How dementia sufferers with toilet problems and incontinence can be helped

The most seasoned and capable home care worker in Gloucester, like those of Bramble Home Care, will be aware of the accidents, incontinence and difficulties in using the toilet that can arise for people with dementia, particularly with the onward progression of the disease. Incontinence can cause considerable distress in a dementia sufferer, but the good news is that it is not inevitable, and support is available. 

Incontinence can take several forms, but is defined as the involuntary leakage of either or both urine or faeces. Urinary incontinence can range from small occasional leaks to the total loss of bladder control, while sufferers of faecal incontinence may have zero bowel control, or simply pass a small amount of stool when breaking wind. Reasons for incontinence in dementia sufferers range from urinary tract infections and prostate gland trouble to constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Toilet accidents and problems also have a wide range of possible causes, including an inability to react quickly enough to the sensation of needing to use the toilet, an inability to communicate the need to go to the toilet, not allowing others to help with the toileting and not making any attempt to find the toilet - among other causes.

Thankfully, there are many ways in which a home care worker in Gloucester or other carer can help a dementia sufferer to cope with or avoid such problems. They can help to ensure the continued good health of the Service User's bladder and bowels, for example, by encouraging them to drink six to eight glasses of fluids daily and eat a balanced diet with a minimum of five daily portions of fruit and vegetables and a good amount of fibre.

A home care worker in Gloucester can also have a role in reducing accidents by helping the person with dementia to identify where the toilet is and assisting them in the easy undoing, removal and replacement of their clothing. Carers should also be sensitive in their response to any accidents that do occur for the person with dementia, approaching the problem in an understanding manner while avoiding being angry or appearing upset. 

Get in touch with Bramble Home Care for more information about the assistance that can be provided on a day-to-day basis by a thoughtful, sensitive and well-trained home care worker in Gloucester.

Take a look at this guide from the Alzheimer’s Society for further information on this subject.

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.

Why the former IYLO building is a great place to live for diners

It's staggering to think just what a turnaround the one-time IYLO building in Croydon - now rechristened ISLAND - has enjoyed. Once, the 20-storey apartment was far from the sleek beacon of aspiration that it had long promised to be. Abandoned by builders due to two administrations - firstly that of the project's funding source, and then of the construction company - the structure forlornly gathered graffiti and tutting shakes of the head by those walking past.

To say that matters have changed somewhat since those dark days would be a drastic understatement. Having since found new ownership and even more importantly, a genuinely secure source of funding, the former IYLO building in Croydon has said hello once again to the construction cranes, with work continuing apace for the grand opening of the luxuriously-appointed apartments and penthouses in late November 2014.

However, this impressive structure was never merely about aesthetic appeal or even a generous internal specification, encompassing the likes of engineered wooden flooring, balcony or terrace spot light fittings and a marvellous double-height entrance lobby with floor to ceiling windows, marble flooring and stone-finish walls. That's because an immense part of its appeal was also its highly advantageous location, bringing close proximity to an assortment of exciting amenities.

Certainly, enthusiastic diners will be delighted by the choice that life as an ISLAND resident affords them. For one thing, they are only a walk or modest car drive away from such well-regarded gastronomic establishments as Preto and Khyber Restaurant on Croydon High Street, or Fish & Grill, Albert's Table or Aqua in the vibrant South End area - the latter officially dubbed Croydon's Restaurant Quarter.

But life at the erstwhile IYLO building in Croydon also means never being too far away from the pick of the restaurants across the rest of South London. Those who have ever wanted to head to Knightsbridge for a rich British meal at Dinner by Heston, in the stunning setting of the Mandarin Oriental, or for that matter the Blueprint Cafe offering a panoramic view of the Thames from its position above the Design Museum, are equally well catered-for.

That's without touching on such other star restaurants across South London as Tom's Kitchen, Soif, Manicomio, Baltic and Old Brewery. Quite simply, for cuisine lovers, the former IYLO building in Croydon really does represent an exceptional living quarters - with the available penthouses and apartments going fast.

Editor’s Note: ISLAND (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.

Look stunningly feminine in an AX Paris dress, playsuit or bodycon

The summer is a time of year when any self-respecting lady wishes to look and feel great, while making the most of the baking sun - and often, that means hitting the department stores in search of that next gorgeously jaw-dropping dress, bodycon or playsuit. There's no clothing of this nature, however, quite like AX Paris clothing, the brand being known for the most gloriously feminine fashions that also ooze sophistication.

