Washing and bathing someone with dementia

As much pride as our home carers Gloucestershire here at Bramble Home Care (http://www.bramblehomecare.co.uk) take in helping people with dementia to maintain their independence, we do realise that there are certain elements of everyday care that can pose a challenge - with one of these being washing and bathing. So used are most adults to cleaning being a highly private and personal activity, that adjusting to having someone wash and bathe them can be difficult. Tactfulness, sensitivity and respect for that person's dignity are therefore vital.

With washing and bathing being activities that many of us have been used to doing on our own since we were children, it's understandable that many of those receiving home help Gloucester would be anxious about it. The person with dementia may be worried by the thought of deep bath water, which may lead you to keep the water shallow or set up a bath seat for them. Or they might be self-conscious about being undressed in front of you, which is why many carers will only uncover the part of the person's body that they are currently washing.

Other sensitive issues for the person with dementia who is being washed can include overhead showers, isolation and incontinence, so you may need to carefully consider your washing and bathing strategy and speak to them positively and sensitively about the process, acknowledging the very personal nature of the activity, but also expressing your happiness to help. Ask them about their feelings and what ways of cleaning and bathing they may prefer from you, while also trying to avoid becoming overly obtrusive. There are many ways in which you can help the person with dementia to preserve their independence while washing, much as our own dementia care Gloucestershire aims to accomplish.

Some good general washing and bathing tips that we can give you as a home care agency Gloucestershire include trying to ensure the most pleasurable and relaxed experience possible, perhaps with some relaxing music and a nice bubble bath. You shouldn't be afraid to chat and explain what you are doing. Emphasise with them as best as you can, imagining how you would feel in their situation. Be organised and flexible so that you can get the job done while minimising your loved one's stress. Use appropriate toiletries that the person is familiar with, and ensure that at the end of the process, they are thoroughly dried to avoid the chafing of the skin.

Washing and bathing is on the long list of everyday tasks that you may find physically and emotionally difficult when caring for someone with dementia. To avoid feeling too overwhelmed, you are welcome to enquire about how a home care worker Gloucester from Bramble Home Care (http://www.bramblehomecare.co.uk) could help you with the bathing process, in addition to a wide range of other care duties, from helping your loved one to get up on the morning, to preparing them for bed at night.

Editor’s Note: Bramble Home Care (http://www.bramblehomecare.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

The complete range of options for a Tuffa "Big Butt"

There is no more essential commodity for a human being than water, so it should be no surprise that many people increasingly seek to save precious water resources and money with a suitable rainwater tank. Tuffa (http://www.tuffa.co.uk) certainly has as strong a reputation for the design, manufacture and supply of such tanks, called "Big Butts", and is proud to offer not only domestic systems, but also garden/irrigation systems, bespoke commercial systems and above ground systems, as part of its usual professional and personable service.

Opting for a domestic system means choosing between direct and indirect solutions, with a potable upgrade also being available where appropriate. Garden/irrigation systems, meanwhile, come in both above ground and underground varieties, with above ground rainwater harvesting systems being ideal for those that lack the space to dig a hole. This latter type of rainwater tank can take the form of a small plastic tank of 1350 litres up to 20000 litres, but massive steel tanks can also be specified for agricultural purposes.

Buyers of these above ground kits can ensure the collection, filtering, storage and pumping of their rainwater to a desired location, and indeed, the wider "Big Butts" range encompasses a vast range of both standard and optional specifications and components. Even those investing in Tuffa's entry-level 1350 litre rainwater tank, for example, benefit from a well-made single skin MDPE tank, incorporating a 240V water butt pump with Gardena/Hoselock type male snap connector. This feature is compatible with most standard garden fittings, such as hose pipes.

Other features of even the most basic rainwater tank offered by Tuffa include a rainwater diverter, an inspection lid for the gauging of visual contents and a bottom outlet with valve. Although the standard colour is black, customers are free to specify green or stone effect options instead, while there are also other filter options. This basic tank is tough, durable and weatherproof, and with optional extras including a rainwater collector with leaf separator and alternative pumping systems, it will fulfil many of the requirements that domestic, commercial, agricultural, industrial, horticultural or irrigation users will ever have of such a tank.

