Elderly care Archives - Altogether Care

Mental Health in Later Life: How Care Services Can Help

Posted on 19 June 202519 June 2025 by Access Performance

As we grow older, it’s natural for our physical needs to change – but what’s often overlooked is the emotional journey that comes along with ageing. Feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or low mood can quietly creep in, particularly after big life changes like retirement, bereavement, or living far away from loved ones.

At Altogether Care, we believe that good care is about more than just meeting physical needs. It’s about seeing the whole person – their story, their feelings, and what brings them joy. Because mental health matters at every age.

The Quiet Reality of Loneliness

Loneliness is one of the most significant challenges facing older people today. According to Age UK, over one million older people say they often feel lonely – and we know that this loneliness can have a real impact on mental health.

For those living alone or with limited mobility, the loss of regular human connection can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and even depression. And yet, it’s not always easy to recognise the signs, especially when they’re masked by a brave face or a smile.

The Emotional Power of Care

Care services, whether at home or in a care home setting, can provide much-needed structure, stimulation, and emotional support. Here’s how:

Companionship that Counts: From a friendly face popping in for a chat and a cuppa, to carers who truly get to know the people they support, regular contact can make a world of difference. It’s about having someone to talk to – and someone who listens.

Activities that Reignite Joy: Whether it’s gentle exercise, gardening, music therapy, or simply baking together, meaningful activities can uplift spirits and create a sense of purpose. These moments encourage connection, spark memories, and offer the joy of shared experience.

Routines That Reassure: A daily rhythm, supported by professional carers, helps restore confidence and calm. For many older people, having structure to the day provides comfort, reduces anxiety, and creates opportunities for positive engagement.

Space to Talk: Trained carers can spot when something doesn’t feel quite right. They are often a first line of emotional support, gently opening up space for conversations about feelings, grief, or worries – and can signpost to more specialised help if needed.

Supporting Families Too: When a loved one is struggling with their mental health, family members often feel helpless or unsure how to help. Care services provide reassurance – not just through practical support, but through genuine emotional connection. It’s knowing that your parent, partner or friend isn’t just being looked after, but truly cared for.

Staying Connected Through Technology: While face-to-face contact is irreplaceable, technology can also play a valuable role in reducing feelings of isolation. Video calls, messaging apps, and online activities allow older people to stay connected with family and friends, even when distance or mobility makes in-person visits harder.

For some, using technology may feel daunting at first – but help is available. Charities like AbilityNet offer free support and advice to help older people build confidence with digital devices. Through their network of trained volunteers and digital champions, they assist with everything from setting up video calls to teaching basic computer skills, making it easier to stay in touch with loved ones and participate in online communities.

With a little support, virtual contact can open up new ways to maintain relationships, share special moments, and feel connected to the world – bringing comfort and companionship into daily life.

How Altogether Care Can Help

At Altogether Care, we work alongside families to create personalised care plans that focus on emotional wellbeing as much as physical support. Our visiting care services help people stay independent at home for longer, while our care homes provide a warm, welcoming environment where no one feels alone.

Whether it’s regular companionship, a live-in carer, or a friendly team in one of our homes, we’re here to support people to live well – with dignity, comfort, and connection.

Reach Out Today

If you’re concerned about a loved one’s wellbeing or would like to explore how care could support their emotional and mental health, we’re here to talk.

📞 Call us on 01305 300 161, or complete our contact form here.

Because everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and cared for – at every stage of life.

Transforming Your Home into Your Haven: Adaptations for Independent Living

Posted on 11 June 20246 January 2025 by Access Performance

There’s something truly special about the comfort and familiarity of home. It’s where memories are made and cherished, where every corner holds a story. But as life evolves, sometimes our beloved home needs a little help to keep up with our changing needs.

The good news? There are countless ways to make your home more accommodating. From easing access to improving mobility, even the smallest adjustments can make a world of difference. Here are just a few simple adaptations to consider:

Ramps and Handrails: Installing a ramp or handrail by your front door can make entering and exiting your home a breeze.
Chair Enhancements: Chair risers or powered raise/recline chairs can provide the support needed to make standing up more comfortable.
Bathroom Solutions: Consider walk-in showers, baths, or a battery-powered hoist to make bathing safer and more accessible.
Convenience Tech: Video entry phones allow you to screen visitors without leaving your seat, adding an extra layer of security and convenience.
Everyday Aids: Simple items like kettle tippers or wide-handled cutlery can streamline daily tasks, making them easier and more enjoyable.