A wide range of AX Paris clothing also makes I-Candy the perfect place to shop for the finest that the label has to offer. One little number among many that will turn heads is the Navy Floral Print Playsuit, which with its synched-in waist, will make as strong an impression at the bar as in the supermarket. It's a highly versatile playsuit that is nicely complemented by a satchel and pair of ankle boots. Similarly great for both day and night is the playful and girlie Butterfly Funky Print Lazer Cut Playsuit, which goes very nicely with heels or flats.

Ladies will certainly feel confident and empowered when they don the shoulder pad Tropical Printed Bodycon, too, while glamour simply doesn't get any better than that offered by the Printed Strapless Summer Dress, which has a sexy fashion edge thanks to the drape front and back tie and a spring/summer fresh print. Another fantastically on-trend piece of AX Paris clothing is the Crochet Contrast Neck Bodycon Dress, which couldn't possibly look better than when teamed with statement jewellery, an oversized clutch and killer heels for the perfect night out.

Also to be found in the current I-Candy AX Paris clothing range are several tempting plain playsuits, like the cute and girlie Crimped Edge Lazer Cut Playsuit and the elegant and classy Lace Plain Playsuit Cream. Both are undoubted show stoppers. Also stocked is the Chiffon Plain Dip Back Smock Dress, with no shortage of quirkiness and sassiness, and there are even some very fine Crochet Shorts Cream that are ideal for teaming with a matching crochet jacket or casual top.

Take a look at the AX Paris clothing range at I-Candy today to see just how stylish - not to mention affordable - your summer wardrobe could be.

Editor’s Note: I-Candy (http://icandyclothing.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.

15% rise in online sales in May, says ONS

Of interest to many Prolog e-fulfilment clients will be the official figures recently published showing a 15.1% rise in online sales among British retailers in May. According to the latest ONS Retail Sales Bulletin, £727.5m was spent each week online during the month, a 15.1% increase on a year earlier. 11.4% of all retail spending took place online, compared to May 2013, when ecommerce sales accounted for a mere 10.3% of all retail expenditure.

Retail as a whole saw improved sales compared to a year earlier, but less impressive figures than those recorded last month. The ONS estimated a 3.9% increase in the quantity bought in May 2014 compared to the same point the previous year, with the amount spent seeing a 3.2% annual rise. Volumes dropped by 0.5% between April and May, but quarterly figures pointed to a 1.3% heightening in sales for the fifteenth month in a row - which ONS described as the "longest period of sustained growth since November 2007."

Department stores saw greater spending among online shoppers, with an annual increase of 26.5% being recorded for sales in that sector. Of all department store retail sales, 10.5% now happen on the Internet. There were also rises in the amount Internet shoppers spent on textiles, clothing and footwear - by 17.6%, meaning that they made up 11.3% of all retail sales - and household goods, a 3.5% increase here leading them to account for 5.9% of all sales. However, in the 'other' category of stores, there was actually a 15.7% decline in online sales, which constituted 6.5% of all sales.

Richard Lowe, head of retail and wholesale at Barclays, commented: "May's temperamental weather resulted in many people preferring to shop online to avoid the drizzle, with consumers splashing out on sporting goods in anticipation of the World Cup kicking off this month. Recent news that inflation has fallen to its lowest level in almost five years is a boon for retailers – another positive sign that will help bolster consumer spending power in the months ahead."

Save time and effort with MaxStamp self inking stamps

Everyday working life has been made infinitely easier for many of us these days by all manner of flashy and sophisticated technological innovations, from the PC and printer to the iPad and smartphone - but it's easy to underestimate just how much certain simpler inventions have helped in this regard, too.

Self inking stamps are a good example of such an invention, and the best of them - from the MaxStamp brand - are available at a good price at Rubber Stamp King. The way these stamps work is very simple. They incorporate a long lasting replaceable ink pad and are manufactured from high impact plastic. You can choose from a range of ink pads, including black, blue, red, green, purple and dry - the latter the one to go for if you intend to use your own or a separate ink.

You have a lot more options when you shop for MaxStamp self inking stamps with us. It doesn't cost you anything more to order this stamp with text, logos or a border, and all that you have to do is place your order, followed by emailing us with the specific requirements for your stamp, or even making use of the provided artwork upload facility and text box.

You may desire self inking stamps with your own image or logo, in which case, you should ensure that you provide us with a JPEG at a minimum of 300dpi or a good quality PDF. We'll then get to work on your stamp's design, only proceeding with its creation once you have checked and approved the image of the impression in the PDF that we email to you.

