News

In all care homes, fostering a sense of family and celebrating every occasion is important. Building a community that can share celebrations creates a joy-filled environment, no more so than at Christmas. No matter where your loved one is, the festive period is full of socialising, gifts, carols, mulled wine and decorating a Christmas tree - being in a care home for over Christmas is no different.

Sustainable funding for long-term care requires careful financial planning that covers the assets your loved one has available, the grants and funding initiatives they qualify for and a deep dive into the care options open to them.

As we grow older, the focus often shifts to physical health, leaving mental health overlooked. However, it is a critical part of your loved one’s overall well-being. Mental and cognitive health challenges change as we age due to retirement, loss of loved ones or medical conditions.

It is estimated that between 944,000 and 982,000 people are living with dementia in the UK currently. And despite continuous research, a cure is yet to be found. However, evidence emerging does suggest that nutrition and diets play a crucial role in managing the deterioration of the disease.

One of the biggest challenges faced by those living with dementia is memory loss and loss of cognitive functions. These can cause a myriad of feelings, with frustration, confusion and fear sparking aggressive behaviour. Dementia care seeks to combat these using a variety of techniques, activities and therapies to help slow the progression of the disease and allow your loved one to express themselves and their feelings in a safe environment. Music therapy has proven to be an incredibly useful technique for doing this.

Keeping active is essential for the well-being of a loved one as they age, as it can help keep them physically and mentally active. One activity that provides a range of benefits and often brightens up the day of residents in care homes is horticultural therapy - that is, gardening!