But what if your needs are more complex? There are also larger-scale adaptations that can truly transform your living space:

Widening Doorways: Enhancing accessibility by widening door frames.
Lift Installations: Installing a stair lift or through-floor wheelchair lift to navigate multiple levels with ease.
Layout Adjustments: Reconfiguring your home so that essential living spaces are all on one floor.

Financial assistance for these modifications may be available through various channels. Local councils often provide support for minor adaptations, the first step is to get a care needs assessment from your local council office. Once you have this, any minor adaptations needed to meet your care needs up to a value of £1000 will usually be fitted free of charge.

Visit Age UK for detailed information and helpful advice on applying for a care needs assessment.

More substantial changes may qualify for a Disabilities Facilities Grant. These are means tested, so you may still have to contribute to the cost.

At Altogether Care, we understand the importance of maintaining independence and comfort in your own home. That’s why our services go beyond traditional care, our goal is to empower you to live your best life, with the freedom and dignity you deserve.

Combining these home adaptations with our Care at Home or Live-In Care services can be invaluable. It’s about more than just physical changes; it’s about enabling you to continue living independently and on your terms, surrounded by the warmth and familiarity of home.

If maintaining your independence and staying in your own home are priorities for your future, contact us today. Our tailored packages of Care at Home or Live-In Care services are designed to enhance your quality of life and ensure you receive the support you need. Let Altogether Care help you live comfortably and independently in the place you love. Get in touch to explore how we can make a meaningful difference in your life.

Would You Prefer Your Carer To Be Regulated Or Unregulated?

Posted on 17 April 20246 January 2025 by Access Performance

Choosing a care at home service is a big decision. Like all important choices it helps to be as well informed as possible.

Perhaps the most basic choice is between a regulated and unregulated care provider. But people don’t always realise that this is a choice they’re making. Home help agencies don’t tend to describe themselves as ‘unregulated.’

So What’s The Difference Between Regulated And Unregulated Care?

Being a regulated care service means we are accountable to the Care Quality Commission. We have to meet defined standards and regulations that cover everything from how we run our business to the training expected for the staff who visit your home.

We are subject to regular inspections and you can find the results of these on the CQC website. The quality of the service we provide is independently verified and made public. We have to have procedures in place to ensure that people we care for aren’t at risk from neglect, harm or abuse.

‘Unregulated’ simply means that a provider isn’t registered with the CQC. They aren’t inspected or required to meet any particular standards beyond what is covered by general legal requirements.

What Care Do You Need?

Unregulated care providers can legally offer only a limited range of services such as cleaning, shopping and general help around the home. They cannot offer personal care.

It’s relatively easy for anyone to set up a company to offer general support around the home. Many unregulated providers simply act as agents who put you in touch with a home help who you then effectively employ.

Any provider offering personal care services such as help with dressing, washing, continence or any aspect of care that needs specialist knowledge such as nutrition or hydration must be regulated. If an organisation offers these services they must be able to show you evidence of their CQC registration.

As you can see, there are some important differences between what regulated and unregulated care services can do and how care standards are enforced.

If you have any questions we’d be delighted to help. Give Altogether Care a call 01305 300 161 or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk.

You can also find a range of information and resources on our website https://altogethercare.co.uk/

What Would Make Life Easier For Your Elderly Relatives?

Posted on 26 March 20246 January 2025 by Access Performance

Spring is a time of year when many older people and their families consider whether some extra help – or perhaps new technology – could make life easier and leave more time and energy for simply enjoying life. As families plan for the years school holidays ahead it can often become clearer that an elderly relative has more significant care needs that aren’t being met and there’s a scramble on how to fill that gap.

More Options Than You Might Think

People new to the care system are often surprised by the flexibility and choices available to them. Preconceived ideas about what receiving care means dissolve once they look at the options. Care can mean anything from a few hours a week to help with cleaning or cooking right up to live-in or residential care.

