Tag Archive for: dementia friends

How Seasonal Changes Can Affect People Living With Dementia

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Seasonal changes can be challenging for people living with dementia. Fluctuations in daylight, temperature, and daily routines may affect mood, sleep, and behaviour. These changes can also impact family members and carers, especially when symptoms become more noticeable during certain times of the year.

Understanding how the seasons influence dementia can help you organise your home and routines to feel calmer and more supportive.

Why seasonal change matters in dementia

People living with dementia often rely on routine, familiarity, and environmental cues to feel secure. When daylight hours change or daily patterns shift, these cues can become confusing. As a result, anxiety, restlessness, or disrupted sleep may increase.

Seasonal changes can also affect energy levels and emotional wellbeing, particularly during spring and autumn when clocks change.

Sundowning and changes in daylight

One common symptom linked to seasonal change is sundowning. Sundowning refers to increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness that typically happens in the late afternoon or early evening.

As daylight diminishes earlier or light levels fluctuate, the brain may find it difficult to judge the time of day. Shadows, dimmer rooms, and reduced natural light can make familiar spaces seem strange. This can cause distress, pacing, or behavioural changes as the day comes to an end.

Maintaining consistent lighting and avoiding sudden brightness changes can help lessen the effects of sundowning.

Circadian rhythm and the spring clock change

The circadian rhythm is the body’s natural internal clock. It controls sleep, wakefulness, and daily routines. Dementia can already influence this rhythm, and clock changes in spring can cause further disturbance.

When clocks go forward, even a single hour shift can seem significant. People living with dementia might experience:

  • Difficulty settling at night
  • Waking earlier than usual
  • Increased confusion around time
  • Changes in appetite or energy

Because their sense of time may already feel uncertain, gradually adjusting routines before and after the clock change can help make the transition easier.

Other ways seasonal changes can affect dementia

Seasonal changes can also introduce other challenges:

  • Temperature fluctuations: Warmer or colder weather can impact comfort and lead to confusion around clothing choices.
  • Routine disruption: Spring and summer often attract more visitors or activity, which can feel overwhelming.
  • Environmental changes: Such as brighter light, open windows, or alterations in sound, can influence concentration and calmness.

Maintaining daily routines as consistent as possible helps offer reassurance during these transitions.

How the home environment can help

A calm, familiar home is essential in helping someone living with dementia cope with seasonal changes.

Helpful steps include:

  • Using gentle, consistent lighting in the late afternoon and evening
  • Drawing curtains before dusk to minimise shadows
  • Keeping rooms tidy and free of clutter to prevent visual confusion
  • Maintaining familiar furniture arrangements and routines
  • Supporting regular sleep and mealtimes

A clean, well-organised home also lowers background stress for both the individual and their carers.

Support during seasonal transitions

At Merry Maids UK, we know that small changes can make a big difference. We are proud to support Alzheimer’s Society through our fundraising efforts, and all of our maids are dementia-trained through Alzheimer’s Society.

Support the Alzheimer’s Society by making a donation here – https://www.justgiving.com/team/merrymaidsuk

Being Alzheimer’s and Dementia trained helps our teams work with extra care, understanding, and sensitivity in homes where someone may be living with dementia. A consistent, respectful cleaning routine can help maintain comfort and familiarity during seasonal changes.

If you would like support keeping your home calm and cared for, find your nearest Merry Maids business to book a clean online or call 0800 021 3072 today.

Dementia-Friendly New Year’s Tips

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The new year is a time for celebration, reflection, and new beginnings. However, for people living with dementia, changes in routine, noise, and crowded gatherings can be confusing or distressing. By taking a few thoughtful steps, you can make your New Year’s celebrations calm, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

At Merry Maids UK, we are certified Dementia Friends, as many of our staff members work with individuals who suffer from the condition and strive to ensure they are cared for properly and confidently while we clean their homes.

Last year, we raised £4,000 for Alzheimer’s Society as part of our Forget Me Knot Challenge and have pledged to raise £10,000 in 2025.

Year-round, we work diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of our customers.

Here are some dementia-friendly New Year’s tips to help you plan a peaceful and positive start to the year.

1. Keep the Evening Calm

Late nights and loud celebrations can feel overwhelming. Try celebrating earlier in the evening instead.

  • A family dinner, gentle music, or a cosy movie night can create a relaxed atmosphere that still feels special.
  • If you decide to stay up, make sure to keep the lighting soft and the noise levels low.
  • Avoid making sudden loud noises, such as party poppers or fireworks.

2. Maintain Familiar Routines

Routine brings comfort and helps reduce confusion.

  • Maintain a regular schedule for meals, bedtime, and daily routines. If plans change, explain them clearly and gently.
  • You could also include familiar traditions, such as watching a favourite film, sharing family photos, or having a favourite meal.

3. Involve Everyone in Simple Activities

Engaging in simple, shared activities can foster a sense of connection among everyone involved.

  • You could try baking together, working on a jigsaw puzzle, or listening to music.
  • Steer clear of games or events that seem hurried or overly competitive.
  • Emphasise calm moments that provide comfort and encourage conversation.

4. Create a Safe and Comfortable Space

A tidy, well-lit home helps reduce anxiety and the risk of falls.

  • Ensure walkways are clear, eliminate trip hazards, and keep decorations unobtrusive.
  • If the house is noisy, create a calm space for relaxation.
  • Familiar items such as photos, cushions, or blankets can help create a sense of comfort and belonging.

