A new local care service in London from leading home care provider, The Good Care Group
What is dementia care?
Working with people living with dementia or related cognitive impairments requires a specialist approach to effectively identify and respond to their unique and evolving needs, providing reassurance and comfort along the way. Our carers undergo rigorous training, including a comprehensive five-day induction program that specifically addresses the requirements of caring for someone with dementia. This ensures they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide compassionate and effective support to individuals living with dementia.
This now also includes our ‘EVER’ model, which is incorporated into our dementia training programme created by Dr Jane Pritchard, Consultant Admiral Nurse. This enables our carers to work with people in a holistic, relationship-centred way which recognises people’s unique needs, and supports family as well as the person living with dementia.
The approach helps to reduce the need for antipsychotic medications, which are used widely in care homes, by instead upskilling carers in non-pharmacological interventions. Available to staff after induction is further dementia training including ‘ADAPT’, our step-up programme created by Dr Jane Pritchard and in-house Occupational Therapist Jackie Cooper.
At Cherished Home Care, we will establish a daily routine with the person, so that they can continue doing the things that they love most, like visiting a local park or doing some light gardening. As well as being a companion, our carers will support in managing the person’s symptoms and creating a calm home environment. Taking this approach can contribute to significantly improving overall well-being and quality of life.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a general term used to describe a group of symptoms associated with loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that impacts on a person’s ability to carry out their day-to-day activities independently. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Others include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia.
Each individual will experience their own unique set of symptoms when living with dementia. However, the most common symptoms are memory loss, difficulty communicating, changes in mood and withdrawal from social activities.
Specialist dementia care led by our experts
We are committed to providing dementia care in a way that is meaningful to you. To ensure this is accomplished, we have a dementia expert, Dr Jane Pritchard, who can share advice and expertise with our care team, so that you can receive exceptional support, local to you.
We provide the same training as our sister companies, The Good Care Group and Oxford Aunts. The areas covered include dementia, end-of-life care, safeguarding, mental capacity and medication management. Having outstanding knowledge in these areas are important for providing quality dementia care.
More specific training is also offered to our carers and overseen by the dedicated team of specialists behind us. This ensures that they understand the condition thoroughly and have a specific understanding of your needs. Taking this approach enables people to remain safely and happily at home, equipped with the right support and resources to live life in a way that best meets their wishes.
How do you care for someone with dementia?
At Cherished Home Care, our dedicated team offers support throughout every stage of your dementia journey. Drawing from their experience and attending our in-house induction programme, they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide compassionate care in a way that is meaningful to you.
Early stage
If you are at the initial stage of dementia, this may occur months or even years before you notice symptoms. During this time, neither you or your family may realise that dementia is developing as you can appear well, retain independence and sustain a usual lifestyle.
Certain symptoms during this stage include memory issues, changes in mood and losing track of time. Our carers will provide assistance with your daily routine, encourage social interaction and monitor and report any changes.
Middle stage
During the middle stages of dementia, symptoms become more obvious to others. You may start to lose your independence and day-to-day activities can become more challenging to perform without the help from others. Memory will start to decline, resulting in confusion about where you are, and communication challenges can become more apparent.
To manage these symptoms, our carers and occupational therapists will offer you safety supervision, which includes removing obstacles and trip hazards within the home. Additionally, To maintain cleanliness they will provide assistance with personal care tasks such as washing and toileting.
Late stage
This stage is commonly known as advanced dementia. By now you or your loved one may experience a severe decline in cognitive, social, and physical functioning. You can start to become increasingly frail, relying heavily on others for support, including basic activities such as eating and moving around.
During this stage, our carers provide high levels of care and support, focussing on essential daily tasks like eating, personal hygiene, and ensuring you are comfortable. As dementia advances, your loved one may spend the majority of time in bed, requiring round-the-clock support.
What does a dementia carer do?
Personal care
When living with dementia a person’s ability to perform day-to-day tasks by themselves can become more difficult. Our carers are here to help people feel at their best. They will support you with washing, going to the toilet and getting dressed, as well as maintaining nails, hair and personal appearance.
Safe mobility
Carers will support you in mobilising around the home, including the use of any equipment that you might need to transfer. Our in-house Occupational Therapist can review your overall function and provide expert advice as to what equipment can make mobilising safe both in and outside the home, and manage any trip hazards.
