Louise Donaghy Private Care

30/03/2026

“I want to go home” often does not literally mean the person wants to go back to a house.

It often means they are feeling:
• unsafe
• confused
• overwhelmed
• tired
• lonely
• in need of comfort or familiarity

In dementia, “home” can mean a feeling rather than a place — security, belonging, routine, or the memory of a time when life made sense.

A teaching-style poster could frame it like this:

What “I Want to Go Home” May Really Mean in Dementia
• I feel unsettled
• I don’t recognise this place or moment
• I want comfort and familiarity
• I’m anxious or overstimulated
• I’m trying to express an unmet need

What not to do
• Argue
• Correct harshly
• Say “you are home” repeatedly if it increases distress

What helps instead
• Validate the feeling
• Reassure gently
• Redirect with comfort
• Check for pain, hunger, thirst, needing the toilet, tiredness, or fear
• Use familiar objects, photos, music, or a warm drink





Louise Donaghy Private Care

25/03/2026

🧠 What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or (more rarely) fungi.

In older adults, bacterial meningitis is the most concerning and can become life-threatening quickly if not treated.

⸻

⚠️ Why it’s tricky in dementia

With Dementia, symptoms of meningitis can be mistaken for “just a bad day” or progression of the condition.

Instead of classic signs, you may see subtle or sudden changes.

⸻

🚨 Symptoms to watch for (often different in elderly)

Typical signs like a stiff neck or sensitivity to light may be less obvious.

Look out for:
• Sudden increase in confusion or disorientation
• Drowsiness or being harder to wake
• New agitation, aggression, or withdrawal
• Fever (but sometimes no fever in older adults)
• Headache (may not be clearly communicated)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Seizures (in severe cases)
• Unsteady walking or falls

👉 In dementia, a rapid change from their usual baseline is often the biggest red flag.

⸻

⏱️ When to act

If you suspect meningitis, this is urgent.

Call 999 or seek immediate medical help if you notice:
• Rapid deterioration in awareness
• Difficulty waking them
• High fever with confusion
• Seizures
• Severe headache or neck stiffness

⸻

🩺 Diagnosis & treatment

Doctors may:
• Do blood tests and possibly a lumbar puncture
• Start IV antibiotics immediately if bacterial meningitis is suspected

Early treatment can be life-saving.

⸻

💛 Important for carers

Because you know the person well, you’re often the first to notice something “isn’t right.”

Trust that instinct.

In older adults (similar to what you’ve seen with UTIs), infections often show up as:
• Behavioural changes first
• Then physical symptoms later

Dementia Awareness. Every Day
Dementia UK
Louise Donaghy Private Care




24/03/2026

https://www.instagram.com/louisedonaghyprivatecare?igsh=MzZjYjMwMWlrb3Br&utm_source=qr

23/03/2026

World Doula Day: A Gentle Invitation to Think About Dying Well

Today is World Doula Day, a moment to honour the quiet, compassionate work of those who walk alongside others during life’s most tender transitions

22/03/2026

My Dementia Wish List
Please remember these things if I ever live with dementia

Every time you enter the room, please announce yourself.
“Hi, it’s ………”

Please never ask me:
“Do you know who I am?”
That can cause fear and anxiety.
1. Please embrace my reality, even if it is different from yours.
2. If I believe my spouse is still alive, or that we’re going to visit my parents for dinner, please let me hold onto that. It may bring me comfort.
3. Please don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you.
4. If I’m not sure who you are, please don’t take it personally. My sense of time and memory may be confusing.
5. If I can no longer use utensils, please don’t immediately feed me. First, try offering finger foods so I can still feed myself if possible.
6. If I seem sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Please don’t dismiss my feelings.
7. Please don’t treat me like a child. Speak to me with dignity, as the adult I am.
8. Please help me continue enjoying the things I have always loved — exercise, reading, music, and visits with friends.
9. Ask me to tell you stories from my past.
10. If I become agitated, please take time to work out what may be upsetting me.
11. Treat me the way you would want to be treated.
12. Please keep snacks in the house. Hunger may make me distressed, and I may struggle to explain what I need.
13. Please don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room.
14. Please don’t feel guilty if you cannot care

A special thank you to anyone willing to put this on their timeline for Dementia Awareness Week.





Louise Donaghy Private Care
Dementia UK
Dementia Awareness. Every Day

02/03/2026

26/02/2026

What Is Sundowning?

