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‘Important Days’: World Braille Day

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Abacus Care & Support is kicking off its ‘Important Days’ series with January 4th: World Braille Day.  Read on to learn about Braille’s fascinating history, use and importance.  –  Braille is a system of communication which uses raised dots to enable users to read and write via touch, rather than sight. Its inventor, Louis Braille, paved the way for millions of blind and visually impaired people to access written language with autonomy and independence. On what would have been Louis Braille’s 216th birthday, let’s reflect on the immense impact of his invention and the enduring relevance of Braille today.    Braille’s inventor: Louis Braille  Louis Braille was born in Coupvray, France, in 1809. Braille lost his sight at the age of three, when he suffered an accident whilst playing with his father’s tools. Braille was a bright and inquisitive child, and at the age of ten received a scholarship to attend the National Institute for Blind Youth in Paris. At the time, books for blind people featured raised print of traditional lettering, but this was difficult to use and labour-intensive to produce. In pursuit of a simpler, more efficient method, Braille began to develop his now-famous tactile code at just 15 years old.  Braille was inspired to develop his own method after learning about Charles Barbier’s ‘Ecriture Nocturne’ or ‘night writing’. Featuring raised dots, this was a military code designed to be read without light, so that soldiers could avoid lighting a lamp (and consequently identifying themselves to the enemy) whilst reading important messages. Braille sought to develop a simpler code, notably halving the number of dots in each cell to sit more comfortably underneath the fingertip. The system he designed contained many combinations of raised dots within cells which represent letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and even entire words in shorthand.  The Evolution of Braille  Throughout the rest of his life, Braille perfected and taught his method of communication. It was not until 1854, two years after Braille’s death, that his system was officially adopted at the National Institute for Blind Youth. In the decades following, the system became further refined and gained wide usage, ultimately being used all over the world.  You may be surprised to learn that Braille is not a language. Rather, it is a universal system which corresponds uniquely to the literacy of individual written/spoken languages. In other words, the cell combinations available in the Braille system always remain the same, but what those cells mean (individually and in their given order) depends on the language of the user. The Importance of Braille Today  Despite the rise of digital assistive technologies, Braille continues to be a fundamental tool for blind and visually impaired individuals, especially in education and the workplace.  In fact, research shows that blind and visually impaired Braille users often have higher levels of education and better employment prospects than those who do not use the system. Why? Because Braille empowers its users to be literate, enabling an autonomous grasp on grammar, syntax, punctuation and comprehension.  Braille and Technology: A Perfect Match  Braille is not an outdated system. It has adapted to, and been enhanced by, the digital age. Technological devices such as refreshable Braille displays connect to computers, smartphones, and tablets, providing readable Braille output in real-time, allowing users to access digital content. Additionally, Braille writing devices enable users to write with ease, offering a tactile alternative to traditional keyboards.  Whether used on paper or via electronic devices, Braille is much more than a communication tool; for its inventor it was a show of incredible creative perseverance, to its users it is the key to autonomy, and to the rest of the world it is a powerful statement of inclusion.  –  As a supported living provider, Abacus is passionate about empowering individuals to access the care and support which helps them to live a fulfilling and independent life. We recognise that communication exists in many forms, and are committed to embracing and supporting the various communication needs of the people we support. Whether it’s through speech, touch, sign language, visual aids, or digital technology, we understand that effective and meaningful communication is unique to each individual.  –  Want to learn more? Watch one of the fascinating videos which informed this post:  THE BOY WHO INVENTED BRAILLE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9BOQ6IpTSE&t=121s    IS BRAILLE STILL RELEVANT?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhHmFHadlEo   READING WITHOUT SIGHT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mzhn7InWDg  –  Articles which informed this post:  https://www.afb.org/blindness-and-low-vision/braille/what-braille https://www.rncb.ac.uk/event-item.aspx?id=57 https://brailleworks.com/braille-resources/history-of-braille/ https://www.afb.org/about-afb/history/online-museums/life-and-legacy-louis-braille/braille-nvents-his-code https://www.afb.org/about-afb/history/online-museums/life-and-legacy-louis-braille/braille-recognized https://www.britannica.com/topic/Braille-writing-system https://www.sense.org.uk/information-and-advice/ways-of-communicating/braille/ https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/education-and-learning/braille-tactile-codes/braille-music/ https://www.rnib.org.uk/professionals/health-social-care-education-professionals/knowledge-and-research-hub/reports-and-insight/reading-and-braille-research/#:~:text=Around%20seven%20per%20cent%20of,or%20partially%20sighted%20use%20braille. https://www.rnib.org.uk/news/two-centuries-later-braille-is-still-as-important-as-ever-says-teenage-sight-loss-campaigner/#:~:text=According%20to%20RNIB%2C%20only%20seven,who%20learn%20to%20read%20it. https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/blog/why-learning-braille-is-still-important https://legobraillebricks.com/blog/brailleadvocacy https://www.perkins.org/four-reasons-why-braille-still-matters-in-the-age-of-alexa-and-iphone/ https://nfb.org/sites/default/files/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm06/bm0609/bm060905.htm https://museelouisbraille.com/en/le-braille-aujourd-hui