Companionship
Complex conditions such as Huntington’s disease and cancer involve consistent medications, with dosages that need to be taken at different times during the day and night. By having a carer on hand, they are able to track and support with administering medication as and when needed.
Medication support
Carers will assist with medication administration, which is recorded on a digital platform and closely monitored by your care team to ensure that your medication is taken on time. Prescriptions can also be collected from the pharmacy.
Household tasks
Light housework, including vacuuming, laundry, cleaning the dishes, dusting and watering the plants can be provided, so that you can relax and enjoy being in your home.
Pet care
From daily walks and cuddles to ensuring they’re well-fed, hydrated, and their living space is tidy, we provide comprehensive care for your beloved pets.
Food preparation and cooking
Our carers are happy to prepare healthy, nutritious, dementia friendly meals, but if you prefer to be involved in the cooking or baking process, they’ll provide as much or little assistance as required.
Social trips
Living with dementia can make you lose motivation to continue your usual activities, our team of carers will keep you in touch with your local community, help you to get out and about to see friends, attend social groups or simply go for a coffee and cake at your local café.
Complex care tasks
Overseen by our clinical experts, our carers can perform more complex care tasks, including assisting with PEG feeding, stoma care,blood sugar monitoring, insulin administration, and catheter flushing.
Over 66% of people said they would prefer to stay in their own home.
– The Live-in Care Hub, 2023
Why choose Cherished Home Care
We are a brand-new home care provider based in London, offering local, bespoke care to you in your home. We may be new, but we have the expertise, knowledge and experience of ‘Outstanding’ care provider, The Good Care Group, who work closely with our Cherished team to provide high-quality care, support and carer training.
Local to you
A dedicated team of care managers and carers who know London and the local areas.
Industry-leading carer training
Our carer training programme is created by our in-house experts - the same training delivered by The Good Care Group
Experts in care
A team of in-house clinicians including a registered nurse, occupational therapist and dementia expert.
Cost-effective care
Pay for the care you need when you require it with our market-leading rates.
Different types of dementia care
Hourly care
Quality care by the hour
Dementia care can be offered to you on an hourly basis. This form of care would be most suitable at the earlier stages of the condition. A member of our team can pop in for as little as once a day, three times a week. When visiting, they can assist with the administration of medication, personal care, and running errands.
Live-in care
24-hour care at home
Live-in dementia care is where one of our carers will reside within your home. This type of care is delivered around-the-clock and our team will support on a rotational basis to ensure you are taken care of at all times.
Respite care
Temporary care
Short-term care is designed to be delivered temporarily by a live-in or hourly carer. This is a popular choice for those that have been recently discharged from hospital, or if their family caregiver is taking a respite break. This will give your primary caregiver the opportunity to rest and recharge so that they can continue to support you.
Palliative care
End-of-life support from home
Palliative care is arranged for individuals who are at the later stages of their condition and nearing the end of their life. Our carers will offer extra assistance with managing your physical conditions whilst receiving psychological support. This form of care is desirable as you have the choice to remain in the familiarity of your home, whilst being surrounded by your loved ones.
Cost of dementia care
Live-in dementia care is generally comparable to and can be lower than the cost of moving into a residential home. The added benefit of our home care services is that we provide continuity of care, where we aim for the same carers to work with you.
Our live-in care services is available from £1,445 per week, and our hourly care starts from £29 per hour. A detailed estimate of the price will be determined once you receive your free home care assessment, conducted by one of our local care managers.
We are also one of the few providers to refund our set up fee once care has been received for four weeks.
For more information about dementia care costs feel free to reach out to a member of our client services team. They will be available to assist you with any enquiries you have, guiding you to make the right decision.
Live-in care costs are comparable, if not cheaper, than residential care – which can cost up to £2,500 per week
– The Live-in Care Hub 2023
How to arrange dementia care
1. Speak to us
Get in touch with our friendly care advisors today 0203 728 7572, and they will be able to answer all of your questions to help you make the right choice.
2. Free home care assessment
Our team can arrange a free home care assessment with your local care manager, where they can meet with you and assess your needs and requirements in detail.
3. Care begins
Meet your carers and begin your journey with Cherished Home Care. With minimal carer changes, you’ll soon be acquainted.