Rachel's Home Help Services

27/02/2026

Today was a sad, but poignant day as I said goodbye to a long-standing client, Sylvia, on what would have been her 90th birthday.

A lady who started off as a "befriending client" with Age UK became a client and a wonderful friend for 6 years.

Amongst many things, I will remember all the laughs (and tears), your stories of childhood, our "breathing sessions" in your times of stress and our joint obsession with Cadbury s chocolate!!

Love always.

Rest in peace Sylvia ❤️

06/02/2026

Dementia vs Alzheimer's and the confusion surrounding it.

When someone you love starts experiencing changes in memory, thinking, or behaviour, the terms Alzheimer’s and dementia are often used interchangeably.

But they’re not the same thing!

Dementia is an umbrella term. It describes a group of symptoms that can affect memory, thinking, language, behaviour, and daily life. Dementia is caused by different diseases in the brain, it is not a disease itself.

Some of the main diseases that can cause dementia include:

- Alzheimer’s disease (the most common cause)
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Parkinson’s disease dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Mixed dementia

Because dementia has different causes, symptoms can look very different from person to person, memory loss isn’t always the first sign.

Alzheimer’s disease is a specific physical disease of the brain. It causes damage to brain cells over time and often begins in areas involved with memory.

Early symptoms may include:

- Difficulty remembering recent events
- Trouble finding words
- Confusion or changes in thinking
- Mood or behaviour changes

Key difference to remember:

All Alzheimer’s is dementia, but not all dementia is Alzheimer’s.

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/difference-between-dementia-alzheimers-disease

If you are looking for support for a loved one with dementia, please contact Rachel on 07967 833905
or email rachel@rachelgriffiths.co.uk

NCFE Cache Level 3 Dementia trained.
Insured and DBS checked

31/01/2026

Found out this afternoon that one of my long-standing clients has passed away 😩

Came as a big shock, but I'm blessed that she went peacefully in her sleep. It's always very hard losing a client and this lady has become a lovely friend over the past 6 years.

She is now at peace though, and back with her husband ❤️

02/01/2026

Back to it today. Here's to another year of making a difference! 😄

21/12/2025

More beautiful flowers delivered yesterday from another client. Beautiful! 💞

19/12/2025

Lovely surprise gift delivered this morning from one of my client's family 😁 It's lovely to feel appreciated ❤️

14/09/2025

Celebrating 8 years today for Rachel's Home Help Services and still loving everything I do for my clients!!

Whether that be helping around the home, being an advocate, listening at their most lonely times and most of all being a trusty friend you can rely on and ask for help, no matter what!

Here's to another 8 years 😁

29/04/2025

Dementia is the broad term used to describe a number of different conditions affecting the brain, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and over 100 more forms.

Today, we’re shining a light on vascular dementia. It’s the second most common type of dementia (after Alzheimer's disease) and everyone experiences it differently.

The most common symptoms of vascular dementia during the early stages are:

🧠 Problems with planning or organising, making decisions or solving problems

🧠 Difficulties following a series of steps (such as when cooking a meal)

🧠 Slower speed of thought

🧠 Problems concentrating, including short periods of sudden confusion.

A person in the early stages may also have difficulties with their memory and their language.

There are also different types of vascular dementia, which are all a result of problems with blood supply to parts of the brain, which then become damaged.

If you, or someone you know, is affected by dementia we are here for you. Please our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.

29/04/2025

This is great news!!

🥳 WE DID IT! 🥳

Tonight Dudley Council voted to save the Crystal Gateway and gave commitment to prioritising Dementia Care in our borough.

We could not be more proud of our Lisa who gave a heart-warming speech in the Council Chamber tonight. She spoke from the heart and represented us all so beautifully!

Thank you to all of the Councillors who have assisted in this campaign, specifically Cllr Karl Denning, who tabled the Notice of Motion to bring the issue into the Chamber, and to Cllrs Matt Cook, Andrew Tromans and Pete Lowe who have been excellent, passionate supporters. 🙏

Thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign. There is still more to do as the Council reviews the future of Dementia Services. We finally have a voice, let it be heard so we can shape the future of the services that we rely on so heavily in such difficult times of life.

17/02/2025

Today is a very sad day as we say goodbye to Margaret, one of my long-standing clients.

I miss your beautiful smile and your cheeky smirks! I miss our hugs and dances! It was a pleasure to work with you and I will truly miss you! ❤️

Alzheimer's is a very cruel disease, but you are now at peace. Sleep tight you lovely lady xx

25/01/2025

I am thrilled to say I have passed my NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Understanding the Principles of Dementia Care.

Together with my 7 years of supporting people with dementia, this has further equipped me with the essential knowledge and skills to continue providing compassionate and effective care, enhancing understanding and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by dementia.

The course covered essential topics such as the different types of dementia, the impact on individuals and their families, and effective communication strategies. I have learnt more about person-centred approaches, promoting independence, and managing challenging behaviours with empathy and respect.

This additional knowledge, together with my passion to really making a difference will further enhance my current service of a compassionate, informed, and high-quality level of care to individuals affected by dementia.

Please contact me on 07967 833905 or rachel@rachelgriffiths.co.uk if you are looking for support.

I am currently at full capacity, but can take your details for when a space becomes available.

20/01/2025

Our staff garden not only provides a peaceful, nature-friendly space for colleagues to unwind. It is also helping communities in the Global South to implement sustainable agriculture. By twinning our wonderful green space, designed by local firm Hortulani, with a garden on the African continent we're funding farming diversification and enabling families to thrive with healthy, homegrown food. The project is run by Ripple Effect. Find out more here: https://rippleeffect.org/get-involved/giving/garden-twinning/