Service user resources

Know the signs of stroke and what to do

Signs of stroke and what to do

Do you know the signs of stroke and what to do? Every five minutes someone in the UK has a Stroke.  It can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time, changing lives in an instant. The faster a stroke patient receives treatment, the better their chances are of surviving and reducing long-term disability.  It […]

Read More
heatwave care advice

Heatwave care advice

Heatwaves can be dangerous, especially for the very young or very old or those with chronic disease. Advice on how to reduce the risk either for yourself or somebody you know can be obtained from the NHS website at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/ NHS 111 or from your local chemist. Heatwave care advice – we all love the […]

Read More
Voting

Supporting people to vote

Supporting people to vote can be really important to those that now require help from others. Ahead of the General Election on Thursday 4 July, this post provides information about supporting people to vote and how to make the process easier.  Gardiner’s can support our clients to vote if they wish.  Many of our clients […]

Read More
Companionship care

Companionship – tackling loneliness

Companionship care is a great way to address loneliness and isolation.   Whilst loneliness can affect all ages, those aged over 75 are especially vulnerable.  Social isolation might stem from illness, getting weaker or being scared to go out.  Other common factors include retirement, family being around less often, the deaths of spouses, and perhaps also […]

Read More
power of attorney

Why do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney?

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney? A lasting power of attorney is something that we should probably all have in place.   It is a legal document that allows someone to make decisions for you, or act on your behalf if you are no longer able to do so yourself. What happens if I don’t […]

Read More
Medication at home

Flu Vaccine

Two simple things that you can do to help stay healthy this winter include getting your flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccination.  It is especially important to get vaccinated if you are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from these illnesses. Who can get the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine right now? Relevant to Gardiner’s, […]

Read More
Attendance allowance

Attendance allowance

Attendance allowance is available to all aged over state pension age that needs daily help with personal care (washing, dressing, or eating) due to an illness or disability.   To qualify you don’t actually have to be paying for help with care and it is up to you what you spend the money on. How […]

Read More
home fire safety

Home Fire Safety for elderly relatives – what you need to know

Have you stopped to think carefully about Home Fire Safety for elderly relatives? Most fires that involve death or serious injury take place in people’s homes.  Fatalities from fire are more common in the elderly than any other age group.  Detecting a fire before it has a chance to spread gets harder as we age […]

Read More
Emollient Fire Risk

Emollient Fire Risk

ingstand emollient fire risk and how to reduce the risk? Emollients are moisturising treatments that are applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it.  The way emollients work is by covering the skin with a protective film which helps to contain the moisture. Emollients can be found within many products including those available […]

Read More
Cold Weather

Cold weather advice for caring

With temperatures dropping it is important to take heed of cold weather advice for caring.  We need to think about how to look after ourselves and others.  For those of us who venture out, staying safe in cold weather means allowing extra time for any journeys, driving safely and slowly, wearing appropriate warm clothing including […]

Read More
Flood Safety Advice

Flood Safety

The first Flood Safety step we should all take is to find out if in an area at risk from flooding.  For those who are, it is sensible to sign up for flood warnings – you will be phone, email or text when flooding is expected. There are 3 levels of flood warning: Flood alert […]

Read More
Dementia Friendly Cinema

Dementia Friendly Cinema

Regal Picturehouse in Henley-on-Thames is a Dementia Friendly Cinema.  Once a month they have Dementia-Friendly Screening.  The cinema is open to all but especially for people with dementia and their family, friends and carers.  There is a chance to socialise for 30 minutes before the film and enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits. During the film, […]

Read More