5. Keep the Environment Gentle

Loud music, flashing lights, or large groups can be unsettling.

  • Select soft lighting and minimise background noise.
  • Natural scents, gentle lighting, and a comfortable temperature create a calm environment that feels welcoming and secure.

6. Start the New Year Fresh

After the celebrations, take some time to tidy up. A clean and organised home feels more peaceful for everyone, especially those living with dementia.
If you need extra help, Merry Maids home cleaning services can assist. To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, find your nearest Merry Maids business to book a clean online or call 0800 021 3072 today.

Dementia-Friendly Christmas Tips

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Christmas is a time for family, comfort, and togetherness. However, for individuals living with dementia, the busy atmosphere, bright lights, and loud noises can sometimes be overwhelming.

By making a few minor adjustments, you can help create a calm, familiar, and enjoyable festive season for everyone.

At Merry Maids UK, we are certified Dementia Friends, as many of our staff members work with individuals who suffer from the condition and strive to ensure they are cared for properly and confidently while we clean their homes.

Last year, we raised £4,000 for Alzheimer’s Society as part of our Forget Me Knot Challenge and have pledged to raise £10,000 in 2025.

Year-round, we work diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of our customers.

Here are some straightforward dementia-friendly Christmas tips to enjoy your celebrations:

1. Keep Decorations Simple

Bright lights and flashing decorations can be confusing or distressing for some individuals living with dementia.

  • Instead, opt for gentle, warm lighting rather than flashing fairy lights.
  • Use familiar and safe decorations, and avoid cluttering rooms or walkways to ensure a safe environment.

Maintain the layout of your home, as changing the position of furniture can make navigation more difficult for someone living with dementia.

2. Create Calm Spaces

Christmas gatherings can get noisy, especially with the addition of visitors and music.

  • Designate a quiet space where your loved one can rest if they feel tired or overwhelmed.
  • A familiar chair, soft lighting, and calming background sounds create a comfortable and secure atmosphere.

3. Keep Routines as Normal as Possible

Establishing a routine provides stability.

  • Try to keep consistent mealtimes, bedtime, and daily habits throughout the holidays.
  • Abrupt changes can be confusing, so schedule visits or outings at times that align with your loved one’s regular rhythm.

4. Choose Activities Everyone Can Enjoy

Engaging in simple, shared activities can help create an inclusive atmosphere during the Christmas season.

  • Listening to music quietly, looking through old photos, or decorating cookies together can help spark happy memories and conversations.
  • Steer clear of anything overly complicated or hurried. Slower moments often hold the deepest significance.

5. Be Mindful of Noise and Lighting

Loud music, television, and bright flashing lights can lead to sensory overload.

  • Maintain low background noise and use soft, consistent lighting. This creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

6. Prepare Guests

If friends or relatives are visiting, inform them in advance about any changes or assistance your loved one may need. A little understanding can significantly enhance everyone’s experience together.

7. Keep the Home Safe and Clean

A tidy home reduces trip hazards and makes moving around easier. Clear walkways, keep floors dry, and ensure decorations don’t block doors or lights.

We hope you have an enjoyable and safe dementia-friendly Christmas for all those celebrating with individuals living with dementia. To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, find your nearest Merry Maids business to book a clean online or call 0800 021 3072 today.

Dementia Conscious Bonfire Night Tips

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Bonfire Night is the time of year to expect lots of oohs and aahs from firework displays around the country. But for those with dementia, they can be overwhelming.

At Merry Maids UK, we are certified Dementia Friends, as many of our businesses work with members of the public who suffer from the condition and work hard to ensure they are cared for properly and confidently as we clean their homes.

Last year, we raised £4,000 for Alzheimer’s Society as part of our Forget Me Knot Challenge and have pledged to raise £10,000 in 2025.

Year-round, we work hard to keep our customers safe and cared for.

Here are five tips on how to enjoy the fun while being mindful of everyone’s comfort during bonfire night:

Plan Ahead

Let your loved one know fireworks night is approaching. This helps gauge their feelings and level of involvement. Some might prefer company without the noise, so plan a cosy activity together. Check in with neighbours about their firework plans, as nearby displays might upset someone with dementia. A change of scenery could be a good idea.

Attend a Professional Event

Firework shows with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and bonfires are fun for all. Choose events run by professionals, as they often offer quieter displays and follow strict safety rules.

Stay Comfortable

Ensure the environment isn’t overwhelming with too much noise or activity. If it gets too much, have a plan to retreat to a quieter space. Keep them warm with layers of natural fabrics and hot drinks, checking the temperature first. Ear defenders or plugs can also help.

Create an Alternative Fireworks Night

For those not keen on big events, enjoy sparklers at home or watch from a safe distance. TV and online displays offer the spectacle without the noise. A themed dinner with favourite foods can be a delightful way to celebrate.

Avoid Fireworks Altogether

If fireworks aren’t their thing, that’s okay. Enjoy movies, audiobooks, or music together instead. Offer reassurance with calm words and comforting touch if they feel distressed.

 

To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, find your nearest Merry Maids business to book a clean online or call 0800 021 3072 today.

Dementia conscious trick-or-treating tips for Halloween

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Top tips to celebrate Halloween safely and considerately as dementia friends.

Happy Halloween!

Whilst this holiday is fun for many, for some, it could be a nightmare come true.

