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The Niamz journal

Stories, advice and little kindness

Thoughts from our companions, families we work with, and partners in the wider care community.

Wellbeing12 June 2026

Recognising the early signs of loneliness in an older parent

Loneliness can creep in quietly. Here are five gentle signs to look out for, and what to do next without making things awkward.

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Independent living28 May 2026

Five low-effort ways to stay active over a Scottish winter

From kitchen-table chair yoga to short loops around the local park. Small, regular movement makes a real difference.

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Families14 May 2026

How to talk to a loved one about accepting extra support

Bringing up the idea of a companion can feel difficult. A few small reframes that help the conversation land warmly.

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Getting started30 April 2026

What to expect from your first home consultation

We walk you through what happens on a first visit: who comes, what we ask, and how we agree on a plan together.

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Choosing care16 June 2026

How to choose a companionship service in Scotland: a short checklist

Eleven questions to ask before booking anyone into a relative's home, covering PVG, insurance, matching, continuity and the small things that matter.

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Choosing care8 June 2026

Companionship vs home care: what's the difference, and which do you need?

Both involve someone coming into the home, but the purpose, training and price are quite different. A plain-English guide for families weighing up the options.

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Families1 June 2026

Respite for family carers in Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Dunbartonshire and surrounding communities: where to start

If you are caring for a relative and running on empty, here are the practical respite options local to Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Dunbartonshire and surrounding communities, in order of how quickly you can access them.

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Phone companionship22 July 2026

Phone companionship: what a friendly weekly call really does for older adults

A short, regular phone call can lift mood, steady sleep and shrink the day's small worries. Here is what phone companionship is, who it suits, and how it works at Niamz.

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Phone companionship22 July 2026

Who benefits most from phone companionship? Five real-life scenarios

From a widowed dad who won't have a visitor in the house, to a daughter three hundred miles away, here are the situations where a regular phone call quietly changes the week.

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Wellbeing30 July 2026

Ten ways to have an easier conversation with someone living with dementia

Small changes to how you talk, listen and sit can turn a tense visit into a warm one. Practical tips our companions use every week.

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Choosing care1 August 2026

Help paying for support in Scotland: benefits and funding families often miss

Attendance Allowance, Pension Age Disability Payment, Carer Support Payment, council contributions and Council Tax reductions, explained in plain English.

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Independent living5 August 2026

Preventing falls at home: a room-by-room check that takes one afternoon

Most falls happen in familiar rooms, doing familiar things. Here is the walkthrough we use with families, room by room, with the fixes that matter most.

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Guides3 August 2026

Companionship services in Glasgow: a family guide

What companionship actually covers, what it costs, and how families in Glasgow arrange it without a long wait.

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Guides5 August 2026

How much does companionship cost in Scotland?

An honest look at what shapes the price of companion visits, what to check before you commit, and where funding help may exist.

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Family support7 August 2026

Supporting an older parent who lives alone

Practical ways to keep a parent safe and connected when you cannot be there every day, and the signs that it is time for more support.

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Practical help10 August 2026

Support at home after a hospital stay

The first fortnight home is the hardest. Here is how families can plan for it, and where companionship fits alongside health care.

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Guides12 August 2026

Twelve questions to ask before hiring a companion

Print this list and use it on every call. The answers tell you more about a provider than any brochure.

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Wellbeing14 August 2026

When a weekly phone call is not enough

Six signs that a parent needs more contact than a Sunday catch up, and the gentlest ways to add it.

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Ready when you are

Let's arrange a free, no-obligation chat

Speak with our local team about the support you or your loved one needs. Same-day visits are often available across Glasgow and your local area.