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.

Of those aged 60 and over, 30% of them will have a fall at least once a year, with this figure rising to 50% for those aged 80. These figures significantly increase in the winter months due to the hazards and inclement weather that occurs.

A fall which a child or young adult might bounce right back from may lead to more significant injuries in an older adult, as well as a great loss of confidence – but the weather should not be a reason for you to stay indoors and miss out on making new memories with your loved ones.

To help you keep safe in the colder months, here are a few simple tips to help you prevent any slips, trips and falls this winter:

Clear pathways

As the colder weather begins to set in, pathways around your home are often coated with ice and water, making it hazardous and difficult to walk on.

There may also be lots of leaves around the outside of your property as the trees begin to shed. These can quite easily block up drains and walkways, making it extremely slippy – particularly after it rains.

If you are able to, remove any trip hazards around the outside of your home and grit or salt the pathway to reduce your chance of slipping. If you struggle to do this by yourself or are worried for a loved one who you lives further away, you can always contact your local Helping Hands branch who will be able to help. The visiting care teams will be able to pop in and accompany you out of the house if you’re at risk of falling.

Choose the right shoes

It’s really important to wear the correct shoes during the winter. Those with a strong grip or thick rubber soles are great protection from slippery surfaces and will make you feel much more confident on your feet when you’re out and about.

For conditions that can affect feet such as dementia, diabetes and Parkinson’s, it’s vital that you keep your feet healthy by keeping your toenails trimmed, ensuring corns and calluses are treated, and always wearing a pair of socks that don’t have an elasticated top that restricts the blood flow around your ankles and feet. Non-elasticated socks are quite easy to purchase online or from some of the big high street retailers.

Consider a mobility aid

If you find that you are less steady on your feet in the colder weather, it might be worth considering a mobility aid such as a walking stick to help you with your balance.

There are plenty of walking sticks available to purchase or you can even borrow them from the NHS to see if they work for you. It’s always best to consult your GP if you are considering this as a long-term option, who may put you in touch with a physiotherapist.

Keep your hands free

Try to avoid walking with your hands in your pockets as you may need to react quickly to regain your balance.

Whenever you go outside, make sure that you wear a pair of gloves to keep your fingers warm. If you can, purchase a pair of waterproof gloves in the wetter weather. This will ensure that the heat from your hands isn’t transferred to the air instead of circulating the warm air through your gloves.

Gloves with textured fingers and palms can also be great protection for your hands. They allow you to grip on to bannisters or walking aids, whilst still keeping your hands and fingers warm.

Gentle exercise

The more you move around, the better your energy and strength levels will be, which will help with reducing the risk of your limbs and joints getting stiff when you’re outside.

Doing simple strength and stability exercises at home are fantastic for improving your balance; there are a number of simple stretches and exercises that can help with keeping your body in good condition.

Poor posture can be another contribution for those at risk of taking a tumble, which is more common for those living with conditions such as arthritis.  Make sure you try to maintain a good posture at all times when you are home, particularly when you’re sitting down. Also, doing exercises that don’t put too much strain on your joints – like swimming or walking – are great for keeping your strength up without agitating your arthritis.

If you or a loved one needs extra support over the winter months, you can find out more here.

The post A guide to preventing slips, trips and falls for the elderly appeared first on Helping Hands.

During the cooler months, slips, trips and falls are more likely to occur due to factors such as wet and icy surfaces, and the cold affecting someone’s mobility. Whilst visiting family over the coming months, or during Christmas get togethers, it may be worth bearing in mind the potential risk factors that can affect your loved one’s safety. Preventing slips, trips and falls in the home can be made easier by being aware of several environmental and health-related hazards.

What can I do to support my loved one?

For an older person or an individual with a particular health condition, the consequences of a fall can be life-changing. Physical discomfort and pain, long-term disability, decreased mobility, loss of confidence and fear of falling again can all have an enormous impact on someone’s life – but by reducing risks, they can be prevented.

As a family member, you can check your loved one’s home environment is free from obstacles and that furniture, rugs and wires don’t obstruct routes from room to room, particularly those that may be trodden in the dark – like the hallway between the bedroom and the bathroom, for example. Small, simple changes and adaptations can make the world of difference.