Around 900,000 people in the UK are estimated to be living with dementia.

For these people, Halloween can be a scary time.

What may seem innocent and harmless to us, like a scary costume or group of trick-or-treaters, can feel threatening to people with dementia, as Halloween exists outside of their known daily routine.

At Merry Maids UK, we are certified Dementia Friends, as many of our businesses work with members of the public who suffer from the condition and work hard to ensure they are cared for properly and confidently as we clean their homes.

Last year, we raised £4,000 for Alzheimer’s Society as part of our Forget Me Knot Challenge and have pledged to raise £10,000 in 2024.

Year-round, we work hard to keep our customers safe and cared for.

To help safeguard the vulnerable members of our community during Halloween, we’ve compiled some tips to help you trick-or-treat consciously and safely.

How trick or treating can affect those with dementia

Dementia is often disorientating, which can be scary enough in itself.

Now add scary masks, giant spiders, carved pumpkins, and cobweb decorations, and suddenly, the world is a very frightening place.

If you add unknown house visitors in costumes, regularly high levels of concern and fear can skyrocket.

How to trick or treat dementia-consciously

  • Try not to frighten vulnerable people and remain mindful of others whilst trick or treating.
  • Ensure children are supervised by an adult while trick-or-treating.
  • Do not trick-or-treat elderly members of the community – unless prearranged.
  • Ensure elderly relatives who live alone are accompanied by another adult during the evening.
  • Do not knock on doors with an anti-trick or treating sign. Homes that wish to be visited by trick-or-treaters put out decorations, lights, or pumpkins.

As an alternative, you could also forgo trick-or-treating and plan a spooktacular Halloween party to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

Become a Dementia Friend

Being conscious of the vulnerable members of your community is vital all year round.

Particularly during holidays and events like Halloween, we should all take precautions where possible so everyone can stay safe and have fun.

To learn more about how to be a friend to the vulnerable members of your community living with dementia and turn information into action, join us in becoming a dementia friend today.

Merry Maids: Dementia-Conscious Cleaning Experts

For people living with conditions that affect their physical and mental health, keeping up with day-to-day tasks like cleaning can be a real hardship.

For people with dementia, seeing a friendly and familiar face who helps out regularly can make a huge difference.

This year, Merry Maids has partnered with Alzheimer’s Society to train all of our maids in specialist dementia support, so we’re equipped with the knowledge and expertise to give you and your loved ones the support you need.

Be it a deep cleaning, regular tidy-up, or just having someone to talk to.

To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, find your nearest Merry Maids business to book a clean online or call 0800 021 3072 today.

Merry Maids Fylde, Blackpool and Preston Recognised as Forget Me Knot Champion for 2024

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Nicky Morris and her team have been recognised as Merry Maids’ Forget Me Knot Challenge Champions for 2024.

Merry Maids Fylde, Blackpool and Preston have been awarded the title of Forget Me Knot Challenge Champion for 2024, for their exceptional contributions to our fundraising efforts over the last year for our charity of the year, Alzheimer’s Society.

This blog post has all of the details.

Merry Maids Forget Me Knot Challenge

The Forget Me Knot Challenge is an annual initiative started by Merry Maids in 2023 to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society.

Our staff nationwide regularly clean for members of the public living with dementia and have been long-time supporters of Dementia Friends, which helps people become more aware of ways to support those living with dementia.

As we noticed we were encountering an increasing number of people living with dementia, whether themselves or caring for a loved one, we devised The Forget Me Knot Challenge to provide more ways to help by supporting Alzheimer’s Society and its mission.

The sponsored virtual relay tracks the distance covered by our business owners and staff as they walk, run, cycle or swim to travel the equivalent distance between each Merry Maids business nationwide.

Since then, we’ve raised a significant amount of money for Alzheimer’s Society, including £10,000 in the last year, all of which goes toward helping them provide help and hope to the over 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK.

Not to mention, over the last year, every Merry Maids cleaner across the UK has also attended exclusive dementia information sessions run by Alzheimer’s Society to recognise and bolster their knowledge of dementia, helping position them to provide informed care to the people we serve.

Forget Me Knot Challenge Champion

Each year, we recognise a Forget Me Knot Challenge Champion, who has gone above and beyond in their fundraising efforts. As the second-ever Forget Me Knot Challenge Champion, succeeding Mike Fargher from Merry Maids Sheffield, Nicky and the team at Merry Maids Fylde, Blackpool and Preston were celebrated for their impressive donations, group activities, and vocal advocacy of the initiative across their social media platforms.

The team collected their award at the annual ServiceMaster Thrive in 2025 gala and has taken it back to the office to sit in pride of place in their trophy cabinet as a reminder and motivator for this year’s challenge, which is already underway.

Need a cleaner who cares?

If you or someone you love could benefit from dementia-conscious and expert cleaning services from your local professionals, find your nearest Merry Maids business, book online or learn more about our commitment to supporting Alzheimer’s Society today.

Meet the new owners of Merry Maids Inverness

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Say hello to the father-daughter duo taking the reins at Merry Maids Inverness.

Siva and Ayranna Kugathas are no strangers to the technicalities of operating a successful cleaning business.

Siva is the owner of ServiceMaster Clean AAA, one of the largest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services franchise operations in the UK, which covers 19 territories spanning from Inverness to Dover. Having grown from just a single territory in Guildford, which he purchased in 2017, Siva is turning his hand to home cleaning by heading up an existing Merry Maids business in Inverness.

