Showing posts with label Ageing. Show all posts

Breaking The Myths Around Care Homes

This week (16th–22nd June 2025) is Care Home Open Week, and I am working with the Anavo Care Home group to raise awareness of care homes and help break some of the myths surrounding them. I used to work in a care home, and I know there are many myths and stigmas attached to moving into a care home.  Let's explore more, explore these myths and discover the positive side of care home care.

Who Are Anavo?

care home


Anavo are a small to medium-sized care home group with 14 care homes all across the UK. They are dedicated to changing the perceptions around care homes and later life care. Their ethos is person-centred care, and they offer a holistic approach to their clients' needs. 

All their care homes are different; their newest care home, Sandstone Brook in Whitchurch, Shropshire, has canalside views, whereas Surbitonian Gardens in Surbiton, Greater London, is set back in a residential area near local amenities. This means that each care home is unique and different. What unites all their care homes is the quality of well-trained staff, the positive, inclusive environment and the well-planned individualised care. 

What Are the Myths Around Care Homes?

As I said, there are many myths surrounding care homes. You may think that if your relative has to receive care in a care home, then you are letting them down because you can't look after them yourself. If you are going into a care home, you may feel you are losing your independence and may become institutionalised. Let's look at these ideas and other myths surrounding care homes and the care they provide. 

1. I will lose my independence

elderly man playing snooker


Many care homes put the emphasis on enhancing independence, not taking it away. After all, maintaining your independence is better for your quality of life, is it not?

In Anavo care homes, for example, you are encouraged to do things for yourself and have lots of choice over your day-to-day life. Anavo care homes let you have a say in the activities they organise for the community, too. They run various activities such as arts and crafts, gardening, movie nights, light exercise classes and more, and these are influenced by the clients. Interested in going out for afternoon tea, visiting a National Trust garden or the seaside? Tell Anavo, and they can make it happen.

Good care homes like Anavo provide accessible facilities too, which is perfect for those with mobility problems or sensory difficulties, such as impaired sight or hearing. 

2. People who live in care homes are lonely and isolated

The best care homes actively encourage group activities such as those mentioned above, outings to the local area and opportunities to socialise. 

I know that this is so important, as quality of life is enhanced with personal connections like these. Relatives and friends are also encouraged to visit to maintain those relationships. In a good care home, social connections are encouraged as they should be.

3. Care is poor in care homes

The majority of care homes provide very good and excellent care. You only hear of a tiny minority that have problems with the standard of care. I do feel, though, that you must visit a potential care home beforehand to get a feel for the place. What is right for one person isn't for another, so visiting a few will help you find a care home suitable for your needs. 

All the care homes from Anavo are highly regulated and employ well-qualified and empathetic staff. They have a rigorous hiring policy and provide on-the-job training. Care homes in the UK are inspected by the Care Quality Commission to ensure they are up to standard. If you are considering a care home, review their most recent inspection report to help inform your decision, and talk to residents about their time there.

4. It's best to stay at home, whatever happens

two elderly men talking to each other

For some people, staying at home is best; however, for others, it certainly isn't. 

For those that have complex health needs, especially, a care home can provide specialist around-the-clock care and 24-hour health monitoring. Even for those that don't need specialist care, they can remind you to take your medication, and provide a safe environment, reassuring in advancing age. 

Of course, as already mentioned, there are also opportunities for socialising that you may not get if you are living at home on your own. 

5. Care homes are unaffordable 

Care home costs vary depending on the services, the type of care and the location of the care home 

Care homes are not just for the wealthy, as many people can get help towards their care home costs from the local authority. There are also schemes like equity release that can help you afford care home care fees, but be sure to contact a financial advisor before you consider this, as it may not be right for you. If you are unsure if you can afford care home fees, contact the Citizens Advice Bureau or Age Concern for more information, and they should be able to give you impartial advice. 

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many myths surrounding what it is like living in a care home. If you have to move into a care home, or are helping a relative to move, I would recommend doing some research, meeting the staff and residents, and getting a feel for the place first. If the care home isn't right, there are other care homes out there as well, so don't give up hope. 

If you are interested in finding out more about Anavo, check out this article about the activities they are organising for their open days this week. This will allow you to meet the staff, meet the residents and have a look around a care home near you. 