You can also help your loved one to prevent or treat osteoporosis by helping them plan meals rich in calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for healthy bones. Regular, gentle exercise is also fundamental – you could go out for a family walk, go swimming, or find a local dancing class to attend together.

Full support with homecare from Helping Hands

Full support with homecare from Helping Hands

With live-in care from Helping Hands, your loved one will receive support with mobility, medication, personal care and companionship, enabling them to feel confident to remain living at home for as long as possible.

Our Senior Compliance Manager explains how Helping Hands prioritises customer safety throughout the duration of the care package: “During initial assessment, history of falls is taken into account, and we are able to work alongside falls prevention clinics to ensure all needs are met. Care managers report any falls or near misses to our Compliance team who will provide advice on action to be taken to prevent it from happening again. Care managers are able to use our reporting systems to monitor these incidents and highlight any concerns to family and Healthcare Professionals.”

Julie Mills, Helping Hands’ Training Manager, explains how our training prepares carers to support individuals at risk of falls: “We cover slips trips and falls during risk assessment, discussing clutter, wires, cables, etc. which could present hazards, as well as tight spaces. We also discuss footwear and the importance of having enclosed and supportive shoes for both the carer and the customer when walking. During Moving and Handling, we teach techniques to support a customer to walk and transfer safely.”

Not everyone needs full-time care from a live-in carer – your loved one might need support at certain times of the day or week with grocery shopping, housekeeping, preparing meals or getting washed and dressed in the morning. Helping Hands also provides an hourly visiting care service in locations across the country, meaning that we are able to offer your loved one a bespoke level of care that meets their daily living needs whilst enabling them to retain the independence that comes from living at home.

If you’re planning on going away during the cooler months, perhaps a Christmas break, you can do so with peace of mind. Our Respite Care service can support your family with live-in homecare for your loved one from as little as three days to as long as four weeks.

Are you ready to learn more? Click the links to download our free guide Respite Care.

The post Preventing slips, trips and falls at home appeared first on Helping Hands.

Living in your own home whilst being supported by a live-in carer saves you the stress and upheaval of moving into a care home, but also allows you to stay in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of your own home. And with that comes the ability to retain your privacy with the consistency of having care from the same carer that you can build a rapport with and may even consider as a friend or extended member of the family.

How live-in care reinforces privacy for older people

Accepting someone new into your home to help with daily activities including tasks such as personal care, can be quite a daunting prospect. You may have lived alone or with your partner for many years and are used to doing things for yourself, not really wanting or needing help from others. So, when the time comes when you need extra help with home care, it can be quite difficult to adjust. But with a live-in carer, you can rest assured that you will be matched with someone that is similar to you in both personality, interests and experience in your specific healthcare needs.

Once your live-in carer has moved in, there’s no need to worry about having to get used to a pool of different carers like you might have to in a nursing home. Your dedicated carer will get to know you, your routines and preferences so that everything is done exactly the way you like it and your privacy and dignity is maintained to your liking.

Personal hygiene consistency

It’s a highly personal thing to have someone help you wash, go to the toilet and get dressed, which is why it’s important that you are comfortable with the person that is helping you do this. Live-in care means that you’ll get this highly sensitive type of care from the same person, which helps to maintain consistency and enables you to develop trust in your carer. So, if you need help with taking a bath but still like to wash your own face with a damp flannel, we’ll take your lead and assist you as much or as little as you need.

It also means that you know exactly what your personal care routine is without having to get used to a new person each time, which is an uncomfortable prospect for anyone.

Unlimited access to your home and possessions

Receiving care at home from a private carer means that you don’t have to leave your beloved possessions behind like you would if you were moving into residential care; you can be surrounded by your home comforts that you know and love, including living with a partner, spouse or even a pet.

Research shows that things such as using your own toilet, having a well-stocked fridge and having access to your garden are some of the most important home comforts that adults can’t live without, with sleeping in your own bed at the top of the list. For someone that has additional needs, is elderly and has lived in their home for decades, having these home comforts is invaluable for your mental wellbeing and happiness.

Receiving visitors

Seeing family and friends can be something you look forward to and is often the highlight of your week, particularly when grandchildren are involved. Living at home with care means that you can have visitors whenever you wish, and your carer can even accompany you to visit them too – whether that’s meeting them for a gentle stroll in the park or catching up for a coffee and slice of cake.