The starting point is always: ‘what would make life better?’ That’s a large part of how we see ourselves. Delivering elderly care in all its forms is what Altogether Care does. Why we do it is to help people enjoy the most active and fulfilling lives possible in their later years.

How Technology Can Help

The pandemic made us all more accustomed to doing things remotely. This trend has opened more options for elderly care. Remote GP consultations are now common, which can be more convenient if mobility is an issue, but there are other technologies and care models which are also contributing to better care.

Altogether Care is an advocate of technologies that can contribute to smarter home care. In partnership with the charity AbilityNet, friendly tech volunteers provide free IT support to older people and disabled people of any age, anywhere in the UK. We recently ran an AbilityNet drop in hub at our Weymouth Care Home.

There is also remote digital care technologies that are easy to install such as Ethel, a smart care hub. This works through a simple-to-operate tablet that includes medication reminders, video calling, remote ‘check-in,’ call-me requests and more. A really valuable feature is vital signs monitoring to provide early alerts of potential issues. Ethel can also be connected to motion, power and contact sensors placed around the home. Altogether Care are piloting the use of Ethel in partnership with Dorset Council for a limited number of clients.

There is no replacement for people, but these technologies and efficiencies will all contribute to improving and maintaining your loved ones care at home.

Starting The Conversation

For families, the hardest part is usually starting the conversation. Asking what would help your relative get more enjoyment from life might be a better starting point than suggesting they need to be cared for.

It’s also helpful to know what options are available. So take some time to look at our website to explore care at home, assisted living, holiday and day care, residential and nursing care options.

To learn more about how Ethel delivers greater peace of mind for elderly relatives needing care support at home, please visit www.ethelcare.co.uk, or for help with making technology accessible for your loved ones, AbilityNet can assist with knowledge about any device.

If you have any questions we’d be delighted to help. Give Altogether Care a call, visit our website, or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk.

Stay Warm This Winter While Keeping Energy Bills Under Control

Posted on 11 December 20236 January 2025 by Access Performance

Keeping warm in the winter months is vital for your physical health and mental wellbeing. This can seem harder to do when energy bills are at an all-time high. But there are ways to stay warm and comfortable without cranking up the central heating.

The first area to look at is your home and whether there are any draughts from poorly fitting windows or doors. Often, fitting draught excluder strips is a cheap and easy way to help keep warm air in and cold air out.

Single glazed windows, or even older double glazed windows can transfer a lot of heat. Putting up heavier thermal curtains can make a significant difference.

Fuel Yourself

Our bodies are pretty effective heating systems. Like any heating system they need fuel. Eating properly, with at least one hot meal each day is essential. Regular hot drinks will also help keep you feeling warm. A care at home service can help out with daily hot meals if it feels a bit of a struggle.

Keeping that heat in with warm clothes and slippers or thick socks is obviously a good idea. It also helps to keep on the move as much as possible as this will convert some of the calories you’ve eaten into heat. So stand up, walk around and do a few stretches if you’re able.

Warm Yourself, Not the Room

There are plenty of electrically heated clothes on the market such as socks and waistcoats. These can be highly effective at keeping you warm without turning on the heating. Similarly, modern electric blankets don’t cost a fortune to run.

Efficient Heating

While it’s possible to keep warm without turning on the heating at all, it’s not necessarily a great idea. Unheated homes can suffer from damp and poor air quality, which can cause mould and respiratory problems. But you can concentrate the heat where it’s needed by turning down radiators in rooms you don’t use.

The flow temperatures on gas boilers are often set too high. If you have a combination gas boiler, turning the flow temperature down to about 60⁰ will ensure it runs more efficiently.

If you have any questions about care at home or any other service give Altogether Care a call, visit our website, or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk. We’ll be happy to answer any questions.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Live-In Care

Posted on 9 October 20236 January 2025 by Access Performance

For many people, live-in care offers the best of everything. There are so many benefits of people remaining in their own home, where they are surrounded by a familiar environment, their own possessions and staying in a community where they feel they belong. Choosing Live-in care ensures there’s somebody on hand for companionship and to help out with those tasks they find challenging.

When people opt for live-in care they often tell us they wish they’d done it sooner. What held them back was a concern about loss of their privacy or independence. They also assumed that their normal routine of life would be upended and their social life would suffer.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

As with all care services offered by Altogether Care – you’re in charge. The service adapts to you, and not the other way round.

