Louise Donaghy Rehabilitation companion

Louise Donaghy Rehabilitation companion “Care that feels Different — because it is Different”
💗Real connection.

Real compassion.💗
🕊️End of life Doula,
💜 Dementia Companion
🤍👩‍🔬Professional Carer & Dementia Companion 👩‍⚕️
📍 Buckinghamshire
Insta louisedonaghyprivatecare

29/04/2026

Dementia can change how a person communicates.

What may look like “being difficult” is often fear, confusion, pain, tiredness, hunger, thirst, or feeling overwhelmed.

When we stop seeing behaviour as a problem and start asking what need is underneath it, care becomes more compassionate and much more effective.

In dementia care, behaviour is communication.

We just have to learn how to listen differently. 🤍

IndependentCarer ElderlyCare PrincesRisborough

27/04/2026

Normal ageing can include occasional forgetfulness, but dementia symptoms are usually more noticeable and begin to affect everyday life.

This simple cognitive wellness check looks at memory, orientation and daily functioning — not to diagnose, but to help notice when someone may need further support.

If changes are ongoing, increasing, or affecting safety, it’s always best to encourage a GP appointment or professional assessment.

17/04/2026

💜Some days with dementia or Alzheimer’s can feel heavier than others.💜

When I arrived today, my lovely client had locked the doors, closed all the windows, and was sitting in the dark. It was clear she was having a difficult day and had been feeling low all week.

So instead of sticking rigidly to the usual routine, I did something different. We got her coat on, went out for a gentle drive, had a walk along the High Street, then sat in a café for a cup of tea and a few treats.

And it made such a difference.

This is your reminder that with dementia, it is not always about doing more. Sometimes it is about noticing the mood, responding to the person in front of you, and being willing to gently change the plan.

A change of scenery, a little extra time, a warm drink, familiar company, and feeling safe can mean the world.

Routine can be helpful, but so can flexibility, compassion, and knowing when someone simply needs a different kind of support that day. 💛

Louise Donaghy Private Care

Planning ahead for care at home is one of the kindest things a family can do.If you are worried that a loved one may soo...
17/04/2026

Planning ahead for care at home is one of the kindest things a family can do.

If you are worried that a loved one may soon need support at home, do not wait until there is a crisis.

Start by speaking to:

• Their GP
• Adult Social Services through your local council
• District nurses or community nurses if already involved
• Hospital discharge team if they are in hospital
• Private care providers if you want to arrange support yourself

Things to think about early:

• What support is needed day to day?
• Is help needed with personal care, meals, medication, mobility, or companionship?
• Is the home safe and suitable?
• Who is the main family contact?
• What happens in an emergency?

Getting the right care in place early can reduce stress, prevent hospital admissions, and help someone remain safe, comfortable, and dignified in their own home.

Care at home is not just about practical help — it is about reassurance, continuity, and making sure nobody feels alone through difficult times.

FamilySupport CarePlanning SupportAtHome

Planning ahead can feel overwhelming, especially when a loved one is living with dementia.I’ve created a gentle, easy-to...
17/04/2026

Planning ahead can feel overwhelming, especially when a loved one is living with dementia.

I’ve created a gentle, easy-to-read guide to help families understand advance care planning, including wishes, future decisions, and the different options available when thinking ahead.

This leaflet covers:
• Advance statements
• Lasting Power of Attorney
• Planning for future care and support

If this is something your family is starting to think about, I hope it helps make those conversations feel a little easier.

Message me with your email address and I’ll send you the full leaflet:

Louise Donaghy Rehabilitation companion LouiseDonaghyPrivateCare

If your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, constantly correcting them can take away their dignity and inc...
15/04/2026

If your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, constantly correcting them can take away their dignity and increase confusion. Sometimes kindness, reassurance, and meeting them where they are matters far more than being right. ❤️

💜Some moments in care say everything without a single word.💜Yesterday, this lovely lady found comfort resting on my shou...
15/04/2026

💜Some moments in care say everything without a single word.💜

Yesterday, this lovely lady found comfort resting on my shoulder
for two peaceful hours. In a world that can so often feel confusing, being able to offer safety, calm and reassurance means so much.

Even when words are no longer there, connection still is. Sometimes just being present, steady and familiar is the greatest comfort of all.

A quiet reminder that care is not always about doing, sometimes it is simply about being. 🤍

Feeling very grateful today.A heartfelt thank you to my lovely client and family for this beautiful bouquet of flowers. ...
13/04/2026

Feeling very grateful today.

A heartfelt thank you to my lovely client and family for this beautiful bouquet of flowers. Your kindness and thoughtfulness truly mean so much to me.

It was such a lovely gesture, and I feel very touched by your appreciation. Being able to support and care for others is something I take great pride in, so to receive such a thoughtful thank you for going above and beyond is incredibly special.

