According to ncsd.org National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD) is “a celebration for those who have survived, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families, and an outreach to the community.”

At Helping Hands, we care for people affected by cancer, whether a person living with it or a loved one supporting them. We’re by your side whenever you need additional help to get through a rough day, or if you’re coming to terms with a diagnosis.

When is National Cancer Survivors Day 2026?

National Cancer Survivors Day is a celebration of life that honours people with a history of cancer and brings awareness to the challenges faced by cancer survivors. It is always celebrated on the first Sunday in June, and in 2026, NCSD will take place on June 7th.

The history behind the day

NCSD began as an American celebration and has now spread around the world! At least 20 countries across five continents have held events to mark NCSD, including in Africa, Asia, and Europe. It is a day not just for cancer survivors, but anyone who is in solidarity with them, such as a caregiver, healthcare professional, family member, or friend.

What does it mean to be a cancer survivor?

Macmillan explains that “It is normal to feel lots of different emotions when you finish cancer treatment” and they have lots of helpful information to help you navigate your journey from diagnosis through to being cancer-free. Completing cancer treatment can stir up a range of emotions such as anxiety, guilt, and fear for the future, which can affect your physical and mental health.

The realities of life after a cancer diagnosis

The realities of life after a cancer diagnosis include feeling shock and not knowing which way to turn. This is completely normal and you may need some time to process what has happened. No two people will feel the same after receiving their diagnosis but will undoubtedly have lots of questions. Your cancer doctor or nurse will be able to give you answers to some of your questions while they explain your treatment plan to you. You will be given the opportunity to discuss options for treatment and time to make an informed decision.

Physical recovery and ongoing health needs

Despite your cancer going into remission, or you’re declared cancer free, you may still have ongoing health needs. Most people need support to build up their muscle strength after cancer treatment and your healthcare team will give you advice on how to take things slowly for the best overall results. Your Helping Hands carer will fit seamlessly into your wider care team and will follow your support plan thoroughly to ensure that you receive the care you need. You’ll be encouraged to follow healthy lifestyle habits, such as giving up smoking and eating a balanced diet, so that future health risks are kept to a minimum.

Emotional and mental wellbeing after cancer

Some people struggle emotionally after beating cancer, mainly because of emotions such as guilt. “Survivor’s guilt can affect many who have lived with cancer. It’s common to feel guilty for surviving when others did not” say Macmillan. Trying to find something to be positive about, such as spending time with loved ones, pottering in a beloved garden, or just taking a short walk in beautiful scenery can help to improve emotional wellbeing and make you realise that you don’t need to feel guilty for surviving. You are worthy of finding joy in life again. Macmillan’s online community is a resource that may help if you’re struggling emotionally.

Supporting a loved one through survivorship

Your love done may be struggling to restart their life after surviving cancer, perhaps because of fear that it will return, or because they don’t know how to address their worries. They may feel that only people who’ve gone through what they have will understand, or they don’t want to ‘burden’ family members with their real feelings. It’s quite normal to feel unsure how you should resume a normal life when you’ve beaten cancer. “As well as feeling happy and relieved you’ve finished, you may need to adapt to new feelings, changes in support and different ways of looking at life” say Cancer Research UK.

How to mark National Cancer Survivors Day

There are so many ways you can mark National Cancer Survivors Day, regardless sof your abilities, or the stage your cancer journey is at.

Community celebration

The National Cancer Survivors Day website has everything needed to organise a community celebration day.

Independent celebration

If you don’t feel you can organise or attend a community event, you can commemorate the day as an individual or in small groups.

Learn about the issues of cancer survivorship

Cancer survivors face many challenges, even when they’ve beaten cancer. These include physical, emotional and financial difficulties.

Raise awareness

Everyone can advocate for better resources, research, and improvements in the lives of cancer survivors. Taking part in NCSD does that.

How home care can support life after cancer

When you’ve managed to beat cancer, you may still need some time to get back to full strength, and this is where care at home can make a huge difference. Whether you want someone to undertake household tasks such as cleaning and vacuuming, or you’d like to be accompanied on a daily walk to improve your muscle mass, visiting or live-in care from Helping Hands can help your rehabilitation remain on target.