Live-In Care – How it Works

First, there will be a conversation between you and your live-in carer about how you want the service to work. You’ll have a personal care plan designed to meet your choices, needs, and wishes.

Your preferences for activities, eating times, meals and hobbies, care routines and your medication needs all go into the plan. There shouldn’t be any disruption to your established routines and way of life. It’s just that somebody is on hand to make it all easier for you.

As your needs change your care plan will be updated. Your live-in carer will offer help when you need it but won’t interfere with any aspect of your life that you don’t want them to.

Our Good CQC rating offers reassurance of the quality of care provided. Here’s what a couple of our live-in care clients had to say:

“Clearly experienced and well trained in all aspects of care. She immediately and competently took on the new tasks as my mother’s health deteriorated, this included: using the hoist, using tools to help move my mother in bed, administering drugs etc.”

“We just wanted to say in passing that Mariana is the best carer our loved one has had from Altogether Care- so caring and sensitive to her changing needs. The duty doctor, who visited last week, said likewise. We hope that Mariana will be able to stay for her lifetime, subject to holidays.”

Levels of Care

You can choose from three basic levels of care and each will be fine-tuned to suit your needs:

Level 1 is mainly for companionship and general support to live independently.
Level 2 offers greater assistance with daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or help with mild physical disability or dementia.
Level 3 offers support for people suffering from a significant physical disability, dementia or other medical conditions that need sensitive and more intensive life care.

There’s also the option of night cover; sleeping or waking night care.

If you’ve considered live-in care, but not yet done anything about it, give Altogether Care a call, visit our website, or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk. We’ll be happy to answer any questions.

How to Delay the Onset of Dementia – Alzheimer’s Month 2023

Posted on 18 September 20236 January 2025 by Access Performance

Dementia is increasingly something more people are having to learn how to live with, affecting individuals and caregivers alike. The theme of Alzheimer’s Month 2023 attempts to underline the notion that dementia doesn’t necessarily have to be an inevitable consequence of ageing.

The ‘Never too early, never too late‘ campaign aims to make us all more aware of factors that increase our risk so we can take steps to delay the onset of dementia. By being aware of these factors, individuals can take proactive measures to postpone the onset of dementia and potentially mitigate its occurrence.

Risk reduction strategies apply to us all, including people who’ve already received a diagnosis.

Dementia Risk Factors

Common factors that increase the risk of dementia include: a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of social interactions, obesity and high blood pressure. It’s evident that many of these factors are interlinked. Click here to find out more about the research behind dementia risk factors and prevention methods.

An active social life, physical exercise and a good diet are the building blocks of good mental and physical well-being. Altogether Care puts a lot of emphasis on these factors in all of our care homes, and not just for people receiving specialist dementia care.

Find out more about Dementia Care in our Care Homes.

There have been two new drugs in the last year that appear to slow down memory and thinking decline in people living with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Results released in July 2023 for one of the drugs, Donanemab, showed that it works better the earlier it is given.

Today is the Best Time to Change how You Live

One major point behind the campaign is that whatever lifestyle you’ve lived up till now, you can still make a change to a healthier way of living. It could make a significant difference to your risk of developing severe Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

And if you or a loved one have been diagnosed with dementia, there’s plenty you can do, whether you opt for residential care or care in your own home.

At Altogether Care, we view residential dementia care as a way of providing people with an environment where they are supported to be more active, engaged and healthy. It’s about delaying the onset of symptoms, not solely managing them.

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.

Finding the Right Care at Home Service for You

Posted on 15 August 20236 January 2025 by Access Performance

Our care at home team want to make life as easy as possible for you in the comfort of your own home. Altogether Care’s care at home services include a range of specialist options to offer you more choice such as: Personal Care, Practical Support, Learning Disability Care, Respite Care and plenty more.

Take a look at our infographic below to find out more on our care at home options:

Download the infographic here

For questions about our care at home services contact us today on contact@altogethercare.co.uk call 01305 300 161 or visit altogethercare.co.uk/care-at-home for more information.

