It’s only natural that you have questions

Sundowning is a term often used to describe a decline in mood or an increase in agitation that can be experienced by those living with dementia, towards the end of the day. Sundowning can present itself in the form of distress, agitation and frustration, or even as hallucinations or delusions where the individual believes something upsetting to be true. 

Whilst it is called sundowning, it is not necessarily connected to the sun going down, but may be the result of fatigue, overstimulation, medication side effects or an unmet physical need. Sticking to a reassuringly familiar routine, and trying to understand what the individual is attempting to communicate through their behaviour, can be helpful in reducing or managing instances of sundowning.

The term ‘dementia’ refers to diseases of the brain, one of which is Alzheimer’s Disease.

Dementia can take many forms, depending upon which part of the brain is affected. It can be helpful to think of dementia as a set of fairy lights – some bulbs may light up fully, and be completely unaffected, whereas other bulbs may flicker or not emit any light, indicating where damage has occurred. The location and extent of damage dictates the type and severity of dementia symptoms which an individual lives with. 

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive condition, and one of the more commonly-recognised forms of dementia in the UK. Those living with Alzheimer’s often experience difficulties with memory and decision-making, and can also experience changes in their mobility and visual perception. Changes in behaviour, such as low mood and sundowning, are also associated with this type of dementia.

You can find out more here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ 

All Somerset Care nursing homes provide palliative care for those nearing the end of their life.

We believe in working alongside the individual and their loved ones to offer high-quality, reliable, consistent, and compassionate end-of-life care. This approach has been recognised by the Gold Standards Framework, which has awarded a Platinum status to a number of our nursing homes for the care and support they provide when it is most needed.

A short term respite care stay includes absolutely everything that you would expect from a longer-term stay in one of our specialist residential care homes:

• A fully furnished room in one of our well-equipped care homes, which you can personalise to help you feel at home;
• All of your meals, drinks and snacks (tailored to meet your preferences and dietary requirements);
• 24/7 individual support including overnight care, help with medication and personal care;
• Full use of all of the home’s indoor and outdoor communal areas, garden and facilities;
• Participation in as many of the home’s activities, events and entertainment as you choose;
• A warm welcome for any visitors you may like to invite;
• Utilities, linen, laundry, housekeeping and cleaning.

How you chose to spend your time in respite care is up to you – you can treat it as a relaxing break and change of scene, recovery time to help you to safely return home from hospital, the opportunity to ‘try out’ a care home before making a longer-term commitment, or perhaps the chance to meet new friends and discover new interests.

Read articles about respite care here.

NHS Funded Nursing Care is paid at one consistent rate across England, regardless of the individual’s geographical location or specific nursing care needs. This amount is set by the NHS and subject to change, but currently stands at £209.19 per week. This funding is paid directly to the nursing care home, and deducted from your total nursing care fees.

Please check the NHS website for the current FNC rate.

An assessment is used to determine who is eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care. This is usually carried out by a registered nurse and carried out by the relevant Local Authority or NHS Integrated Care Board (the new name for a Clinical Commissioning Group).

In general terms, nursing home residents who have been assessed as needing support from a registered nurse, but who do not qualify for the CHC (Continuing Healthcare) scheme, may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care.

Often referred to by the abbreviation FNC, Funded Nursing Care is funding provided by the NHS towards the cost of nursing care provided within nursing homes, by registered nurses, for eligible individuals.

In certain circumstances, and regardless of your financial circumstances, the NHS will cover the full cost of care for those assessed as having a ‘primary health need’, through the NHS Continuing Healthcare scheme.

To determine if you qualify for Continuing Healthcare, an initial checklist will be completed by a registered nursing or Local Authority social worker, to capture the level and type of support you need on a day-to-day basis. If your combined health needs meet this first stage of eligibility, a further full assessment will then be carried out to confirm if you qualify for a fully-funded CHC care and support package.