He is joined on his new venture by his daughter Ayranna, who has been working in AAA, specialising in HR, and is now taking charge of Merry Maids.

In this blog post, we sat down with them to delve into their plans for the business and the value they will deliver to new and existing customers and staff.

Meet Siva and Ayranna

As an astute businessman with 20 years of experience in franchising for brands like KFC and Pizza Hut before buying his ServiceMaster Clean franchise, Siva knew the success that could be achieved through investing in a successful franchise.

Initially doubling the size of his operation in just 18 months, he has also acquired 18 further territories in seven years. As a top-performing franchisee,  he is committed to exceeding client expectations and driving the business.

Ayranna recently completed a degree in Information Technology for Business, all while working as a Human Resources Manager at ServiceMaster Clean AAA, where she’s not only overseen HR responsibilities like recruitment, training, and employee relations, but also supported many other areas of the business.

“Because it’s a multi-territory franchise, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in day-to-day operations, client management, and strategic planning. That experience gave me a strong understanding of how a service-based business runs, from both a people and performance perspective,” she says.

“This has been a huge advantage in preparing me for business ownership. As the HR Manager, I’ve developed strong people management skills, dealt with a variety of staffing challenges, and ensured compliance with employment law and best practice—all of which are crucial for running a successful team.”

Beyond HR, Ayranna has also been involved in many other aspects of the business, such as supporting operational decisions, helping with client relationships, and contributing to strategy discussions. This hands-on experience has given her a real understanding of what it takes to run and grow a business. Ayranna, having already had experience at a ServiceMaster Clean franchise, also understands the systems, values, and support structure that come with being part of the ServiceMaster brand.

“While Merry Maids is a different type of service, the core principles of delivering high-quality, reliable cleaning and managing a team are very similar,” she says.

“From contract cleaning, I’ve learned how to manage teams, handle feedback, and assist in delivering high standards—all of which can be applied to home cleaning. And stepping into a bigger role in the business is both exciting and meaningful,” she adds.

“It’s an opportunity to build something alongside my dad, who has years of experience and a strong track record in the industry. I’m grateful to be learning directly from him while also bringing in my own perspective.”

For Siva, working alongside Ayranna is also a huge achievement:

“In my view, parents enjoy their children’s success more than their own success. So, to have my daughter leading a brand for us is a proud moment for me. And she’s the right person to do that.”

Integrating in Inverness

Customers of Merry Maids Inverness will know of the business’s long history and established presence within the local area. While under new ownership, the business retains the same staff and office managers of Andrea and Kelly, who ensure the business’s smooth day-to-day operations.

Having spent time in Inverness, getting to know the business’s staff and existing structure, Siva and Ayranna have integrated themselves into the business and, galvanising the team behind them, are excited to drive it to new heights.

“It’s been a smooth and insightful process, Ayranna says.

“I’ve been learning how things operate while thinking of ideas to improve and grow the business. I’m excited to get started, learn new things, and play an active role in helping the business grow. It’s a great opportunity to take on new challenges and apply what I’ve learned so far.”

Siva, in turn, is excited to bring the same energy and growth that he has instilled across his other businesses.

“ I’m really excited because it’s a new journey for me as well. I’m in my fifties, and I have done a few of these in the past. But this is something new.  I’m really excited to go and do the same again and be successful.”

Working in the Community

For Siva, this includes working closely within the local community to support local initiatives and people to thrive.

In the past seven years at ServiceMaster Clean, Siva has worked hard to make a difference and give back to the communities he serves, whether through multiple fundraising initiatives, providing cleaning and sponsorship for the local YMCA in Guildford to allow them to provide stable dwellings for homeless people in the area, or working with a local charity to help vulnerable children learn about the dangers of drugs and knife crime.

The business already has big plans to contribute to Merry Maids and ServiceMaster Clean’s charity of the year, Alzheimer’s Society, by participating in this year’s Forget Me Knot Challenge, which has, over the last two years, raised over £14,000 for Alzheimer’s Society.

“Giving back to the community is something very close to my heart. I do it passionately. And we want to start with a bang as the Forget Me Knot challenge is starting on the 7th of July, which is seven days after we take over, and we want to do 10,000 miles by ourselves, including me leading the way with 500 miles minimum myself. And I know two other members of our staff have already signed up to beat me. We have committed to big numbers, and we are passionate about it, and we will continue to show our commitment to looking after the people in need across Merry Maids, too.”

Customer Guarantee

Siva and Ayranna want to assure Merry Maids Inverness customers, new and old, of the high-quality cleaning they can expect from the business and the expertly trained staff.

“ Merry Maids is a trusted brand, has been there for long enough, and we do a very good job. We don’t let people down,” says Siva

“The cleaners are well trained, and you know what to expect each time: good quality and consistency,” Ayranna agrees.

Furthermore, not only will this expansion within the area support the local economy, but it will also provide jobs for local people through the recruitment of new staff as the business grows.

Merry Maids Brand Leader Vikki Donnachie says she is ecstatic to welcome Siva and Ayranna to the brand:

“I am very much looking forward to welcoming Siva and Ayranna to the Merry Maids network and building on their existing success within ServiceMaster, which I am certain they will do through their commitment to their community, staff and service standards.”

Need a new cleaner?

