Jemma Louise Care At Home LTD

19/06/2025

🧠 Keeping hydrated 🧠

☀️We are loving the hot sunny weather here at Jemma Louise Care At Home LTD but on the ground we're working hard to keep our clients hydrated to avoid dehydration. ☀️

🌡Keeping loved ones cool in hot weather🌡

•aim to keep the room cool, ideally less than 26°C. Close any external shutters or shades, blinds and curtains – this keeps cooler air in, and hotter air out

•close and shade windows very early in the morning so that the heat does not build up

•reduce indoor heat production by turning off non-essential appliances and heating systems

•reduce physical exertion, for example reschedule physiotherapy to cooler times of the day

•promote regular cool showers, baths or body washes

•advise wearing light, loose-fitting clothes that absorbs sweat and prevent skin irritation

•minimise sun exposure between the hours of 11am and 3pm

•promote sunscreen use, consulting further guidance on sunscreen and sun safety

•sprinkle clothes with water regularly and splash cool water on individuals’ faces and the backs of their necks

•serve cold food, particularly salads, fruit and ice-lollies which have a high-water content

•promote regular drinking, preferably water or fruit juice

•monitor fluid intake, which can be by monitoring body weight

Jemma Louise ❤️

18/06/2025

We completed our 31 miles in May and feel proud to have supported Dementia UK to raise funds to help support families across the UK in their fight against Dementia 💙.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding Dementia contact Dementia UK today! They can help!

Jemma Louise ❤️

18/06/2025

🧠 Frequently asked questions about diagnosing dementia 🧠

Here are some of the most common queries raised by those thinking about going through the diagnosis process

🗣: I keep forgetting things – do I need to go for a diagnosis?

A: There are lots of reasons why people are sometimes forgetful – and dementia isn’t always the cause. These include:

•Anxiety

•Depression

•Stress

•Infections

•Thyroid issues

•Vitamin deficiencies

•Circulatory problems

•Sleep apnoea

•Side-effects of medication

🚨 It’s important that you go and see your doctor if you’re experiencing memory issues so you can be assessed and any underlying issues addressed. If your GP suspects you do have dementia, it’s likely that you’ll be referred to a specialist for more extensive tests. 🚨

🗣: I’m scared about going for a diagnosis because I don’t know much about it – what is dementia?

A: Dementia isn’t one single disease or illness – it’s the name given to a number of conditions that affect the brain and how it works and leads to symptoms that affect memory, speech and understanding, and get worse over time.

The different types of dementia include:

•Alzheimer’s disease

•Lewy body dementia (LBD)

•Vascular dementia

•Frontotemporal dementia

•Mixed dementia

🌸 According to Dementia UK there are over 200 subtypes of dementia. There is currently no cure, but medical advances are being made and for some people medication can help to slow the progress of the disease, especially if diagnosed in the early stages.🌸

🗣: What kind of tests are involved in a dementia diagnosis?

A: The process for diagnosing dementia starts with a GP assessment. This might involve a physical check-up to help rule out other causes of your symptoms plus memory tests. Your GP is likely to send you for a blood test too.

If you’re referred to a specialist memory clinic you’ll have more extensive tests. You might also have a brain scan such as an MRI or CT and sometimes a chest X-ray is carried out to rule out other conditions.

🗣: How long does a diagnosis take?

A: For some people a dementia diagnosis is straightforward and can take a few weeks. For others, it can take months: in some cases a year. Much depends on where you live.

Jemma Louise ❤️

10/06/2025

🕊 A tribute to Norma Roden 🕊

Last week I said "good night Norma" for the last time to one of my longest standing clients providing service for just short of three years. I celebrated her life with her family and it was a truly beautiful service that showcased what a wonderful woman and mother she was ❤️. Every detail was thought of with great care and her flower arrangements were in her favourite colour of yellow 🌼. They were so vibrant and happy which set the tone for the whole day 🥰.

