Resources and Advice

Helping you and your loved ones live well in later life

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Are you or a loved one at risk of a fall?

Every 10 seconds, a loved one in the UK has a fall. Find out your risk score in 2 minutes.

Dementia

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing and it could be frightening for everyone involved. However, with our useful guide and tips, you can help your loved one enjoy a good quality of life in their own home for years to come.

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Every 10 seconds, a loved one in the UK has a fall. Find out your risk score in 2 minutes.

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Medical conditions

Get expert advice and tips on staying healthy as you age. Our articles cover common medical conditions and offer insights on prevention and management.

More on medical conditions

Healthy lifestyle

Get advice for healthy living in later life - stay active, prioritise mental health and maintain a balanced diet.

More on healthy lifestyle

Mental health and wellbeing

As we age, it's important to prioritise mental health by staying connected, doing fun activities, and seeking professional help if needed, leading to a positive outlook on later life.

More on mental health and wellbeing

Elderly care experts answer biggest questions about dementia

Explore commonly asked questions regarding dementia, including information on advice for caregivers, safety precautions, and available support services for patients.

How can I make my house safe for elderly relatives with dementia?

There are some steps to help improve the safety of an elderly person with dementia in their home.

Firstly, eliminate any tripping hazards and enhance the lighting within the premises. Handrails and grab bars should be installed to prevent falls, and the furniture and floor plan should be simplified to enable seamless navigation.

Additionally, any hazardous items must be secured, labelled and organised to help those with memory loss.

Safety gates should be used as required, and monitoring wandering behaviour should be considered.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be installed, and comfortable seating areas should be provided.

Physical activity should be encouraged, and a home security system may be installed for added peace of mind. Many older people already have a personal alarm or elderly fall alarm that they can use to get help in an emergency.

They can just as easily press the emergency button if they're worried by strangers at the door or suspicious behaviour outside the property.

What common household hazards are a risk to someone living with dementia?

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and dementia, can have a significant impact on cognitive function. For individuals with dementia, hazards within the home can pose a significant risk to their safety. Poor lighting, cluttered spaces, and other environmental factors can lead to confusion, disorientation, and the potential for falls. As such, it is imperative to take steps to create a safe living environment for those with dementia. While it is important to note that household hazards do not cause dementia, seeking medical advice and support for cognitive decline is crucial for managing the condition and ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected.

Is there a wearable device for dementia?

Wearable devices designed for people with dementia can improve safety and provide peace of mind for caregivers. They include GPS trackers, fall detection devices, medication reminders, panic buttons and smartwatches with health monitoring features. When choosing a dementia friendly tracker or alarm, consider the individual's needs and compare reputable alarm services. Look for Which? approved and industry accredited alarm providers. Be aware of associated costs; some devices may require a subscription or additional services.

Why is safety needed for dementia patients?

Providing a safe environment for individuals with dementia is extremely important due to their cognitive and functional limitations. Dementia can result in memory loss, impaired judgment, communication difficulties, disorientation, and an increased risk of accidents. To prevent accidents and injuries, reduce wandering, promote independence, and maintain dignity and quality of life, it is necessary to create a safe environment. Customised safety measures are crucial to support the well-being of individuals with dementia, ease caregiver stress, and provide reassurance to everyone involved.

Read John's story

If John hadn’t been wearing the device around his neck, it would have been very difficult to locate him. If it hadn’t been for the people helping us, I dread to think what would have happened.

John has Alzheimer’s disease and uses his GPS personal alarm to live independently. Taking Care used the GPS to find John when he went missing.

Read John's story

Read James' Story

Even though my sister lives in the same village, I like the peace of mind that the app gives us when mama is alone.

James lives 600 miles away from his elderly mum but uses an innovative solution to monitor her care and wellbeing.

Read James' Story