Respite Care – Because Carers Also Need to Care for Themselves

Posted on 12 July 20236 January 2025 by Access Performance

Being a carer is an immense privilege and an opportunity to show genuine care and support to someone dear to you. However, it’s important to acknowledge that juggling multiple responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming. Thankfully, there are ways to alleviate the strain and ensure your own well-being.

Respite care offers a valuable solution without the need for prolonged separation or residential arrangements. Opting for a care at home service allows you to enjoy occasional breaks, whether it’s a day off or an evening of relaxation. It gives you time to take a break to recharge the batteries while ensuring your loved one receives the care they need.

Respite care doesn’t have to be residential and doesn’t have to be for an extended period. Day centres and local activity groups might also allow you to take a bit of time off from caring.

Summer is the time when most of us look forward to getting away for a holiday. There’s no reason why carers can’t enjoy a week or two in the sun. You probably deserve it.

Perhaps you could consider the possibility of a brief duration of respite care within a care home as an alternative option. This arrangement can prove beneficial for all involved. It provides your loved one with a chance to experience a different environment and take advantage of the companionship and social engagements available in our care homes.

Taking time for yourself and returning refreshed helps reenergise you as a carer, making the responsibilities of caregiving feel lighter and less burdensome. It is a crucial investment in your own well-being and the well-being of those you care for.

Paying for Respite Care

In some cases you might get financial help from the council towards the cost of respite care. This depends on the care needs assessment and means testing.

If you receive carer’s allowance, you can normally take a break of up to four weeks in any six month period without it affecting your entitlement.

The most important thing is to remember to take care of yourself. Your health and wellbeing are also important and you deserve a break as much as anyone else.

If you’d like to discuss your respite care options, give Altogether Care a call, visit our website, or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk.

Experience the Joy of the Outdoors: Steepleton Manor Care Home Residents Embrace the Benefits of Getting Out Together in the Fresh Air

Posted on 20 June 20236 January 2025 by Access Performance

Residents from Steepleton Manor Care Home had a wonderful day out. They went on a special adventure with the help and support of an amazing local charity – Cycling Without Age in Weymouth. They rode together in a trishaw bike to enjoy the beautiful weather we’re having and the fresh air.

Lisa Mathews, our activities coordinator, joined the residents on their exciting 14-mile journey. Volunteers from Cycling Without Age made sure that each resident had a chance to enjoy this invigorating experience as they felt the wind in their hair and a sense of freedom during the ride.

The experience started by the beautiful seafront in Weymouth, passing along the seafront and the busy harbour then following the Rodwell trail to Ferrybridge. The residents had the chance to see the beauty of nature and enjoy the peaceful sights and sounds around us.

We cycled through Radipole Park and eventually returned to where we started at Lodmoor. The residents’ smiles showed how much they had connected with the world around them and experienced the simple joys that we often overlook, like the sounds of nature and the sight of flowers. It was clear that getting out in the fresh air had a profound impact on them. They slept well that night.

This inspiring story reminds us that everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the outdoors, regardless of their age or circumstances. Exercise and fresh air are beneficial for everyone, enriching lives and creating a stronger sense of community.

Getting together really supported individuals to feel part of a group, and combat the feelings of loneliness and isolation.

So, let’s ask someone to step outside with us, take a deep breath, and embrace the many benefits that nature offers and feel more fulfilled and less lonely.

How do You Know when Dementia Care is Needed?

Posted on 17 April 20236 January 2025 by Access Performance

As we get older it’s not unusual to become a little less sharp mentally or even a bit forgetful.

At what point should you become concerned that a loved one is developing dementia and might need specialist care? And if care is needed, what should you look for?

Every individual is different. We all have our own views and attitudes about residential care. And in every case there are different levels of support available from family members and friends. This makes it more or less impossible to set a universal benchmark for when somebody will need specialist residential dementia care.

When Should You be Concerned?

Concerns usually arise when dementia starts affecting everyday life. For example, a relative finds it difficult to complete familiar tasks like cooking or washing, gets confused about time and place or persistently misplaces items by leaving them in illogical places.

None of these automatically mean it’s time for specialist residential care. But it does mean there are care needs that need to be properly assessed. This will give you and your relative a clearer picture of the care options available.