Can just say for those that don't know, Norma had the best right left combinations ever! I still can't believe she never boxed 🥊 professionally 🤔 they were on point everytime 👊 🤣. Our sparring sessions indirectly made me incredibly good at ducking jabs too 👌 🤣. So if anyone facies a sparring session let me know😆. All jokes aside she really did have the most wonderful nature when she was the Norma that everyone knew and loved. She loved to have her nails painted, hair blown, nice clothes on, purfume oh and her lipstick 💄 😍 of course. I absolutely loved to see her like this. She was a proper lady and to see her so pleased that she looked nice on these days was truly unmatched.

A few words to you Norma 🕊

Norma, you didn't have it easy with your symptoms of Dementia, but I witnessed first hand the determination you had to live so that you could see your wonderful sons, they were your first thought in the morning and your last thought at night ❤️. Our journey together was not without difficulty and at times was incredibly challenging through the years. You struggled to accept me for a long time, but we dealt with it with time, patience and persistence. This eventually paid off and we had some truly beautiful moments of love, warm embraces and kindness especially over this past year. You were such a proud lady and I always understood that. I mostly wished I could take away the overwhelm, anxiety and confusion as it was hard to watch knowing there was nothing I could do other sit through it with you and let it pass.

Caring for you has been so bitter sweet, a real rollercoaster of emotions that I have not only accompanied you on but that I have felt within myself. As you needed more support I began working so closely with your family. They came to me for support and guidance during the most challenging of times. I have held, cared for, supported and felt the pain of you all at these times. I have seen you through many transitions from being able to make yourself a cup of tea, walk and wash your dishes through to living your final days with us. I've built bonds that I never realised I would have done but I would not change a thing about it!

I've been witness to the true meaning of unconditional love and have seen what place you hold in your families lives. They are the most caring, considerate, kind and thoughtful Human beings. People you have raised and shaped. Your legacy 💛. You can now be at peace with your Micky, the love of your life ✨️.

My service may have ended but because of you I can now call your family my friends!

"Good night Norma" ❤️

Love Jemma x

30/05/2025

🧠 Dementia and palliative care at home 🧠

At Jemma Louise Care At Home LTD we understand the importantance of use and implications of advanced care planning for end of life for a person with dementia.

We can identify symptoms associated with end of life and how they must be effectively managed with care and compassion. With focus on the needs of your loved ones to ensure they are safe, clean and comfortable, we also understand the importantance to acknowledge the needs of bereaved family and carers.

With us you will receive co-ordinated, compassionate and person-centred care towards and at the end of life including access to high quality palliative care from health and social care staff trained in dementia and end of life, as well as bereavement support.

We are here for you throughout ❤️

29/05/2025

🚨 How the Herbert Protocol can help if someone goes missing 🚨

The Herbert Protocol is a national system used to help locate missing people with dementia more quickly.

It involves filling out a form with important information about the person, such as their medical history, a recent photograph, favourite places, and any significant life events. This form is then ready so that if the person goes missing, you can email or hand it to the police to help them in their search.

The protocol aims to alleviate the worry of trying to recall important information during the stressful time of someone going missing. It can save time and allow the police to start the search sooner.

This is the link for police force for our area, complete the form and keep it handy in the event you should need it.

Greater Manchester Police

https://www.gmp.police.uk/notices/hp/herbert-protocol/

Jemma Louise ❤️

Learn about a national scheme used by police and other agencies where carers keep details about vulnerable people to be used if that person goes missing.

29/05/2025

🧠 Wandering and Dementia 🧠

Why wandering occurs and how do we deal with it?

Some people with dementia may be prone to wandering from time to time. It can happen at any stage of the condition. There are various reasons why it can occur.

Reasons can include:

💥 Being bored or restless

💥 Believing they have to be somewhere or meet someone (even though that person may have died)

💥 Starting a journey with a purpose and forgetting what that purpose might be

💥Confusion about their life stage and current routine – the person may think they need to get up and go to work, for instance, even if they are retired

💥 Confusion between night and day – such as waking up at 6am and thinking it’s 6pm and they have to go out somewhere

💥 Inability to sleep – night-time wandering can be common if the person is restless and unable to sleep

💥 Pain or feeling unwell – the person may walk around because they are in pain or feel unwell and may be trying to escape from how they are feeling

💥 A stressful environment – their room may be too hot or cold, or too noisy or quiet

💥 Feeling overwhelmed – they may wander to escape from how they are feeling if they are upset or stressed

💥 Lack of exercise during the day – the person may not have had much stimulation or activity during the day

What can we do about wandering?

