When your partner or loved one is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s the world suddenly becomes a darker place, albeit they are the same person they were the day before they received their diagnosis. At Gracious Care we carry out a holistic assessment, looking at the needs not just of the person that has Dementia or Alzheimer’s, but also of the needs of those caring for them.
We will arrange to meet with you and your family to discover what is important to you, how you would like to spend your day and what your preferences are. We will then seek to find out what you and your loved ones need to assist us to provide a service that fully supports you.
Gracious Care will:
• focus on the person rather than the disease
• respect the sense of reality of the person with dementia and not impose our reality on them
• as far as possible, avoid being task oriented and try to be more communication oriented
• concentrate on feelings rather than factual accuracy.
We make use of the latest smartphone technology to help to ensure that our care service is provided for our clients at the arranged time. For details please refer to the 'Personal Care' page of 'Our Services' pages by clicking this link.
We are privileged to be close to an amazing couple who are negotiating dementia together. Their story, in their own words, helps to illustrate how it is possible, with love, patience and understanding, to prevail in the face of this condition:
Every Alzheimer's journey is different. None are easy.
My husband has been one of life's high achievers: clever and hard working. He was made a Knight of the Realm and ultimately a member of the House of Lords. Together we had the happiest and fullest of lives, bringing up our family and travelling the world over.
My suspicions were raised when he started to behave erratically. Stuff got left on trains, he experienced lots of confusion, had odd telephone calls.
For example, he once rang me from work to suggest that we spend the afternoon on our boat. We have not - and have never had - a boat!
I was lucky to get a scan and diagnosis in 2019 and then of course, lockdown came. For two years I had no support and cared for him at home. He was up most nights getting ready for golf or wanting to go out for a walk. It was very stressful.
I ran out of road and really couldn't cope any more. With the full support of my family we found a care home, initially with respite in mind but ultimately for life.
This has to be the worst decision anyone could need to make in life: to move the person you love most in the world into care.
I was extremely lucky that a very experienced dementia carer was the first person I met when delivering my husband into this new life. She was a treasure, advising us how to cope and of course how to deal with the guilt.
So he has now been in the home for three years. Out of touch with reality, unable to express himself, incontinent - but happy in the moment and cared for. He has no idea of time or place. Happily he still knows me.
I am able to visit most days and with the help of my marvellous family take him out for the occasional treat.
This and each dementia story is unique. But we can face this together.
We aim to add value to enable you to live your life and your loved one to live theirs as best you can under the circumstances. Within Gracious Care we have a Dementia Champion who has strong links with the local alzheimers support services. If at any time you are unsure what help you need you can ring for an informal chat to seek professional reassurance.
You might find this link (click the logo) to Dementia Friends helpful
The Alzheimer’s Society have some very useful training material, much of which is used for Gracious Care staff. We've quoted from it here, not only to give you a flavour of the standard of training but to give context to your changed circumstances and to share insight into this condition. All care given by Gracious Care is person centred but in this context the phrase reminds those in contact with the diagnosed person, the central importance of the individual:
“Person-centred care” is about recognising that the people in your care have histories. They are not entering care with nothing but dementia. They are also bringing their experiences of life, school, work, love and relationships and these will all have a bearing on how different individuals feel and respond in different situations.
Gracious Care have been offering dementia support from the very start. As with other forms of dementia, we value the person and work to alleviate the stress caused by the symptoms. Our team of Care Workers and Care Support Workers deliver homecare regulated by the CQC. Our Care Workers are trained to a very high standard to offer dementia care and personal care, using equipment such as hoists etc as necessary. Our Care Support Workers will give domestic, housework, cooking and shopping support.
We specialise in dementia support, valuing the person for the wealth of memories they have built up. Using the resources supplied by Gracious Care, staff can develop a 'life story book', helping younger family and friends interact. If you wish to know more about the range of services we offer please don't hesitate to contact us
We make use of the latest smartphone technology to help to ensure that our care service is provided for our clients at the arranged time. For details please refer to the ' Personal Care ' page of 'Our Services' pages by clicking this link.