. Because everyone deserves to feel connected, no matter their age.

📞 Need support? Contact us today on 01305 300 161
💛 Learn more about our services: Altogether Care

Remaining in their own home is important for many older people. It’s where memories live, it’s filled with familiar things, and it’s close to friends, family and social activities.

Living in your own home represents independence. Even if everyday life isn’t as easy as it used to be, home is where you’d like to stay for as long as possible. According to a survey for the Homecare Association carried out just after the covid pandemic, over one third of older people would choose their own home as their preferred care setting.

The top reasons for preferring care at home included: ‘the ability to live the way that I want’ (64%); ‘how much control I would have’ (54%) and ‘the effect on my relationship with family and friends’ (53%).

Other people would have residential care as their preferred option. And that’s key point – it’s all about individual preferences and freedom of choice.

For those who prefer to stay in their own home, care at home and live-in care are valued options that provide the help you need while maintaining your cherished independence.

Care At Home

Care at Home is a popular choice. It’s highly flexible in terms of the number of hours and the type of support provided. Some people need help with issues such as bathing and personal hygiene, and for others it’s routine tasks like shopping, cleaning and cooking.

Live-In Care

Some older people have more acute care needs that maybe can’t be met by a carer calling in periodically. Or perhaps they want some companionship while remaining at home.

Live-in care can meet all of these needs. As the name suggests, it involves the carer living in your home so that help and support is always on hand.

Care choices are important decisions. If you have any questions about the options available and what might suit you best, the team at Altogether Care will always be happy to help.

Contact us for a friendly no-obligation chat to find out more.

Being a caregiver is a deeply meaningful role, one that requires dedication, love, and resilience. While it can sometimes feel overwhelming, you are not alone. Many people understand the challenges you face and want to support you in maintaining your own wellbeing.
If this is you, you’ve probably had plenty of advice about how you should take care of your own wellbeing to avoid burning out. ‘Make sure you balance your personal life with your responsibilities.’ Easy to say, but harder to do when you’re juggling so much.

Putting general advice into practice seems hard when there are so many demands on your time and emotions. So here are some more concrete suggestions about what you can do and where you can find some help to ease the load.

Be Realistic

The hardest job is to be realistic about how much you can take on. If somebody gave you a list on day one showing all the care needs your loved one would eventually need, you’d probably see it was impossible to meet all of them on your own. Care needs build over time, and it’s easy to find yourself doing more and more without realising the full impact on your time, wellbeing, and your own life in general.

Making a list is the first step to identifying what tasks you have the capacity to carry on doing and which ones need an alternative solution. The alternative might be friends, other family members or a professional care provider.

Value Your Time

Reserving time to pursue your own interests or just relax is something you’re entitled to do. Never feel guilty about it. Balancing your personal life with caregiving is ultimately more sustainable than abandoning your personal life altogether.

Look After Yourself

A good diet, exercise and enough sleep. These are essentials – not a ‘nice to have.’ They are as important as anything else you do. Try to make them part of your routine.

There may be support groups in your area where you can share issues and practical solutions with people in a similar position.

Caring for a loved one is a profound commitment, and it’s essential to remember that support is available to help you maintain your own well-being while providing care. One valuable resource is the Looking after someone guide from CarersUK, which offers practical advice and information tailored for caregivers. Additionally, Carers UK provides online tools to assist with various aspects of caregiving, helping you balance your responsibilities and personal life.

Get Help

Respite care, day care and care at home are a few of the ways you can take some of the load off your shoulders and care for your loved one in a more sustainable way.

Talk to Altogether Care about your options and what other help and support might be available. You don’t have to deal with everything on your own.

If you’re exploring the cost of care for the first it may seem confusing and cause unnecessary anxiety.

The rules can seem a complex, and it’s likely that many people will have to make a contribution to meeting the cost of their care.  But this shouldn’t stop you finding out where you stand or getting the care you need to live a more comfortable and enjoyable life.

There’s plenty of information available about care costs and funding either online, through your local council, or through organisations like Citizens’ Advice. Perhaps the simplest option is to pick up the phone and talk to the team at Altogether Care.

Your Online Care Cost Calculator

Another convenient way to explore how much the care you need is likely to cost, is to use our online care cost calculator. This will guide you through a short series of questions about your care needs and preferences. You’ll then be sent a personalised estimate of the likely cost.