❤️ Speak to their GP if we suspect they are in any pain or discomfort. If you feel they are restless, try to find ways to make their day more stimulating.

❤️ If possible, accompany them on a walk earlier in the day. Encourage them to join a social group where they can interact with others. This may make them more fulfilled and less restless. Support the person in staying mentally and physically active.

❤️ Monitor the situation to see if there’s a pattern. Do they wander at the same time of day? Have they been talking about someone who has passed away as though that person is still here? Does it sound like they want to meet up with someone who is no longer around?

❤️ Try to plan activities where possible around the time they would normally wander. This may serve as a helpful distraction. If they continue wandering, we may have to discuss making changes to their home that could alert you to their movement.

❤️ A warning bell installed above doors or a monitoring device to alert you when they are trying to get out may help. A pressure-sensitive mat in front of their favourite chair or bed that alerts you to their movement may be a good idea if they wander at night.

❤️ Ensure we store car keys where the person can’t see them. Even if they no longer drive, they may forget and try to take the keys and go out driving.

❤️ Let neighbours and friends know what’s happening. Let neighbours know that the person tends to wander so that they can keep an eye out for them. Ask them to call you, other family members or us if they see the person outside looking confused or dressed inappropriately. Ensure they have up-to-date contact information for you and the person’s family members.

❤️ Arrange for us to sign the person up for The Herbert Protocol. The police use this free online service to narrow down a search for a missing person. This will make it easier for them to be located if they wander and get lost. It contains information about the person’s appearance, where they may go, and details of previous wanderings. Police can access and circulate this information when they are notified that the person has gone missing, increasing the chances of the person being found sooner.

It’s also worth looking into purchasing a MedicAlert ID bracelet, which contains the person’s identification and details of any medical conditions.

Jemma Louise ❤️

23/05/2025

💥Tailored care packages for you and your family 💥

At Jemma Louise Care At Home LTD we understand that care needs are different for each individual and their families. There is no one size fits all and we're here to fill the gaps and help where it's needed and necessary. We work closely with loved ones to provide specific care as and when they need it. It evolves and changes over the years and we simply adapt and go with the flow providing exactly what's needed or wanted.

Every week for the past 2.5 years I drop in to see my friend in her care home. I originally looked after her at home but the decision was made that she needed full-time care not only for her wellbeing but that of her family too. Sometimes it becomes unmanageable at home and that's ok, this is not a failure! We need to consider the best outcomes for everyone involved. When it becomes stressful and overwhelming it's ok to look at other options.

Because we had built such a lovely relationship the family didn't want full contact to stop. To support my client and the transition we agreed to have weekly visits to keep our friendship going and to make sure she has diversity in people that visit through the week to keep her mind healthy 😊. Her Dementia has naturally progressed but she anticipates my visits and she looks forward to seeing me and having a catch up. Consistency has been a major factor here. She is so happy in her home and the staff are amazing. This was the best decision for her in particular because she is very sociable, loves the crack and is very much at the centre of all the banter that occurs daily 😂. I look forward to seeing her every week 💕 and anyone that knows her knows she has the best sense of humour 🤣.

Jemma Louise ❤️

08/05/2025

Today we celebrate Victory in Europe day and the end of the war on 8th May 1945.

A special mention to our Douglas Jones that would have loved celebrating today.

Loved and missed every day ❤️

05/05/2025

I have joined Debs Sharp to support the 'Walk 31 miles in May' for Dementia UK .
I have helped care for Debbie's Dad who suffers with Alzheimer's for the past 3 years. We both feel passionate about the fight against the disease as we see how it effects loved ones on a daily basis.

So on behalf of all my clients and families at Jemma Louise Care At Home LTD we take part in raising money to help families like ours get the help, support and advice they need. Dementia can be incredibly lonely not only for the diagnosed but their family members too ❤️.

