Family Care Advice Ltd

31/12/2025

As temperatures drop, it is vital to recognise that cold weather presents significantly higher health risks for older adults than for the general population.
❄️Biological changes associated with ageing make it harder for the body to maintain a steady internal temperature, often leading to serious complications before an individual even realises they are in danger.
❄️Why are older people more at risk?
❄️Reduced Metabolic Rate: A slower metabolism makes it harder for the body to generate enough heat to counteract external cold.
❄️Thinning Protective Layers: The loss of subcutaneous fat and thinning skin reduces the body’s natural insulation.
❄️Diminished Thermoregulation: The body’s ability to constrict blood vessels to retain heat often weakens with age.
❄️Underlying Conditions: Chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease can interfere with circulation, while certain medications may prevent the body from shivering or regulating temperature effectively.
❄️The Critical Risks:
❄️Hypothermia: This can occur even indoors if a home is not sufficiently heated. In older adults, hypothermia can set in at temperatures that might seem mild to others.
❄️Increased Cardiac Strain: Cold causes blood vessels to constrict to conserve heat, which spikes blood pressure and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
❄️Respiratory Issues: Cold, dry air can worsen conditions like COPD or asthma and weaken the immune response to seasonal viruses.

❄️If you are a carer or have older neighbours, ensure their living spaces stay at a safe temperature between 18c and 21c. You can find further guidance on staying well during the winter months via the NHS website.
Let’s look out for our communities this winter. A simple wellness check can save a life.

26/12/2025

Christmas Day often brings a poignant realisation that the dynamic with our parents or older relatives has shifted. While the day is filled with joy, it can also be the moment we notice they have become frailer, more forgetful, or are struggling with tasks that once seemed effortless.

This "role reversal" is a significant emotional milestone. It is a challenging transition to move from being the one cared for to the one providing care, often leading to feelings of overwhelm, guilt, or uncertainty about the future. Recognising that they now need extra support—whether it is help around the home, specialist care, or navigating the complexities of the UK healthcare and social care systems—is the first step in ensuring their safety and well-being.

You do not have to navigate these changes alone. Family Care Advice Ltd specialises in helping families manage these transitions with dignity and clarity. They provide expert guidance on care options and support systems tailored to your family’s unique circumstances.

If you noticed changes this festive season and aren’t sure what the next steps should be, you can book a 30-minute free consultation with Family Care Advice Ltd to discuss how to best support your loved ones.

17/12/2025

Do your home visits always go to plan?

I have made many home visits over the years but sometimes they don't always go to plan...

A few years ago, when I worked for a local charity, I arrived at house, ready to check in on 'Mrs Davies'*
A lovely older gent opened the door. I showed him my ID, he invited me in as if he was expecting me and put the kettle on.
We made small talk over biscuits until I finally asked, "So, how is your wife doing today? I was hoping to have a chat with her."
He replied "She passed away about two years ago now, my dear."
The penny dropped, I was at the wrong house! Cue wanting a hole to open up!

I apologised and explained, he was lovely, he just chuckled, said he'd had a lovely chat and I was welcome back any time!

I found Mrs Davies house in the close opposite…I'm blaming SatNav!

Am I the only one? Love to hear any home visit stories.

*not real name

10/12/2025

🌿 Support and togetherness through Bereavement and Loss 🌿

Join experienced Occupational Therapist Kate for a 5-session emotional support group that offers compassion, connection and guidance through the experience of grief and loss. Whether your journey is recent or long-standing, this is a safe space to talk, identify positive coping strategies and feel connection with others.

Kate’s approach combines Occupational Therapy with Mindfulness, Grief and Bereavement theory and Solution Focused Therapy. Therefore, the focus of the sessions will be guided by the group members. Kate will spend time getting to know the group and understanding what they would like to gain from the sessions.

It will be a gentle, nurturing space designed to help you explore your emotions and gain valuable support and coping tools.

Dates -Friday 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th February and 6th March.
Book via www.bookwhen.com/shuttlewoodclarke

24/11/2025

Delighted to be awarded Best Independent Family & Senior Care Consultancy 2025!

Family Care Advice Ltd has been honored with the SME Award for Best Independent Family & Senior Care Consultancy. This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of Family Care Advice Ltd and we are delighted to receive it. ​Our core mission is to provide practical, expert support to indivi...