Accessing Financial Support

Depending on your financial situation, your local council might pay for some or all of your care costs. The first step to accessing support is to have a care needs assessment. To request an assessment, contact your local council’s social services department: find your local council

Once the council has assessed and agreed your care needs they’ll carry out an assessment of your income and assets to work out how much financial support you’ll receive.

If you’re assessed as needing a place in a care home you’ll have to fund all of your care costs if you have assets worth more than £23,250. Depending on your personal circumstances, the value of your home may or may not be included in your assets.

The value of your home won’t be included in your assets if you receive care in your own home rather than residential care.

NHS Care

If your care needs are mostly medically-related the NHS might arrange and pay for your ongoing care. The NHS may also pay a contribution towards the cost of your nursing care directly to a nursing home.

Time to Talk?

Perhaps you’d prefer to talk to somebody rather than wade through information on your own. Call the friendly team at Altogether Care and we’ll happily talk you through your care options and likely costs without any obligation.

As we gather with family and loved ones over Christmas, we find ourselves surrounded by tradition, warmth, and conversation. It’s a time of togetherness and celebration, but it can also be a time of gentle reflection – especially when it comes to noticing the needs of the people we care most about. For many families, this season can be the perfect time to observe and consider if an elderly relative might need a bit more support in their day-to-day lives.

The thought of broaching the topic of care is often met with hesitation. We worry it might feel invasive or suggest a loss of independence, but we can also view it as a step towards a more supported and fulfilling life. Sometimes, just starting the conversation is the most powerful step.

Starting the Conversation with Empathy

Accepting help can feel daunting, especially when we associate it with the idea of ‘losing’ independence. Instead, approach the topic with empathy, recognising the sensitive nature of the conversation. Make it about them – their daily life, their activities, and the parts that are becoming a little tougher than they used to be. Focus on the positives, such as an improved quality of life or increased time for hobbies, relaxation and enjoyment.

Remember, this is likely just the first of many conversations, and it doesn’t need to lead to immediate decisions. Give your loved one space to think and to feel involved in the process. People often feel better about change when they feel it’s their choice, so providing options and letting them drive the pace can help ensure they feel respected and in control.

Exploring the Options Together

With a variety of care options available – from live-in support and sheltered housing to home visits and residential care – finding a tailored solution is easier than ever. Begin by researching together or on their behalf, so they can see what’s available and how it might fit into their life. Knowing they have options may help lessen any initial anxieties.

Finances are an understandable concern, and it can be helpful to make this part of the conversation too. Our website, Altogether Care  offers a useful care cost calculator, providing estimates to help families budget accordingly and determine what works best for their situation and care needs.

Continuing the Conversation Beyond Christmas

Perhaps the most important takeaway from this first discussion is that it opens the door to continued support. By planting the seed, you’re showing your loved one that they are not alone in managing this new chapter. They know you’re there, ready to listen and to help them when they’re ready.

At Altogether Care, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, helping your family navigate these changes with compassion and expertise. We understand how challenging it can be, which is why we focus on delivering care that not only supports daily needs – but enriches the lives of those we serve.

Want to know more about how we can help? Start your conversation today: Contact Us

As the nights are drawing in and winter looms, thoughts inevitably turn to ways we can keep warm over the colder months – without cranking up the central heating. Perhaps even more so as energy costs remain high and many older people will no longer have access to the winter fuel allowance.

The good news is, that there are plenty of ways to stay a bit cosier over winter without breaking the bank. First, look for any obvious places where warm air could be leaking out and cold air seeping into your home. Simply applying draught excluder to doors and windows can make a huge difference.

Heating only the rooms you use makes sense. If you have bedrooms or other parts of the house you don’t use that often, turn the radiators down and keep the doors closed.

Layer-up for More Warmth

When it comes to clothing, several thinner layers will be more effective (and less restrictive) than a single bulky layer. This way of dressing for warmth will also help with one of the most effective things you can do – keep active. Stand up, walk around, do a few stretches or gentle exercises. This will make your body generate heat that your clothing layers will help retain.

Heating the person, not the room is another cost-effective option. There are plenty of fancy products you can buy like heated waistcoats but, really, a good old fashioned hot water bottle can work wonders.

