Care Well Solutions

24/03/2023

𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚 - 😨Take a look at this video.⬇️

A world that seems familiar and yet doesn’t always make sense.

In this video, we get a glimpse of how life can feel with dementia.

The more we understand, the better we can support.🫶

A new SCIE film takes an innovative approach to what it might feel like to live with dementia. It features the voice of a woman who has the condition, and th...

17/03/2023

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐟?

Remember having your first car? 🚗You could get out and about and visit new places. Pursue your hobbies and interests. Perhaps it was your pride and joy, or the means for holding down employment.

As if second nature, we become so used to the convenience of driving. That feeling of freedom as you step into your car and go to different places with friends and family. Not a thought that it might ever end.

But what happens if our ageing journey catches us? The Doctor no longer confident in our ability to drive safely. 🛑

The loss of our drivers licence can mean so much.

Our lifestyle can be completely shattered, especially if driving’s been an integral part of our life. There’s a sense of finality that can leave us numb, sad and even depressed.😔 As I once heard an elderly gentleman say, it can feel like the end!

Physically, it can feel like a handbrake to life. You’re now reliant on other people’s charity. Will they get tired of taking you places? What if they stop? Of course, there’s public transport and taxis, but the need to live life to a timetable schedule can be hard to get our head around.

Every time you’re pottering around the house or garden and run out of some small item, you have to ask to be taken to the store, or wait until next week’s shopping day. The same is true for attending clubs, meeting with friends and other activities that may not be on your doorstep.

Losing your license can feel isolating. Lonely.

Without the means to drive, the restrictive feeling can leave us with some negative emotions. Are we at risk of becoming that 🍋sour old man or lady that’s difficult to live with?

Or is there an alternative?

If you still want to go for drives in the country and listen to your favourite music, I’m here to help.

As a carer who’s fully insured, I’m able to support you access what you need or want. A shopping spree, a trip to the movies, a karaoke car drive or simply quiet companionship on your way to visit that favourite local spot. A carer could be the GO to your handbrake.

A carer can be more than the conventional. Get in touch and let’s see how I can help YOU.

10/03/2023

🚑𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

I popped my head around the door of her hospital room. The radio played old-time tunes in the background as she gazed at the wall ahead. “What are you doing here,” as a smile grew across her face.

Sat in a chair, pyjama clad, her hospital bed made neatly, the hum of nursing activity filled the ward corridor.

She was not expecting me.

The nurses were busy. 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️The “we’ll have her dressed and ready for pick up when you arrive,” memo clearly wasn’t transmitted.

I explained that I’d come to take her home. A glint in her eye, “oh thank you, darling,” she said.

I shut the door, drew the curtain to give her privacy and slowly, she allowed me to help her dress.

I noticed her swollen calves, a note to self that we’d have to get those up as soon as we were home. The bruises down her wrists and across her hands were a sign of intravenous fluids and blood tests.

She looked fragile.😟

Enlisting the help of a very kind nursing assistant, in regal style, we wheelchaired her to my waiting car. “Your carriage awaits,” I teased her. Fortunately, I remembered the zimmer frame.

Carefully and ever so slowly, we transferred her to the passenger seat. Her mobility noticeably deteriorated.

As I drove, she recalled memories as we passed places familiar to her and yet, so soon she’d forgotten she’d been in hospital. 🏥What a blessing for her.

With a “challenge Anika” (if you know, you know,) approach to getting in the door, the gravelled drive and doorstep hurdle was overcome.

Catching her breath momentarily, she leaned into her walking frame, “hello house,” she said, the familiar surroundings a comfort.

“Where are we going?” she asked. Gently, I led her to the sunroom. Her favourite chair welcomed her.

“I’ve had a lovely time,” she said, “but I’m glad to be home again.”

I smiled. 😊️No need to fill in the details. Her failing short term memory saved her thoughts of the emergency admission.

She was safe and comfortable surrounded by her treasured photos and trinkets.

“Ready for a cuppa?” I asked her. ☕ “Oh, yes please,” she quickly responded. “And maybe a little treat with that?”

“You spoil me,” she said.

Some minutes later, armed with a fresh brew and a side sweetener, I stepped into the room. She’d fallen asleep.

I wonder what she dreamed of? ……………………….

❇️If you’re wondering whether I might be able to help you or your loved one as I did with Lettie, the lady in this story, please feel free to call or message me.

Let’s chat!

03/02/2023

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 - 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬?

Loneliness.😔 It may not seem like a big problem, but truth is, it can affect both our quality of life and physical health.

As we get older, loneliness can be a risk. Our social circle starts to shrink. Families get busy. Folks move away. Add to that issues of mobility, illness and transportation - it’s a perfect storm for isolation. 🌩️🌩️

Loneliness is that feeling when our need for social contact and relationships is not met.

It increases risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. (https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected)

So, what can we do to help?

Here are some tips to help combat seniors’ loneliness.

🍀Take time to listen. Whether family or friend we can make time to listen to help a loved one feel less alone.

🍀Plan. Learn about their interests and plan to incorporate them into their week. Do they love to sing ~ might they join a choir? Do they enjoy bird life ~ take them to a local park. Is their faith important ~ why not explore local church group connections? Sharing an activity can make a positive impact.

🍀A new hobby. Learning something new is the best way to keep our brains young. Encouraging our seniors to take up a new hobby is a way of staying active and meeting new people. They might join a book club, start a craft circle, or head to the local community centre to join in activities.

