Blog

Happy New Year to everyone. I wonder what new year’s resolutions we will make, and whether we will keep any of them. For me it’s always about better health and keeping in touch with people throughout the year. It’s so easy for time to elapse and the things we mean to do go from a month, to six month, to a year undone.

I know if I plan things and put dates in the diary, there is a good chance they will be done.

Perhaps you have been thinking about your social life, or lack of it, and wondering what to do next. This is a good time to make a commitment to doing something positive for yourself. If companionship is one of the things you want to establish, then don’t be shy and give me a call.

It may change your life for the better!

Christmas is when we plan time with family and friends to celebrate the festive season. Writing and receiving cards and presents adds to our enjoyment in the build up to Christmas, and going to a Carol Service reminds us of the real reason behind the festivities, singing songs that we learnt from childhood onwards.

For some people it is a lonely time when we think of those special people not with us anymore. The circle of friends and family in older age is not the same as when we were younger.

I cannot replace these special people, but I can offer friendship and someone to share time with doing whatever is important to you to prepare for the season.

I have helped people who live independently at home with Alzheimer’s, especially during the earlier stages of being diagnosed with the condition. Support is often needed or preferred to help cope with their symptoms, and being there gives someone the extra confidence to do the things they want to do, whether going out shopping or just going for a walk and talk with a companion.

As their illness progresses people can struggle with certain routine tasks in the home and they may need visual or written instructions on how to do something, or need more guidance on how to complete what they are trying to do.

Communication can become difficult affecting people in different ways. Not being able to remember words, or struggling to get out what they want to say is common. Having someone there to listen and reflect back what they may be trying to say can be helpful, as it can be very frustrating to someone if they cannot be understood. If speech patterns are very disrupted, it is important that time and understanding are given to work out the best way to help someone communicate with others.

I have worked with a number of people with Alzheimer’s, and I find each person is affected differently in how their symptoms affect them. By spending time building a relationship with the individual, I can gain their trust and learn to understand their needs.

Feeling alone and knowing that you probably won’t talk to another person during the day is an experience all too many people have.

People find themselves alone for many reasons, but particularly as we get older, often other family members may be working, and friends are sadly no longer with us.

I am here to offer friendship and fill that space, helping you to socialise and bring enjoyment back to you’re day – so don’t be shy and give me a call to see if I can help you.

The coronation of King Charles III is on Saturady 6th May at 11am at Westminster Abbey. This will bring back memories for many older people of Queen Elizabeth II coronation in June 1953, also at Westminster Abbey.

For many this will be the first time they have witnessed such an event, and although times have changed significantly from the Queen’s coronation, I’m sure people will enter into the spirit of the occasion hosting street parties and family get togethers.

Its a time to reminisce about the memories the service will evoke and also to build new memories. I will certainly be talking about the coronation with my clients.