The importance of short term Respite Care

Posted on 26 July 2022 by Nicky Macfarlane

The importance of short term Respite Care

The demand for Respite Care during the summer months is unsurprisingly high, with many families heading off on holidays whilst their children are on the summer break from school and others planning action packed days, during the warm weather.

For those who have a caregiving role in the family, the need to balance the support they give with their wider family can be challenging at this time of year. Whilst caregiving is very rewarding, it is demanding both physically and mentally and being able to take time away, can be hugely beneficial to health and wellbeing.

What is the purpose of Respite Care?

Taking a break from caring for someone else is the main reason people consider respite care, giving carers time for themselves. This can be based on day care, care in the home or a short stay at a residential care home of 1 to 4 weeks.

When is it time to consider Respite Care?

There are many reason caregivers make the decision to organise Respite Care for a person they support and our recommendation where possible is to plan this ahead of time during busy periods like the Summer Holidays.

Simply take time out to reboot and recharge physically and mentally
To enable them to spend more time with children or the family during school holidays
When the list of general household to do’s aren’t getting done and they need to catch up on themselves.
During renovation work to the home, which is likely to be disruptive
The need to attend medical appointments or treatment themselves
They simply just need a break

What are the benefits of short term residential respite care?

Whilst there are a number of options available for a respite break, such as asking friends or family to help out, employing a live-in carer or sourcing home care from a paid carer, there are added benefits from opting for short term residential care.

A short term stay in a luxury all inclusive residential home like Huntington House, can be a holiday in itself for people who need extra help in their day to day lives or live alone with change of scenery and the peace of mind being in a welcoming, safe and secure environment.

These short stays can also be a great opportunity to trial the services and environment of a Residential home, if a full time move is being considered. The socialness of joining in activities and chatting to the other residents and staff is often the thing people enjoy the most from their stay.

Respite Care for people living with Dementia can also be beneficial when it is in a specialist dementia care home like Langham Court. With the reassurance the person living with dementia’s needs will be taken care of, gives carers peace of mind to have a break whilst the stimulation of taking part in activities created with individual abilities and needs in mind can be a positive experience for those living with dementia

Who pays for respite care?

Where respite care can’t be fully funded within the family, there is funding available for respite care and local councils will complete an assessment of both your individual living and financial circumstances. This will be completed as a carer’s assessment and a needs assessment for the person who needs the care.

The Huntington & Langham approach to respite care

Whether recovering from an operation, injury or medical condition, or if you’re a carer and need somewhere safe for your loved one to stay while you take some time for yourself, our respite care is second to none and comes part and parcel with complete peace of mind.

We create a personalised care plan before any stay so that you and your loved ones can relax, knowing we’re providing specialist support in a comfortable home from home. We often find people settle into the home very quickly and extend their stay.

“I don’t think you could find many Huntington’s. It’s extremely well run. Different people get different things. I love it! I came for two weeks and have stayed for months. It’s the attitude you just couldn’t fault. They have been very understanding to me as a smoker as so many places don’t these days. AND they’ve let me have my dog Woolly – they had a vote on it and then Maggie said “Woolly is welcome!” Respite Resident at Huntington House

You’ll be welcomed into the family and are encouraged to make the most of all that we have to offer here, such as an exciting activities programme, freshly-cooked meals and beautiful gardens, along with high quality care from our fantastic team.

Huntington House is a leading accredited Level One Dragonfly Residential Home. In our recent audit we received an Excellent rating from the team at Meaningful Care Matters, who described our care as:

“A highly engaged service with a high value on meaningful moments and a true person-centred philosophy, which is congruent in look, sound and feel as well as with regulatory compliance requirements. People’s individuality and expression is evident, and people can express that freedom and be themselves.

Our Home Maker team have a great mix of different skills and interests which helps offer variety in the day; with some residents enjoying the more structured activities such as quizzes whilst others value time with the team who are great at offering more 1-to-1 time and conversations.

How can I organise Respite Care?

If you, as a caregiver, need some time out, or you feel your loved one might benefit from a change of scenery, our respite and daycare services could be ideal for you.

