The Home Bees

10/07/2025

08/07/2025

Dementia affects everyone differently, however it can be helpful to think of it progressing in 'three stages'.

Dementia is progressive. This means signs and symptoms may be relatively mild at first but they get worse with time.

Knowing a little about what to expect in each stage can help us understand how dementia changes over time and how to prepare for the future The stages also act as a guide to when certain treatments, such as medicines for Alzheimer’s disease, are likely to work best.

It can sometimes be difficult to tell when a person’s dementia has progressed from one stage to another because some symptoms may appear in a different order to how we’ve presented them here, and the stages may overlap.

Some symptoms, particularly those linked to behaviours, may develop at one stage and then reduce or even disappear later on. Other symptoms, such as memory loss and problems with language and thinking, tend to stay and get worse with time.

As dementia progresses, a person will need more help and, at some point, will need a lot of support with daily living. However, how soon this happens and the type of support needed will vary from person to person.

It’s natural to want to know which stage a person is at or what might happen next. But the most important thing we can do is focus on the person in the present moment, to help them live well for as long as possible.

This is a guide to some of the common symptoms at each stage, but everyone’s dementia journey is different. If you need more help or advice we’re here for you.

23/06/2025

If I get dementia, I’d like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live. I want them to remember these things.

1a. Every time you enter the room announce yourself. “Hi Mom- it’s Margaret.”

NEVER ask- Do you know who I am??? That causes anxiety.

1. If I get dementia, I want my friends and family to embrace my reality.

2. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier for it.

3. If I get dementia, don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you.

4. If I get dementia, and I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me.

5. If I get dementia, and can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet, and see if I can still feed myself.

6. If I get dementia, and I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded.

7. If I get dementia, I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am.

8. If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends.

9. If I get dementia, ask me to tell you a story from my past.

10. If I get dementia, and I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me.

11. If I get dementia, treat me the way that you would want to be treated.

12. If I get dementia, make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now if I don’t eat I get angry, and if I have dementia, I may have trouble explaining what I need.

13. If I get dementia, don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room.

14. If I get dementia, don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not your fault, and you’ve done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live.

15. If I get dementia, and I live in a dementia care community, please visit me often.

16. If I get dementia, don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault.

17. If I get dementia, make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot.

18. If I get dementia, and I like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to their original place.

19. If I get dementia, don’t exclude me from parties and family gatherings.

20. If I get dementia, know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes.

21. If I get dementia, remember that I am still the person you know and love.”

ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴀsᴛᴇ in Honor of someone you know or knew who has dementia. In Honor of all those I know and love and lost who are fighting Dementia/Alzheimer’s.

June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month…you’re never more aware than when this disease hits your family!

17/06/2025

🟡 Yellow heat health alert has been issued from Thursday 18 June to Sunday 22 June. Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm. Drink plenty of cool drinks to keep hydrated.

Stay ahead of the heat - sign up for free alerts straight to your phone, voicemail or inbox: https://ow.ly/8hYa50TaQO1

12/04/2025

Parkinson's is a chronic neurological condition with a range of complex symptoms unique to each individual. The most common symptoms include stiffening muscles, slowing movement and changing posture. Many people also experience tremors when resting.

These recognisable symptoms of Parkinson’s are just the tip of the iceberg. Other symptoms can include pain, depression, anxiety, speech changes and loss of facial expression. For more information about the range of symptoms experienced in Parkinson’s, check out our Resource Centre: https://www.fightparkinsons.org.au/resource-centre

Join us for A Walk in the Park 2025 - either in person at Fed Square on 27 April or virtually from your local area. Walk Together, Fight Together – because united, we fight Parkinson’s together. https://www.awalkinthepark.org.au/

09/04/2025

The Easter holidays start today and there are lots of choices to be made...

Creme eggs or mini eggs? Fancy hot cross buns, or traditional?

And one important choice we hope you don't have to make - where to go for medical help if you need it.

Get the right care first time for your family this Easter. Visit our website for details of local services:

https://orlo.uk/WjLB8