The Home Bees

17/11/2025

17/11/2025

❄️ Keeping Warm & Safe This Winter ❄️

As temperatures begin to drop, it’s important to make sure our elderly and vulnerable loved ones stay warm, comfortable, and safe at home. At The Home Bees, we’re here to help our community prepare for the colder months ahead.

🐝 Simple ways to stay warm this winter:
🔥 Keep the home at a safe temperature – Ideally between 18–21°C, especially in living areas and bedrooms.
🧦 Layer up – Wearing several lightweight layers is warmer than one thick one. Don’t forget warm socks, slippers and a cosy jumper.
🥣 Eat warm meals & drinks – Regular hot drinks and nourishing meals help maintain body temperature.
🛏️ Use blankets & throws – Extra bedding at night can make a big difference.
🚪 Stop drafts – Use draught excluders, door stoppers and heavy curtains to keep heat in.
📞 Check in regularly – A quick call or visit can make sure everything is okay — both physically and emotionally.
💊 Keep essential supplies topped up – Medications, heating credit, batteries, and torches should be ready in case the weather gets severe.
🚶‍♀️ Stay steady on icy surfaces – Encourage sensible footwear and extra care outdoors.

At The Home Bees, we know winter can be challenging — but with a little preparation and a lot of care, we can help our loved ones stay warm, well, and supported. 💛

13/11/2025

💛 Happy World Kindness Day! 💛

At The Home Bees, we believe that small acts of kindness can make a big difference — whether it’s a smile, a helping hand, or a comforting word.

Today and every day, let’s spread kindness like honey — sweet, warm, and meant to be shared. 🐝🍯

✨ Be kind. Be caring. Be the reason someone smiles today. ✨

11/11/2025

10/11/2025

Sometimes a person with dementia may become intensely distressed and agitated in the later afternoon or towards the end of the day. This is known as ‘sundowning.’

The symptoms may continue into the night, making it hard for them to get enough sleep, but they aren’t necessarily linked to the sun setting, or limited to the end of the day.

Sundowning can happen at any stage of dementia but is more common during the middle and later stages.

The reasons why sundowning happens are not well understood, but it is possible that a range of different causes makes it more likely. These might include:

Tiredness, hunger, pain or other unmet physical needs

Not enough exposure to sunlight during the day

Overstimulation during the day, such as from a noisy or busy environment

Disturbance to the person’s ‘body clock’ caused by damage to the brain

Disturbed levels of hormones that vary over the course of the day

Sensory impairment, such as hearing or sight loss

Tiredness in other people causing the person with dementia to become upset

Mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression

Fewer carers around to look after the person (in a care home)

Side effects of prescribed drugs

Sometimes what seems like ‘sundowning’ could be the person trying to communicate a need. This could be needing the toilet, feeling hungry or being in pain.

Uneven indoor lighting and reflective surfaces can sometimes cause confusion by creating disturbing shadows or mirrors.

Close the curtains or blinds once it starts to get dark and cover the television with a dust cover, if it’s not being used.

Think whether something that’s happened during the day has affected them.

If they remain agitated, it could be that they have a need that is not being met.

If they seem agitated, try to calm them by distracting them, perhaps talking about a favourite memory.

[Image description:
A light blue infographic with the title 'What causes sundowning?' centred infront of a yellow glow, surrounding by eight different illustrations depicting each cause, including: tiredness, hunger, pain, lack of sunlight, overstimulation, sensory impairment, body clock disturbance, prescribed drug side effects, mood disorders, and hormone level imbalances.]

07/11/2025

05/11/2025

At The Home Bees, we believe great care is about connection — stepping into our clients’ world and embracing what matters most to them. 🐉💛

One of our amazing carers recently went out of her comfort zone and assisted with the care a bearded dragon — something very special to one of our clients! It’s moments like this that remind us care isn’t just about tasks, it’s about trust, empathy, and sharing experiences that bring joy and understanding.

We’re so proud of our team for always going the extra mile (even when it involves a few scales and claws!). 🐝✨

31/10/2025

All treats, no tricks here! 👻🍰Our team’s been busy baking up some autumn-inspired goodness — homemade spiced loaf and toffee apple cake — as a little Halloween treat for our lovely clients. 🧡

29/10/2025

28/10/2025

From our archives 💜

26/10/2025

There’s something truly special about sharing simple pleasures — like cake and hot chocolate — while gazing out over the cliffs of Beachy Head. 🌊☕️🍰
During a recent respite visit, we took a moment to soak in the view with one of our clients — a gentle reminder that care is about so much more than support, it’s about togetherness.

25/10/2025

🌼🐝 Infection Prevention Matters 🐝🌼
Keeping our community safe starts with good hygiene and infection control. During International Infection Prevention Week, we’re sharing tips and showing how our carers keep your home environment safe and healthy.
Because the best care is caring with safety first. 💛