We encourage anyone thinking of Respite care to come and visit us to take a tour of the homes and Estate, simply give us a call on 01428 604600 or Email us at huntington@hlestate.co.uk

How we lead the way as a Dragonfly Care Home

Posted on 21 July 2022 by Nicky Macfarlane

Why we believe meaningful care matters

Huntington House continues to lead the way in the provision of residential care and as the first accredited Level One Dragonfly Home, achieving an Excellent rating from Meaningful Care Matters, for the delivery of the Dragonfly Approach in 2022.

Offering a highly engaged service with a high value on meaningful moments and a true person-centred philosophy. People’s individuality and expression is evident and people can express that freedom and be themselves.

“I don’t think you could find many Huntington’s. It’s extremely well run. Different people get different things. I love it! I came for two weeks and have stayed for months.

It’s the attitude you just couldn’t fault. They have been very understanding to me as a smoker as so many places don’t these days. AND they’ve let me have my dog Woolly – they had a vote on it and then Maggie said “Woolly is welcome!” Resident of Huntington House

A leading Dragonfly care home

Meaningful Care Matters conducted the audit during June 2022, accrediting the home with flying colours, recognising the hugely impressive achievement of the whole team at the Huntington & Langham Estate after the challenges of the last two years from managing Covid-19.

On receiving the news Charlie Hoare, Managing Director of The Huntington and Langham Estate said:

“I’m so very proud of our team, and completely overwhelmed with the outcome, especially having managed to maintain such a high standard of true person-centred care when Covid-19 has presented so many challenges along the way.

Reading the report made me incredibly emotional, having needed to navigate the government Covid-19 guidance over the last 2 years, whilst maintaining our family ethos and the Dragonfly Approach at Huntington House. Knowing that the effort to balance it all, has had a positive impact on people’s lives makes it all worthwhile.

There is something so fundamental about looking after each other; it is why we exist as humans. Life in care homes should reflect life in general, and while the care industry still has a way to go to achieve a truly holistic approach, being the first accredited Level One Dragonfly Home is arguably the best evidence that we are leading the way.

For me, both professionally and personally, it’s the positive comments from the people that live and work here that are so important, as well as feedback from family members.

Having an independent audit by Meaningful Care Matters, ensures that we remain focused on the most important part of running a care home; the people and their freedom to be themselves.

The expert insights provided in this years report, into how to embrace people’s individuality, and the impact of the environment on their experience of life in a care home, will become our care encyclopaedia for the next year, until the next audit!”

Working with Meaningful Care Matters

Established in 2019, Meaningful Care Matters (MCM) focuses on the development of resilient relationship-centred cultures of care shaped by the people living and working within them. MCM believe that caregiving is meaningful for everyone involved when cultures of care express the personhood of people within them. In these person-centred services both “caregivers” and recipients of care can flourish.

The Dragonfly approach is about the ‘whole person’. While traditional care focuses primarily around clinical needs, the Dragonfly approach gives control back to the person who is being cared for and values the person on an emotional and social level, meaning each person is “free to be me”.

“There is a real feeling of home here. It is informal relaxed and family like. We always ask “How would I want my loved one to be treated?” That’s the starting point. With the Estate, you can feel the love – everyone truly does care and people have fun!

Even during the pandemic, we managed to have outdoor parties and we could use the buggies to go round the beautiful gardens”. Team Member at Huntington House

There is lots more information about The Huntington and Langham Estate available on our website. https://huntingtonlangham.estate/

We love to show people around the Estate and our two wonderful homes so please do send us an Email to huntington@hlestate.co.uk or call us 01428 604600 to arrange a visit.

How do you choose the right type of Care Home?

Posted on 19 April 2022 by Nicky Macfarlane

For many people, it is not until you find yourself in the situation where, either a close relative or you need greater support with personal care, that the question “What types of care homes are available?” needs answering.

If you then find yourself overwhelmed with the multiple and varied choices you can have to receiving care and support, you are certainly not alone.

Thankfully there are several independent practical guides and resources online, which we can recommend to explain the options available and provide practical tips on choosing the right type of care.

What is the difference between a care home and a nursing home?