Further resources and support

Organisations such as Macmillan and Cancer Research UK are amazing resources that can support you on every step of your – or a loved one’s – cancer journey.

It’s also a good idea to ask your cancer healthcare team if there are local support groups that may help you in your community.

Helping Hands also have helpful articles on our website that explain cancer care at home, such as this one which breaks down costings.

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What is Learning Disability Week?

Learning Disability Week is an opportunity to “celebrate what people with a learning disability bring to society” says Mencap.

When is Learning Disability Week 2026?

Learning Disability Week is always the third week of June each year. In 2026, it is from Monday 15th June to Sunday 21st June.

This year’s theme

People with a learning disability want to be seen, heard and valued, which is why this year’s theme is “Do you see me?” Mencap is campaigning for change so that statistics, such as the following, will improve:

86% of unemployed people with a learning disability want a paid job, yet only 26.7% of adults with a learning disability are employed.

On a typical Saturday, 1 in 3 people with a learning disability spend less than 1 hour outside of their home.

More than 2,000 people with a learning disability and/or autism are currently locked away in mental health hospitals.

What is a learning disability?

According to Mencap, “A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability, usually identified soon after birth or in the early years, and will last a person’s whole life.”
Many people with a learning disability may find everyday activities challenging, such as household tasks, managing money, or socialising. Some people with learning disability also need to be fully supported in every area of their life, including staying safe, communication, and personal care. However, “with the right support and an inclusive community, people with a learning disability can thrive.”

How many people in the UK have a learning disability?

Mencap statistics tell us that:

There are 1.2 million adults with a learning disability in the UK. 977,000 adults with a learning disability in England, 54,000 adults with a learning disability in Wales, and 31,000 adults with a learning disability in Northern Ireland.

That means approximately 2.16% of adults in the UK are believed to have a learning disability.

The challenges people with learning disabilities face

The statistics paint a sobering picture of the health challenges that people with learning disabilities can face. For instance, 63 is the median age at death for adults with a learning disability, a whole 19.5 years less than the average age of death of the general population. In addition, they claim that 38% of people with a mild or moderate learning disability died an avoidable death, compared to 9% of people without a learning disability. Accessing healthcare that people without a learning disability take for granted can be much more difficult for people living with a learning disability, perhaps due to communication difficulties, or not being aware that they have options.

The importance of independence and choice

A lack of reasonable adjustments can prevent people with a learning disability from accessing equal healthcare. This is in contrast to what people with a learning disability would want. Every adult deserves the right to independence and to make their own choices, wherever possible. Mencap tells us that “people with a learning disability have worse physical and mental health than people without a learning disability” which demonstrates how important it is to break down accessibility barriers and ensure that services are as accessible as for people without a learning disability.

How to get involved in Learning Disability Week 2026

There are many ways to get involved with Learning Disability Week 2026. These include discovering the amazing things that people with a learning disability are doing locally and telling other people in your community about it. You can also look for Learning Disability Week resources, so that you can spread awareness of the event. Mencap are also hosting an online information session at 12pm on Tuesday 16th June 2026, online via Microsoft Teams. This is for anyone who would like to learn more about what the charity does, and the services they provide for people with a learning disability. Even just visiting a Mencap shop will support fundraising and help provide essential services.

How home care can support adults with learning disabilities

Home care can support adults with learning disabilities because it enables them to live independently in their own home, or more independently in a shared home, than they otherwise would be able to. Helping Hands support many adults with learning disabilities, helping them to attend education, work, and access support services. Because we’ve been supporting people in their own homes since 1989, we are highly experienced in every aspect of care at home. We’re considered the UK’s most trusted home care provider because we can support people with every aspect of their daily routine, including personal care, meal preparation, and mobility.

