Geoff Brown, 84, a former police officer has enjoyed meeting fellow officers once again, thanks to a ‘Blue Light’ Emergency Services professional breakfast hosted by The Knowles Care Home in Tilehill, Coventry
“It’s really made my day, things certainly have changed since I was on the force,” said Geoff as he admired the police bikes from West Midlands Traffic Police.
Geoff met several police officers and was surprised with a vintage Police Car which would have been used during his time serving on the force. He was joined by ex-colleagues, fellow residents’ and family, including Pat, his wife who lives with him at the Knowles. The social event sees residents and local community professionals come together to have fun, socialise and really get to know one another over breakfast whilst saying thank you for all the amazing work they do within our community.
“I used to work from Little Park Street in Coventry as a traffic officer, we rode the first BMW motorbikes on the force. I remember some sad times and some happy times on the job, but the key is teamwork,” said Geoff.
Dehydration is a common challenge for older people, especially those living with dementia. Here are some hand tips on ways to support people with dementia during periods of hot weather.
For many people, a heatwave is a chance to enjoy the hot weather in gardens, parks and outdoor spaces. But the heat can also cause discomfort and risk of dehydration.
If you have a loved one living with dementia, take a look at these helpful ways to support them when the temperatures soar.
Dementia and dehydration in hot weather
Dehydration is a common challenge for older people, especially those with dementia. Memory problems mean someone with dementia can easily forget to drink enough water.
What’s more, the part of the brain that recognises you’re dehydrated and sends a message to let you know you’re thirsty doesn’t always work properly. Some medications and dementia-related illnesses can also make dehydration worse.
5 tips for preventing dehydration
Here are some simple but effective ways of helping to prevent dehydration during hot weather:
Leave glasses or jugs of water within easy reach. This is especially important for people with limited mobility, who aren’t able to get up and make themselves a drink.
Make drinking easier. Have a clear glass so the person can see what’s inside (this may not work so well with water) or a brightly coloured cup to draw attention. Make sure the glass is within the line of sight. Having a glass that is suitable (not too heavy or an odd shape) can help. Straws might also be a good idea.
Share a drink together. Have a cup of tea or an ice lolly with the person and make sure they’re drinking during mealtimes.
Leave reminders. Make sure someone with dementia remembers to drink regularly by leaving notes out for them or putting up notices around the house. You could also set up a phone reminder or set an alarm clock.
Provide high water content foods. Supplement water and other drinks with foods that are high in fluids. Some good options include jelly, ice cream, soup and fruit such as melon. ‘Water sweets’, such as Jelly Drops, can also help the person stay hydrated.
How to recognise dehydration
There are some things that may show a person is dehydrated. If you spot any of the following, encourage the person to drink water immediately and seek medical help if you need. If the condition worsens or doesn’t improve, go straight to the hospital.
Increased confusion (compared to typical dementia symptoms)
Dark and strong-smelling urine
Dry mouth, lips and eyes
Headaches or dizziness
Feeling tired
Not urinating very often (fewer than four times a day).
5 more tips to help people with dementia keep cool in hot weather
1. Make sure the person is dressed appropriately
If someone with dementia is dressing themselves, they might follow their usual routine and forget to dress for the weather. Light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres can help keep people comfortable and prevent overheating. A hat or cap for outside is also a good idea.
2. Keep the house as cool as possible
Check that the central heating isn’t on, and invest in some fans if necessary. Keeping the curtains or blinds closed during the day – especially in sunny, south-facing rooms – can also help to keep things cool. In the evening, open the windows to let the warm air out and colder air in.
3. Avoid the midday sun
We’re all advised to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm), and this is even more important for people with dementia. When you’re out and about, seek out plenty of shade. Keep a bottle of sunscreen on you, and make sure it’s reapplied regularly.
4. Find ways to cool off
If someone with dementia is hot and agitated, help them take a cool bath or shower. You could also place a washcloth and some iced water nearby, so they can dab themselves when they need to. Try putting a frozen bottle of water or ice pack next to a fan, for some DIY air-conditioning.
5. Ask friends and neighbours to pop in and check if the person is ok
If you don’t live near the person or are worried about someone – ask a friend or neighbour to pop in and make sure they’re ok. They could stay and have a drink with the person and make sure they have everything they need.
The Old Vicarage Care Home in Clay Cross, part of family-run Adept Care Homes, has been recognised with a High Commendation as Outstanding Small Care Provider for the second year running.
The Care Home Awards is one of the most highly regarded accolades available in the UK’s health and social care sector which celebrates the good work, innovative thinking and excellence in care that continue to drive the sector. Area Manager, Kirsty Carter surprised the residents and the team with the exciting news at the Old Vicarage.