There are various types of MaxStamp self inking stamps, even including an eco-friendly, 100% recycled stamp for those especially socially conscious offices. But it's worth reminding ourselves of the great worth of the self inking stamp in the modern workplace. They are routinely used by time-poor businesses and organisations for the identification of vital paperwork.

Self inking stamps have been around since the mid-20th century, and their appeal is obvious: they can be used countless times to create a precise image, in the knowledge that the ink pads are extremely easy and quick to replace. These stamps are highly affordable and simple to use and maintain, these characteristics alone having made them a real mainstay of 21st century offices.

Editor’s Note: Rubber Stamp King (http://www.rubberstampking.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.

A rundown of our selection of hot tub chemicals

We are extremely confident of catering for every need that you could possibly have for your hot tub here at Ruggles Leisure, and if you wanted any evidence of that, you would only need to look at our comprehensive selection of hot tub chemicals. Of course, we don't just supply the chemicals - we also know that whether you're buying your very first hot tub or have been using them for years, you might need a few pointers as to which chemicals are best, so never feel afraid to ask us for advice.

But what of those hot tub chemicals themselves? Well, we offer AquaFinesse, for example, which thanks to its patented formula, is a really thorough once-a-week water treatment system. Deep within your spa's piping and equipment, AquaFinesse works to remove all of that slime, calcium and debris, resulting in the most crystal clear, fresh and gentle water.

Chlorine Shock is another popular product of ours for destroying bacteria in hot tub water, while there are also few more effective sanitizers than our Bromine Granules or Tablets. We even offer Chlorine Granules and Tablets for a similar purpose. Then, there's Cover Cleaner, the silicone-based cleaner and conditioner for the cleaning, shining and protection of acrylic, vinyl and rubber surfaces. It's also ideal for the protection of surfaces from UV  and moisture and the cleaning of hot tub covers.

Is your hot tub water taking on a cloudy appearance? You might be able to save it with Non-Chlorine Shock. Or if you're looking for the perfect means of removing grease or stains from your hot tub filters each week, you might want to invest in our Filter Cleaning Spray. Simply spray it on the offending area, leave 15 minutes for it to soak and then use fresh water under a tap or hose to rinse it off.

We also stock Foam Away, which prevents the foaming in your hot tub of pollutants like soaps and creams by sinking them and taking them to the filter. Meanwhile, by purchasing Scale Away, you can help to ensure that the calcium in your hot tub remains in solution form - meaning that scaling does not occur on the heater and other parts of the spa. Really, there's no need to look anywhere other than Ruggles Leisure when you require the most effective hot tub chemicals.

Editor’s Note: Ruggles Leisure (http://www.rugglesleisure.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.

Economic recovery 'powers rising contractor rates and demand'

It will interest many a finance contractor in the UK to read the latest Market Report of the ContractorCalculator.co.uk website, which suggests that with the revival of the economy, contractors are continuing to experience ever-greater demand for their services, in addition to commanding significantly higher rates.

The ContractorCalculator Market Report July 2014 added that far from only receiving interest from large corporations, contractors were even receiving enquiries from small to medium sized British firms looking to quickly plug talent and skills gaps.

However, not all of the report spelt good news for the UK's contracting market, with Scotland struggling on account of a shortage of candidates with the right skills to fill assignments. Indeed, concerns have been expressed that a lack of skills in the UK's flexible workforce could adversely affect economic growth.

The ContractorCalculator.co.uk report pointed to such other recent publications on the contracting sector as the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC)/KPMG Report on Jobs for May 2014, which found contractor pay rates increasing at a pace unseen for seven years, due to a combination of heightened demand and worsening skills shortages.

Much insight was also given to the average finance contractor by the latest REC JobsOutlook, which indicated that the next quarter was set to see particular demand for contractors from small and medium sized clients.

It was the Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs, meanwhile, which highlighted the fast - and unmet - rise in demand for contractors north of the border that it suggested presented opportunities for independent professionals elsewhere in the UK.

ContractorCalculator.co.uk also drew its readers' attention to the 20th Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) Oil & Gas Survey, and its finding of skills shortages troubling North Sea clients, although buoyancy remained in terms of both investment intentions and confidence.

Finally, Boyden Interim Management's Annual UK Interim Management Survey 2013/14 found that the interim management contracting management market remained buoyant last year, although there was a fall in the number of female interims.

Taken together, these reports suggest continued strong opportunities for the enterprising finance contractor in the UK, both now and in the months ahead.

Editor’s Note: SAIL Business Solutions (http://www.sailsolutions.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.