Specialist Care Services
We recognise that every person we support is unique with differing care needs, and that specialist care services are required to focus and achieve the best outcomes for those who have particular care requirements.

Rehoboth Homecare reputation in delivering expert care in the following areas;
Live-In Care
Dementia Support
Reablement Services
Support with Learning Disability
Mental Health diagnosis
Palliative Care
 
Please contact Rehoboth office to discuss which services are available in your area.

Dementia Care

Homecare for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Living with dementia

Living with dementia can be a bewildering experience, requiring significant lifestyle changes for the whole family. At Rehoboth Care our specialist dementia care services can provide the essential support you need during this time. Dementia care you can rely upon. Dementia care you can trust.

We understand the emotional, social and practical challenges of living well with dementia.  Gradually the world of the person with dementia and their family carers shrinks as the disease progresses. Maintaining a life outside of the home or indeed sharing the closeness you once had together can often become difficult. This together with the demands of practical care and support can leave you feeling isolated and exhausted.

Rehoboth care dementia care services sensitively respond to the individual needs of you and your family. Our flexible services are tailored to fit with your chosen lifestyle so you continue to enjoy the important things in your life.

What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia ?

People often confuse the terms ‘dementia’ and ‘Alzheimer’s disease’.

Dementia is the name given to a specific group of diseases which all cause a serious decline in the functioning of the brain.  Whereas, Alzheimer’s disease refers to one specific type of dementia, and is the most common form.

Type of Dementia & Effects on the Brain

People often confuse the terms ‘dementia’ and ‘Alzheimer’s disease’.

Dementia is the name given to a specific group of diseases which all cause a serious decline in the functioning of the brain.  Whereas, Alzheimer’s disease refers to one specific type of dementia, and is the most common form.

Alzheimer’s
Most cases of dementia care needed for older people are the result of Alzheimer’s disease
Chemical and structural changes cause brain cells to die
Vascular or multi- infarct dementia
The second most common form of dementia
The person suffers a series of strokes that prevent oxygen reaching the brain causing the brain cells to die
Dementia with Lewy bodies
This form of dementia is rarer, affecting only 4% of the total number of people with dementia
Abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies are present in the brain. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease because the symptoms are similar
Fronto-temporal dementia e.g. Pick’s disease.
Onset typically 45-65 years of age
A build-up of abnormal proteins in the brain, leads to a progressive loss of brain cells
You may think dementia is an inevitable ’fact’ of aging.  This is not true. Age does not cause dementia, although the risk does significantly increase with age. Dementia can affect younger adults as well as older people.

There are currently about 800.000 people suffering from dementia in the UK and this figure is likely to increase to over a one million by 2021.  Around 17,000 people under the age of 65 years have a form of dementia. About a quarter of people between the ages of 70 and 79 years are affected and this rises to one in six for people who are over 80 years of age.

Signs and symptoms of dementia:

Signs and symptoms may vary depending upon the type of dementia and the area of brain cells affected. For example:

Fronto-temporal dementia tends to affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain (the front and sides). We use the front of our brain for planning, organising and regulating our behaviour. So disease in this area is likely result in personality and behaviour change e.g. loss of inhibitions, becoming more impulsive or being withdrawn. Whereas, the temporal lobes organise memory and language, so disease in this area is more likely to cause difficulty communicating and remembering.

People suffering from dementia with Lewy bodies usually experience fluctuating cognition and recurring hallucinations.

Whilst dementia cannot be cured, the condition can be slowed down if it is caught early enough. Early diagnosis can also enable you to access the right dementia care. If you notice any of the following symptoms it is vital to seek medical help as soon as possible.

More frequent memory loss, forgetful of familiar people, places or recent events
Slower than usual thinking speed, difficulty finding the right words
Periods of mental confusion
Difficulty understanding or making decisions
Impaired reasoning, inability to make judgements, plan or carry out tasks that require concentration
Changes in personality or mood, disinhibited behaviour
Increased apathy or lack of interest in their usual activities
Withdrawn due to a loss of confidence or inability to manage everyday tasks and communication
Hallucinations, hearing or seeing things that others don’t, Loss of sense of time, people, places.

Diagnosis:

There is no precise threshold between ‘mild cognitive impairment’ such as memory loss and a clinical diagnosis of dementia. In fact dementia can only be definitely diagnosed though a post mortem examination. So the GP will begin by finding out whether the symptoms are being caused by another treatable condition such as a urinary tract or chest infection, constipation, thyroid deficiency, brain tumour, depression, emotional upheaval or a side effect of medication.

• Once other causes have been eliminated the GP is likely to make a referral to a specialist such as a neuro-psychologist or psychiatrist. They may:
• Talk to the person and people who are close to them
• Use a tool to test memory and thinking (such as the Mini Mental State Examination)
• Arrange a brain scan
• Carry out a physical examination
• Care and support to stay well

Dementia Care Assistant: Rehoboth care can provide experienced staff to help you maintain your quality of life while remaining in your own home. We create a specialised dementia care plan with you.

This might include:

• Reminding or helping you to take your medicines to manage your symptoms
• Support with bathing and/or dressing to keep you looking your best
• Catheter care and continence management to maintain your dignity and comfort
• Help to establish a regular exercise routine to improve mood and mobility and to strengthen muscles
• Making sure you have plenty of fluids and a balanced diet with enough fresh fruit and vegetables and fibre to keep you healthy and avoid constipation
• Assisting with routine household chores and shopping so your home life is as you would like it to be
• Companionship, or helping you to be involved in social activities.
• Our services provide the support and care you need to get you and your loved ones through the difficult days.

Contact  Rehoboth care office to discuss a dementia care and support service for you.