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Learning Disability Week 2022

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20-26 June 2022 is Learning Disability Week! The annual campaign (pioneered by learning disability charity, Mencap) is about showing the world what life with a learning disability is really like. At Abacus Care & Support, we know that people with learning disabilities are a gift to our communities. People with learning disabilities have unique gifts, skills and challenges which contribute to a beautifully diverse society. We also know that all too often, the ‘voices’ of people with learning disabilities are kept quiet. Well, this week we are encouraging you to GET LOUD about life with a learning disability! Read on to learn about Mencap’s three objectives for the campaign, and simple ways you can get involved. One: Educate and raise awareness about learning disabilities You can… Take the Mencap learning disability quiz to test your knowledge, and learn more about learning disabilities Subscribe to the Learning Disability Today newsletter to keep up to date with the latest learning-disability-related news stories Share a fact about your life with learning disability on social media, using the hashtag #LDWeek22 Two: Smash stigmas and end discrimination Become a Mencap myth-buster and tell the world about a myth you want to bust about being a person with learning disability. Read about how others are busting myths here Educate yourself about the stigma and discrimination facing people with learning disabilities Share an image of you or someone you care about destroying an assumption about having a learning disability and use the hashtag #LDWeek22. (Have you ever been told you can’t do something, only to prove them wrong?) Three: Fight and campaign for a fair society Contribute to vital research and share your experience by filling in The Big Learning Disability Survey Discover United Response’s campaigning opportunities and take a stand for learning disability rights Get social! If you’re a social media user, why not get intentional about the organisations you follow? Sharing interesting and important content from reputable social media accounts is a quick and easy way to campaign. You could follow: Mencap, Scope, Learning Disability Matters, NHS Ability, Learning Disability Today (and many more!) We know that it’s impossible to share all the joys and obstacles of life with learning disability in just one week! But the Learning Disability Week provides us with a chance to start the conversation. How will you use your ‘voice’ this week? Text found at www.mencap.org.uk has influenced the content of this blog. This post was written by Amy Bianchi

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New government guidance

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New government guidance: Keeping active as a Disabled Young Person Exercise. Whether we find it a struggle or a joy, we all know that keeping active is essential for our physical and mental health. Right? Well, it may come as a shock to you that this February the UK’s Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, published their first ever guidelines on physical activity for disabled children and young people. Surprising as this may be, we want to welcome the Government’s increasing investment in the issues affecting people with disabilities. In today’s article, we’ll give you the low-down on the new government guidance. We’ll celebrate some amazing organisations that champion and encourage active lifestyles for people with disabilities. And we’ll tell you about how Abacus supports Service Users to keep active. What do the guidelines say? The UK’s Chief Medical Officers have given clear and simple guidelines which support disabled children and young people to be more active. They act as general guidelines, and an individual\’s needs and abilities should be taken into account when deciding the best way to incorporate the advice into an exercise regime. Disabled young people should spend 120-180 minutes doing moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity Time spent should be split into manageable chunks. For example, 20 minutes per day or 40 minutes 3 times per week. Strength and balance should be the focus of activity 3 times a week Physical activity should be challenging, but manageable. A good question to ask is: ‘Can I do this today?’ *The new guidelines have been developed into an infographic, co-produced with disabled children and young people, with support from their families and carers. Why is it so important? Physical activity supports individuals to improve their physical and mental health Young people with disabilities are less likely to be active than those without disabilities. This can lead to health disparities amongst peers There is misinformation about the risk of physical activity for disabled young people. But evidence suggests that keeping active is equally beneficial for young people with and without disabilities Physical activity can enrich disabled young people by: improving confidence and concentration, providing opportunities for meeting new people, strengthening muscles and improving motor skills Who is supporting disabled people to achieve active lifestyles? There are tons of organisations who understand the benefits of exercise for disabled people – as well as the challenges and barriers they face. They come up with creative ways to get disabled people moving. We’re spotlighting three such organisations, so you can get inspired and get involved! Activity Alliance Activity Alliance is the national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity. Their ‘Being Active Guide’ is a supportive and encouraging tool to empower people to exercise, whatever their ability. The Activity Alliance website is full of great resources, including a search tool for inclusive gyms and advice on how to encourage your local sport and leisure facilities to become inclusive. Special Olympics GB Special Olympics Great Britain is the nation’s largest, year-round sports training provider for people with intellectual disabilities. Activities are open to anybody with an intellectual disability – whatever their age or ability –and the website lists all of its accredited clubs and networks so you can get in on the action. Superhero Series The Superhero Series encourages those with disabilities (or as they say, every day superheroes) to take part in fun activities and challenges. They design activity packs to help individuals engage in a way which suits them – which includes a stack of ‘Super Sensory’ challenges. How does Abacus support Service Users to keep active? At Abacus Care and Support, we wholeheartedly believe in supporting individuals to engage in physical activity in a way which suits and works for them. What do we do to put that belief into action? We make sure our sites are situated near open spaces, and within reasonable distance of sport and leisure facilities We engage Service Users in conversations about their fitness choices and aspirations, and support them to set reasonable but ambitious exercise goals Let’s celebrate our government’s increasing awareness of the benefits and challenges of keeping active as a disabled person. And what better way to celebrate than by getting active ourselves? On your marks… get set… go!