During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it has been extremely difficult to not have contact with loved ones for several months. Now that lockdown restrictions are easing, those who have home care are able to begin to have visitors again, as long as they abide by social distancing guidelines, which has been a huge reprieve for many elderly people.

Support against scammers

Sadly, we live in a world where scammers exist and usually choose to target those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with additional needs. And with so many different ways that scammers can get in touch with you and find out personal details, it can be incredibly confusing and frightening if you fall victim to a scam.

The most common scams that take place are financial and can occur either over the telephone, via email or the internet, by post or with someone turning up at your front door. The Financial Conduct Authority have advice on how to avoid scams, including not giving out financial information to someone over the phone and treating any unexpected contact from someone trying to sell you something or find out information from you with caution.

A live-in carer can provide you with added protection against scammers, particularly if you easily become confused or aren’t very tech-savvy and live alone. They’ll be there to support you and talk through any scenarios you’re unsure of, as well as being present if anyone decides to knock your door that you’re unsure of.

Device monitoring

If you’re unsteady on your feet or are prone to falls, you may have a personal alarm or fall detector device so that you can have support to safely get back on your feet again or receive medical attention if necessary. However, if you find yourself falling fairly often, you may be anxious about who will be providing your care, as it will most likely be from a different person each time who doesn’t know about you or your care needs. But with live-in care, your carer who you know and knows you, can be on hand immediately to provide support and reassurance at a time that is probably quite distressing.

Your live-in carer will also be aware of warning signs that you might be about to have a fall or certain times in the day when you’re more likely to fall, such as at night. Getting to know you, your routines and your medical history means that they will be able to get proper care in place for you immediately, giving you and your loved one’s peace of mind that you’re in very capable hands at home.

If you’re considering arranging live-in care for yourself or a loved one, you can call our friendly customer care specialists seven days a week, who will be able to arrange a meeting with your local live-in care manager to visit you at home.

The post The Privacy of Live-in Care appeared first on Helping Hands.

Overheating at any time can be a problem. Not only is it uncomfortable for the person involved, it can also lead to health problems and heat stroke, something that’s particularly dangerous for the elderly.

Keeping cool in the warmer weather can be particularly difficult as we get older; we become less able to control our body temperature and dehydrated much more quickly. This is because we tend to sweat less, meaning our bodies find it difficult to stay cool. While this might not be an issue normally, during the summer months it can become a real problem, especially for those with dementia who may forget to drink fluids regularly.

With the weather set to heat up in the coming days and weeks, we’ve put together some tips and hints for how to keep your cool in the hot weather – including an excuse to eat your favourite ice lollies or ice cream!

Keeping cool in hot weather

Keeping cool is not just about the clothes you or your loved ones wear; although choosing your wardrobe wisely will help! Take a look at our top tips to maintain a cooler body temperature below…

Take a rest

Whilst it’s a good idea to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle, try to keep strenuous physical activity to a minimum when it’s warm. Doing too much in the heat can lead to dehydration, which can dramatically hinder the body’s ability to stay cool.

Cooling down

During warmer weather, having cooler showers, baths, or washes can be really refreshing and can also help to lower body temperature too. This, coupled with light, loose clothing made from good-quality cotton can also help to maintain a safe temperature. Taking on plenty of water or juice throughout the day is a must for keeping hydrated. Having a bottle of talc handy can be great for when you’re feeling a bit clammy but aren’t in the vicinity of a shower.

Eat cool foods

Another great way to stay hydrated is to eat foods with a high-water content. This includes salad foods such as cucumber, iceberg lettuce and celery, vegetables such as cauliflower and peppers, and fruits like strawberries, grapefruit and melon. Not forgetting a Mr Whippy or Twister ice lolly as a cooling treat, or an old-school favourite – jelly and ice cream!

Reminders for those living with dementia

Memory loss is one of the main symptoms of dementia, which can be particularly dangerous when the temperature rises and you or a loved one forgets to drink enough water. To make sure that you’re getting enough fluids, why don’t you try the following:

• Use a brightly coloured glass or bottle left in easy reach that’s regularly topped up
• For those who struggle to swallow, purchase a reusable, metal or bamboo straw
• Buy bottles that clearly show how much you’ve drank so you have a target to aim for
• Throw in slices of cucumber, lemon and sprigs of mint to flavour the water and make it that bit tastier

How to keep your home cool

Making sure the home is as cool as possible can really help to avoid overheating.