Understanding Evening Changes in Dementia & Alzheimer’?

What Families May Notice

As the sun begins to set, your loved one may:

• Seem more confused
• Become restless or unsettled
• Ask to “go home” (even if they are home)
• Become anxious, tearful or irritable
• Repeat questions more frequently
• Seem suspicious or fearful

This is called Sundowning — and it is very common in dementia.

Why Does It Happen?

As dementia progresses, the brain finds it harder to:

• Understand changes in light and shadow
• Recognise time of day
• Cope with tiredness
• Regulate sleep patterns

By late afternoon, the brain is often simply exhausted.
When fatigue increases, confusion can increase too.

It is not a personality change.
It is not deliberate.
It is part of the condition.

What It Can Feel Like for Them

Evenings can feel unfamiliar or unsafe.

Shadows may look frightening.
Rooms may feel different.
They may feel they should be somewhere else.

Often, they are seeking comfort — not trying to be difficult.

How We Support Them

✔ Keeping lighting bright as daylight fades
✔ Maintaining a calm, predictable routine
✔ Reducing noise and overstimulation
✔ Offering reassurance instead of correction
✔ Using familiar music, gentle conversation, warm drinks
✔ Validating feelings rather than challenging beliefs

Small environmental changes can make a big difference.

Reassurance for Families

Sundowning is:

✔ A recognised part of dementia
✔ Common in mid to later stages
✔ Often worse with tiredness or infection
✔ Not caused by anything you have done

You are not failing.
Your loved one is not choosing this.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While sundowning is common, seek medical advice if you notice:

• A sudden or rapid change in behaviour
• Increased confusion that is unusual for them
• Hallucinations that are new or distressing
• Signs of pain
• Changes in urine, appetite or temperature
• Increased drowsiness or sudden agitation

Sudden changes can sometimes indicate:
• Urinary infections (UTIs)
• Dehydration
• Medication side effects
• Other underlying health concerns

If you are unsure — it is always okay to ask for a GP review.

Louise Donaghy Private Care

Louise Donaghy
Professional Care at Home

Providing calm, compassionate support for families navigating dementia.


Dementia Awareness
Dementia Awareness. Every Day
Dementia UK

26/02/2026

Understanding End of Life Care

A gentle guide for families

⸻

What Does “End of Life Care” Mean?

End of life care focuses on comfort, dignity and quality of life when someone is thought to be in the last months or weeks of life.

The aim is not to cure illness, but to:
• Keep the person comfortable
• Manage pain and symptoms
• Support emotional and spiritual wellbeing
• Ensure wishes are respected
• Support family members

⸻

What Changes Might We Notice?

Every person is different, but common changes can include:
• Sleeping more and being harder to wake
• Eating and drinking less
• Increased weakness or needing more help
• Changes in breathing pattern
• Periods of confusion or restlessness
• Withdrawing or becoming quieter

These changes are natural as the body begins to slow down.

⸻

What Is the Role of the Hospice / Palliative Team?

When involved, they can:
• Assess comfort and symptom control
• Prescribe and organise medication
• Provide “Just in Case” medication for emergencies
• Coordinate with GPs and District Nurses
• Offer 24-hour advice and support
• Support family emotionally and practically

Early involvement often makes things smoother and reduces stress during urgent situations.

⸻

What Is “Just in Case” Medication?

These are medications kept in the home to manage symptoms quickly if they arise, such as:
• Pain
• Breathlessness
• Agitation
• Nausea

They are only given if needed and are usually administered by trained nurses.

⸻

When Are Ambulances Not Usually Called?

If someone is receiving end of life care at home and has chosen comfort-focused care, hospital admission is often avoided unless specifically requested.

Instead, support is usually provided by:
• GP
• District Nurses
• Hospice at Home team

This ensures care remains calm, coordinated and aligned with the person’s wishes.

⸻

How Families Can Help
• Sit with them — your presence matters
• Offer small sips of fluid if safe
• Speak gently, even if they seem asleep
• Ask questions — there are no “wrong” ones
• Take breaks and look after yourselves too

⸻

Reassurance

Being part of someone’s final stage of life is emotional and sometimes frightening. Please know:
• Changes are often a natural part of the body slowing down
• Support is available
• You are not expected to manage this alone

If you are unsure about anything, contact the appropriate healthcare team for guidance.