Supporting families and loved ones

Home care doesn’t just support the person living with a learning disability, it also helps their loved ones. This is because it gives family members an opportunity to attend to other things they need to do or even take a holiday. Knowing that their loved one with a learning disability will be well cared for in their absence may give parents or family carers confidence to take a break and have a chance to recharge their energy. It’s impossible to care for someone properly if your energy is depleted, so let Helping Hands provide comprehensive visiting or live-in care, delivered by compassionate, professional carers. We’ve received thousands of Trustpilot reviews that support how much we’ve supported family members by providing exceptional care for their loved ones too.

Further resources and support

The Mencap website has a wide range of information about Learning Disability Week, and how society can better support people living with learning disabilities. Brandon Trust also supports people with learning disabilities and autistic people to live the way they choose. At Helping Hands we’ve also got further information on our website, such as this article on Learning Disability Support.

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National Carers Week runs annually, raising awareness of caring and the challenges that unpaid carers face. It also encourages people who don’t identify as carers to examine their own caring responsibilities and access much-needed support.

When is National Carers Week 2026?

In 2026, Carers Week is from 8^th to 14^th June.

This year’s theme: Building Carer Friendly Communities

Carers Week explains this year’s theme. “Carer friendly communities are places, spaces, services and community groups where unpaid carers are recognised, understood, and valued.”

Carer Friendly Communities recognise unpaid carers, the vital role they play, and understands the realities and impact of caring. They also take action to support carers effectively and empower them accordingly.

The many faces of caring in the UK

Unpaid Carers

An estimated 8.9 million adults are cared for by family, friends, or neighbours who are unpaid. Many of these unpaid carers do not identify as such, simply viewing themselves as people who support loved ones.

Domiciliary (Home) Care Workers

Home care workers are paid carers who travel to their customers’ homes and assist with everyday tasks, such as personal care, meal preparation, medication administration, and running errands.

Live-in domiciliary care workers

Carers who live in their customers’ homes provide around the clock support. This can be reassuring if the person is living with complex care needs or requires constant monitoring.

Residential Care Staff

Carers who work in registered care homes provide support around the clock in a series of shifts. They provide care as part of a rotating team, meaning residents can see many different faces over the course of a day.

Kinship Carers

This is where vulnerable children are cared for by other family members, such as siblings, grandparents, or other relatives, when their parents are unable to manage themselves.

Family and unpaid carers: the backbone of care at home

Carers are the backbone of the care system. In fact, there are over five million unpaid carers in the UK today, many of whom are balancing caring responsibilities with work, studies, or family life. National Carers Week is a moment to acknowledge their dedication, raise awareness of the challenges they face, and call for better access to resources and support. We want to take a moment to recognise the millions of unpaid carers looking after loved ones at home. Their strength, commitment and love are truly inspiring.

Professional carers: a career built on compassion

While all professional carers should receive some level of practical training before they embark on their duties, nobody can be taught how to be compassionate. At Helping Hands, we’ve always discovered that naturally compassionate qualities are more important than practical experience, and we stand by that for all of the people we recruit.

The shared challenges all carers face

Some of the challenges that carers face include:

Carer burnout – Mental and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged caregiving stress. This affects both paid and unpaid carers.

Compassion fatigue – Refers to the “emotional cost of caring for others or their emotional pain” according to the NHS.

Balancing responsibilities – Many carers are balancing a home life, raising children, and undertaking paid work with their caring responsibilities.

Making ends meet – Whether care work is paid or not, some carers may have worries around paying all of their bills.

Why taking a break matters for every carer

Taking a break matters for every carer because it’s impossible to continue delivering high standards of care if you are physically and emotionally exhausted. At Helping Hands we provide paid holidays for all of our carers, ensuring that they always have the opportunity to take an extended break. We can do this because we employ all of our carers ourselves, which many care providers do not. This is just one of the reasons that we’re considered the UK’s most trusted home care company.

How to get involved in National Carers Week 2026

Getting involved in National Carers Week 2026 is as easy as visiting the website and filling in a short form. This means that your name will be displayed on the home page, demonstrating your commitment to raising awareness and your support for all carers. If you would like to learn more, and whatever industry you work in, the Carers Week website has suggestions for ensuring your workplace or local area is a carer friendly community.