Each case is different and everyone should, as far as is possible, make their own decisions about the care they need. The situation is more acute and sensitive if somebody can no longer care for themselves or live safely in their own home.

Choosing a Dementia Care Home

If residential dementia care is the best option, your local council will give you a list of suitable homes. Checking

online reviews and CQC inspection reports is a helpful place to start but won’t necessarily tell you what will be the best choice for a particular person.

We could give you a list of objective criteria to help you choose a home, but sometimes it comes down to the home that ‘feels right’. This could be about the standard of the accommodation and the range of activities on offer.

Or, it might just be about the staff and how interested they seem in learning about your relative (their personal history, likes and dislikes, for example) and meeting their individual needs.

Visit the homes on the shortlist, take as long as you need to make the right decision, and involve your relative as much as possible.

Dementia Care at Sherborne House

Sherborne House in Yeovil specialises in dementia care. The care we offer is professional and compassionate and very much centred around the needs of each individual. Our team aims to balance care and personal safety with wellbeing, independence and quality of life.

If you’d like to discuss dementia care needs in general or take a look around Sherborne House please get in touch.

What Next for Care Costs?

Posted on 15 March 20236 January 2025 by Access Performance

Many people worry about the potential cost of personal care as they get older. Some are concerned that paying for the care they need will eat away their savings and assets and leave nothing to pass on to their children. Others worry whether they’ll be able to afford care costs at all.

While there are very real issues around the cost of care, sometimes the future isn’t as bleak as people assume. This quick summary of care cost funding will make sure you have accurate, up-to-date information for your financial planning.

Care Cost Cap

Before diving into the details we should look at the care cost cap that is scheduled to come into force in October 2023. The cap aims to ensure that no individual will pay more than £86,000 for personal care (either residential or care at home) during their lifetime.

A couple of points to note. Care costs incurred before the cap is introduced won’t count towards the total. Also, the cap doesn’t apply to the accommodation element of care home fees.

Care Needs Assessment

The process starts with a care needs assessment carried out by your local council. This is a formal statement of the personal care you need. Care not included in your assessment probably won’t be included in the care cost cap.

Means Testing

The financial support you get will be affected by your income, savings and other financial assets. Your property is included in the calculation only if you are going into residential care, and only then if you don’t have a spouse or dependent relative still living in your home. It may be possible to enter into an agreement with your local authority so that they recover your care costs from your estate after you die.

If you have capital worth more than £23,250 you will be expected to pay for all of your care costs (the upper capital limit). If your capital adds up to less than £14,250 the council will pay for your care costs. Between these two figures there’s a sliding scale for your contribution.

It’s planned for the upper capital limit to increase to £100,000 in 2025.

Hopefully this has helped to clarify the situation. If you have any questions about funding or any other aspect of care, please call Altogether Care on 01305 300 161, email contact@altogethercare.co.uk, visit our website or use our care calculator.

Steepleton Manor Care Home Celebrates Valentine’s Day

Posted on 2 March 20236 January 2025 by Access Performance

Steepleton Manor’s 2023 Valentine’s Day was absolutely full of love and fun was had by all in attendance.

The residents and staff spent some time working on arts and crafts to create some things for display and to gift to one another. They decorated the activity room with hearts made out of red tissue papers and pink card and wrapping paper that had all been laminated to last.

One of our residents made a card for her husband who has dementia, who was delighted to receive a homemade card from his wife as he hadn’t received one in a long time. It was a special moment as he recognised what the card his wife had made was and what it was for on such a special day. Another resident also made a card for his partner who came to visit that day. She was also very happy receiving a Valentine’s Day card from someone so special.

The residents enjoyed a chocolate fountain with plenty of skewers of fruit, marshmallows, biscuits, and small pieces of cake. The residents particularly enjoyed getting hands on with the task by helping staff to break up all the chocolate. Plenty of mess was made and fun was had by all.

The day ended with everyone in high spirits and delighted to have had such an action packed day of love and chocolate.

Tips for Promoting Positive Mental Wellbeing for Care Home Residents

Posted on 2 February 20236 January 2025 by Access Performance

Depression and loneliness are common among the elderly and have only been worsened by the pandemic and following lockdowns.

Almost half a million people live in care homes in the UK and approximately 70% of all care
home residents have dementia or severe memory problems.