Keep the heat out

When it’s a hot day outside, take steps to make sure the heat stays away. To do this, keep curtains closed so the sun doesn’t shine into the home. This’ll help to maintain a cooler temperature inside.

Let the air flow through

Once the temperature outside has cooled to less than that indoors, open any windows to allow a breeze to flow through the home.

Keep the air cool

To help cool the air in and around the home, be sure to keep both house plants and outdoor plants nicely watered. Using fans can be great but when it’s extremely hot, fans often just blow warm air instead of cooling you down. Try putting the fan on the floor or low surface and placing a bowl of ice-cold water in front of it to really cool the air.

Cover up

If you or your loved ones need to go outside during the warm weather, try sticking to the coolest time of the day – before 11am and after 3pm. When venturing out, wear sun cream, and keep out of the sun as much as possible. Wearing light hats and scarves are great ways to do this when staying in the shade isn’t possible.

Signs of overheating

When it’s particularly warm outside, it’s important to know the signs if your efforts to keep cool aren’t working, so stay savvy and spot the signs quickly. Overheating may be shown by the following:

• Headaches
• Tiredness
• Confusion and other behavioural changes
• Feeling sick
• Feeling dizzy, weak or faint (and even fainting)
• Muscle spasms or cramps
• Swollen ankles
• Thirstiness
• Dark/strong smelling urine
• Dry mouth, lips and eyes

If you think you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of heat stroke, it’s important to get help immediately, particularly if the person is elderly. Heat stroke can be very serious.

If you need any further advice on keeping yourself or others cool during the warm weather, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

The post Tips for keeping cool in warmer weather appeared first on Helping Hands.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) – sometimes referred to as Pick’s disease or frontal lobe dementia – is the second most commonly diagnosed type of dementia, but it is less common in the over-65 age group with most people being diagnosed between the ages of 45 and 64. Out of the 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia, there are at least 16,000 people living with FTD. With this blog, we explore the common causes and symptoms of FTD and what treatments are available to support you.

What is frontotemporal dementia?

FTD happens when the front and sides – the frontal and temporal lobes – of the brain are damaged by disease and the cells in either or both of these parts of the brain die, leading to symptoms that affect your behaviour, problem-solving, planning, speech and control of emotions.

The cause for why the brain develops this condition is often unknown, but there can be a genetic link. If you have a family history of FTD, you can speak to your doctor about being referred for a genetic test to see if you are at risk.

What are the symptoms?

There are three different types of FTD: behavioural variant and two types of language variants. Unlike other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, the memory generally tends to remain unaffected in the early stages. However, as it progresses, the symptoms for FTD are often similar to the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease. They may become less interested in people and become more restless and agitated.

Behavioural variant FTD is one of the most common types of this form of dementia. During the early stages, changes are often seen in the person’s personality and behaviour, which can often allude to a psychological condition before dementia.

The most common symptoms for someone living with behavioural variant FTD can include:

• Inappropriate behaviour – they could act impulsively or make inappropriate comments
• Lose motivation – they could lose interest in people and activities they used to enjoy
• Lack of empathy – they may become less responsive to the needs of others, show less social interest or become distant
• Repetitive behaviour – this could include the repeated use of phrases or gestures, obsessions with timekeeping or an intense new interest, such as music or spirituality
• Crave unhealthy substances – this can include sweet and fatty foods as well as forgetting table etiquette

These symptoms often develop over a number of years, but the later stages tend to develop into more physical problems, such as:

• Slow and stiff movements
• Incontinence – loss of bladder and bowel control
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty swallowing

The two language variants of FTD are also known as progressive non-fluent aphasia (‘aphasia’ meaning loss of language) and semantic dementia. This is where the earlier symptoms show difficulties with language that progressively get worse over time. These difficulties often present themselves slowly, usually developing over the course of two or more years.