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The Benefits of Hiring Disabled People

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In the UK, 7.7million people of working age have a disability; yet many disabled people struggle to find work often due to a culture which is a bit of a mixture of unintended prejudice and worry by those recruiting, rather than tangible concern as to the quality of their work. There are a whole host of reasons why all employers should be hiring disabled people as they do able-bodied ones, and here, we lay out just some of the benefits companies can expect from doing so. The Biggest Brands in the UK are already Hiring Disabled People Some of the world’s most successful big businesses already have a vast talent pool of disabled people, and swear by them! The UK Government’s ‘Disability Confident’ scheme has seen brands who previously hadn’t commented on their hiring practices do so to encourage others to take the same path. This includes Royal Mail, who say they hire disabled people to “truly reflect the communities that we serve”; MITIE, who say their most recently disabled member of staff has “great social interaction in both the group and office environment”; Lloyds Banking Group, who insist their disabled candidates “are so good and fit in so well, we don’t want to lose them!”; and M&S, who refer to disabled people as “a fantastic pool of talented people”. If it works for brands as successful as these, surely it can work for anyone. Disabled People make Great Employees Anecdotal evidence from the businesses that hire disabled people as a matter of course is that their disabled workforce work harder and is more committed than their able-bodied counterparts! Indeed it’s definitely true that disabled people can find it harder to get their feet on the career ladder at all. BT said, “disabled candidates stay with us longer and perform as effectively, if not better than their colleagues”, and ASDA’s employment team agree, stating their disabled staff’s “commitment is massive”. It’s Good Business Ethics to Diversify your Talent Pool Corporate Social Responsibility is no longer considered just a ‘nice to have’ policy filed away somewhere – it is now something tangible that every business, of every discernible type, shape, and size, should be doing at all levels throughout its management model. A genuine equal opportunities employer will hire disabled people as a matter of course because, in some instances, they are simply the right person for the job. Hiring Disabled People Brings Fresh Perspectives No audience and customer base will ever be 100% white, thin, able-bodied, and neurotypical people, and so neither should a brand’s staff be. Hiring disabled people is just one step to reflecting an audience better internally within a business; helping businesses to develop and tailor their ways of working, and products and services, to better meet the needs and wants of their customer base. Disabled people are in a unique position to offer a new perspective, and therefore improvement and adaptation ideas for business practices, processes, procedures, and products. The possibilities are endless!

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What is an ‘Invisible’ Disability?

