News tagged with 'Alzheimers'

Introduction

At Andway Healthcare, we’re passionate about supporting care homes across the UK in providing the best possible care for their residents. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our new series: Care Home of the Month.

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Hayes Cottage Nursing Home in Middlesex for their inspiring work and dedication to improving the lives of their residents with dementia.

About Hayes Cottage

Located in the west London town of Hayes, Hayes Cottage Nursing Home offers 24-hour specialised nursing, residential, and palliative care.

As part of Serencroft, a family-owned care home group committed to providing individualised care assistance and the highest standards of nursing, Hayes Cottage fosters a caring environment that promotes wellbeing and dignity.

The nursing home is situated in a peaceful setting with 50 bedrooms, many with en-suite bathrooms.

Improving the Lives of Residents with Dementia

Hayes Cottage Nursing Home kindly chose to share this story with us during World Alzheimer’s Month, an important time to raise dementia awareness and support people affected by the disease.

The nursing home is participating in the ‘Happiness Programme,’ a project run jointly by the Alzheimer's Society and Social-Ability, exploring how to create exciting and accessible physical activities for people living with dementia.

As part of the programme, Hayes Cottage was recently selected to receive a sensory table designed specifically for those living with cognitive and physical care needs. 

The sensory table, which provided care home residents with opportunities to participate in games and interact with personalised content using interactive light technology, was provided free of charge for three months, enabling the nursing home to evaluate its impact on residents' daily lives.

The objectives of introducing the sensory table were:

• To promote engagement and improve mood among individuals with dementia

• To create a safe and stimulating environment through sensory experiences

• To foster social interaction and cognitive stimulation

The sensory table proved to be a positive addition to the dementia care facility at Hayes Cottage. Residents who had been withdrawn became more engaged and interactive as they explored the table, and the range of sensory experiences led to conversations and laughter.

Eventually, residents felt safe and comfortable enough to play games together. The various activities allowed them to express their creativity and connect with others, reinforcing their sense of self and community.

Recognising the sensory table's positive impact on residents with dementia, Hayes Cottage Nursing Home, which is continuously exploring innovative ways to support their care, is fundraising to acquire one of its own.

Could Your Care Home be Featured?

To be considered for a future Care Home of the Month feature, we invite you to share your stories with us, contact us at marketing@andwayhealthcare.org.uk

Let's celebrate the positive impact that care homes are making on the lives of their residents!

The 21^st of September is World Alzheimer’s Day, concluding a month-long international campaign to raise awareness surrounding the disease. The illness is the most common cause of dementia. Currently, there are 900,000 people living with dementia. By 2025, it has been projected that this statistic will rise to over 1,000,000 people, and 1.6 million by 2040.

Latest research has revealed that changes in the brain which led to Alzheimer’s start between 15 and 20 years before any symptoms present themselves. Current scientific focus is on finding ways to recognise and diagnose these changes as early as possible.

Alzheimer’s Research UK has devised a list of tips for a healthier brain, in order to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease:

-          Sticking to recommended limits when drinking alcohol

-          No smoking

-          Keeping high blood pressure under control

-          Maintaining a healthy weight

-          Ensuring cholesterol is kept at a healthy level

-          Having an active lifestyle and eating a balanced diet

Getting Support After a Diagnosis

After receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, some people may experience feelings of low mood, worry, or embarrassment. A sense of shame and anger may also be felt.

Sometimes the disease is only detected in its later stages. As a result, this can affect how an individual responds upon hearing the news, due to the way that dementia can change someone’s brain, behaviour, and personality.

There are many ways that people can support themselves after a diagnosis. The Alzheimer’s Society has produced a helpful publication full of statistics, helplines, and treatments. The booklet is an excellent place to start if you want to find out more in-depth information.

With the right support, a person with dementia can reduce the likelihood of experiencing negative emotions that surface as the disease progresses. Maintaining social engagements and connections can reduce feelings of isolation. Talking about their feelings may discourage a person from bottling up their feelings, and inevitably feeling worse.

A sense of normality is also vital for those living with Alzheimer’s disease. Keeping up with activities and hobbies that they enjoyed previously can help to achieve this. An option of joining another social group or trying new things may also encourage fulfilment and keep the individual mentally stimulated.

Support For Friends and Family

When an individual is diagnosed with dementia, it can also have a significant emotional impact on their family and friends. Although many people experience feelings of relief, others may start to grieve for the life they were expecting to have with their family or friend.

Caring for a person with dementia can be incredibly difficult, especially as the disease progresses, but with the right tools and support, both individuals can cope better.

Deeper knowledge of the disease can help individuals understand what will happen in the future, helping with preparations in advance. This can be achieved through support groups. Sharing experiences with people who are going through the similar experiences may provide companionship during an incredibly isolating time.

Participating in activities and hobbies that the person has interest in can encourage independence and allow you to maintain a strong relationship free of distress and anger. Focusing on tasks that they are still able to do may also boost self-confidence.

Andway can provide personalised services that can aid with the challenges that those with Alzheimer’s disease experience. Memory boxes containing recognisable items can contribute towards feelings of reassurance, lessening feelings of fear and panic.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Andway can help. Get in touch here for support and assistance.

Big Congratulations from everyone at Andway for Gillian Starkey of Gilwood Lodge on completion of her Skydive in support of the Alzheimers Society!!

Like Andway, you can support Gillians quest to raise money for the Alzheimers Society by clicking here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gill-starkey 

Some members of the Andway team completed the Memory Walk for the Alzheimers Society on Saturday 1 September..

Grace, Lydia and Jayne strode out in the fabulous sunshine at Knavesmire York Race Course Saturday 1^st September to help raise funds for the Alzheimers Society.

Working in the care industry we see the vital support offered by the Alzheimers Society and wanted to get our walking boots on and show our support and have raised over £350 so far..

You can contribute by clicking here... https://secure.alzheimers.org.uk/memory-walk/EVMW18FYRK 

When we are out and about visiting your homes we hear and see lots of great ideas and in particular see some of the most caring and innovative solutions for those suffering with dementia.

On a recent visit a member of the Andway team was chatting with a care home manager who was waxing lyrical about a facility called House of Memories www.houseofmemories.co.uk/ based in Liverpool.

Just a quick look at the courses they have on offer on all aspects of understanding dementia and how this can only improve care make it their site a must visit

This prompted us to actively ask other care homes for courses they had found truly helpful and inspirational and we thought it would be a great idea to list these too.

https://www.healthandsafetygroup.com/p/dementia-awareness

https://dementiatrainingcentre.co.uk/

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-professionals/training-consultancy

 https://www.bradford.ac.uk/health/dementia/dementia-care-mapping/

http://dementia.stir.ac.uk/