With progressive non-fluent aphasia, common early symptoms may include:

• Slurred speech – they may have slow, hesitant speech that seems difficult to produce
• Grammatical errors – they may have ‘telegraphic speech’ which leaves out small link words such as ‘to’, ‘from’, ‘and’ or ‘the’
• Reduced understanding – they may struggle to understand complex sentences, but not single words

With semantic dementia, there is no impairment to speech. However, people can begin to lose their vocabulary and understanding of objects. Some common early symptoms of semantic dementia are:

• No longer understanding the meaning of familiar words – for example, they may ask, “what is coffee?”
• Using descriptions for objects because they cannot find the right word – for example, they may ask for ‘the thing that turns the television on’ or use the word ‘animal’ instead of ‘dog’
• Finding difficulty in recognising familiar people or common objects

What else can be affected?

Around 10 – 20 per cent of people living with FTD also develop a motor disorder either before or after the start of dementia. These motor disorders cause difficulties with movement, and although they are generally uncommon, they are more likely in people with this form of dementia. They are:

• Motor neurone disease
• Progressive supranuclear palsy
• Corticobasal degeneration

The symptoms of these disorders are often similar, and can include muscle-twitching, stiffness, slow movements and loss of balance or co-ordination. The later stages of these conditions can also cause difficulties with swallowing.

Each of these motor disorders are all progressive diseases of the nervous system, which means that, sadly, they will get worse over time. However, there is an abundance of help available to those living with FTD and the associated motor disorders, whether it is speech & language therapy, physiotherapy or live-in home care packages to give you some extra support at home.

Living with frontotemporal dementia

Sadly, there is currently no cure for frontotemporal dementia, and although medication can’t necessarily stop the progression of frontotemporal dementia, it can help to reduce the symptoms for some people.

Antidepressants can sometimes help the control of compulsive behaviours, and antipsychotics – although rarely used – can be prescribed to control severely challenging behaviour that is putting the person with dementia, or others around them, at risk of harm.

As well as medication, there are a number of alternative therapies and practical measures that can be used to help someone to live well with dementia. These include:

• Occupational therapy – this can identify problem areas in everyday life, such as having a shower and making meals
• Speech & language therapy – this can help to improve any problems with communication or swallowing
• Physiotherapy – to help with any difficulties with movement and mobility
• Relaxation techniques – these can help you or your loved one to be distracted from their symptoms and can include massages, music or dance therapy
• Social interaction – there are many activities, such as dementia cafés, that offer drop-in sessions to get support and advice as well enabling those living with dementia to interact with others
• Strategies for challenging behaviour – these can include distraction techniques, daily routines and ‘brain games’ such as jigsaw or crossword puzzles

Those living with the later stages of FTD often require constant monitoring and support. Here at Helping Hands, our aim is to ensure that we provide the right level of care that is needed to those living with FTD, so that they are enabled to live safely and comfortably in the familiarities of their own home for as long as possible.

Whether that is with regular drop-in visits throughout the day to assist with day-to-day tasks, or a live-in carer to provide round-the-clock support for you or your loved one, we offer tailor-made care packages that are built entirely around you.

To find out more about dementia and its variants, you can visit our dedicated dementia page where you can find more tips on living with the condition, download a Life Story Book template or arrange visiting or live-in care for you or your loved one.

To read about the different types of dementia, please click here.

The post Living with Frontotemporal Dementia – Common Symptoms and Treatments appeared first on Helping Hands.

Medication can also pose a risk, especially if it’s used incorrectly or not stored away. Take a read of our guide to medication safety at home and how to keep you and your family safe.

Know your dosage

It might seem simple but knowing how much of your medication you should be taking and how often is incredibly important. Administering too much or taking it outside of specific hours can be harmful and lead to serious health risks.

By checking how much you should take in a certain time period, you can ensure that the risks are kept to a minimum. It might also be worth setting a timer to remind you when it is safe to take your next dose of medication.

Over time, depending on your condition and requirements, your GP might suggest a higher or lower dose. But you should never change your dose without first consulting them first.

Keeping to a medication routine

Managing your medication can be a challenge. You might forget to take your tablets on occasions or topping them up when you begin to run low. And that’s understandable if you’re taking medication for the first time.

Tools such as pill organisers are great for making sure you have enough medication for the week and an idea of how much you have in stock. They can also act as prompts to remind you that you need to take your medication.

