communication
Are films a form of reminiscence for ageing parents?
Written by Rebecca Lenton Eleanor Bryson, from Memory Bank, shares how watching archive footage of the past has helped older people and those with dementia recall memories and communicate with their loved ones about the lives they once led. Memory Bank, an innovative series of films spanning six decades, was created as a resource to […]
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Dad, dementia and connecting through art
Written by Rebecca Lenton This week’s storyteller is Ro Lavender. Ro tells us how watercolour painting brought her closer again to her father, Peter Scott, after advancing dementia had caused a collapse in communication between them. My dad was an architect and a very capable and independent individual. He was a practical man who always […]
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How to cope with sleep problems in the elderly
Written by Rebecca Lenton Most of us have, from time to time, had trouble sleeping. As our parents age they can become more prone to sleep issues. Their sleep patterns change and health conditions can get in the way of a good night’s rest. Why isn’t my parent sleeping well? Whether they’ve been waking during […]
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How speech therapy can improve communication
As our parents age they can face challenges that make speech more difficult. Speech and language therapist Laura Dawson explains how to identify the issues and how our parents can be helped. Why is communication important? Communication is vital. We communicate our decisions, needs and opinions verbally. It’s the basis of forming relationships. When anyone […]
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The plight of Parkinson’s
Written by Rebecca Lenton In honour of Parkinson’s Awareness Week 2013 we have a special story from the grandchild of Britain’s leading 20th-century naval historian whose death marked the loss of a great man who gave his all as a naval officer, father, grandfather and historian. Parkinson’s made him pay the price for his amazing […]
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Who wants to listen to what you think?
Written by Kathy Lawrence Sometimes it can feel like we have no voice in eldercare. Yet there are opportunities to give your opinion to people who will listen and can act on your feedback. If not that, they will at least share your experiences for the benefit of others. Time-limited surveys and questionnaires At the […]
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What to do if you suspect abuse in your parent’s care home
Written by Rebecca Lenton When we see images of neglect and abuse in the news we hope and pray that it won’t happen to our parents. The media paints a negative picture of care homes creating a culture of fear and making us question our decision to place our parent in care. We trust their […]
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How can I coordinate my parent’s care?
Written by Rebecca Lenton As our parents get older their health issues can become complex. At one level hospital consultants are experts in their field but can be focused on the one issue without reference to anything else your parent is being treated for. At the local level your parent may be seeing a variety […]
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What can a pharmacist do for your parent?
Written by Rebecca Lenton Pharmacists can do more for our parents now than ever. Whilst they don’t offer the same expertise as a doctor they can certainly ensure that our parents are living well and managing their medication successfully. We explore the ways in which pharmacists can help our parents with their pills and prescriptions. […]
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Will the “Friends and Family Test” make a difference to hospital care?
Written by Kathy Lawrence Patients now have the opportunity to rate their hospital experience. Kathy explains how the survey works and wonders if it will give the right answers to improve our parents’ experiences. At the beginning of 2013 the UK Government announced that it would be making more use of a “Friends and Family” […]
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