Join us for a special visit from Guide Dogs and their wonderful Ambassador Dogs.

Our FREE monthly coffee mornings offer a relaxed, friendly space to connect, share, and learn. Whether you’re a carer, a family member, or simply interested, join us for refreshments, conversation, and support. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions, feel FREE to reach out to our friendly team at Bright Dawn Home Care – 01564 784598

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Autism is a neurodiverse condition that is diagnosed on a spectrum; therefore, it affects people in different ways. If you have autism you may interact with people differently, have different sensory needs, and need more consistency and routine. You may find going out stressful and a sensory overload, you may find communicating on the phone a problem or even navigating your everyday life. Many autistic adults live independently, but other need support with certain tasks or even 24-hour specialist care.

Our professional autism care services are tailored to address these unique needs, providing the right level of assistance while respecting individual preferences and promoting independence.

If you experience Mental Health Disorders, it can present in many ways. You may have depression and struggle to look after yourself and your home, you may have anxiety and need support when you leave the house in social settings. You could have OCD which limits your daily routines. You could have PTSD and enjoy a daily cup of tea and a chat with a friendly face. You may need help at home, or encouragement and support to complete tasks yourself, or assistance in tasks outside the home.

April the 2nd to the 8th is Autism Acceptance Week in the UK, April is Autism Awareness Month in many parts of the world. It is fair to say that the Neurodiversity Movement has made progress in changing the way many think about autism and other neurological differences such as dyslexia, dyspraxia & other mental health disorders but autistic people continue to face many challenges due to discrimination and lack of support services for people with autism in some areas.

Here at Bright Dawn Home Care, we offer all levels of services, as little or as much as you need, being flexible to change as and when you need us.

Our Companionship Care covers

• General companionship and conversation
• Arrange appointments and assist with forms / phone calls
• Help with travel arrangements and escort to appointments
• Stimulate mental awareness
• Assist with clothing selection
• Assist with entertaining
• Help with reading
• Participate in hobbies and crafts
• Monitor diet and eating
• Buy magazines, papers and books
• Rent and play films together
• Plan visits, outings and trips
• Visit neighbours and friends
• Accompany to lunch, dinner or to the pub on the weekend
• Attend plays or concerts
• Attend club meetings and sporting events
• Record family history
• Discuss current/historical events
• Reminisce about the past
• Collect prescriptions
• Provide light house keeping / take out the rubbish
• Assist or make the bed and change linen
• Meal preparation and tidy away
• Check food expiry dates and organisation of cupboards
• Care for houseplants or animals
• Prepare shopping lists
• Help with general shopping
• Oversee home deliveries

Personal Care services can provide

• Help with bathing
• Assistance with dressing
• Help with grooming
• Incontinence care
• Assistance with eating
• Convalescence care
• Medication reminders / prompting or administering
• Assist with morning/wake up
• Assist with evening / tuck in

+ All the Companionship Care Services as required

Here to help

Bright Dawn tailor your care plan to your needs, making a bespoke package for every client which can change and evolve as you do, for example Live in Care services can provide 24/7 companionship and assistance with all aspects of life and routines. We are here for you. Contact our specialist team to find out more about the ways we can support you.

The post Role of a Carer for Adults with Autism appeared first on Bright Dawn Home Care.

Live-in care is beneficial for dementia care and a popular choice for people in the early to middle stages of dementia to remain in familiar surroundings and keep continuity in their day to day lives. A live-in carer can promote independence whilst supporting you or your loved one. Our carers understand the importance of offering support when it is needed, enabling people to make their own decisions and continuing to do activities they enjoy.

Some symptoms of dementia can be worrying to family members, especially if you live far away from your loved one. With a live-in carer you can rest assured that the bath hasn’t been left running, the pot on the stove isn’t bubbling over and if your loved one manages to leave the house, they won’t be alone.

How Live in Care Supports Dementia Care

• Personal Care.
• Prompt and supervise medication.
• Cook or support making nutritious meals/snacks depending on personal preferences and needs.
• Support with housework/laundry/shopping.
• Round the clock companionship.
• Attend social clubs/activities.
• Attend dementia support classes.
• Provide behavioural care when dementia symptoms are heightened.
• Provide emergency care like alerting the emergency services or getting medical attention.
• Provide regular updates and peace of mind to family members or friends.

Facts about dementia sourced from The Live In Care Hub

• 61% of people would like to stay in their own home if they reached a point where they could no longer live independently.
• It is estimated that 700,000 family carers are supporting a loved one with dementia.
• Dementia can increase the risk of falls and fractures. Those living in care homes are three times more likely to fracture a hip, than those living at home.
• It’s estimated that 60% of live-in care provided, is dementia care.

