Good Life Sorted - Devon

14/11/2025

14/11/2025

Saw a nice community notice board in my travels so popped a few GLS flyers on it

12/11/2025

Great to meet with Helper Sinéad at Exeter’s Boston Tea Party today.

If you’ve never been there, we can highly recommend it. Fantastic coffee, delicious food and cakes and all made on-site using locally sourced ingredients where possible.

The building is pretty special too. It’s a former sorting office and retains its original wood floor. Why not pop in for a cuppa with friends!? Based in Queens Street, Exeter.

Boston Tea Party Exeter

12/11/2025

If you are caring for a friend or family member with dementia, this information may be helpful to help you navigate their sometimes complex needs.

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.]

11/11/2025

I often drop off unwanted books at this little red telephone box so today I also dropped off some Good Life Sorted Flyers

10/11/2025

Good Life Sorted will be at Central Hall
Eastlake Street
Pl11BA
On Thursday 13th November 12-6
Come grab a flyer see what we offer

09/11/2025

This Remembrance Sunday, we honor the bravery, sacrifice, and courage of all who have served in our Armed Forces and those who are still serving.

We shall not forget.

08/11/2025

A Remembrance Day offer for Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families this Tuesday from Plymouth Active.

If you’re popping by for a coffee and a walk, why not visit the St Luke’s Hospice Compassionate Cafe as well at Central Park Hub between 10am and 12noon, for a friendly chat with the lovely group members there.

04/11/2025

Bonfire Night can be magical, but it can also be overwhelming for our older neighbours and their companions or service animals.

The loud bangs, unexpected flashes, smoke from fireworks, and the general noise and bustle may cause real distress, especially for those with dementia, breathing/heart conditions, mobility issues or who live alone.

This year, let’s remember to look out for them with these helpful tips:

✅ Check in with older neighbours, pop over, give them a call, ask how they’re feeling about the evening.

✅ Offer a quiet, safe space for them. Close curtains early, keep windows shut, play something familiar inside to soften external noise.

✅ Help if they’d rather skip the firework show, invite them for a hot drink, watch a calm film together, do an indoor activity instead.

✅ If they do want to go out, choose a well-organised public display, check mobility access, seats and safe return.

✅ Be mindful of the darkness/outside lighting, perhaps leave their porch light on, tidy walkways, reduce trip hazards.

A little awareness can make a big difference. Let’s help everyone enjoy the sparkle, without the worry.

03/11/2025

We have trusted Helpers available to support you to live a Good Life in Torbay, Newton Abbot and Brixham.

Why not visit our website and read some of their profiles to find your match!

Visit https://my.goodlifesorted.com/helpers?postcode=TQ1%202PX&services=

03/11/2025