If you do not qualify for fully-funded nursing care under the NHS Continuing Healthcare scheme, you may still qualify for a Funded Nursing Care contribution towards the cost of your nursing care.

To find out if you qualify for financial support from your Local Authority, your local adult social care team will complete a financial assessment to consider the value of your income and assets. This figure takes into account any income, savings and property you hold solely in your own name, as well as an equally divided share of any assets you may hold jointly.

The value of your assets will place you into one of three bands, and determine the level of financial support you can expect from your Local Authority:

• If your assets exceed the ‘upper capital limit’ set by the government (currently £23,250), you will be deemed a ‘self-funder’ and required to meet the full cost of your care.
• If your capital is between £14,250 and the upper capital limit of £23,250, then you will be expected to contribute a certain amount towards the cost of your care, with the remainder covered by your Local Authority.
• If your assets are less than £14,250, you may still be required to contribute towards the cost of your care, but the majority of your care fees will be covered by your Local Authority.

Please visit the government website to check the current upper capital limit amount.

If you qualify for relevant funding schemes, your nursing care may be free or partially paid for by your Local Authority or the NHS.

Not everyone will be eligible for financial support, and you may be required to meet the full cost of your nursing care. Decisions about who qualifies for financial support with their nursing care are made on a case-by-case basis by the relevant authority.

The cost of nursing home care will vary according to the level and type of nursing care an individual needs to meet any complex or long-term medical conditions in which they live with.

Nursing home costs will generally be calculated by combining a fixed accommodation fee, with the cost of providing your bespoke nursing care. Your individual financial circumstances and nursing care needs will determine who pays for your nursing care.

A respite care break can last for anything from a few days to a few months – it really is up to you! We’re here to support you with whatever works best for you, whether you simply fancy a change of scene or are keen to try out one of our homes, or whether you need support for a particular period of time as your usual carer is taking a break.

Provided we have availability, we’re happy to accommodate whatever length of stay you need in our respite care homes.

We also offer day care packages at selected care homes across Somerset. If you are not yet ready to book care home overnight stays, but would still like to spend a day with fellow residents, enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal and experience some of the activities on offer, then day care could be the perfect solution. Please contact us to find out about our available day care packages.

Somerset Care’s book-ahead respite care solution allows you to pre-book your care home overnight stays months in advance, with just a small deposit to reserve your room and support package at your chosen care home.

This means that you are free to choose and book your respite break with confidence; booking in advance to align with family member plans, and making sure everyone has a break to look forward to. As your choice of care home isn’t restricted to last-minute availability, you will also have the maximum range of suitable options available to you, from across Somerset Care’s 22 care homes in Somerset and Devon.

Provided the individual’s needs can be safely met at the chosen respite care home, there is no set criteria for respite care. All of our care homes across Somerset offer respite care breaks, subject to availability.

We have some helpful articles around respite care here.

The purpose of respite care is to provide a short-term package of tailored care and support which meets the individual’s needs, including overnight care, within a care home environment. This can be to support rehabilitation following illness or injury, to complement care already delivered in the individual’s own home or at a day care centre, as an introduction to longer term residential care, or simply to provide a holiday with care and support included.

Respite care costs are calculated in the same way as longer-term care in a residential care home; combining fixed daily accommodation costs with the cost of delivering the bespoke care you need.

You will be advised of the cost of your stay at the time of your booking, based on the accommodation cost of your chosen care home, along with the support needs identified in your care assessment.

If you are pre-booking your stay 2 months or more in advance, you will be asked to pay a deposit to secure your short-term respite care break.

If you meet certain financial criteria, or live with identified long-term or chronic health conditions, you may be eligible for Local Authority or NHS funding towards to cost of your care home overnight stays. You can learn more in our article here.

Of course! You are welcome to invite family and friends to visit you during your respite break, and all of our homes have communal areas including lounges and gardens which you are perfect for socialising and spending time with loved ones.

Your care team in the home will be happy to support you in making arrangements to receive your visitors.