Here are the ways we support the mental wellbeing of residents in our care homes:

Download the infographic here

What Help and Support is Available for Unpaid Carers?

Posted on 3 November 20226 January 2025 by Access Performance

Unpaid carers are the hidden face of social care in Britain. The organisation Carers UK estimated that there are 11.5 million people across the UK who give unpaid support to someone who is elderly, seriously ill or disabled. It went on to estimate that, by doing so, unpaid carers are saving the government £193 billion a year.

Of the 900,000 unpaid carers nationally who provide this service full-time – most of whom are women – many rely on Carer’s Allowance, which is the lowest benefit of its kind at just only £67.25 a week. Understandably, life can be really tough for carers.

Stress

Unpaid carers also face a number of extra stressors that can have a negative impact on their wellbeing such as: higher levels of stress, which can eventually lead to burnout, as well as feelings of helplessness and exhaustion.

Unpaid carers have been hit harder by recent inflation rising costs than many: financial support for the person cared for has an impact, as does taking unpaid leave to cope with care needs.

What support is available if you’re an unpaid carer, to ease the pressure of looking after a loved one?

As noted above, there is a government-paid Carers Allowance which can help. You can also use a benefits calculator to see if you can claim for help with your council tax or with fuel costs.

Your local council are obliged to provide you with a care assessment which could allow you to claim for additional support, such as any equipment you might need to help you care for your loved one.

Talking

It is also important to talk to close friends and family about how you’re feeling. Being lonely and isolated will only add to feelings of despair and exhaustion. Opening up about your worries can be a huge help – as they say, ‘A problem shared is a problem halved.’

When you’re caring for someone, it is often easy to ignore your own needs. At Altogether Care, our experienced and highly-trained carers are on hand to help if you need to work or look after your own health and wellbeing. We can also offer permanent care for your loved one if you’re no longer able to do so.

We can help your loved one live an independent, active and healthy life by assisting with jobs like household cleaning, washing and ironing, shopping, cooking and collecting pensions. We can also provide a transport and escort service for medical appointments, day care attendance, and general outings.

If you would like to know more about how we could help you with caring for a loved one, don’t hesitate to get in touch and discuss your options. Call us on 01305 300 161 or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk

Is now the Right Time to Consider Respite Care for Your Loved One?

Posted on 5 August 20226 January 2025 by Access Performance

Following the distressing and turbulent times that Covid-19 brought to the UK, with its associated lockdowns and the trauma that it brought with it, this country now seems to be returning to something approaching normality.

Care homes are operating more or less normally, and the options for care for your loved ones have increased exponentially. Is now the right time to consider residential care for your older relatives?

Is a care home the best option?

Your relative might be having increasing difficulty with everyday tasks like washing, cooking or dressing themselves and taking their medication. They might be worried about falling, with no one around to help them. And they can get increasingly stressed by the little things in life.

Moving into a care home can give the elderly a new approach to life – they can meet new people with shared life experiences, and they can make new friends. Because there are highly-trained staff on hand at all times, the worries about being on their own melt away. They are fed and washed and entertained and properly looked after.

Depending on the level of care needed, their every need will be taken into account, and if they need extra nursing or dementia care, that can be arranged.

Respite care

It may be that it’s too soon for you to start thinking about full-time residential care. In which case, respite care might be a more suitable option.

Respite care can be for a short time, such as only a few hours every week, or can be overnight, or a weekend.

Even though many people take a great deal of pleasure in providing care to their loved ones so that they can remain at home, the financial, physical and emotional consequences can be overwhelming without some support, such as respite.

To be most effective, you should consider respite services much earlier than you might think you will need them. Respite is best if you use it before you become exhausted, and isolated by your responsibilities.

Altogether Care is committed to providing your loved ones with the highest possible standards of care, and is vigilant about the possible return of variants of the Covid-19 virus, se we take every possible precaution to keep residents and staff as safe as possible.

If you’d like to explore care options available for yourself or an elderly relative, give Altogether Care a call, visit our website, or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk.

Weymouth Care Home Residents and Staff Sea Life Centre Sensory Day

Posted on 21 July 20226 January 2025 by Access Performance

Resident’s and Staff at our Weymouth Care Home recently went out to the Weymouth Sea life Centre for their Sensory Day.