So, if you’re in Inverness and the surrounding areas and would benefit from an expert cleaning from local professionals, call the team on 01463 250229 to learn more.

Or nationwide, find your nearest Merry Maids business or book online today.

Understanding the Risk Factors for Dementia

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What are the main risk factors for dementia?

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. Affecting around 982,000 people in the UK, with numbers expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040, 1 in 3 of us born today will be diagnosed in their lifetime.

But what are the biggest risk factors for dementia, and what are some misconceptions around the disease?

  1. Age

The biggest risk factor for dementia is ageing.

While it’s important to note that dementia is a disease, and not, as many believe, a natural symptom of ageing, your risk of being diagnosed with dementia increases as you get older.

For people aged between 65 and 69, around 2 in every 100 people have dementia. A person’s risk increases as they age, roughly doubling every five years. This means that, of those aged over 90, around 33 in every 100 people have dementia.

  1. Genes

Certain genes can affect a person’s chances of getting dementia. These may be passed down (inherited) from a parent. There are two types of these genes: ‘familial’ genes and ‘risk’ genes.

  1. Long-Term Health Conditions

Diagnosing certain long-term health conditions earlier may reduce their damaging effects on brain health as people get older.

These include:

  • Diabetes
  • Hearing and vision loss
  • Head injuries
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Depression

  1. Lifestyle

There is a lot of evidence that our lifestyle choices can affect our risk of developing dementia. These behaviours and health conditions include:

  • Physical activity
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Social isolation

Dementia risk is lowest in people who have healthy behaviours in mid-life (aged 40-65).

  1. Biological Sex

Overall, there are more women than men living with dementia. This is mostly because women tend to live longer than men.

The risk of getting dementia is about the same for men and women. However, women who are currently over 80 have a slightly higher risk of getting dementia than men their age.

  1. Lower Cognitive Reserve

Cognitive reserve is when a person has a disease in their brain, but it takes longer for them to start showing symptoms. It is built up by keeping the brain active over a person’s lifetime.

The more cognitive reserve a person has, the longer it takes for diseases in their brain to cause problems with everyday tasks. This means people with a larger cognitive reserve can delay getting dementia symptoms. People with a smaller cognitive reserve are at a higher risk of getting dementia in their lifetime.

  1. Race and Ethnicity

It’s possible that race and ethnicity could also be risk factors for dementia.

It’s still not clear if people from different ethnic groups in the UK have a higher chance of getting dementia.

Some studies have found differences in certain locations worldwide, though it’s hard to know if they reflect the situation in the UK population.

A few studies have suggested that people from Black African, Black Caribbean and South Asian ethnic groups are more likely to get dementia than people from White ethnic groups due to socioeconomic disparities, access to healthcare, and genetic predispositions like high blood pressure.

  1. Socioeconomic Factors

People who live in deprived areas without suitable housing, education and work opportunities are at a higher risk of getting dementia.

This may be because the lack of opportunities in these areas makes it harder for a person to get further education and to access jobs that keep a person mentally active throughout their life.

Want to act against dementia?

At Merry Maids, the Alzheimer’s Society is our charity of the year, and after working to support their mission for multiple years, we are committed to assisting our staff and customers to have a better cleaning experience.

The Dementia Awareness training our staff have undertaken has given our team additional knowledge and understanding of dementia. We are thrilled to be continuing this initiative to continuing to have staff trained by Alzheimer’s Society.

If you want to make a difference in the fight against dementia, you can do so directly now by donating to our annual fundraiser to raise £10,000 for Alzheimer’s Society.

If you or someone you know would benefit from a professional and compassionate, regular or one-off, home cleaning service from the dementia friends at Merry Maids UK, find your nearest Merry Maids business or book online today.

Case Study: Dementia-Trained Cleaners in Wakefield, Leeds, York and Harrogate

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How Merry Maids in Wakefield, Leeds, York and Harrogate have supported their customers living with dementia.

As part of Merry Maids UK’s ongoing partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, our staff across the UK have completed licensed training to provide help and hope to our customers living with dementia, which makes us the only officially dementia-trained domestic cleaners in the nation!

We’re not just experts in home cleaning.

We’re also a nationwide network of compassionate, friendly, and warm local professionals who always go above and beyond to help the people who trust us daily to clean their homes.

But what does this look like in action?

This blog post shares the story of customers of Merry Maids in Wakefield, Leeds, York and Harrogate and how our dementia-friendly cleaning has helped them.

Meet Mr and Mrs R

Merry Maids has been cleaning for Mrs R’s family for the last ten years.

Four years ago, she was diagnosed with dementia, aged only 58 years old, and the team have been cleaning for her and Mr R ever since to support her in keeping her house a home.

How we help

Initially, we visited every month to stay on top of the cleaning and keep everything tidy.

Today, Mr and Mrs R have increased the frequency of their service to a weekly cleaning from our expert team, ensuring the whole home always looks its best week in and week out.

During this time, due to changes in how her dementia impacts her, the team have adapted their services, like entering through a gate rather than the front door, as Mrs R’s condition means she was at risk of wandering from home unannounced.

Still, Mrs R is elated whenever our staff (or her ladies, as she has dubbed them) call in for her cleanings, greeting them at the door and walking around the house with them, as she likes to see the process of our cleaning in action.

Despite her health, she also likes to dust under our supervision, and Mr R has asked if she can do this whenever Merry Maids is there – which, of course, she can.