Depending on the type of medication you’re on, you might be required to take it at a specific point, such as at night or with meals. Try to keep these points the same for each day so you can get into a routine and stay on track of what you need.

If you forget to take your medication, don’t be tempted to take it twice at the next point to catch up as this can be dangerous to your health. Just make sure that you take the recommended dose and if you’re worried about having missed some, speak to your doctor straightaway.

Check your labels

If you’re starting your medication for the first time, try and understand as much as you can about what you will be taking and how to administer it. Read through the label with your doctor and ask questions if something doesn’t make sense.

It’s still worth checking over the label even if you’ve been taking the same medication for a long time just to double-check you’re still taking it correctly. Complacency with medication can be dangerous.

Labels can also provide information about the risks of taking your prescribed medication with certain foods or even other medication you might be on. It’s not uncommon to experience side-effects from medication either, but don’t reach for other tablets without first consulting your doctor.

Remember, these side-effects are normally temporary while your body gets used to the medication.

Safe storage to keep the rest of the family safe

The way you store your medication is just as important as sticking to the recommended dose and a routine, especially if you have young children in your house. When you’ve taken your medication, keep it stored in a hard to reach place.

Some medication might be required to be stored in a fridge or kept to a certain temperature, but if this is the case then make sure it cannot spill or leak onto food, or be picked up by accident. Many bottled medications have a child-lock lid, but if it doesn’t then keep them well out of sight or towards the back of the cupboard or fridge.

Though medication tends to have a long expiry date, you should always check that your tablets are still in date. This is especially important if you come across things like paracetamol in the back of the cupboard or drawer. And do not take anything which has passed the expiry date.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Having to be on medication takes some getting used to, especially in the early stages, but if you’re ever in any doubt about whether it is right for you or you’re struggling to remember to take it, speak to a doctor.

Our carers can also pop in and check that you have enough of your medication and that you’ve safely taken it, or even administer if necessary.

When it comes to medication at home, it’s important to remember that there is always help to make sure you and your family are safe.

The post How to Take Your Medicine Safely at Home appeared first on Helping Hands.

And one which does not necessarily come without its difficulties. It can be upsetting to watch our loved ones age, and potentially change. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that things have to change, or you have to compromise your former way of life.

Accepting support can help you to embrace these changes, and working with them to maintain independence and your usual high quality of life.

There are a number of things to keep an eye out for that could suggest your elderly relative might be needing some extra support for themselves or around the house.
Things to look out for include:

Neglecting personal hygiene

Noticing a decline in hygiene levels, or lack of desire to keep on top of that sort of thing could highlight the need for some encouragement at home. We all know that our elderly relatives can be proud, and stubborn and sometimes this stubbornness can take over!

It can be quite a shock to notice that your mum or dad has decided against washing their hair for a week or so, or decides that a food spillage on an item of clothing is nothing to worry about. Prompts, encouragement or even direct help with personal care can be put in place to keep on top of on any hygiene concerns that you may have.

To support one of your parents with their personal care is a big step, and a boundary that lots of people do not feel comfortable crossing. A home care provider such as ourselves can eliminate some of the embarrassment of having a conversation about personal hygiene, and also get the much needed support in to place.

An unkempt home, and ignored chores

Sometimes it is the smaller things in home life that make the biggest difference. An untouched pile of laundry, dirty dishes abandoned in the sink, muddy footprints dried on the floor. Keeping on top of the housework and day to day running of a home can become exhausting, and no longer a priority.

This could be due to illness or because supporting each others’ wellness takes priority, when in your younger years this wouldn’t have been as high a consideration. Your quality of life can be greatly affected by your environment. Domestic help, or running errands could become the job of your carer. It doesn’t have to take a long time, and doesn’t have to encroach on your personal space more than necessary. You could have some support on a weekly, or even fortnightly basis to help you keep on top of the jobs that are becoming more strenuous than they once were.

Fluctuating Weight

A sudden change in your parents’ weight is something to pay very close attention to. Monitoring for any unintentional, rapid loss of weight can be a good way of keeping on top of your parents’ health in general.
Malnutrition, although not the same thing as weight loss, can go hand in hand with a sudden decline or increase in weight. But can also be a sign of other underlying health problems. 