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Future- Proofing Your Home for Ageing Gracefully: A Comprehensive Guide

As the years go by, our homes can gradually become more challenging to navigate and inhabit, especially as we age. However, with thoughtful planning and certain modifications, you can create a living space that supports your needs and ensures a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable environment in your golden years. In this guide, I'll delve into the art of future-proofing your home for old age.

Assess Your Current Living Situation

elderly lady

The first step in future-proofing your home is to evaluate its current layout and design. Identify potential obstacles and areas that might become problematic as you age. Take note of stairs, narrow doorways, slippery floors, and other potential hazards. By recognising these areas, you'll be better prepared to make the necessary changes. 

Create A Future-Proof Plan

Think about the modifications you need to make to your home to allow you to live independently and comfortably as you grow older. This plan can encompass various aspects of your living space, from accessibility and safety features to technological advancements that can enhance your quality of life. 

Embrace Universal Design Principles

Universal design focuses on creating spaces that are accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Incorporating universal design principles into your home not only ensures a smooth transition into old age but also enhances the overall look and functionality of your living space. Some key elements of universal design include:

Wide doorways and hallways to accommodate mobility aids.
Lever-style door handles and taps for easy operation.
Non-slip flooring materials to prevent accidents.
Ample lighting in every room to improve visibility.

 Install Stair Lifts For Enhanced Mobility

stair lift


Stair lifts are an invaluable addition to any home that has multiple levels. These mechanical devices are designed to help individuals up and down stairs, eliminating the need for strenuous climbing and reducing the risk of falls. Stair lifts come in various designs to suit different staircase configurations and can be customised to match your home's interior.

Stair lifts offer several benefits:
  • Independence: Stairlifts enable you to move freely between levels without assistance, promoting your sense of independence and autonomy.
  • Safety: Stairlifts reduce the risk of accidents and falls on stairs, which are a common cause of injuries among the elderly.
  • Convenience: Navigating stairs can become increasingly challenging as you age. Stair lifts provide a convenient and comfortable way to access different floors of your home.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a reliable and secure means of traversing stairs provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Consider Smart Home Technology

Advancements in technology have revolutionised the way we interact with our homes. Smart home devices can significantly enhance your daily life, especially as you age. Voice-activated assistants, automated lighting, and smart thermostats are just a few examples of technology that can make your home more comfortable and convenient. 

Design an Accessible Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most critical areas to address when future-proofing your home. An accessible bathroom design ensures that you can maintain your personal hygiene safely and independently. Consider installing grab bars, a walk-in shower with a bench, and a raised toilet seat. These modifications can greatly improve your bathroom's functionality and reduce the risk of accidents. Create a Bedroom Haven

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary of comfort and rest. Invest in a high-quality mattress that supports your body and promotes healthy sleep. Consider adjustable beds that can accommodate various sleeping positions. Additionally, ensure that your bedroom is well-lit and has easy-to-reach storage solutions. 

Outdoor Accessibility

Don't forget about the exterior of your home. Ensure that your entryways are easily accessible by installing ramps or lifts if needed. Create a low-maintenance garden and pathways that are free from obstacles to enjoy outdoor activities and relaxation.

In Conclusion

Future-proofing your home for old age is a practical essential task that you need to think about as it can significantly enhance your quality of life as you grow older. By assessing your current living situation, embracing universal design principles, installing stair lifts, incorporating smart home technology, and making specific room modifications, you can create a living space that supports your needs and promotes independence and safety.

Stair lifts, in particular, play a pivotal role in this process by providing a secure and convenient way to navigate stairs. These devices not only increase your mobility but also grant you the peace of mind to move freely and confidently throughout your home. As you embark on the journey of future-proofing your home, remember that each modification you make contributes to your overall well-being and allows you to age gracefully and comfortably in a space that truly feels like home.

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Interview With Jacynth Bassett Owner Of Fashion Boutique the-Bias-Cut

Today on the blog I am interviewing Jacynth Bassett, the owner of the-Bias-Cut - an online fashion boutique that celebrates style at every age.

Could you tell me about why you started your business and your ethos of why ageism is never in style?


I first had the idea for the-Bias-Cut when I was 19, whilst studying Law at Cambridge. Having realised I didn’t want to become a lawyer, I decided I wanted to start my own business, ideally in Fashion as it had always been one of my main passions.