Not only is Live-in care beneficial for dementia care but for:

• Someone being discharged from hospital.
• Someone with progressive conditions such as MS or Parkinsons.
• Someone who has had a stroke.
• Someone with a physical or mental health condition.
• Someone who struggles with day-to-day living.
• Someone at risk of trips and falls.

If you are thinking about or need live in care, please contact the office. We will come to yourhome to have a chat and assess your needs and the house. We then develop your personal care plan from the answers you gave and your preferences. Next step is to match with a live-in carer. Sometimes it is a perfect fit, but we all have different personalities, so please don’t worry if something doesn’t quite feel right with your live-in carer, we can match you again.

We are flexible and evolving so we can update and change your care plan to suit your changing needs. We are always at the end of the phone to chat and support and have an active involvement in your care.

If you have questions or are looking for support speak to the team today, call us on 01564 784598.

The post Dementia – Why Live-in Care? appeared first on Bright Dawn Home Care.

Our Live-in Care service provides one-to-one care delivered by regular Live in Care Assistants.
Our Bespoke and flexible Care Plan is tailored to your individual needs.
We can also provide care for couples.
We will encourage and support you to continue to stay independent.
The ability to live in your community and keep up with your social activities.

People living with Dementia have clear memories of the past however new memories are easily lost. Moving into a residential home can cause stress, anxiety, the feeling of insecurity and confusion as well as a loss of independence.

Not only is Live-in Care suitable for Dementia clients but we have also worked with the Stroke Association, the MS Society, Parkinson’s Disease Society, the Motor Neuron Disease Association, the NHS to support people with complex care needs .

Your Live in Care Assistant can provide:

• Personal Care
• Companionship
• Management of Medications
• Planning and Cooking meals
• Pet Care
• Domestic tasks including shopping
• Socialising and Community Involvement

Bright Dawn Live in Carer Assistants work for 12 hours a day, with a two-hour break. Should you need assistance during the night, the Care Assistant is available, giving you peace of mind and reassurance.

Bright Dawn Home Care can also provide round the clock care if you have complex needs and require someone to stay awake during the night to assist you.

Why Choose Bright Dawn Home Care?

Bright Dawn is not a care agency therefore our recruitment process is thorough, and we ensure the Care Assistant is a right fit for you. Our live-in Care Assistants all have an Enhanced DBS and four clear references, with industry experience, including care qualifications.

We match your care team to your needs and preferences and if you are happy with the two Care Assistants, they become your permanent team.

We only have live-in clients that are local to our offices in Solihull, Warwickshire and Worcestershire enabling us to carry out fortnightly spot checks on the Care Assistants and ensure that quality care is being provided for you.

Our Management and Senior team have regular contact with yourselves ensuring you are happy with the care provided and if your current care plan needs to evolve or be adapted. Someone is always available at the end of the phone 24/7 for emergencies.

Our online family portal allows families to have daily access to your care, medication, and well-being.

Our management has been trained in advanced Dementia Care which is passed on to the Care Assistants with on-going support and training.

Bright Dawn Home Care has a rating of ‘Good’ in all 5 areas of inspection by the CQC, which we are extremely proud of. We have a good reputation for quality care with many of our clients being recommended to us by professional bodies or word of mouth from previous clients.

Live–in Care Requirements

Anyone can have live-in care if you have a spare bedroom so the Care Assistant can have their own space and access to a bathroom.

The Care Assistant will eat the same food as you unless you, or the carer has a specific dietary requirement where a food allowance of £40 a week is required.

We charge 45p per mile when the Care Assistant uses their own vehicle to do your shopping or taking you out for appointments and social activities.

The Care Assistant will require a two-hour break during the day when suitable for you both, this is usually in the afternoon, round your needs. If you do require continuous care or companionship, we offer a sitting service where a Care Assistant will come for the duration of their break.

What if My Care Needs Change?

We are flexible and evolving so we can update and change your care plan to suit your changing needs. We are always at the end of the phone to chat and support and have an active involvement in your care. If you have questions or are looking for support, speak to the team today, call us on 01564 784598.

The post What is live in care? appeared first on Bright Dawn Home Care.

Sitting in a cold home for a long time can put pressure on your heart and circulation – the ideal temperature in your home is 18C – 21C (64 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit).
It’s important to stay protected against a drop in temperature as cold weather can affect your body’s ability to fight off viruses and infections. By keeping warm, you can help yourself stay well this winter.

What can you do to keep yourself warm?