The AgeUK website is a good place to start your research, so you can be clear what the differences are between a care home and a nursing home and how these relate to people living with Dementia.

Age UK offer an overview of the main types of care provision and an independent view of the options available.

Care Homes – is the most commonly used phrase when referring to services such as ‘providing personal care, such as washing, dressing, taking medication and going to the toilet. They may also offer social activities such as day trips or outings’.
Nursing Homes – (or Care Homes with nursing) ‘provide personal care as well as assistance from qualified nurses. Sometimes called care homes with nursing.’
Care Homes with dementia care – ‘designed to make people with dementia feel comfortable and safe’
Nursing Homes with Dementia Care – whilst not currently covered by Age UK on their website, this is a specialist category of care for those living with Dementia that we would also include given our experience at Langham Court where we are able to offer our residents bespoke nursing care aligned to their personal needs.

How do I choose a Residential Care Home?

Before starting on your journey to creating a shortlist of prospective homes, we would always recommend talking to a professional, such as a GP to help establish the right approach to care needed for yourself or a loved one.

A needs assessment is, however, only part of the process to choosing the right home. The style of home you select is a very important decision when it comes to making the move into Residential Care of any genre.

There are several national chains of Residential care providers in the UK, many offering a hotel or concierge style experience for residents at their properties. With smaller regional chains offering their own models of care, by comparison at The Huntington and Langham Estate, as we are a family owned and run home, we are passionate that we offer just that – a family home from home for all our residents.

Everyone’s approach to how they like to live is personal, which is why we encourage our prospective residents, along with their families to visit us and spend time familiarising themselves in our home. Quite often it’s the moment people step through the door that they know it’s right. Just like buying a new house, it’s the location, outlook, decoration, and layout which create those first impressions.

With so many properties and models of care available, Carehome.co.uk is a good source of information, offering a comprehensive directory of over 17,000 homes across the UK. Their website makes it easy to search by location and type of care. Featuring reviews and awards, also offering comprehensive details of each property and a rating for comparison.

What makes a good Care Home or Nursing Home?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) are the main regulatory body of all health and social care providers the nation over.

Carrying out inspections of all properties they are a good source of information about the standard of care you should expect to receive, rating the 5 set categories of: Safe / Effective / Caring / Responsive and Well-led.

We go beyond these categories to focus on a person centred care approach, partnering with Meaningful Care Matters to provide a meaningful experience for our residents everyday allowing them to be “Free To Be Me” each and every day. All of our team are conscious of doing the right thing “in the moment” for our residents, rather than be constrained by schedules or processes.

Adopting the Butterfly and Dragonfly approaches to care, we believe we are able to improve the quality of life and lived experiences for all in our care.

What are the options to fund care homes or self-funding your long term care?

3 useful links to begin your research into the funding of care are listed below. Talking to a local solicitor or accountant can also be a good source of information as they will often be supporting others take the most effective approach to funding care.

We would also be happy to share our knowledge of options for funding for anyone considering becoming a resident at The H&L Estate.

We are here to help you make the right choices

Whilst choosing the right care home or nursing home can seem daunting, with lots of things to be taken into consideration, there is lots of help available and a willingness to help. After all we are all #GladToCare.

Please do get in touch with us if you would like to visit The Huntington & Langham Estate, the kettle is always on!

Random Acts of Kindness Day at the Estate

Posted on 17 February 2021 by Ricky

How we’ve been spreading cheer this Randon Acts of Kindness Day

Here at the estate, we’re passionate about embracing any opportunity to spread joy within our home, and throughout the community.

The past year has been a rollercoaster ride – and so, we think it’s more important than ever that we clutch to little nuggets of happiness whenever they arise.

So, sit back, relax and enjoy reading all about the random acts of kindness we’ve been exhibiting throughout February.

Surprising Our Care Team

To celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day, we’ve taken the opportunity to show our gratitude to our care team for all the hard work they do each day.

So, we surprised each member of the H&L team with either a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates. It’s safe to say that they were delighted with their gifts!

Spreading the Love on Valentine’s Day

Last Sunday, we donned our creative hats to celebrate the day of love.

