When a loved one starts to seem more anxious or confused, or is given a diagnosis of dementia, it can be a challenging time for family members who want to know the best way to support them.
This is where the compassionate team at Helping Hands steps in.
Helping Hands has been caring for people living with dementia for 35 years. A company built on unshakeable foundations of kindness, Helping Hands strives to provide an exceptional level of specialised care at home - enabling your loved one to remain in their own home and give family members the peace of mind that they're in safe hands.
Helping Hands prides itself on its steadfast commitment to employing empathetic, kind and patient people, ensuring they can consistently deliver high-quality care to those living with dementia.
From personal care to housekeeping, companionship to nutritional advice, Helping Hands is proud to support people to help keep their routines and lifestyle as consistent as possible - including helping them to get out and about and enjoy their hobbies and interests, and the team will even accompany your loved one on holidays if required.
A wonderful day trip for Mike
Helping Hands prides itself on its commitment to getting those living with dementia out and about, ensuring they are still living their life to the full and doing the things they love.
One customer supported by Helping Hands is Mike, who joined the RAF as a young man and went on to have a successful, 20-year career as a pilot. His incredible career saw Mike flying some of the most iconic aircraft in history, including the legendary Vulcan bomber.
Mike travelled the world throughout his career, embracing new cultures and picking up Spanish, Italian and German along the way.
Sadly, 13 years ago, Mike was diagnosed with vascular dementia and five years later, Alzheimers' was added to his challenges.
Despite his diagnoses, Mike has continued to thrive with help from the Oldham team at Helping Hands.
Recently, his wife Liz organised a special outing which allowed him. to revisit one of the greatest loves of his life - aviation. With the help of Joanne, one of Helping Hands' dedicated carers, Mike was able to visit Sheffield Airport for an up-close experience with the very Vulcan aircraft he once flew.
The RAF team at Sheffield Airport went above and beyond to make the experience magical. They gave Mike and his family a personal tour, including an under-the-wings and cockpit view of the Vulcan. The sight of the aircraft 'seemed to unlock something within Mike', his face lighting up with sheer delight. Liz and Joanne both described it as a day 'full of wonderful memories', one that brought 'joy and emotion in equal measure'.
In a letter of gratitude for Helping Hands, Liz wrote: "What a day we had! Absolutely fantastic, Mike had a great time - so happy - quite emotional at times, bless him. Thank you so much for Joanne too she has been fabulous. Thank you so much for enabling this special day."
Mike's journey through life has been extraordinary, and even now, in the face of illness, he continues to inspire those around him. His day with the Vulcan is a beautiful reminder that the spirit of adventure and the love of the skies never truly fade.
Helping Hands felt honoured to be able to organise such a special day for Mike and his family.
The ability for a person with dementia to stay in their home provides countless emotional benefits that stretch far beyond physical comfort. It allows people to continue to benefit from the familiarity of their environment, and continue to make memories and connections with friends and family members. It also means your loved one can stay within their community.
Not everyone living with dementia requires the same level of care. A care plan is created to match your loved one's unique needs and wishes, with the option of either a visiting carer or a live-in carer in their home to provide up to 24/7 care and support.
Care professionals can provide practical and physical care; they will accompany your loved one to any medical appointments, as well as being there to offer companionship and emotional support whenever they may need a shoulder or listening ear.
Helping Hands has 147 branches across the UK, with more than 6,000 fully trained carers employed. The company has a 4.8 Trustpilot rating. There is also a team of clinical nurses to support with care packages. All branches are monitored and regulated by the Care Quality Commission or Care Inspectorate Wales.
Visit the Helping Hands website to find out how the team could help you to help your loved one, or contact them on 0333 060 8276.