For those with more demanding requirements, however, there are always options further up the capacity range. Those investing in the 20000VW Non-Pot rainwater tank, for instance, receive a similarly well-made tank - corrosion resistant, UV stabilised and made from recyclable polyethylene - incorporating a vent and manway access. Customers can enhance this tank still further with such extras as a 1" or 2" bottom outlet, larger outlet(s), extra connections for inlets/outlets, a filter kit, ball valve or float valve. That is before one considers the galvanised steel tanks in which Tuffa also specialises, and that offer even greater toughness, a longer life and minimal maintenance.

Such options and specifications only make a rainwater tank from Tuffa (http://www.tuffa.co.uk) an even more suitable investment for those wishing to capitalise on the increasing trend for rainwater harvesting at home or work.

Editor’s Note: Tuffa (http://www.tuffa.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Croydon - a fascinating past and enchanting future

Many of those presently on the lookout for houses in Croydon are doubtless keeping a close eye on the ISLAND Croydon (http://www.islandcroydon.com) development, which comprises 183 apartments and penthouses and promises to combine the finest skyline living with a price tag somewhat lower than one might expect of London. With Phase 1 now available and show apartments open, the elegant 20-storey tower is a major part of Croydon's future, but what prospective residents may not be so aware of is the rich history of this often unjustly unsung area.

There is uncertainty as to the origins of the name Croydon. Some have suggested that the name must have Anglo-Saxon in origin, as is the case for most of the surrounding place names. John Corbett Anderson has cited 962 as the year in which Croydon was first mentioned, in the joint will of Beorhtric and Aelfswth, an Anglo-Saxon document. In the late Saxon period, long before today's penthouses in Croydon came to be, Croydon was the hub of a large estate in the possession of the Archbishops of Canterbury, with the area still known as Old Town being the location of the church and the archbishops' manor house.

Fast-forward to 1276, and Croydon's development as an urban centre truly began with the acquisition by Archbishop Kilwardby of a charter for a weekly market. As Croydon became one of north east Surrey's main market towns, by the 16th century, the manor house gradually took the form of a substantial palace. Those looking for houses for sale in Croydon may be interested to learn that many of Croydon Palace's original buildings still continue in use today, as Old Palace School. The current Croydon Minster, meanwhile, has its origins in a Perpendicular-style Parish Church that succumbed to fire in 1867, its replacement being designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott.

By the mid-19th century, Croydon had become a significant leisure destination, helped by the coming of the Industrial Revolution and the railway. Between 1801 and 1901, Croydon's population rose 23-fold. The Victorian middle classes came to love this pleasant, leafy residential suburb given the ability that it gave them to easily commute to the City of London - an advantage appreciated by many of those now living in Croydon. Over the subsequent decades, the High Street was widened, transport links continued to grow and the area become an even more significant economic centre.

Today, it's not difficult to understand the sheer popularity of flats for sale Croydon, with the modern town being a key shopping centre as well as home to several arts venues, such as the Fairfield Halls, Ashcroft Theatre and Warehouse Theatre. Increasingly, newcomers to London are appreciating Croydon for so much more than its transport links - and as development continues, that is sure to be reflected in demand for the new ISLAND Croydon (http://www.islandcroydon.com) apartments and penthouses.

Editor’s Note: ISLAND Croydon (http://www.islandcroydon.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

ost of the surrounding place names. John Corbett Anderson has cited 962 as the year in which Croydon was first mentioned, in the joint will of Beorhtric and Aelfswth, an Anglo-Saxon document. In the late Saxon period, long before today's penthouses in Croydon came to be, Croydon was the hub of a large estate in the possession of the Archbishops of Canterbury, with the area still known as Old Town being the location of the church and the archbishops' manor house.

