EXPERT DEMENTIA CARE FROM THE LIVE-IN CARE SPECIALISTS
At Oxford Aunts we understand how upsetting it can be when a loved one receives a diagnosis of dementia or is living with memory loss that is progressing. As a family carer you may be finding it more and more difficult to cope with the situation – you are not alone. We have been helping and supporting thousands of families in Oxfordshire and its surrounding counties to cope in this situation with our high-quality live-in care service for those who need dementia care.
THE HOME YOU LOVE IS BEST FOR DEMENTIA CARE
Many families in Oxfordshire, and throughout the country believe the only choice they have when a family member or loved one needs care is that they must leave their much-loved home and move into a care home. This is just not true. The Live-in Care Hub conducted a survey in 2017 and found that 97% of people given the choice, would prefer to carry on living in their own home with the support of a carer.
Live-in care is becoming better understood and a popular choice as a real alternative to moving into a residential home. With live-in care provided by Oxford Aunts, you can be assured of a high-quality, live-in care service provided by a trusted and established provider – a service that has benefitted many families, for many years.
There are countless life-enriching benefits to staying at home with a highly trained and experienced carer who is dedicated to you, instead of facing the upset and worry of moving into a care or nursing home. With an Oxford Aunts carer, you will be able to live life your way with as much independence as possible, with a tailored plan of care delivered by a compassionate carer on a one-to-one basis – this just simply cannot be offered in a care home.
Life in a care home can be very restrictive – you will have little choice as to when you get up, when you eat your meals and when you can have visitors and socialise. It is very different with live-in care. We have been helping our clients to continue to live with freedom and choice which means they can lead a better quality of life with all the support they need.
WHAT IS DEMENTIA?
Dementia is not a single illness, but a group of symptoms caused by damage to the brain. There are many types and causes of dementia. In the UK, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form followed by vascular dementia.
The symptoms of dementia vary greatly between people, but disorders under the general term ‘dementia’ all share similar symptoms such as memory loss and a loss of cognitive functioning.
Dementia is a progressive disease meaning that its symptoms slowly become more prevalent with time. The early signs of dementia are subtle and may not be immediately obvious. As the condition progresses, symptoms often worsen and start to impact daily life.
It is estimated that there are currently 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Dementia symptoms vary depending on the cause and the area of the brain affected, but some common early signs and symptoms include:
- Memory problems
- Difficulty communicating or finding words
- Personality or behaviour changes
- Difficulty completing everyday tasks
- Confusion and disorientation
- Anxiety or depression
It is important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to dementia. If you or someone you know has increasing memory problems, particularly if they’re older than 65, you should talk to a GP about the possibility of dementia and rule out other underlying causes.
SPECIALIST DEMENTIA CARE PROVIDED BY TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED CARERS
Our specialist dementia care is founded on an expert approach to care delivery. All our dedicated carers are experienced in how to care for someone living with dementia and use a range of best practice techniques. Our gentle and compassionate carers are able to work to support a person living with dementia so they can live a fulfilled and purposeful life, with reduced anxiety and use of antipsychotic medication, so commonly used in residential care or nursing homes.
We equip our carers with an extensive range of tools such as validation techniques, occupational therapy tools, such as Pool Activity Levels, profiling and life history work that helps us to understand and discover what is important to the person living with dementia, enabling us to develop a meaningful programme of care. Our carers receive regular dementia training, on-going coaching, mentoring and support to ensure they have the knowledge, skills and aptitude to provide positive dementia care. Our senior management team has a wealth of dementia care experience gained from a variety of care settings and provide expertise and leadership to ensure we provide the very best dementia care at home.
OUR DEMENTIA CARE MODEL ‘EVER’
Our new model of dementia care, is developed by our Specialist Clinical Team, Admiral Nurse, Dr Jane Pritchard and Occupational Therapist, Jackie Cooper. It articulates how we achieve the best care for people living with dementia and their families. The model is called ‘EVER’ and stands for:
- Engagement – These are the different techniques used to approach communication and to build rapport.
- Validation – This method is used to connect with people living with dementia emotionally through acknowledging feelings.
- Enrichment – Enables people with dementia to live full, meaningful lives.
- Relationships – ‘EVER’ adopts what is called a ‘Relationship-Centred’ model.
For a detailed explanation of our dementia model, download our brochure.
OUR LIVE-IN DEMENTIA CARE SERVICE
An Oxford Aunts’ experienced and dedicated carer will provide a range of live-in dementia care services in the comfort of your home including:
As an established live-in care provider in Oxford, we have built strong relationships with local healthcare professionals, including GPs, district nurses, local Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and other charitable organisations and community healthcare services. This means we can provide a multidisciplinary approach to dementia care that is focused on improving health and well-being whilst avoiding any unnecessary hospital admissions.