Of course we stopped to have some lubrication on the way round 🙈😂

26/06/2024

🏨NHS continuing healthcare🏨

🚨Some people with long-term complex health needs qualify for free health and social care arranged and funded solely by the NHS. This is known as NHS continuing healthcare.🚨

🧠Where can NHS continuing healthcare be provided?🧠

NHS continuing healthcare can be provided in a variety of settings outside hospital, such as in your own home or in a care home.

🧠Am I eligible for NHS continuing healthcare?🧠

NHS continuing healthcare is for adults. Children and young people may receive a "continuing care package" if they have needs arising from disability, accident or illness that cannot be met by existing universal or specialist services alone.

Download the Decision Support Tool for NHS Continuing Healthcare from GOV.UK (PDF, 194KB)

🚨To be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you must be assessed by a team of healthcare professionals (a multidisciplinary team). 🚨

The team will look at all your care needs and relate them to:

•what help you need
•how complex your needs are
•how intense your needs can be
•how unpredictable they are, including any risks to your health if the right care is not provided at the right time

Your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare depends on your assessed needs, and not on any particular diagnosis or condition. If your needs change then your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare may change.

You should be fully involved in the assessment process and kept informed, and have your views about your needs and support taken into account. Carers and family members should also be consulted where appropriate.

A decision about eligibility for a full assessment for NHS continuing healthcare should usually be made within 28 days of an initial assessment or request for a full assessment.

If you are not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you can be referred to your local council who can discuss with you whether you may be eligible for support from them.

If you still have some health needs then the NHS may pay for part of the package of support. This is sometimes known as a "joint package" of care.

🚨Information and advice🚨

The process involved in NHS continuing healthcare assessments can be complex. An organisation called Beacon gives free independent advice on NHS continuing healthcare.

Visit the Beacon website or call the free helpline on 0345 548 0300.

🚨NHS continuing healthcare assessments🚨

Integrated care boards, known as ICBs (the NHS organisations that commission local health services), must assess you for NHS continuing healthcare if it seems that you may need it.

For most people, there's an initial checklist assessment, which is used to decide if you need a full assessment. However, if you need care urgently – for example, if you're terminally ill – your assessment may be fast-tracked.

🧠Initial assessment for NHS continuing healthcare🧠

The initial checklist assessment can be completed by a nurse, doctor, other healthcare professional or social worker. You should be told that you're being assessed and what the assessment involves.

Depending on the outcome of the checklist, you'll either be told that you do not meet the criteria for a full assessment of NHS continuing healthcare and are therefore not eligible, or you'll be referred for a full assessment of eligibility.

Being referred for a full assessment does not necessarily mean you'll be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare. The purpose of the checklist is to enable anyone who might be eligible to have the opportunity for a full assessment.

The professional(s) completing the checklist should record in writing the reasons for their decision, and sign and date it. You should be given a copy of the completed checklist.

You can download a blank copy of the NHS continuing healthcare checklist from GOV.UK (PDF, 122KB)

🧠Full assessment for NHS continuing healthcare🧠

Full assessments for NHS continuing healthcare are undertaken by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) made up of a minimum of 2 professionals from different healthcare professions. The MDT should usually include both health and social care professionals who are already involved in your care.

You should be informed who is co-ordinating the NHS continuing healthcare assessment.

The team's assessment will consider your needs under the following headings:

•breathing
•nutrition (food and drink)
•continence
•skin (including wounds and ulcers)
•mobility
•communication
•psychological and emotional needs
•cognition (understanding)
•behaviour
•drug therapies and medicine
•altered states of consciousness
•other significant care needs

These needs are given a weighting marked "priority", "severe", "high", "moderate", "low" or "no needs".

If you have at least 1 priority need, or severe needs in at least 2 areas, you can usually expect to be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare.

You may also be eligible if you have a severe need in 1 area plus a number of other needs, or a number of high or moderate needs, depending on their nature, intensity, complexity or unpredictability.

In all cases, the overall need, and interactions between needs, will be taken into account, together with evidence from risk assessments, in deciding whether NHS continuing healthcare should be provided.

The assessment should take into account your views and the views of any carers you have. You should be given a copy of the decision documents, along with clear reasons for the decision.