How Helping Hands supports carers, paid and unpaid

We understand that caring doesn’t stop when the working day ends. Many people are quietly supporting loved ones at home without formal training or support networks. If you’re one of them, we want you to know you’re not alone. Our team is always here with guidance, advice and care services that are fully tailored to your needs.

Our dedicated care teams provide compassionate, person-centred support every single day, often going above and beyond to make a difference. Whether it’s offering companionship, personal care, help with mobility, or simply being a friendly face, their work transforms lives and brings peace of mind to families.

From all of us at Helping Hands, thank you to all carers for everything you do. This week – and every week – you are seen, valued, and celebrated.

Looking after yourself when you’re caring for someone

Looking after yourself when you’re caring for someone can be as straightforward as someone coming in regularly to give you a short respite. If the person you look after is not already being supported by your local authority, its worth contacting them and requesting a needs assessment. This will ensure that all of their care needs are taken into account and a plan of support put into place that will not only care for them, but care for you too. If they’d prefer private home care, contact Helping Hands’ friendly customer care team to discover how we could be supporting you in your area.

Further resources and support

Talk to us if you’d like to discover more about care at home and how we could be taking the pressure off loved ones’ shoulders. Requesting a carer’s assessment or financial needs assessment from the local authority will also help you to understand what help is available in your area. Organisations such as Carers UK and Carers Trust are great sources of information and support for unpaid carers too. Nobody should be struggling to manage – always ask for help.

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Parkinson’s Awareness Week is an annual campaign, held every April. It is designed to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease, aiming to raise funds for research, and improve support for people living with the disorder and their carers. According to Parkinson’s UK, “Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition. This means that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time.”

When is Parkinson’s Awareness Week?

Parkinson’s Awareness Week is usually held in early-to-mid April, around World Parkinson’s Day on April 11th. In 2026, it is from 7th-13th April. April 11th was chosen as World Parkinson’s Day as it was the birthday of James Parkinson, the first man to recognise the condition in his essay on ‘The Shaking Palsy’, published in 1817.

How you can Support a Loved One with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Awareness Week provides us with an important opportunity to raise awareness and educate ourselves about the unique challenges faced by those living with Parkinson’s disease. Whether you have a loved one living with Parkinson’s or simply want to contribute to the broader community, there are many ways to provide meaningful support. The journey with Parkinson’s can be tough, but with care, patience, and understanding, we can help those affected lead fulfilling and independent lives.

At Helping Hands, we’ve been supporting customers living with Parkinson’s for 37 years, and one of the main things we’ve learned about the condition is just how much of a difference loved ones can make. Below, we’ve outlined some simple steps you can take to support someone after a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Educate Yourself

Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to supporting someone with Parkinson’s. By understanding the symptoms, progression, and treatment options, you can offer more informed and effective support.

There are many excellent resources available from organisations such as Parkinson’s UK, The Cure Parkinson’s Trust, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation. These organisations provide information on the latest research, medical advancements, and advice for caregivers. Taking the time to learn about the condition will help your loved one and give you confidence in how to offer meaningful support.

Offer Your Help

People with Parkinson’s may find certain daily tasks increasingly difficult, from preparing meals to getting dressed or even writing and typing. While it’s essential to respect their independence, offering a helping hand when needed can make a huge difference to their quality of life.

Rather than waiting for them to ask, be proactive with your offers of support. You could help with shopping, cooking meals, tidying up, or accompanying them to medical appointments. Let your loved one set the pace – some days will be harder than others, and being adaptable to their needs will help them feel understood and valued.

Promote Exercise

Exercise is a fantastic way to help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s and improve overall well-being. Regular movement can help with mobility, balance, and coordination, as well as boost mood and energy levels.

While intense physical activity may not always be possible, there are many gentle forms of exercise that can be highly beneficial. Activities such as walking, swimming, yoga, and Parkinson’s-specific exercise programmes can all help maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness. Many local community centres and charities also offer Parkinson’s-friendly exercise classes, which can be a great way to stay active while meeting others who understand the condition.

