Information about different health related conditions
Re-engage is a charity that specialises in tackling social isolation and loneliness in older people.
Although we want to reach as many older people as we can, there may be times when our services are not quite right for an older person because they are unable to enjoy our services in the way that they have been intended.
When this happens, we will try our best to signpost the older person to another charity or organisation who will have the specialist skills and experience to support them.
Dementia
Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain function. There are many different causes of dementia and many different types.
Dementia symptoms may include problems with:
- Memory loss
- Thinking speed
- Mental sharpness and quickness
- Language, such as using words incorrectly, or trouble speaking
- Understanding
- Judgement
- Mood
- Movement
- Difficulties doing daily activities
Although there is no cure for dementia at the moment, an early diagnosis means its progress can be slowed down in some cases, so the person may be able to maintain their mental function for longer.
Alzheimer's society has a library of free resources and information available on their website. You can also become a dementia friend by completing a short online video training or attending a local in person information session provided by a dementia ambassador with dementiafriends.org.uk.
Strokes
A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.
Strokes are a medical emergency and urgent treatment is essential. The sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen.
The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word FAST:
- Face – their face may have dropped on one side. They may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped.
- Arms – they may not be able to lift both arms and keep them raised because of weakness of numbness in one arm.
- Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or they may not be able to talk at all, despite appearing to be awake. They may also have problems understanding what you’re saying to them.
- Time – it's time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.
Stroke Association provides free information and expert advice:
Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.
The three main symptoms of Parkinson’s are:
- Involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body
- Slow movement
- Still and inflexible muscles
A person with Parkinson’s can also experience a wide range of other physical and psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, balance problems, loss of sense of smell, problems sleeping and memory problems.
The Re-engage call companion service in partnership with Parkinson’s UK was launched in October 2022. To support our volunteers, we have developed Re-engage call companions in partnership with Parkinson's UK – role specific training.
The Parkinson’s UK website contains further information about the condition.
Mental health
Our mental health is our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. Poor mental health, just like physical health, can affect our daily lives. Mental health can be affected by what has happened to us in the past, or by worrying about what will happen to us in future.
There are wide range of mental health problems and fortunately there are many mental health organisations who provide a wide range of expert advice, practical tips and learning resources.