Three members of our wonderful team clubbed together to create mini hand-made Valentine’s cards for the H&L family. A small act of kindness really does go a long way; our residents were overjoyed with the gesture!

Getting Crafty

It’s not just our staff that love getting creative; it turns out that our residents do, too!

We were delighted to see their enthusiasm for making Valentine’s cards and sending love to their nearest and dearest.

Baking Sweet Treats

At the estate, we think there’s little better than a tray of warm, freshly baked goodies.

We were delighted to discover that one of our residents had decided to treat us with a delicious array of shortbread, moulded into heart shapes in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

We Have a Secret Hairdresser Among Us…

This may come as a surprise to some of you… Bess, one of our team leaders, has a special talent (aside from her wonderful caring nature!); she’s actually a qualified hairdresser!

During lockdown, Bess has very kindly been putting her skills into practice, making our residents feel special with a fresh haircut.

Thank you to all our staff and residents for continuing to spread kindness and joy at our home, and throughout the community. It truly does make all the difference at a time that’s so difficult for us all.

How did you celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day? Let us know via our social media channels.

Reflecting Back on Summer at the Estate

Posted on 3 August 2020 by Ricky

Here at the estate, we love embracing all seasons; and as we edge closer into the autumn months, we’re taking some time to reflect over the fun we had during the height of summer.

Time for reflection

As the weather began to warm up, our lovely residents loved making the most of our beautiful outdoor spaces. Some of our residents found pleasure in maintaining our gardens, whilst others enjoyed picking fresh flowers from our on-site fauna.

It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the warm weather, and taking the opportunity to get some light exercise and fresh air.

Did you know we have our own estate taxis service, which takes our residents on a tour around the estate. It’s safe to say that they made a few furry friends along the way!

If you’d like to find out more about what we’ve been getting up to at the estate, be sure to check out our social media channels.

Choosing the Right Dementia Care Home

Posted on 18 May 2020 by Ricky

When the difficult decision of moving your loved one into a dementia care home has to be made, it can be very challenging for all involved. Family members can often feel guilty from passing on the care of loved ones to someone else. It is therefore crucial that the home you do choose is the right one.

Further challenges are brought into consideration when your loved one is living with dementia. There is often extra confusion and greater difficulty in explaining to your loved one why they will have to leave their home.

Help when choosing a Dementia care home

Our team at the Huntington and Langham Estate in Hindhead, Surrey have over 40 years of experience when it comes to this matter. We will work with you to ensure a smooth transition into our care environment.

Our home at Langham Court embraces our motto and we will do everything we can to support you, so all you have to do is “let our family look after yours’.

The Butterfly approach of care we embrace takes a very person-centric focus, putting your loved one’s emotional and physical needs at the forefront of everything we do.

Below are some of the considerations we suggest you bare in mind when choosing the right dementia care home for your loved one.

Involving all those who care is key

The move into a care home can be a very daunting prospect for all family members. From the person in question, to their primary caregiver, be it a daughter, son or other family member, to the more external members of your family who may be providing support and love from slightly further afar.

It is important to ensure that everyone feels involved in the decision making process, even if that just means communicating with them in a more in-depth manner about the steps along the way.

Easing those feelings of guilt that we have often seen families struck with can be quite challenging, however our team is here to help at every step of the way.

Third party bodies and charities can also provide support at this stage, such as Dementia UK who offer free impartial advice and support to all family members in scenarios just like this.

When is the right time to move into a care home?

Finding the right time to move into a care home is never easy. Is it too soon? Is my loved one emotionally ready to move? Will there be ramifications if you leave it too late? These are all very important questions that you need to consult your family/caregiving circle on.

The need to move into a care home could have arisen from a number of reasons; deterioration of their condition, resulting in it being harder for them to live independently, a change in circumstance meaning the primary caregiver is no longer able to commit as much time into looking after their loved one, there could be many reasons, and many combinations of reasons for seeking a dementia care home for your family member.

Regardless of the ‘whys’ and the ‘whens’, it is still a difficult decision for anyone to have to make.