Help Them Retain a Sense of Normality

Parkinson’s interferes with day-to-day life and can make someone feel that there is no normality left. This can be made worse because others around them focus on what is going to happen in the future and how to deal with the symptoms, rather than focussing on what the person can do in the here and now. It is understandable that loved ones want to step up and help out as much as possible, but ‘taking over’ and doing everything for them will be counter-productive in the long run.

The person may also feel that they are now being seen only as a person with Parkinson’s, rather than who they always have been. Taking their mind off their condition whenever possible is helpful for making them feel like themselves again – for instance, you can continue to undertake hobbies and interests that you’ve always enjoyed together.

Be Patient

Patience is one of the most valuable qualities you can offer when supporting someone with Parkinson’s. The condition can make everyday tasks take longer and communication more difficult. It’s important to allow your loved one the time they need to express themselves and complete tasks without rushing or interrupting.

There may be days when symptoms are worse than others, and frustration can set in – both for them and for you. Try to remain calm, offer reassurance, and acknowledge their feelings. If they struggle to communicate, speaking slowly, making eye contact, and using gentle encouragement can be helpful. A little patience goes a long way in making someone feel valued and supported.

So let’s use this Parkinson’s Awareness Week to spread awareness, support research efforts, and show those living with Parkinson’s that they are not alone. Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or someone in your community, your support can truly make a difference.

How to get involved with Parkinson’s Awareness Week

There are many ways someone can get involved with Parkison’s Awareness Week. Parkinson’s UK have a whole host of suggestions, guides, and resources to help you plan your event and to publicise it. Whether you’re planning a bake sale. Contemplating a sponsored walk or want to get a local landmark to light up blue, they can help. Light it Blue is where buildings, homes, and iconic landmarks display blue light in support of World Parkinson’s Day, and Parkinson’s UK even have a template letter that you can send to a local organisation to request they join in.

Discover how Helping Hands can support in Parkinson’s Awareness Week

Helping Hands can support someone living with Parkinson’s to live well at home or to make the most of their local community. We offer care and support on both a visiting and live-in care basis, and we can provide respite care if your family caregivers or regular carer need to take a break. Because we’ve been supporting people living with Parkinson’s since we were established in 1989, we have decades of experience in care at home. It’s no wonder we’re considered one of the UK’s leading home care providers. And because all of our care services are fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and Care Inspectorate Wales, you and your loved ones can be confident that you’re in the very best hands.

The post A Guide to Parkinson’s Awareness Week 2026 appeared first on Helping Hands.

Why does World Autism Awareness Day matter? 

Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, WAAD was created to increase global awareness and support for people with autism. The day is an opportunity to celebrate the talents and achievements of individuals on the autism spectrum, while also addressing the challenges they may face. Each year, WAAD highlights a specific theme to focus on different aspects of autism. Events often include educational programs, conferences, art exhibitions, and inspiring campaigns that encourage inclusion and diversity.

When is World Autism Awareness Day?

World Autism Awareness Day is on April 2nd every year.

Why April 2nd?

One of the most recognised traditions is the ‘Light It Up Blue’ event where iconic landmarks, buildings, and homes around the world are lit up in blue to show solidarity and raise awareness about autism. Whether it’s wearing blue or lighting up a space, it’s a simple yet powerful way to spread the message of inclusion. You can also wear blue to show your support for those with autism.

What is World Autism Day? 

World Autism Awareness Day is not just about awareness, it’s about action and what we can do more to help. The goal is to:

Encourage early diagnosis and intervention: Early identification can make a significant impact on the development and quality of life for children with autism.
Promote equal opportunities and rights: Every individual with autism deserves the same opportunities and respect as anyone else.
Foster a more inclusive society: By embracing neurodiversity, we create spaces where everyone can thrive.

There are so many ways to take part in World Autism Awareness Day, whether you want to spread awareness, educate yourself, or engage with the autism community. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Spread Awareness Online

Social media is a powerful tool to amplify voices and share knowledge. You can:

• Post stories and facts by sharing meaningful stories, statistics, and resources about autism to help others learn.
• Use hashtags like #WorldAutismDay, #LightItUpBlue, #AutismAwareness, and #InclusionMatters to join the global conversation.