It’s a good idea to regularly monitor your parents’ weight if you are noticing any changes. Remember, they can have help at home with cooking, feeding and nutrition on the whole to ensure they are staying as fit and healthy as possible.  According to the website ‘Better Health While Aging’ the general rule when monitoring weight is that unintentionally losing 5% of one’s original body weight over the course of 3-6 months is cause for concern.

You should also keep an eye out for appetite loss, or a noticeable decline in energy or strength to get around.

A decline in their cognitive state

You will know from your experience with the elderly, that as they age, their mental capacity isn’t guaranteed to stay as sharp as it once was. Forgetfulness or repeatedly losing track of things could be a sign of an underlying problem such as dementia, but it’s important to remember that this is not necessarily the case. There are a few things to look out for that could suggest your elderly parent or loved one is need of some extra support:

The constant misplacing of things 

To forget where your keys are once or twice can be frustrating! But you might start to pick up on the fact that your mum or dad is losing the same thing over and over again, and it is in a very obvious place. Misplacing something, or forgetting where things are repeatedly can be a sign that your parents could benefit from some light support at home.

Miss-paid or unpaid bills

Forgetting about or ignoring bills can be another sign that your family needs some help. Gentle prompts or reminders can go a long way in helping your relatives stay on top of what they need to do to keep things ticking over nicely.

Memory lapses

Spells of forgetfulness, or black-out periods can certainly be cause for concern. You worry that your mum or dad could be at risk if they are unaware of what they have been doing or where they were. Depending on the severity of this you might want to get some care in to place to keep your parents safe when you are not able to be there. Consider a few visits a day to keep an eye on things, or a full-time live-in carer for constant support and supervision.

Getting older can be scary, and we all worry about our parents or older relatives throughout our lives regardless of their age. But old age, and the difficulties that come with it do not have to mean the end of their independence or a dangerous, or unclean living condition. Implementing a light level of support can really make a difference to your elderly parents’ lives, ensuring they have someone there even when you’re not able to be.

The post Signs that your aging parents need help appeared first on Helping Hands.

Just last month, The Guardian reported that carbon monoxide poisoning was the likely cause of death of two people – and hospitalised five others – at a property in north London.

We take a look at the warning signs of leaking gas in the home, some top tips from our care team, and also share how one quick-thinking carer managed to save a customer from a serious leak.

Why carbon monoxide is ‘the silent killer’?

The term ‘silent killer’ is often used when talking about carbon monoxide because it’s an odourless yet incredibly toxic gas. Faulty gas appliances and paraffin heaters can lead to a greater risk of harmful carbon monoxide being released into the home.

In the case in north London, a faulty boiler was found to be the culprit, but it can also be the result of central heating systems, heaters, cookers, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.

And because the gas cannot be seen, tasted, or even smelt, the best defence you have against carbon monoxide is prevention.

Carbon Monoxide warning signs to look out for

Though carbon monoxide itself is the master of disguise, it does give a number of warning signs that it is present. It’s important to not only recognise these but to also understand how to act if you suspect carbon monoxide to be leaking in your home.

These symptoms are major carbon monoxide red flags:

• Headaches
• Nausea or dizziness
• Breathlessness
• Vomiting
• Stomach pains
• Drowsiness
• Suddenly collapsing or losing consciousness

If you start to notice any of these signs, it’s important that you act quickly and seek medical attention if you start feeling unwell.

What to do if you suspect carbon monoxide

The first step you must take is evacuate your home and open all the windows. After leaving your home, keep as calm as possible, ring the gas company and the emergency services.

As carbon monoxide can be caused by gas and appliances, switch these off immediately and either call the gas company or emergency services. Get out of the house and open all the windows to ventilate the area.

A near miss that prompted action

Louise, one of our live-in carers, shares a flat with her customer which uses gas heating. In September last year, her customer began feeling ill and was in and out of hospital with feelings of lethargy and not taking in fluids or foods.

An email from us about the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning flagged the warning signs to Louise that something wasn’t quite right and encouraged her to seek medical advice.

After joining the dots, Louise raised the alarm to British Gas. It was later found that a boiler with piping fitted incorrectly was to blame.

Fortunately, thanks to swift action, both Louise and her customer are feeling much better. A carbon monoxide detector has also been installed which is tested regularly and the boiler has also been repaired.