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It’s now fairly common to see a sticker on a car parked in a disabled bay saying that the user has an invisible disability, or to see a social media post declaring that “not all disabilities are visible.” It has definitely long been the case that people have assumed they’re able to tell a person’s ability or disability simply by looking at them. This is primarily because of the physical aides deployed by so many people with disabilities, or the differences that may manifest in their physique or persona. However, this has never been the case and now, with more medical understanding than ever available, the visibility of so-called ‘invisible’ disabilities is growing. How many people in the UK have an Invisible Disability? In the UK, it’s estimated that over 11million people are living with a disability. It’s believed that up to 70% of these people have a hidden, or invisible, disability and so their condition may not be immediately obvious to others. The term ‘disability’ is an umbrella term for impairment of the person’s quality of life due to their own health, be that physical or mental. This is often misunderstood and so only physical disabilities are focused on or intended to be counted in the use of the word ‘disabled’ or ‘disability’. What kind of condition counts as an Invisible Disability? There are many conditions that may not be immediately visible to others that count as a disability. This includes for example autism, severe anxiety or clinical depression, Chrons Disease, Diabetes, fibromyalgia and brain injury, etc. All of these may not be immediately noticeable when you meet a person with them, but the condition inhibits their quality of life in different ways. Do those with Invisible Disabilities have the same rights as those with Visible Disabilities? Those with an invisible disability are as eligible as those with an obvious physical disability to apply for disability benefits, a blue badge for parking, and other authority-led disability support. However, there is a type of discrimination that those with hidden disabilities may suffer that differentiates itself from the more common ableist theme. Some people are quick to assume that without a wheelchair or walking aid that they’re unable to park in a disabled space, or that if they’re able to work or leave the house that they’re not eligible for disability benefits and are somehow ‘cheating the system’. These are painful and unjust accusations, but extremely common, and it is from this discrimination and prejudice that schemes highlighting invisible disabilities have been born. Do those with Invisible Disabilities still need care help? Our experience tells us that care plans, and hence requirements, of those with invisible disabilities, are just as bespoke as those for people with visible disabilities. At Abacus Care & Support we work with a huge variety of people to support them and help them fulfill their full potential – never letting their disability define them.

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What is Supported Living?

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Making the decision to seek care for a loved one can be a difficult one. In some circumstances, Supported Living may be the most appropriate care option – offering those needing extra help and support in their day-to-day lives the opportunity to receive it while living wherever they choose. How does Supported Living work? Supported Living is a care service that allows an individual to live by themselves whilst receiving the necessary, and entirely bespoke care package they need. This encourages an independent lifestyle and allows for individual empowerment without compromising on safety or care standards. Carers are able to attend to the individual needing care, and do so as often as required to help, support, and nurture them through their day-to-day lives. The Service User is, therefore, able to continue their lives as usual with their own routines, hobbies, visits, etc. Who is Supported Living care for? Abacus Care & Support (Abacus) works with a range of different people in Supported Living care: including adults with learning difficulties, autism, complex needs, mental health issues, and other challenging behavior conditions. No matter what the individual’s circumstances, we approach their situation as entirely unique and work through a careful planning process with them to ensure our approach is bespoke and works for them – there’s no one-size-fits-all!. Our expert Multi-Disciplinary  Team (MDT) works through a transition process with the individual to provide psychological, OT, lifelong learning, and other support as required. This ensures that service users are best prepared to move into their new home, or into independent living for the first time (dependent on their circumstances). As a minimum, an individual in Supported Living needs to be able to maintain their own tenancy even if they do need care and support to do so. We are here to support you every step of the way. How do Abacus Care & Support Manage Supported Living care? Here at Abacus, we always believe in working with our Service Users, rather than just for them. Taking a completely bespoke approach to an individual’s care needs allows us to ensure that we don’t just get the right fit of care team staff working with them, but also that we fit in care services around the daily life and needs that they have; allowing them to lead the happy, fulfilled and independent life they so deserve. Every service user is individually assessed for their care requirements and regularly reassessed; along with their medical team, if appropriate. The Abacus team have a long and varied experience in much physical health, mental health, and other disability conditions, and are able to draw upon this experience to offer a Supported Living care service that is second-to-none.  