We know how important companionship in later life. Our compassionate and respectful carer will be matched to not only meet your dementia care needs, but we look to match personalities and interests. We know this makes for a fulfilling and pleasurable way of life based on friendship and companionship. Whilst respecting your privacy, our carer is trained to support your psychological and emotional needs too.
Our carers are trained in management of medications, which is so important in supporting someone living with dementia. They will proactively monitor and administer medications, ensuring they are effectively managed and any prescription required is ready as and when you need it. Peace of mind for everyone.
Whilst personal care relates to undertaking the day-to-day tasks of caring, including washing, bathing and getting dressed and undressed, it also considers a person’s confidence and self-esteem. There is nothing better than having freshly painted nails, or your hair styled how you like it – our carers will make sure you feel your best every day.
Oxford Aunts carers have a strong understanding of falls prevention and how conditions can impact on mobility. In conjunction with our experienced Care Assessors, and liaison with multidisciplinary teams, such as Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists, we can ensure you receive the correct equipment at home. This will be life enriching and enable you to feel safe and secure when moving around your home.
Your live-in carer will carefully plan all your meals and will shop for the groceries as needed. They will then cook healthy, nutritious and enjoyable food according to your likes and dislikes. Many of our clients and carers enjoy cooking together as a shared pastime. Unlike a care home, you will be able to eat as and when you like.
At Oxford Aunts we know how important it is that you keep connected to your local community – whether it is a local community group you have attended for years, a stroll around a much-loved shop or sitting peacefully in a local park – our committed carers will facilitate your enjoyment outside of the home and support you to do as much as you wish.
Our carer will make sure your home is clean, tidy and well-kept to the standards you should expect. Everything from dusting, cleaning, vacuuming, washing and ironing to light garden work – our carer will ensure your home is looking its very best every day.
Our carer will make sure your home is clean, tidy and well-kept to the standards you should expect. Everything from dusting, cleaning, vacuuming, washing and ironing to light garden work – our carer will ensure your home is looking its very best every day.
Oxford Aunts Dementia Case Study
At Oxford Aunts, our Live-in Carers deal with a range of conditions including dementia. Dementia care forms an integral part of Oxford Aunts’ service.
Oxford Aunts were called upon to assess a lady, Mrs S, who had been self neglecting, sleeping all day and was living in a disorganised home. Her family felt that domiciliary hourly care was not enough for her needs and 24 hour care would most suit Mrs S’s circumstances. The family requested an assessment from Oxford Aunts. Mrs S was assessed and matched with an Oxford Aunt, who not only could deliver the high quality care she required but would also provide much needed companionship. Mrs S was matched with Live-in Carer Cecilia and they quickly bonded over a shared sense of humour. Upon the 4 week review, Mrs Swas washed, engaging in the world around her, her house was organised and she had gained weight.
The change in Mrs S was significant and outstanding. Oxford Aunts have continued to support Mrs S for five months and she enjoyed a very happy Christmas Day with her family and a relaxing Boxing Day with the Oxford Aunt who prepared the client’s favourite meal for them both, fillet of beef with all the trimmings.
If you know someone whose circumstances have changed and now require live-in dementia care, please contact Oxford Aunts client services team today.
WHEN CAN LIVE-IN DEMENTIA CARE BE USED?
The flexible dementia care service provided by Oxford Aunts can be used in many different situations to support your care needs including:
- When a person needs a 24-hour live-in care because the symptoms of dementia mean they need around the clock care and support to continue to have a good quality of life.
- A respite service can be provided on a live-in basis to support a family carer having a much-needed break to rest and recharge. Our respite dementia care service can give you the break you need, whilst you see whether 24-hour live-in care would work for you and your family.
- If you need end-of-life palliative dementia care this can also be provided as a live-in care service in the comfort of your home, negating the need to move into a residential setting or a hospice. Our carers make sure a person’s health needs are met whilst ensuring they have all their wishes, choices and preferences met.
- Care for couples, so they can stay together as a loving couple with the personalised support they need. Whether one or both of you are living with dementia, our live-in dementia carer can ensure you both have a good quality of life.
THE BENEFITS OF DEMENTIA HOME CARE VS. A CARE HOME
There are far-reaching benefits to receiving dementia care at home instead of enduring the potential disruption of moving into a residential care home. These benefits include:
- There is no need to leave your beloved home to receive the care you need, with all the worry and disruption that brings.
- Highly-personalised care tailored to your needs, goals and preferences – this level of one-to-one support is difficult to achieve in a care home setting.
- With no strict routines and timetables to adhere to, you will be able to live life your way with independence and choice.
- Choose what to eat and when to eat – most care homes follow strict timetables for mealtimes.
- Specialist care delivered in the comfort and familiar surroundings of home is especially beneficial to people living with dementia.
- The risks of falls and infections are lower when receiving care at home.
- Stay together as a couple whilst receiving the care you need as individuals – shared accommodations are a rarity in most care homes.
- The cost of live-in care is comparable to that of a quality care home and in many instances, it is less.
HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH SOMEONE WITH DEMENTIA
As dementia progresses, people can find it difficult to express themselves or communicate with others effectively. This is why it is crucial to understand how you can effectively communicate with them and learn and understand ways of communicating:
- Speak in shorter sentences, using simple language
- Speak slower and clearer
- Ask questions that require only a yes or no response
- Do not ask questions which test their memory
- Reminisce about the past, using photos and memory books – this is also very good a boosting morale
- Be patient and take your time to try and understand what they are communicating
- Continue to encourage them to communicate with you, as well as enjoying other activities they have in the past
If you proceed with a no-obligation assessment from our expert Care Assessor, they can create a highly-personalised plan of care designed to meet all your needs. Once you have approved the plan of care, we will confirm in writing the level of care we will provide and the weekly cost of care.
WHY CHOOSE OXFORD AUNTS FOR SPECIALIST DEMENTIA CARE?
Dementia care in your own home
At the heart of our dementia care is enabling people to live well in their own home with the care and support they need from a carefully well-matched, trained and dedicated carer. With an Oxford Aunts carer you can be reassured that you are receiving high-quality dementia care and family members get all the support they need during what we know can be a difficult time.
Expert carer matching
Over the past 50 years we have established a reputation for matching carers with our clients to ensure they meet all their needs – this is not just about matching skills, but making sure backgrounds and personalities are aligned so both client and carer can enjoy life together. On the odd occasion we do not get the match right we respond efficiently to find another carer whilst minimising any disruption to the service. Depending on the level of dementia care you receive will determine not just the cost of your care, but the experience we expect your carer to have to ensure the high standards of care we are renowned for throughout Oxfordshire and beyond.
Continuity of care makes all the difference
Our carers will come and live with you to provide care and support for a longer period than might be offered by other live-in care providers. We know that this gives an opportunity for a strong relationship to be formed and a deeper understanding of our clients’ dementia care needs offering consistency and continuity of care.
Expertly trained carers
Our market leading training programme completed by all our carers has been created with leading experts and goes well beyond the mandatory requirements. This equips our carers to support those living with dementia that requires more monitoring, care and support. Our carers never stop learning new skills that ensure they continue to deliver the highest standards of dementia care.
A fully managed and regulated dementia care service
Our fully managed and regulated dementia care service means our carers are employed and managed by us whilst they are caring for you. They are supported by a care management team made up of care experts who ensure they are supervised and supported to provide the high standards of care. If you use an introduction agency you will be left to manage the carer, pay them and organise holiday cover once you are introduced to them and they start to care for you.
For the many families that Oxford Aunts supports, we know this provides lots of reassurance whilst removing the burden of having to carefully manage the care arrangement for their family member or loved one.
Rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
We are proud to have been rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in all five measures – safe, caring, effective, responsive and well-led. We know this provides families with peace of mind that their loved one is receiving the best possible care.
Unrivalled support near you
We operate throughout Oxfordshire and its surrounding counties. Each regional team is made up of a dedicated Care Assessor local to you who is on hand to provide unrivalled levels of support to you, your family and our carer. They are supported by a Care Manager at our central office who handles all other aspects of care delivery to ensure a quality service is delivered, every time.
OUR HIGH-QUALITY DEMENTIA CARE SERVICE INCLUDES:
- A comprehensive assessment of your needs – our assessment will address not just your care needs but how you wish to live your life
- Careful matching of an experienced and dedicated carer who will meet all your needs
- A highly tailored care plan created using a multidisciplinary approach in consultation with other healthcare professionals and community organisations involved in your care, as well as where appropriate your family members or loved ones
- Unrivalled support from a team of two care managements experts local to you
- Domestic and household tasks
- Cooking, meal planning, shopping and preparation
- 24-hour a day out-of-hours emergency support should you need it
COSTS OF DEMENTIA CARE
From our years of experience in helping thousands of people make choices about long-term dementia care, we recognise that the cost of care is an important consideration for many families. We are here to help you better understand how you can evaluate the costs of care.
Live-in care can be very cost-effective compared to receiving care from a domiciliary agency. Live-in care also has the added benefit of continuity of 24-hour care from a dedicated carer who really gets to know you. If you need care for a complex condition, a domiciliary care agency may charge additional costs for specialist support in addition to the visiting carer fee.
If you proceed with a no-obligation assessment from our expert Care Assessor, they can create a highly-personalised plan of care designed to meet all your needs. Once you have approved the plan of care, we will confirm in writing the level of care we will provide and the weekly cost of care.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US ABOUT YOUR DEMENTIA CARE NEEDS
Our expert care advisors are here to help you understand the options available to you.
Socialisation is key to health and happiness
With isolation a concern as we get older, our proactive carers will facilitate you having visitors as and when you wish. Whether it is a catch up with friends, or a family occasion or celebration our carer will meet all your socialisation needs so you can enjoy life at home.