Whilst I had a lot of respect for the Fashion Industry, I knew it was by no means perfect, and I wanted to make a difference. It was 2am one night and, unable to sleep, I started thinking about my mum. Like me, she loved fashion and style, but since her late 40s had started to feel irrelevant in the eyes of the Fashion Industry, largely due to her age. She was fed up with youth-focused imagery and struggled to find beautiful, quality clothes that were both flattering and stylish. This both saddened and frustrated me.

Thorough research proved that many of her peers felt the same way. So it became my mission to cut through ageism in the Fashion Industry once and for all. There are so many stereotypes and ageist attitudes regarding older women and fashion, which are both insulting and nonsensical – why would a love for style and wanting to look good just disappear with age?

So, as soon as I graduated, I started working on creating a contemporary shopping platform and community that truly celebrates and empowers women of all ages. It’s about being inclusive rather than exclusive – from our use of ‘real women’ models of different ages, shapes, heights and sizes, to our ‘shop by body’ filters, to our unique curation process.

Our “Ageism Is Never In Style” ethos and movement is an extension of this. It brings together women and men globally, to raise awareness and encourage discussion on the topic. Whilst we are seeing more inclusivity in the industry, there is still a very long way to go before ageism is no longer entrenched in it. So it keeps the conversation going.

What’s particularly important is that we welcome women of all ages to engage – after all ageism is the only ‘ism’ that inevitably affects all of us.

What do you look for when you source new labels?


I have a very particularly specific set of criteria:

  • Quality - The label must value quality and gorgeous fabrics so that they will last and be loved for years.
  • Flattering cuts – Women’s bodies change over time, so I only work with labels that appreciate that and create pieces that will flatter different figures.
  • Ethical - The label has to believe in ethical and fair manufacturing standards, and the price has to be fair and reflective of the work and craftsmanship that has gone into them. A lot of our pieces are handcrafted, and showcase local artisan techniques
  • Attitude – I select labels that have a unique, often playful, point of view. Style should be fun and a reflection of who you are on the inside. So the labels are unique without being eccentric, and won’t be found easily elsewhere
  • Modern and stylish, without being trend driven –The label has to be contemporary without being a slave to trends. Their pieces have to stand the test of time.
  • If I won’t wear it, we won’t sell it – I work on the principle that, if I at 26 wouldn’t feel stylish wearing it, then why should someone older? She might style the item differently, but she shouldn’t only have ‘second-best’ clothing available to her.

Of course, they must also support our ethos. I still meet plenty of designers who are inherently ageist even if they’d like to say otherwise. In one case, a representative for a label told me that their main customer is over 40, but the designer wouldn’t want to acknowledge it. And another designer admitted to me he refused to dress an A-lister for the BAFTAs because of her age.

Not only do I apply the strict criteria when finding labels, but also when curating our collections. I spend hours going through each label’s collection, filtering it down so we only feature the very best pieces. It’s why our return rate is ¼ of the online average. Occasionally we’ve had customers ask why we don’t sell a particular piece by a designer and have bought it elsewhere, but then they’ve come back to us to say they had to return it, so understand why we didn’t stock it!

What's your best selling item (or brand) and why do you think it sells well?



Cashmere sells very well – it’s why I’ve started with it for my eponymous label. There are lots of options out there, so we only sell fun, unusual designs which our customers love. They can also feel confident shopping for it online, knowing what they will get. Shopping online for clothes can be difficult, especially when you don’t know cuts or quality, and photography can make anything look good. So cashmere – and knitwear generally - is a safe option; a good first purchase.

That said, our jackets and dresses sell really well too, and it’s lovely seeing how our customers’ confidence grows to try new pieces. They might have started with cashmere, but they progress to other labels and styles. POM Amsterdam and Fabienne Chapot are particularly popular – they offer fun, unique prints and vibrant styles that are still very flattering and versatile

What’s your about opinion about fast fashion?


As someone who loves style and shopping, I understand the craving for new clothes. And, of course, some people cannot afford more expensive items. But I feel fast fashion is very damaging, both to the industry and society.