Specialist dementia care is person-centred, meaning that it is completely tailored to the care and support needs of the individual who is living with dementia.

One of the most important aspects of dementia care, particularly for those where dementia presents itself as confusion and memory loss, is a safe, secure and stimulating environment. Somerset Care’s specialist dementia care homes have dedicated dementia care suites, where residents are supported to live as independently as possible, safe in the knowledge that their care needs are being met.

Our highly-qualified dementia care teams support those living with dementia to continue their existing hobbies and interests, and discover new pastimes which benefit their wellbeing, physical and mental health.

Different people are affected by dementia in different ways, and so the level and type of care they need will very much depend upon the symptoms they experience. Some may only require a little extra support to carry out daily tasks, whilst others may need specialist nursing care to remain safe and well, particularly if they already live with a long-term or complex medical condition.

Residential care can often be beneficial for dementia patients, as specialist dementia care homes will be set up specifically to accommodate their needs, with care which can adapt and change as their symptoms change or develop. Dementia is often a progressive condition which means symptoms can worsen over time, so choosing a dementia care home which can meet your needs now, and in the future should they progress, is often a good idea.

Look for a home which is ‘dementia specialist’ (rather than ‘dementia-friendly’), and which has a fully-qualified dementia care team who understand the condition, and can support you with the care you need to live the life you choose.

Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain, and can affect an individual’s ability to think, understand, remember or do certain things. Because every individual can be affected differently by dementia conditions, the type of care that is needed can also vary for each person.

A person-centred approach to dementia care considers the person as an individual, supporting them to manage the symptoms they experience so that they can live well with dementia. It is perfectly possible to live a full and fulfilling life with dementia, with the right support.

Our friendly and knowledgeable Enquiries Team are here to help you understand the dementia care options available, and support you to find person-centred care which your loved one’s needs.

Somerset Care has 22 care homes across Somerset and Devon, all of which offer overnight care. If you need to change the date of your stay, or your care needs have changed between your booking and your stay, we are well-positioned to support you in making alternative arrangements, subject to availability.

If you have pre-booked your short-term respite break for a later date, we will reaffirm your care needs nearer the time, to ensure that you can be safe and supported to enjoy your stay.

Somerset Care’s friendly team of care advisors can support you to find and book the respite break you need.

Whether you have a care home in mind or need support in choosing the right location and support to meet your needs, our expert team will guide you through the options available, check availability and support you to get everything in place for your care home overnight stays.

Your break is reserved for you at a time of your choosing, with a care assessment carried out to confirm that your chosen care home can provide the support you need. We will reaffirm your requirements nearer to your booked break, to ensure everything is in place for you to stay safe and enjoy your time away.

Even if your care needs increase, you can relax in the knowledge that, with expert care teams able to provide everything from light help with washing, dressing and daily tasks, right through to hospital-standard, round-the-clock nursing care, Somerset Care is well-positioned to meet your changing needs and support you with the short-term respite care you need.

The cost of short-term respite care in a nursing home is calculated in the same way as longer-term residential nursing care. Your total nursing care fees will combine the nursing home’s fixed accommodation cost with the cost of meeting your individual nursing care needs.

Your individual financial circumstances, along with the level and type of nursing care you need, will be used to determine who pays for your care. Please contact your Local Authority adult social care team to discuss your eligibility for funding towards the cost of your care.

Anyone can be eligible for respite care, provided that their chosen care home can safely meet their care and support needs, and has availability on their chosen dates.

All of Somerset Care’s residential care homes and nursing homes offer respite care throughout the year, so we can offer plenty of choices! Our helpful enquiries team will be happy to discuss your care needs and respite break options with you. They will be able to share a range of respite care options which meet your needs and suggest alternative care if your original choice is unable to accommodate you.

Depending upon your individual circumstances and care needs, you may be eligible for financial support towards the cost of your respite care.