Keep moving. Try not to sit still for more than an hour at a time. Even a little bit of activity now and then can help you maintain strength and mobility.
Eat and drink well. It can sometimes be difficult to keep up the motivation to prepare meals. But it’s good to try and keep to a routine where you can. Eating hot meals and drinking hot
drinks regularly will help keep you warm.
Wrap up well. Wearing plenty of layers is the best way to keep warm in winter. If you’re heading out, make sure you take some extra layers, even if you don’t need them immediately – the temperature can drop significantly when the sun goes in.
Wear Thick Socks or Slippers. Keeping your feet warm during the day and through the night will make your whole body feel warmer. For an extra cosy feel, slip on a pair of ultra-warm wool or thermal socks.
Use electric blankets, heat pads, footwarmers but be careful, only use your electric blanket as instructed and get it tested every three years, never use a hot water bottle with an electric blanket.

Supported by Solihull Council, Age UK Solihull provides a local Winter Warmth Helpline and emergency help. Primarily aimed at older people, those living with disabilities or long-term health condition, carers and families with young children.

• Information and advice.
• Emergency heaters if your heating breaks down or isn’t keeping you warm.
• Finding a tradesperson for emergency repairs.
• Boiler/heating repairs and servicing.
• Provision of electric blankets, duvets and blankets to vulnerable residents.

For advice and support please ring the Winter Warmth Helpline on 0121 704 8080, 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

Advice and help with your energy bills

Solihull Council has partnered with energy experts Act on Energy, to help you reduce your energy bills and make your home warmer and more energy efficient.
For advice, tips and support, including energy saving tips, pre-payment meters, energy debt, home heating repairs or improvements and energy efficiency grants please contact the free Act on Energy advice line on: 0800 988 2881, 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday, or email: advice@actonenergy.org.uk.
Contact your supplier if you are struggling to pay your bill or you are in debt. The earlier you contact them, the better. They can help with debt payment plans and help you with managing your ongoing payments. Some also have hardship funds to help people.

Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register is operated by energy suppliers to help people in vulnerable situations.
If you are eligible for this scheme (e.g. over the state pension age, long term medical condition or disability) contact your own energy supplier to be added to their list.

What can you do to keep your home warm?

It’s important to regularly put your heating on to stop your pipes from freezing and because it can be more expensive to keep starting up and stopping your heating. Here are some tips from Act On Energy which can help to make your home as warm as possible, whilst reducing your energy use and saving money:

1. Turn your thermostat down by 1 degree. Most people won’t notice the difference –
and an extra jumper can always help. The ideal room temperature is 18-21 degrees but do consider if this is warm enough for anyone who has a vulnerability. Do it now before you need to switch the heating on. This could save you up to 10% a year on your bill.
2. And while we’re on heating….set your timer to come on 15-30 minutes before you need it and switch off 30 minutes before you leave or go to bed.
3. Switch to low energy lightbulbs. LEDs use about 90% less energy than standard bulbs. They are more expense to buy – but last up to 12 times longer. Turning off lights in rooms when you don’t need them could save about £25 a year.
4. Wash your clothes on the lowest heat setting. 90% of a washing machine’s energy is used to heat up the water. Reducing your number of washes by one cycle a week will save about £34 a year. Tumble dryers use a lot of energy so whenever possible dry your clothes outside on a line.
5. Switch appliances off ‘stand-by’ – this could typically save about £65 a year.
6. Insulate a hot water tank – it will pay for itself within 6 months.
7. Reduce your shower time – it’s easy to lose track of time so try setting an alarm for 3-4 minutes. You could save about £95 a year.
8. Thick curtains help to keep the heat in. Keep them tucked behind radiators and pull them at dusk to avoid heat escaping through glass.
9. Draught proof your home – check doors, letterboxes, windows, loft hatches and floorboards. Move furniture away from radiators to let warm air circulate.
10. Be savvy in the kitchen – only boil the amount of water you need when you need it. When filling the kettle like this you could save £13 a year. Keep a lid on it – trap the heat in your saucepan. Use the dishwasher only when it’s full – and reducing use by one cycle a week could save £17 a year. Turn the oven off a few minutes’ earlier and use residual heat to finish cooking. Using a microwave will also be cheaper than using the oven. Defrost your fridge and freezer regularly for maximum efficiency (and while we’ve got you…keeping a fridge or freezer door open for just a minute means it’ll take three minutes to cool down again).

Here2Help

Solihull MBC has a Here2Help section on its website containing lots of information to help people including support available to help with the cost of living, services to help people stay safe and well and support for carers.

Here2Help
To compliment this SMBC have produced a booklet promoting some of the services available Here2help booklet 2024

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