Douglas Court Care Home in Derby, part of family-run Adept Care Homes, has been recognised with a High Commendation as Outstanding Small Care Provider for the second year running.
The Care Home Awards is one of the most highly regarded accolades available in the UK’s health and social care sector which celebrates the good work, innovative thinking and excellence in care which continue to drive the sector. Manager, Colleen McKay surprised the residents and the team with the exciting news at Douglas Court.
“It’s fantastic that our hard work has been recognised, these remarkable achievements have been driven by an unwavering commitment to ensuring our care homes are environments where residents and team members are able to flourish,” said Joe Lock, Communities Director for Adept Care Homes and Douglas Court Care Home.
Bowood Court & Mews Care Home in Redditch, part of family-run Adept Care Homes, has been recognised with a High Commendation as Outstanding Small Care Provider for the second year running.
The Care Home Awards is one of the most highly regarded accolades available in the UK’s health and social care sector which celebrates the good work, innovative thinking and excellence in care which continue to drive the sector. Manager, Kelly Bates surprised the residents and the team with the exciting news at Bowood Court & Mews.
“It’s fantastic that our hard work has been recognised, these remarkable achievements have been driven by an unwavering commitment to ensuring our care homes are environments where residents and team members are able to flourish,” said Joe Lock, Communities Director for Adept Care Homes and Bowood Court and Mews Care Home.
Moat House Care Home in Burbage, part of family-run Adept Care Homes, has been crowned ‘Winner’ and Best for Staff Retention and Recruitment in the national Care Home Awards 2022. The Adept Care Homes group of 8 homes, including Moat House also received a High Commendation for Outstanding Small Care Provider for the second year running.
The Care Home Awards is one of the most highly regarded accolades available in the UK’s health and social care sector which celebrates the good work, innovative thinking and excellence in care which continue to drive the sector. Adept’s Directors surprised the residents and the team with the exciting news at Moat House.
Kiwi House Care Home in Derby, part of family-run Adept Care Homes, has been recognised with a High Commendation as Outstanding Small Care Provider for the second year running.
The Care Home Awards is one of the most highly regarded accolades available in the UK’s health and social care sector which celebrates the good work, innovative thinking and excellence in care which continue to drive the sector. Manager, Tracy Taylor surprised the residents and the team with the exciting news at Kiwi House.
Chetwynd House Care Home in Chilwell, part of family-run Adept Care Homes, has been recognised with a High Commendation for its Nutrition, Food and Dining in the national Care Home Awards 2022. The Adept Care Homes group of 8 homes, including Chetwynd House, also received a High Commendation for Outstanding Small Care Provider for the second year running.
The Care Home Awards is one of the most highly regarded accolades available in the UK’s health and social care sector which celebrates the good work, innovative thinking and excellence in care which continue to drive the sector. Adept’s Directors surprised the residents and the team with the exciting news at Chetwynd House.
Harrier House Care Home in Hucknall, part of family-run Adept Care Homes, has been recognised with a High Commendation as Outstanding Small Care Provider for the second year running.
The Care Home Awards is one of the most highly regarded accolades available in the UK’s health and social care sector which celebrates the good work, innovative thinking and excellence in care which continue to drive the sector. Manager, Sam Kavanagh surprised the residents and the team with the exciting news at Harrier House.
The Old Vicarage Care Home in Clay Cross has been recognised with a High Commendation as Outstanding Small Care Provider for the second year running.
The Care Home Awards is one of the most highly regarded accolades available in the UK’s health and social care sector which celebrates the good work, innovative thinking and excellence in care which continue to drive the sector. Area Manager, Kirsty Carter surprised the residents and the team with the exciting news at the Old Vicarage.
“It’s fantastic that our hard work has been recognised, these remarkable achievements have been driven by an unwavering commitment to ensuring our care homes are environments where residents and team members are able to flourish,” said Joe Lock, Communities Director for Adept Care Homes and The Old Vicarage.
“I can’t believe anyone is more deserving of this award than the team at The Old Vicarage. As part of the resident’s committee, we want to say thank you for all their hard work and for making our home a superb place to live,” – said Mona, a Resident.
Area Manager, Kirsty said “We are absolutely thrilled to have won this achievement two years in a row. This has been an extraordinarily difficult year for the care sector and our team has performed superbly. These awards are a fitting reward for all their hard work and dedication to our residents, their loved ones, and the communities we serve. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
One Judge said: “A superb entry, shows care, love, and innovation – everything is truly about the residents.”
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