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5 Surprising Facts on Isolation and Loneliness

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Never before has the British public experienced something like the COVID-19 pandemic, but through the worst and most challenging of times, the community has prevailed. Isolation and loneliness had for too long been thought of as a challenge for the elderly, and whilst highlighted once a year or so in festive charity marketing campaigns, somehow never quite captured the imagination of the masses. Now, with millions of people have faced, facing, and soon to be facing, physical isolation from other people, it is more in the societal psyche than ever. Despite not having been a public focus for long, a lot is already known about the facts and impacts of isolation. Here’s some you may not have realised before… It’s very common. According to Age UK, some 2million people aged 75 or over in the UK are socially isolated, and half of those regularly go a full month without speaking to a friend, family member, or neighbour. This is only one age group, and with coronavirus restrictions being enforced throughout 2020 and now into 2021, it’s extremely likely that rates will rise across all demographics to unprecedented levels. Loneliness and Isolation are NOT the same things. You can be surrounded by other people and physically able to ask for help when you need it, but this may not combat feelings of loneliness. Loneliness is an innate feeling of aloneness and insecurity and is not cured with just a text message or occasional visit to the person suffering. Loneliness is physically very bad for you. Feeling lonely is just that, a feeling, but the knock-on impact it has on the body can be devastating. Studies by Harvard University Health Department found that isolation and loneliness increase an individual’s risk of coronary artery disease by 29% and stroke risk by 32%. Furthermore, it declines cognitive ability: thinking and problem-solving skills decline 20% faster in those alone than those in good company. 59% of people who would identify themselves as lonely are more likely to lose the ability to perform day-to-day tasks and 45% are likely to die early. It can be easily resolved. While many may face temporary social isolation, be that as a result of coronavirus or otherwise, the loneliness this can result in can be easily resolved. Regular open and honest communication, in-person interaction, and even video calls can help boost the mood, improve relationships, and combat feelings of loneliness. Care can make all the difference. Loneliness can often surface as a result of feeling hopeless or reliant on others. Accessing adequate care as and when it’s needed can help individuals lead the independent and fulfilled life they deserve and provide regular ‘check-ins’ on both a physical and mental health level. At Abacus Care & Support we pride ourselves on our team of care staff who genuinely hold compassion and concern for our service users. The interaction with such quality care enriches their lives and ensures individuals always know just how important, needed, and valued they are, even when their family or friends aren’t able to be there.

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24hr Live-In Care – Common Reasons For Opting For A Live-In Carer

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Moving into a care home is not for everyone – after all, we’re all most comfortable in our own home. For those who need to bridge the gap between a specialist care facility and an hour or so of homecare a day, 24hr live-in care can be a great option. At Abacus Care & Support (Abacus*), we hear many reasons for choosing these services. These are the most common reasons for options for a live-in carer – allowing a service user to maintain independence and stay at home, but with an added companion. How does Live-In Care work? Live-in care refers to having a carer in your home 24/7. The key working hours of the carer are chosen in line with the usual routines of the individual, and the rest of the time, a carer lives in the property as a companion and rests, sleeps, eats, and carries out all their usual home activities. This means that a qualified carer is on-hand and available to deal with any unforeseen circumstances or issues as soon as they arrive and offer a source of comfort for service users and their loved ones. The same carer is not usually in place 24/7, but rather, a small team of carers (usually 2- 3 carers) covers around-the-clock care as required. Of course, only our most trusted and expert staff are used in these posts and they will get to know the service user as a housemate and confidante as well as a professional. Carers are matched to service users considering their hobbies, personalities, and attitudes. What are the most common reasons for opting for a live-in carer rather than moving into a care home? Everyone’s circumstances are different, but we do hear some reasoning for live-in care requests time and time again. Each demonstrates brilliantly the benefits of having an Abacus Care & Support carer at all times. Continued independence – staying at home and in a familiar space gives service users a good degree of independence. They’re able to carry out their daily activities as they would normally; but with a helping hand available should they need it! No limits on visitors ­– care homes, quite rightly, often limit visitors and many don’t allow children. Bringing care to the home rather than moving to it means that there are no limits (subject to prevailing Government guidelines at any point in time) – family and loved ones can nip round whenever and maintain their relationships with no barriers. No upheaval – moving home at any time is stressful, but when combined with ill health and/or need of extra support, this can be extremely distressing. Staying in the home you know well and not having to pack up belongings and move elsewhere is considerably less disruptive than moving into a care home. Companionship – ill, older, and disabled people can be more vulnerable to loneliness than others and may experience mental health difficulties and confidence issues as a result. Having someone else around the house allows for companionship and can help boost mood and cognitive function! Peace of mind – live-in carers are a source of comfort for both service users and their families. Should something happen at any time, a live-in carer will be able to deal with the situation and resolve any issues. This also allows those who were previously providing informal care to step back and regain some of their own time. For information about Abacus Care & Supports’ Live-in Care services please call us on 07934498020/ 02071001680, or email us at enquiries@abacuscaresupport.co.uk. 

