Autumn Equinox
The beginning of autumn is upon us
Preparing for autumn and winter
Are you eligible to apply for benefits to help with heating?
Coping with problem sleep in dementia
Equinox occurs twice each year around in March and September. It is the moment at which the centre of the visible Sun is directly above the equator. On that day daytime and night-time last about twelve hours all over the planet. The September Equinox is sometimes regarded as the start of autumn in the UK and that’s the time for traditional harvest festivals. It is also the time when you really start to notice the nights “drawing in.” They’ve been doing that since midsummer day, but it is more obvious now that the days start to be shorter, especially after the clocks change.
Caring in Autumn
Some people love autumn with beautiful colours as the trees turn orange and brown, and we snuggle in front of the fireplace, thinking of Christmas coming. If you are a carer for someone with dementia, it is the time to start thinking about winter and preparing for shorter days, less sunlight, and colder temperatures.
To help a person with dementia to put on appropriate clothes for winter, put away summer clothes. All those shorts and lightweight garments need to go in a box that fits under the bed or on top of the wardrobe – anywhere out of the way. Make sure that thicker trousers and jumpers are visible and more likely to be chosen in the mornings. Keep hats, scarves, and gloves handy so they are less likely to be forgotten.
Heating and benefits
Think about whether the central heating can be linked with a smart phone so that you can turn up the heat even when you are not around. Check using the Turn2Us benefit calculator that the person you care for is getting all the winter allowances they are owed. Grants available include the Winter Fuel Payment and the Cold Weather Payment. Billions of pounds of benefits for older people go unclaimed every year. Before it gets very cold, you can check for draughts and cold spots in the house, which can be helped with thicker curtains and draught excluders. The government has a simple energy advice website and a helpline on 0800 444 202.
Sleep and staying warm
Disturbed sleep is a common problem in dementia, and it affects the whole household. People sleep better in a warm bed in a cool room. Keeping cosy in bed can include a bed socks and warm pyjamas, and even a hat. New electric blankets are a minimal safety risk, but if old, damaged, or if not used properly they can be a risk for fire or burns. Make sure there are thermostatic controls in case the person leaves the blanket on all night. A wet blanket should never be used, so if the person has continence problems, that’s a big risk. Electric blankets account for over 5,000 fires a year so take advice from the fire service on safety.
Follow this link for more information: https://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/electric-blankets/
Difficulties in autumn
Just as important is how autumn makes a carer feel. It may be that the colder, darker, weather makes it a difficult time of year. Nature is slowing down, but your responsibilities if anything, build up. Lack of sunlight (or even daylight) can trigger low mood, and lack of energy, so you need to do everything you can to keep yourself well. Especially if you are older, it is important to get advice if you feel unwell. You can go to your pharmacy, your GP on the phone, or NHS 111 if you have an urgent problem and you are unsure what to do.
And remember that you can ask friends and neighbours to help. If you are not around, you can ask them to keep an eye out and let you know if they are worried.
If you would like more information, you can buy my book Dementia, the One Stop Guide or Care Homes: When, Why and How to Choose a Care Home. I am available for consultancy for families or organisations. And if you have any further queries or questions, or suggestions for something you’d like to see me write on, please contact me via the Contact Page
See my new course on Dementia the One Stop Guide on Policy Hub here