Our staff have gotten into a steady rhythm whereby one cleaner stays with Mrs R while she dusts and ensures she has some extra companionship and supervision, while the other maid gets on with the rest of the cleaning.

In an email to our staff, Mrs R shared her satisfaction and delight at seeing our cleaners and the impact our help has:

‘[I] can’t wait to see my ladies, they always bring cheer to us both,’ she says.

‘Oh, and the house is always sparkling when they leave!’

Need a new cleaner?

If you’re in Wakefield, South Leeds, York and Harrogate and need support from a dementia-friendly cleaner backed by over 30 years of brand expertise as a leader in the cleaning industry, call your local experts on 01924 871122.

Or, nationwide, find your nearest Merry Maids business or book online to see how we can help you today.

Forget Me Knot Challenge Champion: Mike Fargher from Merry Maids Sheffield

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Why Mike Fargher from Merry Maids of Sheffield joined the Forget Me Knot Challenge and helped us raise over £4,000 for Dementia charities.

The Forget Me Knot Challenge is an annual, sponsored virtual relay in which staff and owners from Merry Maids businesses across the UK run, walk, or cycle the equivalent total mileage between each Merry Maids UK business to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society.

Last year, the challenge was a huge success, raising over £4,000 that will support Alzheimer’s Society to continue to aid those living with dementia in the UK (currently estimated to be over 900,000 people.)

Mike Fargher of Merry Maids in Sheffield and South Yorkshire racked up 1186 miles and raised over his £2,000 pledge target.

Goals and Dementia History

Mike’s Merry Maids business has had many encounters with dementia over the years.

“We have some long-term clients that did not have dementia when we started to clean for them but sadly now have it,” he says.

“We also take on new clients where they, and their families, wish to remain in their own homes and, with the support of ourselves and other outside agencies, can do so.”

“Sometimes a client wants to chat over a cup of tea, to tell you about their life, family and other interests. The Maids may have heard the same stories several times but will listen as if it was the first time they heard it.”

Mike got back into cycling during lockdown after purchasing an electric bike.

So, he knew, when faced with the Forget Me Knot Challenge, that this would be his way to meet it.

“I try to cycle 25-30 km at least twice during weekdays and have also recently purchased a road bike for use at the weekends,” he says.

He also knew the challenge would be perfect to incorporate into the cycling holiday he had been dreaming of.

Mike’s Mileage

The trip was a week’s cycling around seven islands off the coast near Split. From Brac to Stari, Grad, Orebic, Korcula, Mljet, Hvar, and Solta.

“The trip was fantastic,” he says.

Mike was part of a group of 15 cyclists from around the globe who completed a week of cycling under the guidance of a Croatian guide and a crew of five on a boat named the MV Leonardo.

Some (Literal) Highs

The days followed a routine to ensure mileage was met.

Mike says the seven days were filled with expansive views, “good food, weather and plenty of excellent cycling routes.”

After breakfast each day, the bikes would be unloaded off the boat at one end of an island, and the group would set off to complete between 20km and 55 km.

This included literal highs with “many challenging hill-climbs, with ascends as high as 800 meters.”

By lunchtime, the group would have completed the day’s route and would be met by their boat & crew at the other end of the island.

Then, bikes were loaded back onboard for lunch whilst the boat made its way to a port where the afternoons and evenings were spent exploring and relaxing after a hard day’s work.

This meant that in one week, the group completed around 280 km.

Final results

As part of Mike’s pledge, he also completed a further 720 km cycling over the summer (at £1 per kilometre).

Much of his donations were also made by family, friends and people he met on his cycling journeys.

A further £1,000 was raised from a Google review campaign, in which each new review added £25 to the funds.

A huge well done to Mike for all of his efforts and for making such a massive impact in fundraising to support those in need.

Learn more

To learn more about Merry Maids UK and our work with the Alzheimer’s Society, call 0800 021 3072.

If you’re in Sheffield and the South Yorkshire areas, call Mike and his team today on 0114 272 2655.

If you or someone you know would benefit from a professional and compassionate, regular or one-off, home cleaning service from the dementia friends at Merry Maids UK, find your nearest Merry Maids business or visit our online shop today.

Merry Maids Forget Me Knot 2024: Angela’s story

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Angela shares her family history of dementia.

At Merry Maids UK, our teams nationwide are undertaking our second annual Forget Me Knot Challenge as part of our partnership with Alzheimer’s Society.

This is a sponsored virtual relay in which staff and owners from Merry Maids businesses across the UK run, walk, or cycle the equivalent total mileage between each Merry Maids UK business, tying them together and raising funds for Dementia Friends/ Alzheimer’s Society: creating the Forget Me Knot.

Last year, as part of the challenge, we shared the story of Angela from Merry Maids Fylde, Blackpool and Preston, who had a long history with the disease, which has impacted both her parents and mother-in-law.

Angela has since left Merry Maids but has permitted us to keep sharing her story to raise awareness of the reality of living with dementia.

Angela’s Story

In a touching video on our YouTube channel, Angela opened up about her experience.

“I’m doing the Forget Me Knot challenge because I’ve been through dementia experiences three times so far, and I’m just about to go through my fourth with my dad,” she says.

The conditions that Angela and her family have faced have varied.

From Alzheimer’s to frontal temporal and vascular dementia, the experiences and maladies were “completely different” each time.