Fast-forward to 1276, and Croydon's development as an urban centre truly began with the acquisition by Archbishop Kilwardby of a charter for a weekly market. As Croydon became one of north east Surrey's main market towns, by the 16th century, the manor house gradually took the form of a substantial palace. Those looking for houses for sale in Croydon may be interested to learn that many of Croydon Palace's original buildings still continue in use today, as Old Palace School. The current Croydon Minster, meanwhile, has its origins in a Perpendicular-style Parish Church that succumbed to fire in 1867, its replacement being designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott.

By the mid-19th century, Croydon had become a significant leisure destination, helped by the coming of the Industrial Revolution and the railway. Between 1801 and 1901, Croydon's population rose 23-fold. The Victorian middle classes came to love this pleasant, leafy residential suburb given the ability that it gave them to easily commute to the City of London - an advantage appreciated by many of those now living in Croydon. Over the subsequent decades, the High Street was widened, transport links continued to grow and the area become an even more significant economic centre.

Today, it's not difficult to understand the sheer popularity of flats for sale Croydon, with the modern town being a key shopping centre as well as home to several arts venues, such as the Fairfield Halls, Ashcroft Theatre and Warehouse Theatre. Increasingly, newcomers to London are appreciating Croydon for so much more than its transport links - and as development continues, that is sure to be reflected in demand for the new ISLAND Croydon (http://www.islandcroydon.com) apartments and penthouses.

Editor’s Note: ISLAND Croydon (http://www.islandcroydon.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

When you Require a Bunded Oil Tank, Tuffa is Ultimately the Only Choice

There's no shortage of reasons to choose Tuffa (http://www.tuffa.co.uk) for oil tanks. After all, the Uttoxeter company specialises in seemingly every type of oil tank, from petrol tanks, multi compartment tanks and fire protected tanks to waste oil tanks, single skin tanks and biodiesel tanks, across both plastic and steel. However, for this article, the focus is firmly on the manufacturer's well-regarded plastic bunded oil tanks, including bunded heating oil tanks and bunded diesel tanks.

Certainly, those in need of a heating oil tank will be impressed by the sheer choice on offer in the Tuffa bunded heating oil tank range, with 1350 litre, 1400L, 2500L, 3500L and even greater capacities, right up to 15,000 litres, able to be specified. Interlinking makes a capacity as great as 150,000 litres possible. But of equal importance is Tuffa's commitment to designing and manufacturing bunded oil tanks that have been specifically conceived with the highest standard of pollution control in mind. The firm's bunded oil tanks are state of the art, storing fuel not only securely, but also in a manner that complies with the latest industry regulation.

A bunded oil tank is now mandatory for various commercial, agricultural, institutional and industrial properties, and such tanks made by Tuffa are proven across the sectors. Not only does the wide range of sizes help the client to specify a tank that perfectly matches their individual requirements, but there is also a strong assortment of optional extras. These include alternative colours, an electronic level gauge, 30 minutes or 60 minutes of fire protection and a tank pack consisting of a 1" to 1/2" adaptor, ball valve and filter.

But even just the basic design of a Tuffa bunded heating oil tank is sufficient for many different requirements and contexts, thanks in part to a bund that contains a minimum 110 per cent volume of the inner tank, affording the highest standard of protection against overfilling and leaking. The fuel level, meanwhile, is given by a level float gauge, with a clear inner tank serving as a secondary measure of the fuel level. The collection of rainwater and debris is avoided due to the covered bund, but the outer tank's lockable hinged cover still ensures that equipment can be easily accessed.

Meanwhile, recyclable polythene manufacture, corrosion resistance and UV stabilisation are all staple features of the kind of well-engineered and innovative oil tanks for which Tuffa (http://www.tuffa.co.uk) has long enjoyed such renown. With the heating oil tank range being complemented by diesel tanks incorporating such elements as a 2" BSP fill connection, vent, float level gauge, lockable hinged flip lid and submersible pump, it isn't difficult to see why the firm is trusted by organisations across the world that need to store and dispense oil safely. 

Editor’s Note: Tuffa (http://www.tuffa.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.