They loved seeing all the variety of sea creatures, such as the seals and being in the underwater tunnel where they could see sharks, sting rays, turtles and more. They thoroughly enjoyed choosing their own gifts from the gift shop. The residents and staff cannot wait to do this again soon.

The purpose of our Sea Life sensory day was so that everyone could experience not only a different environment, but different senses such as: sounds (running water, noises from penguins, music), smells (the penguin enclosure, the smell of the food that was there), sight (different sea creatures, bubbles, lights).

Each week our sensory days look at different things which affect different senses. Previous sensory days focusing on touch at Weymouth Care Home have included orbeeze and slime. For sound we have used instruments, and for sight we have used sensory lights. We also use our magic table if they are doing a bubble pop game, we also have our bubble machine on and music in the background.

Sensory days are incredibly important for those who need activities adapted, or who struggle to partake in group activities as it helps keep their brains stimulated, it gives them new opportunities to experience their senses.

We have found that by doing sensory days it has had a positive impact on all residents who have taken part, and it’s nice doing activities that all abilities can partake in.

A Career With a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Posted on 8 July 20226 January 2025 by Access Performance

The pandemic changed the way a lot of people work, perhaps permanently. Many found working from home preferable to commuting to and from a fixed place of work.

But was it just the change of setting that made people happier in their work? Research by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) suggests that some aspects of homeworking are actually less attractive. In particular, people found it harder to collaborate with colleagues. And there’s no doubt that some people miss the social aspects of the workplace.

The biggest positive according to the ONS data was unquestionably an improved work-life balance. Being home based gave people opportunities to take or collect kids from school and generally enjoy more family time, rather than arrive home late each day after a tiring commute.

Will Work From Home Last?

The future of home working is unclear. Some organisations are already calling staff back into the office full or part time. And in other occupations such as retail there’s no option other than to be present in the workplace for a fixed number of hours.

When people say they’re looking for jobs that allow them to work from home is it that they really want to turn part of their home into a place of work? Or is it just that they want to balance work and life a little more in their favour?

Where Else Can You Find Work-Life Balance?

If the most important goal is to have a better work-life balance there are alternatives. A new job that offers flexibility to blend work and family life more harmoniously might be all you need.

In which case the care sector is an excellent place to start looking. People don’t just need care within normal office hours. So working for Altogether Care usually allows people to choose work patterns that fit best with their home life and commitments. This can take a lot of stress and pressure out of everyday life as it’s easier to fit your work around the things you need and want to do.

If you’d like to find out more about how working in the care sector can improve your work-life balance, contact Altogether Care on 01305 230488 or email careers@altogethercare.co.uk, or check out our current vacancies.

Start a Career Where Your Work is Appreciated

Posted on 5 May 20226 January 2025 by Access Performance

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many people came to appreciate how important key workers are to our society. Emergency services, health and care workers and the armed forces were all there to help when the nation needed it most.

Many organisations are keen to show their appreciation for key workers and have joined the Blue Light Card scheme to offer discounts on shopping, meals out and attractions.

One of the perks of a career with Altogether Care is that you qualify for a Blue Light Card. This gives you access to over 15,000 discounts, both locally and online.

With your card you can enjoy every day discounts when you: go to the cinema, eat out at numerous participating restaurants, buy a mobile phone, shop from famous brands, book a holiday, go to a theme park or just queue up for your coffee. The list of participating companies reads like Who’s Who of famous retail and leisure brands.

Work With People Who Enjoy What They Do

Blue Light Card discounts come on top of many other advantages of working for Altogether Care. First of all, we’re a happy crew. You’ll get to work every day with a team of people who enjoy what they do and take great pride in their work. That has to be better than being surrounded by long faces waiting for the hands of the clock to tick round.

The clients you work with are also an incredible group of people. They all have a story to tell and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing what a difference you make to their lives every day.

Your work in the care sector will be appreciated in so many ways. The discounts offered through the Blue Light Card is just one of them.

If you’d like to have a discussion to find out more about working in the care sector, contact Altogether Care on 01305 230488 or email careers@altogethercare.co.uk, or check out our current vacancies.

Tag: Elderly care