“It’s devastating,” she says. “The person you once knew changes into somebody else.”

“They don’t die… straight away. It’s a long process. But they change. They’re unrecognisable as the person you once knew.”

Why Supporting Alzheimer’s Society Matters

Angela describes the experience and how frightening it is, particularly in the early stages, where the family had little information about what was happening to their loved ones.

“You need to talk to people,” she says. “You need people to help you, so you haven’t got to be afraid to ask for help.”

Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia Friends do just this.

They are there to support and inform members of the public about Alzheimer’s and its varying forms so that we can all be prepared should we encounter the disease.

Dementia Advisers from Alzheimer’s Society provide critical support to people throughout their experiences with dementia, allowing people living with the condition and their carers to access expert support.

Our support means they can invest in ground-breaking research into better ways of treating and caring for people with dementia.

Dementia Friends, as a subset of Alzheimer’s Society, trains people and businesses like ours to interact with people with dementia.

At Merry Maids UK, we often serve members of the public living with dementia and ensure that through Dementia Friends, our staff are trained to provide care and support while cleaning their homes – as they often cannot do it for themselves.

Whether making them a cup of tea or being a friendly and recognisable face, there are many ways to be there for those who need it.

As Angela says:

“You have to be kind to one another. You have to talk. Don’t bottle things up, and listen.

“Listen to the person who is ill because they are just as confused as you are.”

“It’s really important that we help them to feel as normal as possible for as long as possible. We have to try and find some kind of way of making this illness easier to live with.”

How you can support us and Alzheimer’s Society

As Angela says:

“It’s very important that we raise awareness and help raise money to develop new medication to help slow this process. Because it really is devastating. It really is.”

The Merry Maids UK Forget Me Knot challenge will continue to run throughout the summer months – with our teams nationwide getting involved in the virtual relay.

You can support our teams by sponsoring us in this endeavour via donations to our JustGiving page.

All proceeds will be donated to Alzheimer’s Society.

Or you can become a Dementia Friend today, either online or through a more comprehensive and in-person training session.

If you or a loved one knows someone who is struggling with dementia, see how we can help to give them a better quality of life for as long as possible by finding your nearest Merry Maids business or booking online today.

Merry Maids UK becomes official partner in aid of Alzheimer’s Society

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Merry Maids have become official partners of Alzheimer’s Society.

We are thrilled to announce that Merry Maids has become an official charity partner in support of Alzheimer’s Society as of 2024.

This blog post has all the details.

What does the partnership mean?

We have named Alzheimer’s Society our charity of the year.

And have thus pledged to raise £10,000 to go towards their work throughout 2024.

Last year, as part of our longstanding commitment as Dementia Friends, we raised over £4000 with our nationwide Forget Me Knot Challenge Campaign.

This year, we’re kicking it up an extra gear.

As official partners, we are committed to supporting our staff and customers to have a better cleaning experience by training every Merry Maids cleaner across the UK in professional dementia support.

Therefore, we are the only domestic cleaning company in the UK certified to provide accredited support to the over 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK.

The training will also help our maids to support our customers with specific needs and extra support, and our customers feel ever more strongly that they are in good hands.

What does dementia support mean to Merry Maids customers?

To Merry Maids customers like this woman from Croydon, our support means her father can maintain his independence:

“My Dad is 93 and has got a serious heart condition and dementia,” she says.

“After a long stay in hospital and living with us for four months, he wanted to live independently,”

“He reluctantly accepted help and within a couple of weeks was looking forward to his visits by Merry Maids.”

“They are very caring and have a very soft spot for Dad,” she adds.

“Which makes my life as a carer easier.”

“Dad would never be without his Merry Maids, and they have made a huge difference to his enjoyment of life.”

What does dementia support mean to us?

This partnership officially recognises our commitment to supporting them and the people we serve living with dementia.

Vikki Donnachie, Merry Maids Brand Leader, says:

“We are thrilled to be working with Alzheimer’s Society again this year. The ability to offer further training to all our maids provides added support and peace of mind to both our customers and their families who are or have been affected by dementia.”

“At Merry Maids, our high levels of customer service and community engagement are what makes us different. Being able to support both our customers and Alzheimer’s Society is a real privilege.”

Aaliah Chik, Senior Marketing Executive for Merry Maids UK, adds:

“As many of our customers are facing dementia, to have this opportunity to take what we do for them to the next level by training our maids and supporting Alzheimer’s Society is so exciting.”

“We have great things planned for this year. I’m looking forward to developing our work to better the people living with dementia in our communities.”

Meg Foxhall, Community Fundraiser of Alzheimer’s Society, says:

“On behalf of Alzheimer’s Society, I would like to thank Merry Maids. We’re so grateful for their support, which allows us to provide help and hope for everyone affected by dementia.”

“Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer,” she adds.

“Too many people face dementia alone. 1 in 3 people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime. We want everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are, whatever you’re going through, Alzheimer’s Society is here for you.”

Discover the value of a cleaner who cares

To learn more about Merry Maids UK and our work with Alzheimer’s Society, call 0800 021 3072.

If you or someone you know would benefit from a professional and compassionate, regular or one-off, home cleaning service from the dementia friends at Merry Maids UK, find your nearest Merry Maids business or book online today.

Merry Maids UK ‘Forget Me Knot Challenge’ Raises £4,000 for Alzheimer’s Society

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The Merry Maids UK Forget Me Knot Challenge has raised over £4,000 for Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia Friends.