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Care Near Home

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As with everywhere in the country, its elderly, ill, and disabled population have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. Those looking to access care support services are in a difficult position; looking to balance safety, compassion, and necessity in a whole new way. Care Homes offer fantastic and specific specialist facilities, but there are also other options for people who need it to access care. For example: Moving in with Loved One Whilst often not ideal as a long-term solution, many of those requiring care have had to move in with their loved ones out of necessity during the pandemic and its lockdown restrictions. This provides some lovely quality time with family and/or friends but can be a strain on existing relationships and can inhibit independence. What’s more, unless those living together are qualified and experienced carers, the care received may not be of the high standard required by the person in question. Home Care (Domiciliary Care) Home care is a great option for those who need a little extra help with their day-to-day activities but want to maintain a good level of independence and not interrupt their usual routines. Abacus Care & Support home carers attend their service user’s homes and care for them in their own space. The care given depends on the individual’s needs and may include help with household activities, meal preparation, personal care, administering medication, mobility support, and/or companionship. The exact times, dates, and levels of care are decided by the service user and the package is tailored entirely to the individual. Home care can help people lead full, enriched lives without ever having to move into a care home facility. Live-In Care A live-in carer lives in the home of a service user so that they’re on call and available around-the-clock. The normal ‘working hours’ of the carer are determined by prior agreement to offer standard home care (as above), but outside of these hours, a carer is still present in the home living there and carrying on with their usual household tasks. This is a brilliant option for those with unpredictable or fluctuating health conditions and supplies peace of mind and comfort to both the service users and their loved ones. Live-in care is usually provided by a team of three or four carers, splitting shifts to offer 24/7 help, or by an individual working a few days on/few days off as a rota. Each carer is matched with a service user on their personality, interests, and attitudes, so you can be sure everyone gets along and functions well together in the home. Having someone available to offer care and support all the time is a great way to combat loneliness and provide companionship. For information about Abacus Care & Supports’ care services please call us on 07934498020/ 02071001680 or email us at enquiries@abacuscaresupport.co.uk.

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Dementia Care

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Caring for someone with dementia can be upsetting and demanding, for both the sufferer and their loved ones. Providing care for someone living with dementia requires a deep level of compassion and understanding, as well as a specialist medical help. Abacus Care & Support has worked with and for dementia patients for many years and strive to provide them with a happy, healthy quality of life. What is Dementia? Dementia itself isn’t a singular condition but refers to progressive damage to the brain cortex (the ‘thinking’ part of the brain). There are over 100 types of dementia, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s Disease. Different types of Dementia affect different parts of the brain, but symptoms commonly include: Memory loss Speech deficiency Poor judgment – ie. the inability to differentiate between hot and cold, how to navigate social situations or what is considered appropriate or normal behaviour Disorientation Stunted senses – ie. a loose sense of touch or the inability to smell Incontinence Confusion and aggression. There is currently no cure for Dementia, but there are treatments available to help prolong a good quality of life and delay its onset. How does Dementia Care differ from standard care services? Many people require some form of care as they age, become unwell or live with a disability. Dementia care varies from this somewhat, as it’s more specialist. Abacus Care & Support Dementia carers understand the following: Caring for someone with Dementia can be unpredictable – they’re able to adapt to all situations using their professional skill set and previous experience Dementia treatment is not linear – there are ups and downs, and good days and bad days. Knowing this and working with each service user as an individual allows for Abacus Dementia carers to offer comfort as required to both their patients and their loved ones Dementia can affect one\’s normal emotional response – even when aggressive, those living with dementia require compassion, reassurance, and kindness. Abacus Dementia carers are well known for really bringing a human touch with them into their work and not keeping care impersonal Lucid moments need to be treated with the utmost care – some people living with Dementia have periods of lucidity, where they understand that they’re unwell and that they’re suffering. This can be extremely upsetting for them. Abacus Dementia carers are expertly trained in how to deal with these situations and can soothe and reassure patients in the most effective way. Support available for the loved ones of those with Dementia We are always on-hand to discuss care requirements and to answer any questions you may have about your loved one’s condition. We are passionate about working with your family rather than just for them in order to deliver the best possible care service. Together, we can ensure that those living with Dementia can continue to lead the happiest, healthiest, most fulfilled lives possible. **For information about Abacus Care & Supports’ care services please call us on 07934498020/ 02071001680 or email us at enquiries@abacuscaresupport.co.uk.    

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