My feelings can be perfectly summarised by this quote from Trend forecaster Li Edelkoort in 2016:

“How can a product that needs to be sown, grown, harvested, combed, spun, knitted, cut and stitched, finished, printed, labelled, packaged and transported cost a couple of Euros? On the hunt for cheaper deals, volume companies, but also some luxury brands, have trusted the making of their wages to underpaid workers living in dire condition. What’s more, these prices imply the clothes are to be thrown away, discarded like a condom before being loved and savoured, teaching young consumers that fashion has no value. We should make legislation to have minimum prices." 

 Fast fashion encourages undervaluing clothes and the industry as a whole and often results in people believing more expensive clothes are just overpriced. It may be the case with big well-known designers where you’re often paying for the name, but not with smaller, independent brands. Which makes it harder for them.

But we shouldn’t attack or shame those who do buy into fast fashion. Instead, it’s about having a conversation and educating society on ways to shop differently.

Who inspires you in the fashion world? 

Caryn Franklin MBE. She’s the definition of a trailblazer. Aside from her endless list of accomplishments, she is a dedicated fashion activist, calling herself a “Disruptive Fashion Lover” – someone who critiques and changes the fashion industry she supports. She challenges the fashion norms and encourages brands and companies to embrace diversity and authenticity.

Whenever I hear her speak, I’m inspired. She is so passionate, eloquent, insightful and measured. I’ve met her a couple of times, and whilst I don’t know her well, she has been very supportive of my activities and introduced journalists to me.

Moreover, when faced with big obstacles, I remind myself of her tireless commitment to changing the Fashion Industry. For example, for years, she was one of the only people to speak out against photographer and “fashion predator” Terry Richardson (allegations started in 2001), with few willing to listen. Journalists weren’t interested, and she said she ended up virtually knocking on doors asking why brands were still happy to work with him. But she relentlessly carried on and, finally, due to the Weinstein expose, the industry paid attention. It proves that whilst it may take time, you really can make a difference.

What are your plans for the future?



For the-Bias-Cut.com , my current plan is to grow our overall presence. We’re still very small, so I want to get our message out there, both in the UK and internationally.

We’re also going to be introducing some fantastic new labels, and I’m developing my eponymous label. And we’ll be hosting more pop up parties around the UK, with our next one on 11th and 12th April in Mayfair.

I also recently founded a 50+ Industry Activists group, comprised of leading individuals who are challenging ageism in their respective fields, and we have lots of ideas in the works on how we can move the anti-ageism narrative forward. 



If you are interested in over 40 fashion check out www.fierypanda.co.uk

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Clarins New Skincare And Makeup For Autumn

Clarins, the luxury skincare brand, have brought out new updated skin creams this Autumn. Based on the skin cream recipes that many women already love, the Super Restorative Day Cream and the Super Restorative Night Cream have been updated to include targeted and organic plant extracts, devised to meet the needs of older skin, including those that have hormonal changes due to the ageing process. 

Leading up to the menopause skin goes through many changes becoming dry and more lined. Using these products together Clarins feels will help the skin become more resilient, replenished and brighter. 

 Super Restorative Day Cream



Ten years since the Super Restorative Day Cream became many women's skin saviour, Clarins goes one step further and adds organic Harungana extract, from a 'healing' tree from Madagascar. Harungana has been showed to help on the synthesis of collagen, helping to restore cell structures, reducing wrinkles and slackening of skin.

 This gorgeous skin cream which has a light floral fragrance, applies like a dream. Perfect to prep the skin before makeup, it sinks in well and leaves a slight sheen. Skin feels soft, nourished and smelling great.

 Super Restorative Night Cream


The Super Restorative Night Cream has had the organic extract Montpellier Rock-Rose added to help target age spots following hormonal changes. Over time skin is tightened, nourished and replenished and age spots reduced. Packed full of natural ingredients such as Harungana, shea butter, mango and ginkgo biloba it also smells great when applied. 

 Although rich the cream does not sit on top of the skin, instead it feels as if it sinks in well without any greasy feel.  On application skin feels soft, with no sign of tightness, and next day lines are plumped up and smoothed. Added to this the pleasant rose fragrance makes this a great buy and a luxury everyday skincare treat. 

 Both 50ml creams are available now in a smart red glass jar and are priced at £69 for the day cream and £73 for the night cream. These creams are not in the budget bracket but are a must have for those ladies who take their skincare seriously. 