Educate yourself and others

Understanding autism is key to fostering inclusion. Consider:

• Reading books and watching documentaries that provide insight into the lives and experiences of individuals with autism.
• Inviting an expert to speak, or organising an event that helps people to learn more about autism from specialists or self-advocates.

Support autism organisations

Your time, energy, or donations can go a long way. Here’s how:

• Donate or volunteer to organisations that support individuals with autism, such as Autism Speaks, Autism Society, and the National Autistic Society.
• Volunteer for programs that offer your time to provide resources, education, and support to families and individuals with autism.

Advocate for inclusion

Inclusion starts with action. You can:

• Promote inclusive policies that support neurodiverse individuals in education, employment, and the community.
• Encourage inclusive workplaces and schools where people of all abilities are welcomed and valued.

Engage with the autism community

Listening and learning from people with autism is one of the most impactful ways to show support.

• Amplify voices by sharing stories from individuals on the autism spectrum to increase understanding and empathy.
• Attend autism-friendly events and build genuine connections within sensory-friendly and inclusive environments.

How can Helping Hands help?

At Helping Hands, we provide expert care that tailors to our unique needs. That means we can be there for you if you have autism or Asperger’s, and we can create a care plan around you and your life. We can provide expert medical care if you have more complex needs and personal care to help you look and feel at your best. We’re here for you in the home you love with our around-the-clock live-in care, visiting care for scheduled care, and our respite care to give your primary caregiver a much-needed break.

At Helping Hands, we’re proud to support World Autism Awareness Day!

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So, as Mother’s Day approaches, we thought we’d look at the origins of this popular festival.

The original Mothering Sunday actually had very little to do with mothers. It began in the Middle Ages and referred to the ‘mother church’ that people would return to – the main church or cathedral in their area – on that day. It also offered servants an opportunity to have a day off, returning to their church and their families for one day only. Children would pick flowers for their mothers, much like today’s tradition, though these days they’re more often bought than handpicked. The modern form of Mother’s Day can be traced back to the United States in the early 20^th century. A lady named Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in 1908, having campaigned for a day that celebrated mothers for several years.

Despite Mother’s Day largely becoming commercialised in modern times, its origins were rooted in community and love for the family. At Helping Hands, that’s still how we work, with family values rooted in our community of 155 branches across England and Wales. They’re all owned and run by us, giving you and your loved ones a consistency of care unrivalled anywhere else in the industry.

What we can do for you on Mother’s Day and beyond

Your Helping Hands carer can help you to make the most of Mother’s Day and more. Our carers can help you to attend a meal with your family this Mother’s Day, enjoying quality time with the people you love, whether you need mobility support, continence care or household help. We are also highly experienced in dementia care and other complex conditions.

Mother’s Day is also a great time to assess your mother’s needs, especially if you haven’t seen her for a while. If you notice that her ability – and therefore her independence – has decreased due to age-related frailties, it’s a good idea to broach the subject of home care before it becomes urgent. It’s not always easy to have conversations around care, and at Helping Hands, we understand that. We support families to talk about their options and arrive at a solution suitable for the customer, but that also reassures their family members they’ll be fully taken care of.

Here for you at home whenever you need us

We’re here whenever you need us, enabling you to remain in your own home and have all the support you need, as well as companionship whenever you’d like. We’ll walk you through the whole process, so from the moment you contact us, you’ll feel like one of the Helping Hands family. We were founded on kindness and compassion by a mother who wanted to help people in her community live as well as possible, and through the decades, we’ve built on our strong foundations to offer skilled, professional and responsive care. It’s really no surprise that we’re the UK’s most trusted home care provider!

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Mother’s Day is the perfect chance to spend time with the whole family, but the celebration can be stressful for people living with dementia.

Our dementia specialist, Tiffany Smith, has some helpful advice for families on how to make Mother’s Day more enjoyable for a family member with dementia.

Helping Hands has been providing dementia care for families for 26 years through a range of hourly visiting and live-in care services focused on allowing people to stay in their own homes and live independent lives.

