Support after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Receiving or hearing the news of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be a challenging, life-changing event that can bring a mixture of emotions to you or your loved ones. You may be feeling shocked or in disbelief by the news and have a sense of uncertainty about the future. At The Good Care Group, we understand and empathise with anyone receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and do our utmost to recognise the different responses that can be experienced and we will be there to help you every step of the way.  Over the last decade, we have cared for clients with different types of dementia, ranging from vascular, Lewy bodies, frontotemporal lobe and more. This article will  be focussing on the support ...

Stay Hydrated with Homecare

The Importance of Hydration in Dementia Hydration is vital for people of all ages, and is important for maintaining overall health and well-being. Drinking enough fluids ensures the optimal functioning of vital organs, aids digestion, regulates body temperature and supports cognitive function. Dehydration on the other hand can lead to a number of implications such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney problems, confusion, constipation and dizziness, that is why it is important to drink plenty of water daily to prevent this from happening.  At The Good Care Group, many of our clients have dementia which makes us aware of how important it is to stay hydrated when living with this condition. Drinking plenty of water has many benefits such as ...

Supporting clients who experience sundowning

Our resident dementia expert Dr Jane Pritchard, explains what is meant by ‘sundowning’ in dementia and helpful tips on reducing discomfort and distress. ‘Sundowning’ is the name given to when people with dementia become more confused, anxious or distressed during the late afternoon and evening (i.e. as the sun goes down). This is thought to be due to altered circadian rhythm, tiredness, misperceptions, and increased disorientation at this time. The following steps may be helpful to reduce distress at this time of day: During the day encourage the client to go outside, or to sit by the window as exposure to bright light helps to reset the body clock Try to achieve some degree of physical activity or exercise each ...

A landmark study confirms healthy eating and exercise are the key to good health in old age

A landmark study run over 35 years has revealed that a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of ill health and disease in old age. A landmark study run over 35 years has revealed that a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of ill health and disease in old age. The study, funded jointly by the Medical Research Council, the Alzheimer’s Society and the British Heart Foundation, is the largest of its kind. Started in 1979, the study has recorded the lifestyles of 2,500 men from Caerphilly, Wales at regular intervals. At the beginning of the study, the men were asked to eat well, keep trim, exercise regularly and refrain from smoking. Every five years, their diet, weight, ...

How to ease sundowning symptoms

Find out how you can help ease sundowning symptoms for older people with a little help from the friendly team at The Good Care Group. Understanding how to help ease sundowning symptoms is immensely important. Sundowning is a symptom of dementia and Alzheimer's that can cause older people to become restless, agitated and confused as day turns to night. However, there are steps you can take to help support older people affected by this condition. In this article, we'll provide you with some ideas you can use to ease sundowning symptoms for your loved one. Options that could help ease sundowning symptoms There are a number of actions you can recommend to help ease sundowning symptoms for your loved one. ...

When the Concern is for the Carer – by Dr Rudy Capildeo, FRCP, Consultant Neurologist

John is 83 years of age, round faced, tanned, cheerful, smiling a shock of white hair and a slight roll as he walks. A picture of health, strong legs and a good gait, he always comes into the clinic room first followed his wife. John is 83 years of age, round faced, tanned, cheerful, smiling a shock of white hair and a slight roll as he walks. A picture of health, strong legs and a good gait, he always comes into the clinic room first followed his wife. She is 77 years, slim, even underweight, walking more slowly than John and the waddle in her gait is due to pain and stiffness in her right hip. John, my patient, always greets me with ...

26th November 2015 – Free Seminar – Family Support & Coping with Dementia

Recognising that dementia will touch the lives of many people in some shape or form, Whitehead Monckton in conjunction with The Good Care Group, is hosting a dementia awareness event at our offices in Tenterden. Family support and coping with dementia – an awareness event 26 November 2015 Recognising that dementia will touch the lives of many people in some shape or form, Whitehead Monckton in conjunction with The Good Care Group, are hosting a dementia awareness event at our offices in Tenterden. We’ll talk about some of the practical and legal issues surrounding the care of people with dementia with particular emphasis on relieving the pressure on their families. Caroline Speed is a solicitor with expertise in dealing with ...

Dementia: Lifestyle changes that could lower your risk

Nearly everyone can lower their risk of dementia, even if it runs in the family, by living a healthy lifestyle, research suggests. Nearly everyone can lower their risk of dementia, even if it runs in the family, by living a healthy lifestyle, research suggests. The study of nearly 200,000 people showed the risk fell by up to a third. The team at the University of Exeter said the results were exciting, empowering and showed people were not doomed to get dementia. The findings were revealed at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. What counts as a healthy lifestyle? The researchers gave people a healthy lifestyle score based on a combination of exercise, diet, alcohol and smoking. This is an example of ...

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