 Ombre Matt Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadow


These eyeshadows are soft and silky creams in the pots but change to powder on the skin. They come in a range of silky, blendable colours in flattering earthy tones such as taupe, nude rose and sparkle grey. What I loved about these eyeshadows is that they stayed in place and did not go into the creases of my eye. 



It is easy to add more colour and blend these eyeshadows as the day progresses. Amazingly long lasting I recommend these eyeshadows for a flawless day to evening look. Priced at £19 each, they are decent value due to the high level of pigmentation and long lasting nature of each eyeshadow.

 In conclusion you definitely get what you pay for in luxury skincare and makeup. I will be asking Santa for some Clarins makeup this year in my stocking and next on my list is their Everlasting Foundation. Clarins, I think you have a new fan!

Tell me, do you have any Clarins products? What do you think of the eyeshadow colours?
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The Best Sun Protection Products For Summer

As I get older I am taking better protection of my skin, after all, nothing ages like the sun. I have noticed some fine lines and a few wrinkles forming and some pigmentation where the sun catches my skin on my cheekbones and my eyes. Here are some products that I have been sent to try and my honest opinions on their effectiveness. If you are serious about protecting your skin from the UVA rays (those that give you wrinkles and premature ageing) and UVB rays (those that give you sunburn) I would recommend wearing a product formulated with a high SPF all year round.



Merumaya Youth Preservation Moisturiser SPF15 30ml - £29.50

This moisturiser is formulated to provide long term hydration, and sun protection for the skin. The seven active ingredients work in combination with SPF filters to protect the sun from UV damage and help prevent the signs of ageing. Active ingredients include Echium Oil RevitElix™ which is clinically shown to reduce skin dryness, wrinkles and fine lines,  while Moistureplex™ Advanced is a blend of amino acids similar to our own natural moisturising factor which captures and holds water at the skins surface. 

My Opinion : It sinks well into the skin with a velvety texture and feels nourishing on. I feel it is suitable for those with combination and dry skin and I personally think it is perfect for those women, over the age of 30 that have a few fine lines and wrinkles appearing. It has a pleasant flowery smell that is quite distinctive and strong at first but over time the fragrance wears off if you are not keen.  A great medium priced product that feels expensive on the skin.
Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Compact  SPF25 - £30

This colour correction cream by Clinique brightens skin and makes redness disappear. It is fragrance free and ideal for those with sensitive skin and Rosacea. This can be worn on its own or with foundation and the SPF of 25 means it protects your skin from sun damage too.

My Opinion. A useful cream to have in your bag, it provides a medium coverage with a matt finish and covers most blemishes. I find that it lasts for most of the day and doesn't creep into fine lines and wrinkles. You could wear this on its on or with foundation for a heavier coverage and it comes in a variety of shades to suit all skin tones. The compact looks very stylish and expensive too. You definitely get a quality product with Clinique and this is no different. A new favourite of mine.

Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF30 57g - £51

Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30 provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection to help prevent premature skin ageing. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin rejuvenating benefits which they claim can reverse sun damage. It feels light on the skin, hydrating whilst still feeling weightless and oil-free. The formulation is enhanced by the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin rejuvenating benefits of phytomelanin and beta glucan 1,3 to help prevent and reverse damage caused by sun exposure.

My opinion: This product goes on like a dream and smells amazing. It is invisible on the skin and the product contains microscopic sponges to help control oil, perfect for wearing under makeup. I recommend this product for those with combination or oily skin - if you are serious about preventing age damage I would invest in this. The only downside to me is the price.

Sunsense Daily Face Tint SPF50+ 75g - £20.99

 This multi-tasking oil free product provides a sheer face tint with an invisible matt finish. Fragrance free, and non-comedogenic it wont block pores and it provides a high level of sun protection having a SPF of 50 +. It also has UVA and UVB protection, and it is recommended to use daily to prevent sun damage.

 My opinion: So often very high sun protection products have a white cast when applied to the skin so this light coloured tint is a pleasant surprise.  It is fragrance free so will not clash with your perfume or other body products. An excellent, medium priced high level SPF suitable for face, neck and chest. If you do not like the tint finish they have a range of products that are colourless too.

 Have you tried or would you use any of these products? How do you protect your skin from the sun and UVA/UVB rays?
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