From our experience, considering the move into a care home should be thought of as far in advance as possible. And often, we have found that if your loved one moves before their condition has deteriorated too greatly, it makes the move that much easier.

It could start with a day or two, visiting the home, an introduction via respite care or daycare, or just a quick chat on the phone with one of the Huntington and Langham team to find out a little more.

How to find the right care home

Once you’ve decided that moving into a care home is the next stage for your loved one living with dementia, and all family members are onboard with the transition, the next step is to begin the search for the right home.

Again, third party resources such as Age UK are fantastic for providing impartial advice. They have a plethora of guides on a range of issues and provide excellent information and insight into selecting a home, along with a handy checklist you can download and use too.

The Care Quality Commission is an independent regulator of health and social care in England. They register, monitor and regularly audit homes up and down the country to provide an easy to understand rating. We are completely transparent, and proud of our ‘GOOD’ rating. You can view the CQC report for Langham Court here.

At the Huntington and Langham Estate in Surrey, we embrace the more homely aspects at our care home. We want to create an environment where you feel as comfortable as you would in your current home. Our home was built by family, for families and we very much want to extend ours to yours for anyone joining us on the estate.

If you’d like to learn a little bit more about what we do, just drop us a line here, or learn more about our dementia care offering here

Chair-based Fitness Activities for Seniors

Posted on 17 April 2020 by Ricky

As we age, our bodies start to stiffen up and we lose the natural suppleness of our youth. But as tempting as it might be to enjoy a more sedentary lifestyle, it’s important to avoid getting into a routine that doesn’t include some form of exercise.

The benefits of staying active

We need to do what we can to stay active for longer, and the more we age, the more important this becomes. Here are some chair-based exercises you can try at home.

Of course, when we talk about exercises, we don’t necessarily mean heading out for a run or going to the gym (unless you think that’s within your capabilities!). There are more simple forms of exercise, such as practising gentle yoga, that we can engage with that don’t even require moving from your chair.

It’s important to note though, that when doing any chair-based exercises that you do them from a solid, stable chair that doesn’t have wheels. It also needs to be of a type where you can sit with your feet flat on the floor, with your knees bent at right angles.

Ideally, you’d also use a chair that doesn’t have arms – as this can restrict your range of motion and movement.

Stretching

Amongst the easiest of activities, but also amongst the most effective, stretching can go a long way in helping to ease the aches and pains of ageing. It can also help with other aspects of wellbeing, including ensuring you maintain good posture.

One of the best stretches to help with posture is the chest stretch.

Chest stretch

To do this sit upright, pull your shoulders back and down and extend your arms out to the side.

Then, gently push your chest forward until you feel a stretch across your chest. Hold this pose for 5 to 10 seconds and repeat it 5 times.

Neck Stretch

When we sit down all day, we often get tight neck muscles. Stretching these muscles helps to loosen them.

Whilst sitting in an upright position, look straight ahead of you before reaching across your chest and holding your opposite shoulder with one hand. Then, whilst holding your shoulder down, slowly tilt your head in the direction of the arm that’s doing the holding.

Repeat this movement on the other side, making sure to hold each stretch for 5 seconds. Do this 3 times for each side of your body.

Neck Rotation

This helps to improve the mobility and flexibility of your neck.

Sit up straight, with shoulders down. Stare straight ahead of you, then slowly turn your head towards one shoulder, going as far as you feel is comfortable. Hold this position for 5 seconds, before returning to your starting position. Then repeat this on the opposite side, doing 3 rotations for each.

Upper-body twist

Another simple one that helps to improve flexibility across your upper back.

When sitting upright, with your feet on the floor, cross your arms and reach for your shoulders to form an X shape across your upper body.

Keeping your hips still, turn your upper body to one side, as far as it’s comfortable. Hold this pose for 5 seconds, before repeating on the opposite side. Do this exercise 5 times on each side.

Arm raises

These offer a good method of building strength in your arms (while also offering an example as to why armless chairs are best for these!).

Whilst sitting upright, have your arms hanging down by your sides. Then, with your palms facing forward, slowly raise your arms out to the side and upwards as if you’re doing a big double armed waving motion. Do this for as far as is comfortable, before returning your arms to their starting position.