Tiffany recommends the following tips to create a relaxing and calm atmosphere on Mother’s Day for a family member living with dementia:

1) Plan meals carefully and in advance – If you’re planning a meal out, make sure you find a quieter pub or restaurant, as increased noise can be disorientating. Make sure the pub or restaurant has plenty of room to allow your loved one to walk about while waiting for the meal – we can all become restless whilst waiting. If this is going to be problematic, try ordering a sandwich or something quicker to prepare. You could even notify the pub in advance, so you don’t have as long to wait for your meals. Always allow plenty of time to travel to and from the venue, as rushing will add to your loved one’s anxiety.

2) Consider activities at home – If a meal out wouldn’t be suitable, why not organise to cook a meal at home in a quiet, familiar and comfortable setting? Make sure Mum feels involved – something simple, such as peeling the potatoes while sitting at the dining room table, is a great way to achieve this. Encourage your mother to lay the table; she might want to decide the seating plan if there are quite a few people coming. Make sure you use photographs rather than names, as they are more likely to prompt her memory.

3) Choose activities that involve everyone – Take the gift of a lovely bunch of flowers to the next level and provide your loved one with a flower arranging session at home, using ribbons, bows and her favourite vase. Flower arranging is a calming, relaxing and enjoyable activity providing sensory experiences such as touch and smell. This activity can be done standing, sitting or at a bedside, making it accessible for all individuals.

4) Create a playlist – Select some of your mother’s favourite songs from when she was growing up and put together a playlist. Music can provide a calming and soothing atmosphere. Individuals with dementia can respond positively to songs they connect with, giving them the chance to sing along and reminisce.

5) Stay within the comfort zone – It’s best to avoid any activities that take your loved one out of their comfort zone, such as shopping, or activities that require them to remain stationary for a long period of time, like the cinema. These activities may increase anxiety, and therefore will not be enjoyable for your loved one.

6) Make it personal – Although many activities are beneficial for people living with dementia, everything depends on personal preference – from the activities you do together to the gift you choose.

Tiffany said, “Busy restaurants and other activities you associate with classic Mother’s Day plans can be stressful for a person living with dementia. It’s important to make sure your loved one feels fully included in the celebrations of the day, and be prepared to make some adjustments to make the day calm and as stress-free as possible.

“Music and flowers are just a few easily achievable examples of things which can really make a positive difference for a mother or grandmother living with dementia on Mother’s Day.”

For further support and information, read about the different types of dementia. Click on the link or contact us to hear more about how our expert dementia care can help you at home.

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What Is Heart Month 2026?

Heart Month is a campaign by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to raise money and awareness. For over 60 years The British Heart Foundation has been at the forefront of pioneering research to help people live well for longer, a vision that Helping Hands can identify with. We have also spent decades supporting people to live as well as possible with the people they love, in the home they wish to remain living in.

Early Warning Signs of Heart Problems

Key Risk Factors You Shouldn’t Ignore

How to Get Involved in Heart Month 2026

Community Events and Fundraising Ideas

Whether you choose to dress in red and get sponsored, or invite family and friends round for a quiz night, there are so many ways that vital funds can be raised. Perhaps you and your Helping Hands carer could bake cakes and put on a coffee morning in yours or a loved ones home?

Fundraising means that even more money can be put into research projects that benefit heart health. The BHF says “Whatever you do to raise money, together we can power research that supports people to live longer, healthier lives.”

Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Changes to Start Today

• Eat a balanced diet
• Lose weight
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol
• Reduce stress
• Physical inactivity

Supporting Heart Health at Home With Helping Hands

Our carers can help you live as well as possible with any kind of heart condition. When you need additional help at home with your daily routine, talk to us about visiting or live-in care.

You may only need us for an hour or two a week, or perhaps you’d like someone living in around the clock; whichever part of your life you need an extra pair of hands for, you can rely on the UK’s most trusted home care provider.

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According to the British Geriatrics Society, “Being malnourished has serious consequences resulting in reduced independence, delayed recovery, more frequent nurse and GP visits, more frequent hospital admission and increased length of stay.”

Good nutrition is a basic right for all people, yet around one in ten over the age of 65, or around 1.3 million, are already malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. This is because they’re struggling to cope with the tasks associated with eating and drinking.