Steps to prevent carbon monoxide build-up in your home

Installing a carbon monoxide detector in the home is the simplest way to be alerted if the gas starts to build up in your home, so ensure that these are in place and tested on a regular basis.

Some detectors have a digital display which shows how much carbon monoxide is in your home. Any figure higher than 70 parts per million could lead to noticeable and severe effects if exposed to it for a long period of time.

And if you have an elderly relative or neighbour, make sure that they understand the dangers of using gas appliances in winter and that they have a fully-working detector. Local fire stations and services often install alarms – both for carbon monoxide and smoke – and replace the batteries for vulnerable adults for free. Contact them to see if they can help.

Staying vigilant at all times, but especially during the winter months, is another way to keep you and or a loved one safe. An unusually high amount of smoke from an open fire is a significant indicator that carbon monoxide is present and if you use a gas hob, the flame should always be blue and not yellow or orange.

As well as carbon monoxide detectors, ensure that all fire alarms are working and tested, as well as servicing boilers each year by a qualified technician. A blocked chimney can also cause carbon monoxide, so make sure these are cleaned every year.

Small actions and steps such as these are the most effective at preventing a carbon monoxide build-up and can put your family’s safety first. But if you’re worried about the effects of carbon monoxide, speak to your local authorities.

The post Carbon monoxide – is your home safe? appeared first on Helping Hands.

As we get older, we become less able to control their body’s temperature. This is because we tend to sweat less, meaning our bodies find it difficult to stay cool. While this might not be an issue normally, during the summer months it can become a real problem.

Here at Helping Hands, we’ve created our top tips to help make sure you and your loved ones stay safe in the summer heat. Ranging from diet tips to ideas for creating a cool routine, you’ll find a broad variety of ideas to try out as the temperature rises.

Keeping cool in hot weather

Keeping cool is not just about the clothes you or your loved ones wear, although choosing your wardrobe wisely will help! Take a look at our top tips to maintain a cooler body temperature below:

Take a rest

While it’s a good idea to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle, try to keep strenuous physical activity to a minimum when it’s warm. Doing too much in the heat can lead to dehydration, which can dramatically hinder the body’s ability to stay cool.

Cooling down

During warmer weather, having cooler showers, baths, or washes can be really refreshing, and can even lower body temperature too. This, coupled with light, loose clothing made from cotton can also help to maintain a safe temperature. Taking on plenty of water or juice throughout the day can help too.

Eat cool foods

Another great way to stay hydrated is to eat foods with a high water content. This includes salad foods such as cucumber, iceberg lettuce and celery, vegetables such as cauliflower and peppers, and fruits like strawberries, grapefruit and melon.

How to keep your home cool

Making sure the home is as cool as possible can really help in avoiding overheating.

Keep the heat out

When it’s a hot day outside, take steps to make sure the heat stays away. To do this, keep curtains closed so the sun doesn’t shine into the home. This’ll help to maintain a cooler temperature inside.

Let the air flow through

Once the temperature outside has cooled to less than that indoors, open any windows to allow a breeze to flow through the home.

Keep the air cool

To help cool the air in and around the home, be sure to keep both house plants and outdoor plants nicely watered. As well as this, try spraying water on the ground outside to help cool the air, without causing a slip hazard.

Cover up

If you or your loved ones need to go outside during the warm weather, try sticking to the coolest time of the day – before 11 am and after 3 pm. Upon venturing out, wear sun cream, and keep out of the sun as much as possible. Wearing light hats and scarves are great ways to do this, when staying in the shade isn’t possible.

Signs of overheating

When it’s particularly warm outside, it’s important to know the signs that your efforts to keep cool aren’t working, so stay savvy and spot the signs quickly. Overheating may be shown in the following:

• Headaches
• Tiredness
• Confusion and other behavioural changes
• Feeling sick
• Feeling dizzy, weak or faint (and even fainting)
• Muscle spasms or cramps
• Swollen ankles
• Thirstiness

If you think you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of heat stroke, it’s important to get help immediately, particularly if the person is elderly – heat stroke can be very serious.

If you need any further advice on keeping yourself or others cool during the warm weather, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

For more handy insights into the work we do here at Helping Hands, take a look at our blog.

The post Top tips on keeping cool in warm weather appeared first on Helping Hands.