Thank you again for your kindness and support. It is deeply appreciated. 💐

Louise Donaghy Private Care

“I want to go home” often does not literally mean the person wants to go back to a house.It often means they are feeling...
30/03/2026

“I want to go home” often does not literally mean the person wants to go back to a house.

It often means they are feeling:
• unsafe
• confused
• overwhelmed
• tired
• lonely
• in need of comfort or familiarity

In dementia, “home” can mean a feeling rather than a place — security, belonging, routine, or the memory of a time when life made sense.

A teaching-style poster could frame it like this:

What “I Want to Go Home” May Really Mean in Dementia
• I feel unsettled
• I don’t recognise this place or moment
• I want comfort and familiarity
• I’m anxious or overstimulated
• I’m trying to express an unmet need

What not to do
• Argue
• Correct harshly
• Say “you are home” repeatedly if it increases distress

What helps instead
• Validate the feeling
• Reassure gently
• Redirect with comfort
• Check for pain, hunger, thirst, needing the toilet, tiredness, or fear
• Use familiar objects, photos, music, or a warm drink





Louise Donaghy Private Care

🧠 What is meningitis?Meningitis is an infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bact...
25/03/2026

🧠 What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or (more rarely) fungi.

In older adults, bacterial meningitis is the most concerning and can become life-threatening quickly if not treated.

⸻

⚠️ Why it’s tricky in dementia

With Dementia, symptoms of meningitis can be mistaken for “just a bad day” or progression of the condition.

Instead of classic signs, you may see subtle or sudden changes.

⸻

🚨 Symptoms to watch for (often different in elderly)

Typical signs like a stiff neck or sensitivity to light may be less obvious.

Look out for:
• Sudden increase in confusion or disorientation
• Drowsiness or being harder to wake
• New agitation, aggression, or withdrawal
• Fever (but sometimes no fever in older adults)
• Headache (may not be clearly communicated)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Seizures (in severe cases)
• Unsteady walking or falls

👉 In dementia, a rapid change from their usual baseline is often the biggest red flag.

⸻

⏱️ When to act

If you suspect meningitis, this is urgent.

Call 999 or seek immediate medical help if you notice:
• Rapid deterioration in awareness
• Difficulty waking them
• High fever with confusion
• Seizures
• Severe headache or neck stiffness

⸻

🩺 Diagnosis & treatment

Doctors may:
• Do blood tests and possibly a lumbar puncture
• Start IV antibiotics immediately if bacterial meningitis is suspected

Early treatment can be life-saving.

⸻

💛 Important for carers

Because you know the person well, you’re often the first to notice something “isn’t right.”

Trust that instinct.

In older adults (similar to what you’ve seen with UTIs), infections often show up as:
• Behavioural changes first
• Then physical symptoms later

Dementia Awareness. Every Day
Dementia UK
Louise Donaghy Private Care




ME.Taking the time to learn a little more about me and the care I provide.Caring for others has always come naturally to...
21/10/2025

ME.

Taking the time to learn a little more about me and the care I provide.

Caring for others has always come naturally to me — it’s something I genuinely enjoy and feel privileged to do. I believe that good care is about more than just practical help; it’s about kindness, patience, and truly listening to the person you’re supporting. I take time to get to know each person and their family, so the care I give feels personal, comfortable, and respectful of their routines and wishes.

Over the years, I’ve supported people living with a wide range of needs — from companionship and household help to more complex personal and specialist care. I have particular experience with dementia (both early and late stages), Parkinson’s, and palliative care, as well as mobility and rehabilitation support. I’m confident using equipment such as hoists and Sara Stedy, and I always work in a calm and reassuring way.

I’m fully self-employed, insured, and hold an enhanced DBS (clean and up to date). I keep my training current with regular NHS-accredited courses in Dementia Awareness, First Aid, Safeguarding, and Palliative Care, to name a few.

Outside of work, I’m very family-orientated and enjoy being outdoors — I find nature helps me stay balanced and positive, which reflects in my caring approach. Friends and clients often describe me as reliable, friendly and easy to talk to, and I’m proud of the trusting relationships I’ve built with the people I support and their loved ones.

If it would be helpful, I’d be very happy to arrange a friendly chat or visit so we can talk through your needs and see how I can best support you or your loved one.

Louise Donaghy
Independent Carer & Dementia Friend

Feel free to message me through Facebook or email Louise.donaghy@hotmail.com
Donaghy Private Care

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Below are some photos of me in life and work 💗

Address

Princes Risbrough, Monks Risbrough, Whiteleaf & Surrounding Areas
Princes Risborough
HP27

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 7pm
Tuesday 7am - 7pm
Wednesday 7am - 7pm
Thursday 7am - 7pm
Friday 7am - 7pm

Telephone

+447752769358

Website

louise-d-7097875b

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