The objective of the Malnutrition Task Force is to actively influence behaviours across the NHS, residential care and in the community. This is done through developing mechanisms and collating examples of how to identify, prevent and minimise the risk of malnutrition, across all care settings.

Specifically this includes:

• Creating products to influence the levers for change including practical case studies that demonstrate benefits where it is being achieved
• Mobilising action in the public sector, charities and companies to make the change happen
• Making recommendations to central and local government, and the NHS Commissioning Board

As the Malnutrition Task Force say, “In a care home or your own home, it’s important that you enjoy your food, have enough to eat and drink, and get the help you need to eat and drink when you need it.”

Involving loved ones and caregivers is also seen as an important factor in ensuring that older people are eating and drinking appropriately, through support and making mealtimes enjoyable.

It can be difficult to encourage older people to eat and drink enough, especially if they have fears around continence. They may refuse to eat and drink because they are concerned about making it to the toilet in time, however caregivers can offer reassurance that, if accidents happen, they will help them while preserving their dignity.

It can also be difficult for caregivers to identify if someone is thirsty or not drinking enough, especially if the person struggles to communicate. Many factors can influence why someone is malnourished or dehydrated, including loss and bereavement, loneliness, financial worries, long-term conditions, and mental health. Caregivers can watch for signs that someone is struggling through behaviour changes for instance, and can alert healthcare professionals.

Live-in care and visiting care from Helping Hands is the best way to have someone to help with nutrition and hydration. Our visiting carers can be there at key times of the day, such as mealtimes, to help prepare nutritious food and ensure you drink enough too. A live-in carer will reside in your home with you and that means they’ll be on-hand throughout the day and night if you need someone around the clock. This won’t just cover mealtimes but also snacks, constant hydration monitoring, and helping you to the toilet whenever you need. You’ll have a personalised care plan that contains all of your routine, so it’s no surprise we’re the UK’s most trusted home care provider. Explore our elderly care at home today.

The post Tackling Malnutrition in the Elderly appeared first on Helping Hands.

Morning routine

In the mornings, before coming to work, I take my son to school. While driving to work I look forward to hearing from my customers, such as whether they had a good night’s sleep.

9.00am:

When I arrive at my first customer’s house, I always greet them with a warm, welcoming smile.

10am-12:

Throughout the morning, I see many customers, and support them with making breakfast, personal care, making their bed, or companionship.

Lunchtime routine

12:00pm:
I start my lunch time visits. I make my customers a sandwich or soup and talk about what they may have watched on TV, or what they have been doing in the morning. I may have to go and get some shopping for them.

I visit a customer at lunch time who has a double-up visit; this is where I meet another carer as we are using a hoist. It is lovely meeting the other carers.

I have supported one of my customers since they came out of hospital.

It began as a double up call, but now the customer is able to have just one carer. Getting praise from that customer when they say I have helped them reinforces why I came into care.

Afternoon routine

3pm:
I pick up my son from school and have a break, before going back out in the evening.

5pm:
I go back out to see the customers and support their tea, medication, undressing, and getting ready for bed. When helping the customer go to bed I always let them know I will be back in the morning to see them.

My Evenings

When I finish work, I go home and unwind by watching TV and think about how I have made a difference in my customers’ lives that day. It’s nice to know I have put a smile on someone’s face. I love being a carer and listening to the customers’ stories, as you can learn so much.

Why I work for Helping Hands

It is an honour and a pleasure to work at Helping Hands Epsom. The office team are friendly and always offer support. No matter how hard things get, they are always there for me.

The training they’ve given makes me able to do my job and they are always happy to support if I need any further development. Another good thing about my job is the flexible work-life balance.

If I get a gap in my rota, I will call into the office to see the team, and they always make me welcome.

(Pictured are Wellington with Epsom’s Care and Training Practitioner, Amber).

If you are looking for exceptional home care in the Epsom area, you can find the branch’s contact details here.
We offer visiting and live-in care across the whole of England and Wales, so why not request a callback today?

The post A Day In The Life Of A Carer – Wellington’s story appeared first on Helping Hands.