Respite care may be fully or partly funded by your Local Authority if you meet specific criteria in terms of your finances, or medical needs. Some Local Authorities will provide eligible individuals with a respite ‘allowance’ of a set number of days of respite care per year or will pay up to a certain value of respite care fees, which you might be asked to top up.

To find out if you qualify for respite care funding, the best place to start is by contacting the Adult Social Care team at your Local Authority, who will be able to advise if you are eligible.

If you are looking to get the maximum value from your respite stay, we also run seasonal respite care offers for selected Somerset Care residential homes throughout the year, so it’s always speaking with our enquiries team to check if there are any offers running when you book.

Respite care in a nursing home is a short-term stay complete with the tailored, expert nursing care you need.

Depending upon your care needs and circumstances, a respite care break could support your recovery and rehabilitation following time in hospital, to ensure that you can return home safely. If you are normally cared for by family members, it can also offer them a much-needed break, giving them a chance to relax, recharge, and return to simply being your loved one, rather than your carer. You and your loved ones can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that all of your needs are being taken care of.

You can also look upon respite care in a nursing home as a little holiday and change of scene, without the worry of having to arrange specialist care and support to meet your needs.

Short term respite care is a temporary stay in a residential care home, with access to all of the tailored care and support, facilities and amenities available to permanent residents.

Taking a short respite break in a care home is a brilliant way to get to know the home and residents, and experience the atmosphere, facilities, food and activities for yourself, perhaps as a stepping stone to moving in as a long-term resident.

A respite stay can last for anything from a few days to a few months and can be a really helpful option if you normally receive care in your own home, perhaps from a family member, but they are away or unable to support you for a period of time.

A day care centre for the elderly provides specialist care and support to meet the individual needs of older members of the local community. As well as being a physical meeting place, day care provides regular opportunities to socialise with new and existing friends, who can discover and enjoy new hobbies and interests together.

Regular day care visits often take place in a residential care home, offering an insight into daily life there, an opportunity to meet residents and staff, and a chance to sample the all-important home-cooked food. Day care can be a great option to supplement any care you may be receiving in your own home, as well as a means of connecting with your local community, safe in the knowledge that your specific care needs are being taken care of.

There are a variety of different types of dementia care available for those diagnosed with the condition. These include care visits in your own home, dementia day care and respite breaks at a dementia-friendly residential care home, or long-term care as a resident in a specialist dementia care home. The right type and level of care will be tailored to an individual’s dementia symptoms – we call this person-centred dementia care.

At Somerset Care, we have carried out two decades of research into dementia with our university partners in Exeter and Bradford. We have used this to shape the support we provide to people living with dementia, helping them to live full and fulfilling lives, with as much independence as possible. We call this approach PETALS, which stands for: Person-Centred, Empowerment, Trust, Activities, Life History, and Stimulation.

Our mission is to support people to live the life they choose, regardless of their dementia diagnosis. Please visit our dementia care page, or contact our knowledgeable Enquiries Team, to find out how our specialist teams deliver tailored dementia support in safe and stimulating environments.

When you can no longer safely manage a dementia patient’s care needs at home, it is time to get some help. Depending upon the severity of the individual’s dementia symptoms, this could either be in the form of home care visits, or residential care in a specialist dementia care home.

There is no shame in asking for help if you need it. Caring for a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia is challenging, so it is worth considering all of the options available for dementia patients. Day care visits or a short-term respite break in a care home which specialises in providing dementia care can be a good way of experiencing the dementia support available, and getting to know the care home, care team and other residents, before moving into a care home. This also gives you, as your loved one’s carer, a well-earned break and the chance recharge your batteries.

To find out about the different types of dementia support available near you, please contact our Enquiries Team who will be happy to help.

When we think of dementia, most people think of memory loss – perhaps being unable remember a name or word for something, or not recognising someone they know well. They may also struggle to retain new memories, meaning that they might be able to clearly remember something that happened in their childhood, but not recall what they had for breakfast the same day. These are all symptoms of dementia, but they are not the only ones.