🍀Keep active. Whether a gentle stroll or workout with a neighbour/friend, exercise is good for our physical and emotional health.

🍀Teach someone something. If taking a class is too much for your senior, why not give them chance to teach you something instead? Even if it is wisdom and helpful advice they offer, it will help bring meaning to their life.

🍀Get a pet. Though no human companionship substitute, caring for a pet helps physical and mental health. It makes a home feel less lonely.

Loneliness can have serious implications. If you are concerned about an elderly loved one, there are plenty of simple things that can be done to combat it – all it takes is for one person to take the first step!

If you are concerned about a senior loved one, please get in touch.

27/01/2023

𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞

Do things feel harder to manage?

Perhaps you’re struggling with caring for your health or home like you used to?

It can be hard to think about accepting some extra help. After all, what does it represent or what it might mean?

But think about this...... What risks might you be taking by not being open to the idea of some help at home?😟 ~ falls, loneliness, medication mishaps, dietary challenges or maybe a hospital admission?

💎Personalised, quality support and care can have a positive impact on day-to-day life.

✅It empowers you to maintain your routines.
✅Allows you to continue with hobbies and interests.
✅Supports your independence and makes staying at home more manageable, even freeing!

A carer can help you feel safer as you’ll know there's someone ready to help in case of an emergency.
Consider it an extra pair of helping hands. A friendly face to chat with or company to cheer up your day.

👀Can you see how support and care are LESS about giving in or taking away, and MORE about adding to making life more comfortable?

Phone me on 📱07377 962 239 or message me🔻 to see how I can help you live better.

23/01/2023

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠? 👴🏼👵

How do we age joyfully when we live in a world that sees it as something to overcome and beat?

There’s always the newest serum, the next fitness miracle or surgical technique to save us. Let’s be real, there’s constant pressures to look and feel younger. A judgement that quite honestly defies biology, gravity and time!

✨What, if instead, we look at our ageing differently?

As Jane Fonda said, “We need to revise how we think of aging. The old paradigm was: You’re born, you peak at midlife, and then you decline into decrepitude. Looking at aging as ascending a staircase, you gain well-being, spirit, soul, wisdom, the ability to be truly intimate and a life with intention.”

When we choose to look at ageing with a positive viewpoint there are joyful gains to be had.
More time, new adventures, investment in our relationships, sharing our wisdom, and learning new skills with opportunities for connection to a changing world.✅

There’s no denying the physical and mental challenges that come with getting older, but we don’t have to waste time fearfully worrying about our potential demise.

Instead, why don't we embrace the gains on offer and learn to navigate around the changes with joy?

Let's channel our inner Jane and go ascend the staircase!

If you need a little help or care to support your independence and home life, please get in touch. I’m here to help you navigate the changes with joy.🙂

17/01/2023

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧.

For decades he’d driven.🚗 It’s how he got to work.

Countless hours dropping and picking up his children in their younger years.

Adventures. Holidays. Independence he’d taken for granted for so many years.

It gave him choice.

It gave him freedom.

It enabled him to help out others.

Supported him to manage his time.

Now, he’s mindful things take a little longer. He knows his reactions are slower. But, he’s fine he tells himself. No need to stress.

🤔No one will notice, will they, he thought?

The following week his son visits.

“Dad,” he calls from the front door.” “What’s happened here,” as his son points to the dent too big to ignore down the side of the car?”

Jim tries to bluff. Eyes down, he tries to move on the agenda.

“What happened,” his son asks again?

They walked inside. He sits opposite his son, thinking he’d have to come clean. He’d try to appeal.

“Dad,’ his son said. “Your doctor talked about this.” “You knew this day would come.”

Jim felt trapped. Upset.

He knew his family all worked such busy schedules. He didn’t want to have to add more to them.

Giving up our car is a fear many of us have as the years advance. It can feel like forfeiting our independence. Not being able to come and go as we please.

It can feel like a significant loss. I understand that.

The thing is, you don’t have to feel like the control is slipping away.

💠It’s why I encourage clients and families to discuss these sorts of agendas in plenty of time.
Don’t leave it too late!😱


💠It’s why I help folks to make plans. To reassure and know it doesn’t have to be a big deal.

💠I’m here to help.

So, don’t let the stress of change overwhelm you or your loved one. There’s ways we can work things out.

As for Jim, well he still does his own shopping. He still enjoys his library visits. And, he’s not missed a doctor's appointment yet.

The only change........... he enjoys doing it chauffeur style now.😊

13/01/2023

🐝𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐠𝐨?

A smile.
A moment to listen.
A pause to our busy day.
When you next meet an older person, remember we could be there one day.

09/01/2023

Welcome to Care Well Solutions! 🙂

January 2023 - a New Year and a new and exciting venture for me! Hello, I’m Amanda May.

It is my hope that my help and care make a difference to YOU to support your quality of life and independence.

With well over a decade of care and 👩‍⚕️nursing experience, both here and overseas, as the saying goes, “if it’s going to be, it’s up to me.” And, I want to make a difference!

In addition to my nursing experiences, I have also been a hands-on carer for some of my own family members.

I’ve witnessed the difference good care and support can make. I’ve experienced the kindness of genuine empathy and care - it’s huge!

🌼So, whether it’s help you need with personal care, some support in and around the home for you, your loved one (including your four-legged ones,) or simply some companionship or respite, let’s catch up and discover how we can make a difference to you.

For more detail or to book your free consultation, please call, message or email me.

I look forward to helping you live better.