At Merry Maids UK, we are a nationwide cleaning franchise that has long had our heart in care and the community.

When, in 2014, a friend of the Croydon-based franchise, Debbie Walker, was researching a PhD thesis on dementia patients and told her about Dementia Friends, we began to work closely with the charity and have never looked back.

Our Merry Maids business owners provide care across the UK through compassionate and professional home cleaning services.

This often means they encounter members of the public living with dementia and struggling with the disease.

This year, we took our dedication to giving back a mammoth step further by undertaking the Forget Me Knot Challenge – which has raised over £4,000 for Alzheimer’s Society.

The Forget Me Knot Challenge

The Forget Me Knot Challenge – named in reference to the tying together of Merry Maids businesses and the small blue flower that has long been associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia – was a sponsored virtual relay in which staff and owners from Merry Maids businesses across the UK ran, walked, or cycled the equivalent total mileage between each Merry Maids UK business.

The results

Cleaners, business owners, customers and head-office staff from across the UK put forward donations, helping raise over £4,000 – achieving more than double their initial £1000 donations and 2345 mileage targets.

Collectively, the Merry Maids franchise network has walked 4796.14 miles – the distance between London and Dallas, Texas!

Our stories

With over 900,000 people estimated to be living with dementia or Alzheimer’s in the UK today, it is likely that we all know or have known someone affected.

Each participant had their reasons for taking part.

Like Mike Fargher of Merry Maids in Sheffield and South Yorkshire, who racked up 1186 miles and generous donations by cycling and pledging £1 per mile.

“Our Merry Maids business has had many encounters with Dementia over the years,” says Mike.

“We have some long-term clients that did not have dementia when we started to clean for them but sadly now have it.  We also take on new clients where they, and their families, wish to remain in their own homes and, with the support of ourselves and other outside agencies, can do so.”

“Sometimes a client wants to chat over a cup of tea, to tell you about their life, family and other interests. The Maids may have heard the same stories several times but will listen as if it was the first time they heard it.”

Or the team in Fylde, Blackpool and Preston – including maids Angela and Bernie – who each has had multiple family members live with the disease.

“I’m doing the Forget Me Knot Challenge because I’ve been through dementia experiences three times so far, and I’m just about to go through my fourth with my dad,” Angela said back in July.

“It’s devastating. The person you once knew changes into somebody else.”

“They don’t die… straight away. It’s a long process. But they change. They’re unrecognisable as the person you once knew.”

“You have to be kind to one another. You have to talk. Don’t bottle things up, and listen. Listen to the person who is ill because they are just as confused as you are.”

“It’s important that we help them to feel as normal as possible for as long as possible. We must find ways of making this illness easier to live with, raise awareness and money to develop new medication to help slow this process.”

Learn more

To learn more about Merry Maids UK and our work with Alzheimer’s Society, call 0800 021 3072.

If you or someone you know would benefit from a professional and compassionate, regular or one-off, home cleaning service from the dementia friends at Merry Maids UK, find your nearest Merry Maids business or visit our online shop today.

Running a business… literally!

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Join us in supporting Merry Maids Bromley & Orpington owner Richard Wall in running the Cambridge Half-Marathon in aid of Dementia Friends this March.

In the spirit of hitting the ground running, the new owner of Merry Maids Bromley & Orpington, Richard Wall, is participating in the 13-mile Cambridge Half-Marathon to raise money for Dementia Friends on 6th March.

This comes following Richard’s recent participation in the 26-mile Brighton marathon, which, along with his regular training, has prepared Richard well. It has also tied into to his new business, as he has been able to incorporate his training into his commute to Merry Maids Bromley.

 

Richard running a business and running a mile in training for the half marathon!

Richard’s giving nature has gelled well with Merry Maids and his support-based approach to running his team is no better exemplified by his running in aid of supporting Dementia Friends.

About Dementia Friends

Dementia Friends will be receiving support from the ServiceMaster Brands UK family throughout 2022.

Dementia Friends is an initiative aiming to change the perception of dementia. Based around learning more about dementia, they strive to create a better quality of life for those living with the condition. Dementia Friends advocates the conversion of information to action to make a change. They do this by providing information about the reality of living with dementia on their website.

They then encourage turning this information into action by becoming a Dementia Friend. Part of what they do also involves partnering with brands, and in 2022, Merry Maids UK have become dementia friends.

We work closely with all of our clients and are always striving to make sure we can provide them with the best possible support. That’s why, up and down the country, our maid teams have been training to work sensitively and effectively with residents living with Alzheimer’s, and how best to aid them when carrying out our services in their homes. 

Alzheimer’s support is also close to Richard’s heart as his mum lived with dementia for 10 years before she passed away in 2019. Richard says he wants to do all he can to help support what Dementia Friends does to support those living with Alzheimer’s.

Show your support

Keep your eyes out for more of our fundraisers and events in aid of this good cause throughout the year. In learning more about the condition, we have also been able to convert information to action, as our services are dementia friendly.

You can also join us in sponsoring Richard in his effort to take action by donating to his JustGiving page today.

Book a clean

Give Richard and the team at Merry Maids Bromley and Orpington a call today on 01689 830000 to book a free, no-obligation quotation on a range of bespoke domestic cleaning services.

Or find your nearest Merry Maids business to book or to learn more about our services nationwide.