January 12, 2023

What support is available to someone with dementia?

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It can be easy to forget that you need care, too, when looking after someone else. Nonetheless, self-care is essential for your emotional and physical wellbeing; carving out some time for yourself will help restore balance in your life and make it easier to manage the daily demands of being a caretaker.

Taking care of someone with dementia can be emotionally exhausting. Feelings such as guilt, sadness, confusion or anger are quite common but it may not always be possible to discuss them openly with a person living with the condition. This can leave you feeling very alone and unsupported on your journey through this experience.

No matter the emotions you are experiencing, it is critical to understand and accept them. If apprehension or despair takes hold of you, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from your doctor who can provide guidance on all available support services.

Carers’ groups

Caring for a loved one can be difficult and isolating, but joining a carers’ support group is an excellent way to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Not only do these groups provide emotional support from like-minded individuals, but they also offer opportunities such as leisure activities, talks from professionals on relevant topics, trips out of the home environment and general socialising – all providing invaluable respite to those juggling their caring duties alongside daily life.

Online groups

Online communities can offer a wealth of comfort and support, especially if you are unable to leave the house or find yourself in need of another person’s ear when there is no one else around.

Memory cafes

Memory cafes are informal settings where dementia patients and their caregivers can find information, support, and even professional carers who they can talk to privately. It’s the perfect place for those affected by dementia to get connected with necessary resources without any pressure or judgment.

Day centres

If you’re a carer feeling uncertain about day centres, consider the positive effects it may have on both you and your loved one. While some of these facilities cater to mild dementia cases, others offer specialist services tailored specifically for those with memory-related conditions. Having some time away from daily routines can provide endless benefits for everyone involved!

During the initial stages of day care, those living with dementia may find it difficult to adjust. If they appear distressed or discontented at any point, communicate with staff members and potentially consider other centres that could better accommodate their social and cultural preferences. With all the options available, you’re sure to discover an activity-filled environment tailored to your loved one’s needs!

Sunshine, Sweet Treats & St George’s Day Fun at Lenthall House!

This week at Lenthall House Care Home, we took full advantage of the glorious sunshine with a delightful afternoon in the garden — and what better way to celebrate St George’s Day than by making classic jam tarts together? Surrounded by blooming flowers and the cheerful buzz of spring, our residents rolled up their sleeves (and their picnic blankets!) for some old-fashioned baking in the fresh air. With strawberry and raspberry jam glistening in the sun, our homemade tarts were just as sweet as the smiles on everyone’s faces. Laughter, light chatter, and the occasional taste-test filled the garden as we enjoyed the warmth on our skin and the joy of creating something together. And yes — some of us even caught a bit of a tan! It was a simple yet wonderful day, reminding us how lovely life’s little pleasures can be — good company, sunshine, and a jam tart or two. To see more pictures, visit Lenthall House Care Home Facebook Page. Visit our Lenthall House website to get more information.

Blooming Memories at Curtis Weston House 🌼

Flower arranging brings joy and cherished memories to our residents. This week at Curtis Weston House in Wigston, we enjoyed a calm and creative afternoon of flower arranging — and for one of our residents, May, it became a truly special moment. As May carefully selected and styled her blooms, she shared with us that she used to arrange flowers for her local church. Surrounded by fresh petals and the gentle support of our staff, the activity seemed to unlock a beautiful memory. Her eyes lit up, and her hands moved with confidence and joy, as if no time had passed. It was a lovely moment for everyone to witness — a quiet reminder of how meaningful activities can reconnect us with who we are and where we’ve been. The final arrangements were as lovely as the smiles they brought. At Curtis Weston House, we cherish these moments that make our house feel like home — filled with warmth, creativity, and the memories that matter most. Follow our Facebook Page Here for more pictures from Curtis Weston House. To know more information about our home, please visit our Website

A Precious Moment at Arbor House: A Story of Love, Memories, and Generations

At Arbor House Care Home, every visit is a reminder of the beauty of life, the importance of memories, and the power of love that spans generations. Today, we share a truly special moment between a remarkable little boy and his beloved great-nana—a moment that speaks volumes about resilience, joy, and the timeless bonds of family. This was Riley’s very first visit to see his great-nana, a milestone in itself. Born with a rare condition, a hernia of the diaphragm, Riley defied the odds, with only a 10% chance of survival. Now, at just four months old, he is a living miracle. And as he sits with his great-nana, who will be celebrating her 80th birthday this May, the beauty of life comes into focus. The contrast of their ages, spanning nearly eight decades, serves as a poignant reminder of how precious time truly is. A single photograph from this visit captures it all—love, history, and the incredible fortune of having four generations in one room. Though great-nana’s memory isn’t what it used to be, some things remain untouched by time—like her love for Cliff Richard. The music that once filled their home when Riley’s parent was just a child still holds a special place in her heart. When Cliff’s songs play from a phone, her face lights up, and for a moment, she’s a teenager again—singing, smiling, and laughing like no time has passed which fills the heart of staff members at Arbor House. It’s in these moments that we see the magic of music, the joy of reminiscing, and the deep connections that never fade. Cromer, too, holds a special place in their family’s story. For generations, it has been their go-to holiday destination—a place where childhood memories were made, where laughter echoed on the beach, and where love for family deepened. Great-nana spent her summers there with her parents, then with her children, and later with her grandchildren. And now, this summer, Riley will become part of that tradition, continuing a legacy of love and togetherness. These small but significant traditions are what bind families together. The songs we sing, the places we visit, the stories we share—these are the things that make us who we are. For great-nana, each visit from her loved ones is another chapter in her story, another page filled with warmth, joy, and a connection that transcends time and memory. For Riley, these moments, though fleeting now, will one day be part of his own family’s story, a treasured past that will shape his future. Life is unpredictable; we never know where it will take us or what it may take from us. But what we do have is the power to cherish every moment, to create memories, and to capture them in photos that will tell our stories for years to come. This single photograph, spanning four months to eighty years, is a testament to how lucky we truly are—to have love, to have family, and to have moments like this to hold onto forever. So, take the pictures, make the memories, and never stop celebrating the precious gift of life. Because in the end, it’s not just about the years we live, but the love we share and the moments that make life truly meaningful. ❤️ Follow Arbor House’s Facebook Here

Leicestershire County Care