Warm Welcome Spaces

Many organisations, including Altogether Care are part of the Warm Welcome Spaces initiative. We offer a warm welcome at multiple locations across the South-West. Our Warm Spaces provide a place for anyone in the community to come and enjoy warmth, free hot drinks, and friendly conversation. Whether you need a break from the cold, a chat, or just a peaceful space to relax and enjoy a conversation and connect, our doors are open to everyone. Pop in to one of our registered spaces – we’d love to see you there.

You can find your nearest Warm Space and check out all opening hours here.

Nutrition

To keep active and warm you’ll need fuel. Hot, hearty meals like stews and soups will give you energy and raise your body temperature. While nutrition and a good diet remain important, remember that any food is better than no food. So if it’s a slice of cake or a bowl of chips you fancy most, enjoy it and don’t feel guilty.

Social Activities

Winter doesn’t have to mean hunkering down at home and sitting it out. Look out for social activities in your area. Organisations like the University of the Third Age (U3A) run social and educational activities in many areas that are usually free or very cheap to attend. You also get to benefit from somebody else’s heating for a few hours.

By taking a few simple steps, you can keep yourself and your home warmer this winter without feeling the pinch. Remember, you’re not alone – there are plenty of people and places in your community ready to support you. So, whether it’s sharing a hot meal, enjoying a warm space, or simply keeping active with friends, a little kindness and community spirit go a long way. Stay warm, stay connected, and know there’s always help nearby if you need it.

Breast cancer touches nearly all of us in one way or another. Just about everyone has a relative, friend or work colleague who has been affected. This includes direct experience among our colleagues here at Altogether Care.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a cause close to our hearts and we want to show solidarity with a worthy and essential campaign. It supports people with breast cancer and their families and helps raise awareness of screening programmes, potential symptoms and the importance of seeking medical help as quickly as possible.

Every Statistic Bears a Human Story

It’s easy to get lost in the numbers. Every day, over 150 people in the UK will receive the devastating news of a breast cancer diagnosis. That’s around 56,000 new cases each year. We never forget that behind the statistics are countless human stories of anxiety, lives turned upside-down, tragedy and, sometimes, triumph.

To put this even further into perspective, according to Breast Cancer UK a woman born after 1960 will have a one in seven lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

Thankfully, mortality rates have decreased by 41% since the 1970s. Yet breast cancer is still the 2nd most common cause of cancer death in women. In 2022 breast cancer was the most common cause of death for women between 35-49 and 50-64 years of age. There’s still plenty to do.

A More Positive Future

The good news is that mortality rates will continue to fall over the next few years. Better scientific knowledge and new treatments will be a factor in this. Fewer avoidable deaths also relies on greater awareness, screening and early intervention.

This is why Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024 is so valuable. It’s raising funds for research and increasing awareness. We know that the earlier cancer is detected and treated, the better the chance of survival.

So please do this for yourself and those you love: learn how to check your breasts for possible signs of cancer, go for screening when invited, and see your doctor immediately you find anything suspicious.

And if you want to be part of the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign you can sign up and get your fundraising pack here.

Any individual’s care needs are likely to change over time. The change could be temporary, for example while recovering from a medical procedure, or it could be longer term for health conditions that become progressively more acute.

What’s important is that there’s continuity. People needing personal or nursing care shouldn’t need to have to keep telling their story over and over again to different people. If your needs change from a few hours of care at home, to Live care or to residential care, there should be a seamless handover to ensure your care needs continue to be met.

Staying With A Care Provider Who Knows You

One advantage of an organisation like Altogether Care that offers a full range of flexible care and support, is that your needs can be met without changing your care provider. This means you have the reassurance of staying as part of our family, receiving care and support from people you know and who know you.

You’re always dealing with people you know and who know you.

But it isn’t just about the range of care support on offer. Information such as your personalised care plan has to flow easily and securely between different teams – so that whoever is delivering your care will have all the information they need to support you in the most effective way.

Digital Care Planning and Joined Up Care

Some time ago Altogether Care invested in digital care planning software. This helps us work efficiently and effectively to meet the individual needs of everyone we support. It also means that all the vital information about each individual and the care they need is easily available. Your care plan travels with you as you access different services.

Digital care planning tools also make it easier for us to collaborate with other healthcare professionals who might be involved in your care. Using digital tools helps us join everything together so that each person always receives the care they need.

If you are considering your care options and want to plan for the longer rather than immediate term, take a look at the different types of care we deliver. Or call one of our team on 01305 300 161 who’ll be happy to talk through your needs and options.