If you like what you see or it might help someone follow, share and for any questions message me.
Louise Donaghy Private Care

24/02/2026

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

In Older Adults & People Living with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

⸻

💡 Why UTIs Matter

In older adults — especially those living with dementia — a UTI may not present with typical symptoms like burning or pain.

Instead, the first signs are often sudden changes in behaviour or thinking.

⸻

⚠️ Common Signs of a UTI in Dementia
• Sudden confusion or increased disorientation
• Hallucinations or delusional beliefs
• Increased agitation or aggression
• Withdrawal or unusual quietness
• Increased sleepiness or lethargy
• Refusing care or food
• Sudden increase in falls
• Strong-smelling or cloudy urine
• Increased frequency or urgency

🚩 A rapid change is a red flag.

⸻

🧠 Why Does This Happen?

Infection causes inflammation in the body.
In people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the brain is already vulnerable.

Even a mild infection can trigger:
• Delirium
• Behavioural changes
• Increased cognitive decline

⸻

🩺 What To Do If You Suspect a UTI

✔ Contact the GP promptly
✔ Request a urine sample test
✔ Monitor fluid intake
✔ Record behaviour changes
✔ Start antibiotics if prescribed

Early treatment often leads to noticeable improvement within 24–72 hours.

⸻

💧 Prevention Tips
• Encourage regular hydration
• Support good personal hygiene
• Prompt regular toileting
• Avoid prolonged use of incontinence pads if possible
• Monitor for subtle changes

⸻

❤️ Important Reminder

A sudden behaviour change is often medical — not “just the dementia.”

Always rule out infection first.

23/02/2026

I’ve been Nominated for proud of bucks awards🥹🥹🥹

Vote now! https://orlo.uk/KSSaZ

⭐ Proud of Bucks Awards 2026 - Nominations NOW OPEN! ⭐

Do you know someone making a real difference in your community?

A project, group or volunteer who deserves recognition for going above and beyond?

This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the people and initiatives that help make Buckinghamshire such a fantastic place to live.


✨ Award Categories

Nominate those who are making an impact in your areas:

- Newcomer Award – celebrating projects or groups launched in the last 18 months

- Environmental Impact Award – improving our local environment

- Improving Health & Wellbeing – supporting healthier, happier communities

- Reducing Social Isolation – helping people feel connected

- Town & Parish Council Community Award – council community projects

- Community Connectedness Award – bringing neighbours together

- Adult Volunteer of the Year – recognising dedicated volunteers

- Young Volunteer of the Year – recognising our younger volunteers

- School or College Community Contribution – education settings supporting their community

- Lifetime Achievement Award – honouring a lifetime of service to Buckinghamshire-led community projects

Help us celebrate the amazing work happening across Bucks. Nominate today and give someone the recognition they deserve.

Vote now using the link in the comments!




The Clare Foundation

21/10/2025

ME.

Taking the time to learn a little more about me and the care I provide.

Caring for others has always come naturally to me — it’s something I genuinely enjoy and feel privileged to do. I believe that good care is about more than just practical help; it’s about kindness, patience, and truly listening to the person you’re supporting. I take time to get to know each person and their family, so the care I give feels personal, comfortable, and respectful of their routines and wishes.

Over the years, I’ve supported people living with a wide range of needs — from companionship and household help to more complex personal and specialist care. I have particular experience with dementia (both early and late stages), Parkinson’s, and palliative care, as well as mobility and rehabilitation support. I’m confident using equipment such as hoists and Sara Stedy, and I always work in a calm and reassuring way.

I’m fully self-employed, insured, and hold an enhanced DBS (clean and up to date). I keep my training current with regular NHS-accredited courses in Dementia Awareness, First Aid, Safeguarding, and Palliative Care, to name a few.

Outside of work, I’m very family-orientated and enjoy being outdoors — I find nature helps me stay balanced and positive, which reflects in my caring approach. Friends and clients often describe me as reliable, friendly and easy to talk to, and I’m proud of the trusting relationships I’ve built with the people I support and their loved ones.

If it would be helpful, I’d be very happy to arrange a friendly chat or visit so we can talk through your needs and see how I can best support you or your loved one.

Louise Donaghy
Independent Carer & Dementia Friend

Feel free to message me through Facebook or email Louise.donaghy@hotmail.com
Donaghy Private Care

Click, like, follow.

Below are some photos of me in life and work 💗