Author: Treasured Time

Treasured Time has run since 2017, and during that time I have worked with lots of different people, supporting my clients to get out and about, and to enjoy doing what they want to. This can be going shopping or out for a walk and a coffee somewhere, to befriending people that are housebound and taking shopping in. I work with people who have dementia and try to keep them as independent as possible. Alternatively I can give relief to those caring for someone with dementia, as it is a full time job supporting individuals with this condition. I have enjoyed befriending and helping my clients, and often work with the same clients for a number of years, one or two since I originally began Treasured Time. My background as a mental health nurse, and then working as an administrator in a medical setting has been a good basis for developing my service.

Christmas again!

by Treasured Time

Christmas soon seems to come round each year, buying cards and presents for loved ones can become a chore if you find it hard to get out to the shops. I like to help my clients get what they need, and if necessary take things to the post office for them.

People can feel more isolated at this time of year if you don’t have family or friends left to visit. If you are housebound I can offer friendship and support, and hopefully bring a little cheer into your home. So don’t feel like you have to be alone, give me a call to check any availability.

Autumn is here!

by Treasured Time

As the days become shorter and darker our thoughts turn to Halloween, bonfire night, and Christmas. For some people it is a time of excitement, planning and buying appropriate things for each event. To others it is all too commercial and they would rather forget about it.

Loneliness can be hard to deal with in the winter months, especially when the weather is gloomy (as it has been on and off recently). I enjoy going to see my clients and helping them to get out and about – there is always somewhere dry we can go, like one of the garden centres, which come alive with Christmas decorations at this time of year. So even if we don’t buy anything it is cheerful to look at, and we can chat over a hot drink in the café.

I can also help clients get their shopping sorted, by taking them into town or to one of the local supermarkets, which in turn can take a weight off their mind that they have sorted things.

Communication and Dementia

by Treasured Time

People with dementia/Alzheimer’s often struggle with communicating. Difficulties range from being repetitive with their conversation due to memory loss, to having very limited ability to communicate their thoughts or needs to those around them. This can often lead to them feeling and expressing frustration. Some individuals may lapse into silence while they try to make sense of their thoughts and their experience of the world they now live in.

I find that listening to someone’s thoughts, and what they are trying to say to me with interest, and responding in a way that suits the tone of their communication or facial expressions, helps them to feel understood, even if what is being said dose not make sense when it is spoken. The feeling that you have been understood is important to us all.

Often people believe relatives long gone are still alive, and can talk about them as if they have just seen them. This is because long term memories are much stronger and less affected by the dementia than their short term day to day memories. As this belief is very real to them, you may try to remind them that someone has died, but often that will be dismissed. I try to get people talking about their relative/s, what they were like, what work they did and then move on to their childhood memories like school, work and socialising. It is sometimes better to deflect the conversation to something else if the person is becoming distressed.

Photos are a great way to help someone remember past lifestyle and events in a positive way. The main thing is to help someone feel they have been listened to and understood.

Spring has sprung!

by Treasured Time

As we emerge from a wet and soggy winter, we see the blossoms of spring all around us. This brings hope of warmer and drier days.

I love to take my clients out and about, whether for a drive to look at the blossoms, or to visit one of our parks or garden centres. Here we can grab a cup of tea, and talk about whatever is important. Most people like a change of scene to being at home.

Alternatively a trip into town, or to local shops to do some shopping, is also an option – so let me open new doors for you too to get out too.

Support in Care Homes

by Treasured Time

As part of my work I visit residents in a residential or care setting, on behalf of their relatives who may be working, or living away from the area.

I can offer some companionship and stimulation to what can be a quiet day, by doing things like looking at photos and reminiscing, singing songs, doing art work, or playing a game. Sometimes people just want to chat and I can be that focused listening ear.

Although activities are put of for residents at time during the week, it is not necessarily every day, and some people prefer one to one time.