Arbour Companions and Care

25/10/2025

Small changes can make a big difference 💙

People living with dementia may experience the world differently due to damage in the brain. This can lead to changes in perception, including:

Misperceptions – seeing one thing as something else (e.g. mistaking a shadow for a spider)
Misidentifications – confusing people or objects (e.g. thinking a son is their husband)
Hallucinations & Delusions – seeing or believing things that aren’t there
Time-shifting – mixing up past and present.

These experiences can be confusing or distressing for the person and those around them. But with understanding and support, you can help them feel safe and confident.

As explained by our @‌DementiaFriends team, something as simple as swapping a dark coloured mat – which could be mistaken for a hole in the ground – to a light coloured one could be helpful for a person living with dementia.

There are lots of little things you can do to support a person experiencing changes in perception, which might look like:

- Making sure glasses are worn and hearing aids are working (if used)

- Not moving furniture, or changing where things are kept

- Not drawing attention to their mistakes

- Improving lighting levels and reducing visual clutter

- Asking friends and relatives to introduce themselves when they arrive

- Describing the food and drink and where it is on the table

25/10/2025

24/10/2025

Here’s a little bit about what makes us different. 💜
At Arbour Care, we get to know everybody by name, story and smile. We build truly personal care plans, carefully match you with a carer who fits your personality, and we’re available 24/7 if you or your family need us. Our small, family-run team checks in often, solves problems quickly, and celebrates the wins with you.
We also offer a free Enrichment Programme - daily activities tailored to what you enjoy, from gentle movement to creative moments, because great care is about joy as much as support.

24/10/2025

Reminder! The clocks go back this weekend ⏰

Changing the clocks can be confusing for all of us – but for someone living with dementia it can be particularly disorientating and even distressing.

Thankfully there are a few easy things we can do to help minimise any disruption.

Consider having dinner and going to bed an hour earlier on Saturday, so that the person you’re caring for still gets enough sleep and can wake up at their usual time on Sunday.

Keep to a regular routine during the day and at bedtime. Doing regular activities at the same time each day – for example, going for a walk after breakfast – can help a person with dementia make sense of the time.

Gentle exercise outdoors can help the person feel sleepier during the evening. If this isn’t an option, keeping them active during the day can have a similar effect.

Use blackout curtains to reduce sunlight in the evening to help with body clock regulation.

Invest in an auto-setting clock for them. Reading a clock face can be tricky for some people with dementia, so often digital clocks are easier. You can also get clocks that show the day of the week and date as well as the time, and for some people a day/night clock can help them distinguish what time of day it is.

24/10/2025

Bisley Village Hall, Comminity Coffee Morning, first Monday of the month, Alex from Arbour Companions and Care and myself will be there to listen and support.

21/10/2025

Thank you to Age UK Berkshire for hosting such a wonderful 2-year celebration of Dementia Friendly Royal Borough at Bisham Abbey. We were also treated to a spectular performance from the YPWD (Younger People with Dementia ) Choir, their first ever public performance. An inspirational day .

20/10/2025

This National Cholesterol Month is a vital reminder that what’s happening inside our bodies matters just as much as how we feel on the outside.
High cholesterol often has no symptoms, but it can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. At Arbour Care, we encourage regular health checks, balanced nutrition, and healthy habits to help support everybody to live longer, fuller lives. 🫀💜
Let’s prioritise prevention because caring starts with awareness.

18/10/2025

Today, on World Menopause Day, we’re celebrating the strength, resilience, and wisdom of women entering this new phase of life.
At Arbour Care, we’re committed to supporting women through every stage of life with dignity, care, and understanding. 💜

14/10/2025

October is Black History Month 🖤❤️💛💚
At Arbour Care, we honour the rich history, resilience, and incredible contributions of Black communities across the UK and beyond.
This month is about recognition, education, and celebration and a reminder that diversity strengthens us all.
Let’s continue learning, listening, and lifting each other up.

12/10/2025

“Warm autumn sun, golden light, leaves just starting to turn. So lovely to be outside and hear the birdsong.”

With Arbour Care beside them, our clients can pause, breathe, and enjoy the beauty of the season. 💜🍁

10/10/2025

🧠 Today is World Mental Health Day.

At Arbour Care, we understand that caring goes beyond physical support, emotional wellbeing matters too.

To all carers, clients, and families: your feelings are valid, your rest is important, and you are not alone. 💜

01/10/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 💗

At Arbour Care, we stand with those who are fighting, honour the memory of those we've lost, and celebrate the survivors.

Let’s raise awareness, encourage regular check-ups, and support each other always.