You can download a blank copy of the NHS continuing healthcare decision support tool from GOV.UK (PDF, 194KB)

🚨Fast-track assessment for NHS continuing healthcare🚨

If your health is deteriorating quickly and you're nearing the end of your life, you should be considered for the NHS continuing healthcare fast-track pathway, so that an appropriate care and support package can be put in place as soon as possible – usually within 48 hours.

🧠Care and support planning🧠

If you're eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, the next stage is to arrange a care and support package that meets your assessed needs.

Depending on your situation, different options could be suitable, including support in your own home and the option of a personal health budget.

If it's agreed that a care home is the best option for you, there could be more than 1 local care home that's suitable.

Your ICB should work collaboratively with you and consider your views when agreeing your care and support package and the setting where it will be provided. However, they can also take other factors into account, such as the cost and value for money of different options.

🧠NHS continuing healthcare reviews🧠

If you're eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, your needs and support package will normally be reviewed within 3 months and thereafter at least annually. This review will consider whether your existing care and support package meets your assessed needs. If your needs have changed, the review will also consider whether you're still eligible for NHS continuing healthcare.

🧠Refunds for delays in NHS continuing healthcare funding🧠

ICBs will normally make a decision about eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare within 28 days of getting a completed checklist or request for a full assessment, unless there are circumstances beyond its control.

If the ICB decides you're eligible, but takes longer than 28 days to decide this and the delay is unjustifiable, they should refund any care costs from the 29th day until the date of their decision.

🧠If you're not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare🧠

If you're not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, but you're assessed as requiring nursing care in a care home (in other words, a care home that's registered to provide nursing care) you'll be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care.

This means that the NHS will pay a contribution towards the cost of your registered nursing care. NHS-funded nursing care is available irrespective of who is funding the rest of the care home fees.

Find out more about NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded healthcare from NHS England

26/06/2024

🚨🏨Care after illness or hospital discharge (reablement)🏨🚨

If you or someone you know has been in hospital or had an illness or fall, you may need temporary care to help you get back to normal and stay independent.

This short-term care is sometimes called intermediate care, or aftercare. Reablement is a type of care that helps you relearn how to do daily activities, like cooking meals and washing.

Most people who receive this type of care do so for around 1 or 2 weeks, although you might be able to get free, short-term care for a maximum of 6 weeks, if this service is available in your area. It will also depend on how soon you are able to cope at home.

You may have to pay for some types of care yourself.

🧠When you can get free short-term care and how to get it🧠

🏥After leaving hospital 🏥

Care can help you recover from an illness or an operation.

Hospital staff will assess your health and help you to decide if you need further help to recover. If they think you do, they will arrange care before you leave hospital.

Speak to the person in charge of you going home (discharge co-ordinator) to make sure this happens.

The care you're offered depends on the types of care services available in your area.

🚨Information:🚨
Contact social services if you have been discharged and care hasn't been arranged.

The hospital will not get involved after you leave.

🧠After a fall or short illness🧠

Care can help you avoid going into hospital if you do not need to.

If you or someone you know falls or needs help because they're ill, speak to your GP surgery or social services.

They may be able to arrange for someone to come to your home and discuss what you need.

🧠If you have started to find everyday tasks difficult🧠

You can get help with daily tasks. This can help you learn new ways of doing things before needing paid home help.

If you find everyday tasks difficult, you can apply for a needs assessment at GOV.UK. This will identify the type of care or equipment you need.

🚨What care you'll get🚨

A team with a mix of people from the NHS and social services will help you do the things you need to do to stay independent.

This might include getting dressed, preparing a meal, or getting up and down stairs.

They might care for you at first, but will help you practise doing things on your own.

Your team might include:

•a nurse
•an occupational therapist
•a physiotherapist
•a speech and language therapist
•a social worker
•doctors
•carers

They'll start with an assessment that looks at what you can do. You'll agree together what you want to do and set out a plan.

The plan will include a contact person who's in the team and the times and dates they'll visit you.

🚨What happens when aftercare finishes🚨

When aftercare finishes, your team should work with you and your family or carers to agree what happens next.

This should include:

other care you might need, such as home help
how you can refer yourself again if you need to
what you should do if something goes wrong
information about what other types of support or equipment might help

Ask your team's contact person about what happens next if your aftercare is coming to an end.