For maximum effect, it’s important to keep your shoulders down and your arms straight throughout this exercise. It’s also key to monitor your breathing. Make sure to breathe out as you raise your arms, then take a breath in as you lower them to your side. Repeat this movement 5 times.

Creating a new exercise routing

Those are just a few examples of some of the most straightforward chair based exercises. Perhaps start with these initially, before adding additional movements, exercises and stretches to your routine as you build on it.

If you’ve neglected daily exercise in recent times, you should start to notice the difference physically, which will eventually help you to feel better in both body and mind; an essential element of maintaining your overall wellbeing.

What chair-based fitness activities for seniors have you discovered? Drop us a line and share them with us here.

Understanding Parkinson’s – Part II

Posted on 11 April 2020 by Ricky

Recently, we released Understanding Parkinson’s Part I, the first instalment of our focus on Parkinson’s Disease and the effects it has on those suffering, as well as their friends and families. Charlie, MD here at Huntington and Langham, along with his team of expert staff, offer their advice.

Alongside Charlie, Maggie and Louise have also provided some answers. Louise, General Manager, and Maggie, Manager at Huntington House, care for people at our home who are living with Parkinson’s, and so have some personal, expert advice to offer.

Here are some of the insights that we’ve pulled together from providing daily care for those living with the condition.

What are people’s biggest misconceptions about living with Parkinson’s?

There are many misconceptions about Parkinson’s; one of the main ones being that people can no longer achieve what they used to. However, with the right support (i.e. physiotherapists, speech and language therapy), many are able to continue living their lives independently, meaningful, enriched and as safe as possible

Care and support from a family member is invaluable. They know you better than anyone else; your likes and dislikes, and parts of their personality that they may not reveal to anyone else.

They’re likely to trust you more than anyone else they know, so take care to listen wholeheartedly. Often, people with Parkinson’s will open up to their trusted loved ones rather than anyone else.

How can advancements in technology help people living with Parkinson’s?

Technology is another tool we can use to improve the wellbeing and independence of people with Parkinson’s.

When thinking about tools in a care home, people might think of mobility aids or modified cutlery and cups for example, but it can be expanded so much further than that.

For instance, we are about to embark on a live VR (virtual reality) project with Surrey University. This will enable people with limited mobility to join family members on their favourite walk or at a family wedding in real-time, without the anxiety and discomfort of a long day in a wheelchair.

We’ve already trialled some simulation projections (think social VR experience with screens instead of a headset) with Surrey University in their ‘Bringing the Outdoors Indoors’ project. The project immersed people in walks around local landmarks such as Waggoner’s Wells, which are inaccessible by wheelchair. Not only did it give people the sense that they were walking again, but it gave them access to places (and indeed memories) they thought they’d never see again.

How does the model you follow help those with Parkinson’s?

At Huntington and Langham Estate, we’re proud to use The Butterfly Model in our approach to care. It takes a holistic viewpoint, focusing on each individual as a whole; not just their diagnosis.

When a resident with Parkinson’s said they’d always wanted to ride a Harley Davidson, we didn’t chalk it up as an old lady’s dream, we made it happen.

When you live independently, you take risks all the time. But it’s often a different story when you require care support – priorities shift, and when people are making decisions on your behalf the onus often becomes safety.

However, if the person you’re caring for enjoyed taking risks (this particular resident’s favourite story to tell was how her father once caught her climbing on the roof of her house!) then it is important to allow them to continue doing so to keep their spark alive.

At the estate, we ensure that all our residents living with Parkinson’s have a tailored care plan that enables the team to provide individualised care. We have a good relationship with a speech and language therapist who is very experienced in supporting people with Parkinson’s. We often work together to offer the best care for the people who live with us.

How do you support person-centred care with someone living with Parkinson’s disease?

If someone at the estate has Parkinson’s and struggles to eat, but would still like to sit with their friends, a carer will discretely sit with them and support them at the dining table. This helps to maintain their dignity and safety, whilst enabling them to interact and socialise with other people at mealtimes.