23/11/2025

4 years ago I decided to set up on my own and formed Family Care Advice Ltd.

On the run up to Christmas 2021, I registered a domain, opened up a business account and registered my company. No funding or loans, just me and a conviction that I could help people to navigate our complex care system and reduce the levels of stress they experience.

With a business plan in my head, 30 plus years experience of health and social care and a belief I could do this, I entered 2022 as a Managing Director of Family Care Advice.

I have learned a lot and had excellent support, encouragement and advice along the way.

I still love what I do, especially when I see the difference it makes to clients who often come to me frustrated and stressed at an emotional time in their lives.

Was it the best way to go about starting a business? Probably not but it was the best way for me.

Do I have any regrets? Yes, not doing it sooner!

So, if you're contemplating starting up a small business my only advice is...just do it! Life's too short.

16/10/2025

*DO NOT RESPOND TO TEXTS ABOUT WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE* Please read below and pass onto family, friends, clients as many people have already been victims of this scam.

⚠️ SCAM ALERT ⚠️

There has been a surge of 150% of scam messages ahead of Winter Fuel Payments landing in bank accounts next month.

✅ Know the facts:

Winter Fuel Payments are automatic — you do not need to apply.

The DWP will never ask for your bank details via text.

If you get a suspicious message, forward it to 7726 (free of charge) and delete it immediately.

⚠️ Please share this with older friends and family members to help keep them safe this winter.

Find out more: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/

02/10/2025

Excellent advice from Money Saving Expert, click their link for more advice or drop us a message for a free call, up to 30 minutes, to discover if you are eligible.

Carers are heroes, and many are missing out on vital help 👇

02/10/2025

Thoroughly recommend attending coffee mornings like this if you are caring for someone whether that is a parent, spouse, neighbour, friend or family member.

Why not join us at our new monthly Carers Peer Support Groups at Gates Garden Centres in Oakham and Hinckley? These informal meet-ups are a chance to chat, share experiences, and connect with other carers over a hot drink.

📅 When: 11am – 12 noon, on the first Thursday of each month (2nd October)
📍 Where: Gates Garden Centres (Oakham LE15 7QB and Hinckley LE9 8JE )
✨ Tips for attending:
• If you’re coming to Oakham, it’s in the Garden Restaurant – usually around the cluster of tables numbered 40-44
• Wear your purple lanyard so you can easily spot one another.
• Download the Gates app to your smartphone to enjoy a free hot drink every month.

Please note: these are peer support groups, so a member of the VASL team may not always be present.

02/10/2025

Our latest blog is all about planning a holiday for someone living with dementia with a few top tips to help you to make cherished memories with your loved one.

Planning a holiday with a loved one living with dementia? Discover practical tips to create a calm, meaningful and memorable trip for everyone involved.

20/09/2025

I'm delighted to have been awarded "Best Independent Family & Senior Care Consultancy 2025"
Thank you to everyone who have referred, supported, encouraged and inspired me over the last 3 years and huge thanks to all of my clients ❤️

Family Care Advice Ltd is one of the 2025 winners of Business Elite Awards.

14/08/2025

I am not an App.

There are plenty of Apps around today with help for any number of things at your fingertips, including care funding, benefits, care provider research etc. They have their place, I use Apps daily.

✨️ I don't provide a free service.

Many Apps do...so how do they make money? They often receive commissions or charge care providers.

✨️ I don't receive commissions, I dont pay commissions.

This means I am completely independent and offer a totally person centred service, focusing on the clients needs. I look at the whole market to meet those needs and preferences, Im not restricted to only care providers who pay commissions.

✨️I am not a multi-million pound technology business.

There's long been a gap in the care market for care advice and an opportunity to benefit from the later life wealth and I admire the entrepreneurship but that's not me.

✨️ I care.

I'm an experienced, qualified, professional care navigator who offers a compassionate, client centred service.
✨️ Horses for courses.

Apps offer information at your fingertips and have their place.
However, if you or someone else you know is struggling to navigate the care maze and a personal, confidential and face to face service is your preference, message me or book in for a free 30 minute call.

Society of Later Life Advisers
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)