Animals provide comfort and reduce stress, and pet ownership has been found to improve general well-being, particularly for older people. As well as the health benefits associated with exercising and looking after a pet, they provide companionship and purpose. Pets not only bring a sense of joy to their owners, but they can also bolster social interaction and reduce feelings of loneliness. When it comes to what the best types of pets for older people are, there isn’t a right or wrong answer. Rehoming an older dog can be a good option – they will most probably have had some basic training and w ..read more

In the journey of maintaining independence and quality of life, access to suitable equipment plays a crucial role. Whether it’s support for mobility, daily living tasks, or managing health conditions, having the right tools can significantly enhance wellbeing. In this blog, we explore the options available through Medequip’s Community Equipment Loan Services and self-care alternatives to help people make informed decisions based on their individual needs. Community Equipment Loan Service Local councils and the NHS commission Medequip to provide Community Equipment Loan Services across the UK ..read more

Tuesday 19th March, Bridgewater Home Care are hosting a Dementia Information Day alongside Dementia Harborough and Dementia UK. The free event takes place between 10:00 – 14:00, The Lounge at the Congregational Church, Market Harborough High Street, LE16 7AF. It’s a free drop in (No booking required) event for everyone, whether you live with; support or know someone with; or keen to understand more about Dementia. It’s a chance for you to find out what is available in terms of support, activities, and groups within the local community. Complimentary cake and refreshments are also available. Th ..read more

Beth Britton writes about the range of emotions a family may feel when they are considering a care home for a loved one, and how to cope through the process of finding care I don’t think it’s overstating a fact to say that moving a loved one into a care home is a huge moment in the life of that person and their family. Despite the modernisation of many care homes and the fantastic support so many provide, residential care still has a stigma attached to it for many people. Even if you never saw the 90’s BBC sitcom ‘Waiting for God’ that depicted two elderly people determined to grow old disgrac ..read more

Each year, the Good Grief Trust raises awareness of bereavement and support through National Grief Awareness Week. The awareness week runs from December 2nd to December 8th. It’s an important time to acknowledge and support those who are experiencing loss, as well as break taboos around talking about it. This year the focus is #BetterTogether; the aim – creating stronger connections in communities to better share the services out there to support people. When access to the right support is not given, a bereavement can lead to mental and physical health problems, so it is so important to make i ..read more

Many people spend Christmas alone. But in the wake of the pandemic, more people than usual may find themselves in this position. Whether someone is living in care, receiving care at home, or living independently at home, there are many ways to help your loved ones cope with loneliness. If loneliness persists or becomes severe, it can increase the risk of physical conditions such as dementia and mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, low mood or depression. In this blog, Sam Ward OBE, Deputy CEO of Royal Voluntary Service, suggests some simple and easy ways to hel ..read more

This year’s COPD Awareness Day has the theme Breathing is Life – Act Earlier. In this blog, Dawn Watson, Clinical Application Specialist Lead at Tunstall Healthcare, discusses how technology can play a crucial role for people living with COPD by facilitating quick deployment of preventative care. What is COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD is a group of conditions where the main characteristic is narrowing of the airways within the lungs. This narrowing can be due to excess phlegm and/or inflammation of the lining of the lung. What causes COPD? Smoking is one of the main cause ..read more

Beth Britton writes about how dementia can change a person’s behaviour and how to provide the best support as a family member It can be really worrying when you start to notice a loved one’s behaviour changing due to their dementia. For the person living with dementia it is likely to be even more distressing in a world that is already confusing for them. I know we found it difficult when my dad’s behaviour started to change. Initially he just became more reclusive, but that progressed to barricading doors and believing that people on TV were real, in the room and either a friend (which just me ..read more

Recent research from Age UK into internet use showed digital exclusion is a real problem for our elderly. However, there are lots of benefits to being online – one such benefit is online banking. Choosing to bank online can make for a much swifter and easier way to manage your finances. However, it can feel like a bit of a learning curve when you first make the switch, particularly if you’re not too familiar with online spaces. From processing transactions at the click of a button to checking your account balance on the go, the benefits of managing your money digitally are numerous. So, to hel ..read more

Occupational therapy is a powerful tool that can help individuals to overcome barriers, achieve independence and find fulfilment in their daily lives. Whether you are a parent seeking support for your child, an older person looking to enhance your quality of life or someone in need of emotional and mental wellbeing support, occupational therapy offers a personalised approach that acknowledges your unique needs. What is occupational therapy? Occupational therapists work with people to find innovative ways to help them carry out activities they can’t do due to illness, disability, a long-term co ..read more