When we welcome new people who are living with Parkinson’s, we make sure that we can first meet their needs and keep them safe, whilst enabling them to live the life they wish.

This is the essence of the person-centred approach. We always take care to consider which bedroom would be best for them, ensuring they have adequate space to support their special requirements.

We actively try to get those with Parkinson’s involved with on-site activities – and from doing so, we see positive results.

The most beneficial activities tend to be music playing, engaging with animals that visit (like the ponies), and of course the children. We also like to encourage them to join us for off-site trips – from which, they return home with their whole well being lifted.

At the estate, providing individualised, person-centred care is at the heart of what we do, for all at the home, whatever the ailment.

Get in touch with us today to learn a little more about what we do and let our family look after yours.

Understanding Parkinson’s – Part I

Posted on 30 March 2020 by Ricky

Parkinson’s is a condition we’re familiar with at Huntington and Langham. As something we deal with on a daily basis, the effects on both the individuals and their families are not always widely understood. This is something we endeavour to change…

Providing support to those who need it is of utmost importance to us, be it in the form of nursing care within our home or helpful advice for those who need it most. And so, we sought a little help from our friends at Parkinson’s UK to delve a little deeper into how living with Parkinson’s can affect you or someone you love. The leading charity for Parkinson’s, offering support for those living with Parkinson’s, their aim – much like ours – is to help those with Parkinson’s improve quality of life.

Combining this expert insight, with our practical knowledge of managing Parkinson’s, we’ve created a series of articles to help you provide the best support you can to those who need it most.

What is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure. It’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there are around 145,000 people living with Parkinson’s in the UK.

Common symptoms include slowness of movement and muscle stiffness, but there are over 40 symptoms and it affects everyone completely differently.

Some of the less well-known symptoms include:
– Stress and anxiety
– Chronic pain and fatigue
– Loss of smell
– Changes in digestion or sleep

People with Parkinson’s lack a chemical called dopamine, because specific nerve cells inside their brain have died. Dopamine allows messages to be sent to the parts of the brain that coordinate movement.

For those living with Parkinson’s, this means that parts of their brain are unable to work normally. They may find that movements become slower, so it takes longer to do things. This can make everyday activities, such as eating, getting dressed, and using a phone or computer difficult or frustrating.

What’s the link between age and diagnosis?

Parkinson’s can affect anyone at any age. There are around 1,750 people under the age of 50 who have young onset Parkinson’s, but the majority of people will be diagnosed over the age of 60.

How can someone living with Parkinson’s manage and cope better?
The three main treatments to help someone manage their Parkinson’s are:
– Medication
– Exercise
– Therapies

Everyone’s Parkinson’s is unique. So different combinations of medication, exercise and therapies will suit different people. We recommend people talk to their GP, specialist or Parkinson’s nurse to see what works for them. There are lots of ways to connect with people who understand what it means to be living with Parkinson’s.

To find out more, call Parkinson’s UK on 0808 800 0303. You can also join the online community on the forum, and hear other people’s tips, stories and experiences in the online magazine.

Is Parkinson’s hereditary?

It’s very rare for Parkinson’s to run in families. The vast majority of people have what is called ‘idiopathic Parkinson’s’, meaning that there’s no known cause. However, for a small minority of people with Parkinson’s, there is a genetic link.

How does living in a care environment benefit someone with Parkinson’s?

In the advanced stages of Parkinson’s, it’s likely that an individual will need extra support to carry out day-to-day tasks. This may affect their choice of home. They may decide that they could benefit from a care home or from care in their own home to help manage their condition.

A care home will offer more personal care than sheltered housing. As Parkinson’s symptoms progress and your needs increase, a move to a care home may be a necessary consideration.

How do you think activities such as fitness and activity can be of benefit?

Exercise is good for people with Parkinson’s. It can be as important as medication to help people take control of their symptoms and doing just 2.5 hours of exercise a week can even slow the progression of symptoms. However, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach and the best exercise to do will depend on the way Parkinson’s affects you.

How does a Parkinson’s diagnosis affect relationships and family life?