Other symptoms may include difficulties with problem-solving, vision and language, as well as changes in mood or behaviour.

Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain. The most commonly recognised of these diseases is Alzheimer’s, but with over 100 different types of dementia, we recognise just how complicated this disease can be in diagnosis, treatment and support.

The location of the damage to the brain from the disease will determine the affect on the individual’s everyday life, with different individuals affected in different ways. The Dementia Friends network explains this by way of a string of fairy lights, with each light representing a different area of the brain, which in turn represents a different skill, memory or function. When the brain is damaged by disease, some of these lights may flicker, dim or go out altogether, affecting the individual’s ability to think, understand, remember or do something. Symptoms often become progressively worse and more visible with time.

No two people living with dementia will be affected in exactly the same way, and something that one person might find easy, another might find extremely difficult. This is why our focus is on delivering person-centred support to help individuals live well with dementia.

Dementia is not a natural part of the aging process, and can affect anyone of any age. Whilst the disease mainly affects those aged 65 or over, Alzheimer’s Society estimates that of the 900,000 people in the UK currently living with dementia, more than 42,000 are under the age of 65.

Just as liver disease or kidney disease are not age-specific, neither is brain disease. Anyone of any age can be affected by brain disease, and therefore live with dementia.

Whilst there is no known cure for dementia, some of its symptoms can be effectively managed with medication and person-centred care, enabling the individual to live well with dementia.

We’re passionate about providing person-centred care which recognises the person living with dementia as an individual with individual needs, and supporting them to live the life they choose.

A person living with dementia is just that – a person first, who happens to experience the symptoms of dementia. Just like someone living with an illness of any kind, a person living with dementia doesn’t stop having hobbies, interests and things that they enjoy – they just might need a little more support to be able to do the things they love.

Our dementia care and support puts the person first, and helps them to live a full and fulfilling life regardless of the condition that they live with.

Nursing care refers to the higher levels of bespoke care which may be required to support individuals who are living with complex needs or long-term medical conditions. Specialist nursing care is available 24/7 from our team of qualified nurses based in our residential nursing homes.

Nursing care is essentially a higher level of residential care, where the individual needs more support. This is not necessarily as a result of living with a particular condition, but more about the amount of support that an individual needs in order to live well with that condition. For example, an individual living with diabetes who is able to manage their condition with tablets which they can administer themselves, may only require residential care. However, an individual whose sugar levels are more unstable, and whose diabetes is managed with insulin injections which they cannot administer themselves, will require more support and may require nursing care

The level of care an individual requires is referred to as a dependency level. Dependency levels are determined as part of the care assessment which is carried out before an individual moves into a care home. This assessment will look at everything from the support you may need with personal care or eating, to your medication requirements, mobility and wellbeing.

Dependency levels can go up or down, meaning that an individual could in theory move from requiring residential care to nursing care, or vice versa. For instance, an individual who has recently had a hip replacement operation may initially need a very high level of support, but this could reduce as their rehabilitation progresses and they become more mobile. Equally, an individual living with a degenerative condition may initially require residential care, but this requirement could increase to nursing care at a later date.

All of our nursing homes offer both residential care and nursing care, meaning that if you are a resident in one of these homes, you will not need to move to a different care home if your needs change.

It is possible for care needs to increase or decrease, so these are reviewed regularly to ensure that you are receiving the right level of care for your safety and wellbeing.

Five of our care homes offer specialist nursing care in addition to residential care. These are: Calway House and Lavender Court in Taunton, Cooksons Court in Yeovil, Stockmoor Lodge in Bridgwater and Wessex House in Somerton.

For full details of the services and facilities offered at these homes, along with a breakdown of fees, please visit our Find a Care Home page.

Yes, we support people living with dementia to enjoy technology of all sorts, from music to videos, and also to complete video calls. We also understand that what works for one person, may not work for another, so our care teams are on hand to provide you with as much or as little support as you need to stay connected, whether on your own device or using the computer and tablets already in the care home.