Parkinson’s may affect your self-image, mood and how you communicate with others. This may happen if you’re in a casual or committed relationship, or if you’re single. Some people have relationship issues in the early days, when they’re adjusting to diagnosis, while others may run into problems after many years of living with Parkinson’s.

Each person with Parkinson’s has their own experience of the condition. The symptoms you have may be different from other people. It’s important to remember that many people go through sexual and relationship issues at some stage in their life, so any problems you have may have nothing to do with Parkinson’s at all.

How has Parkinson’s research developed? Is a cure looking likely?

In the past 50 years, vital discoveries have been made that have revolutionised our understanding of Parkinson’s and the brain.

Now, thanks to this progress, breakthrough new treatments are being tested in clinical trials that have the potential to slow, stop or even reverse Parkinson’s.

What about family and friends?

Family and friends are often the information seekers and may focus on the person living with Parkinson’s needs rather than their own. It is important that family and friends recognise the impact of Parkinson’s on their lives and prioritise and maintain their own health & wellbeing too. It can be really valuable for family and friends to access support for themselves and connect with others in similar situations to share their experience.

How can Parkinson’s affect day-to-day life?

There is no ‘typical day’ with Parkinson’s. It is a fluctuating condition, so it can change day-to-day or for some people, hour to hour. Because of the range of symptoms involved in Parkinson’s, it also impacts on everyone with the condition differently.

With medication and small adjustments, some people are able to maintain the same standard of life they had before diagnosis for a long time. However, for some people the effects on their daily life will be considerable, for example including pain, not being able to sleep, anxiety and even being unable to move at all for short periods (freezing).

As Parkinson’s is a degenerative condition, people will see their symptoms become worse over time and respond less to medication. This means the impact on daily life will be more noticeable, and ultimately many people will eventually need regular support from health and care professionals.

A huge thank you to Parkinson’s UK for providing the answers to these questions for us. You can read Part II of our series on Understanding Parkinson’s here.

How to decorate your loved one’s space

Posted on 10 September 2019 by Ricky

It’s no secret that the transition from a home environment to residential care can be a difficult one, particularly for those who have become so accustomed to their familiar belongings and surroundings.

A home from home

Becoming a member of a care community doesn’t have to be daunting; as a trusted family member, you can take simple, yet effective steps to help make the transition easier for your loved one.

The absence of familiar, homely surroundings can be upsetting for those transitioning to residential care. That’s why it’s important to try and create a home-from-home environment in their personal space, incorporating some of their favourite items.

Decorate the room with photos

Distributing your loved one’s favourite photos around their space is one of the best ways to both warm up the space and make settling in easier. Not only do they provide a sense of comfort, they also act as a mood booster in times of difficulty, reminding the individual of their strong support network.

Photos are particularly important for those suffering with dementia. They can help to recall past memories that may be forgotten, and act as visual cues.

Try getting creative with the photo frames – you can use different textures and colours to add points of interest. Tactile stimulation is also great for dementia sufferers, providing sensory experiences that can act as a good distraction technique.

Incorporate familiar items and scents

One of the most effective ways to help your loved one settle into their new environment is, most certainly, encouraging them to bring familiar items with them.

This could include their own bed sheets, a favourite blanket, small pieces of furniture or an air freshener. Items that remind them of their home environment and hold sentimental value can help to make the space feel instantly more comforting.

Create a memory box

This is a particularly special touch for dementia sufferers, but can be equally as useful for any resident. Try creating a memory box to give to your loved one that they can keep safe in their personal space. Place a few treasured items in there, and then encourage your loved one to add to it regularly.

Flowers and plants

As humans, we are instinctively drawn towards nature, and our exposure to it has been shown to improve mental health. Try placing a couple of low maintenance plants around the room to purify the air and provide an instant mood booster, as well as some fresh or synthetic flowers to add a wider variety of colour.

Decorating your loved one’s space doesn’t have to be challenging; by simply adding some colour, texture and a few of their most treasured items, you can instantly make the room feel more comforting.

At Huntington and Langham Estate, we encourage our residents and their families to personalise their space as much as they can. To find out more about the care we offer, please see here.