Preventing Falls

An elderly person (80+) , falls every 10 seconds in the UK. * This means that around six elderly people fall every minute in the UK, equating to around 8,500 falls a day.

How can you prevent falls:

  • immediately mop up spillages
  • remove clutter, trailing wires and frayed carpet
  • use non-slip mats and rugs
  • make sure all rooms, passages and staircases are well lit
  • organising your home so that climbing, stretching and bending are kept to a minimum, and to avoid bumping into things
  • getting help to do things you are unable to do safely on your own
  • not walking on slippery floors in socks or tights
  • not wearing loose-fitting, trailing clothes that might trip you up
  • wearing well-fitting shoes that are in good condition and support the ankle
  • taking care of your feet by trimming your toenails regularly and seeing a GP or podiatrist (foot health professional) about any foot problems

 

*From an analysis by TakingCare Personal Alarms.

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Don’t put me in a care home!

How many times have you heard this in a conversation? Whatever you do, don’t put me in a home!

Nobody likes to think about the future and what happens when your parents or close relatives will get to an age where they will need to start looking for care, but it is likely that at some point in your life, you will need to start looking into care options.

For many people, the thought of going into a care home is daunting and full of dread. People are of an age where they actually don’t want change. It can be quite distressing, especially for someone who has Alzheimer’s or Dementia, where routine is key. To be in surroundings that they are familiar with and to have a sense of independence is paramount for many people.

“When we put my grandma in a home, over 20 years ago now, I remember visiting her and she said to me, Katy, I hate it in here. It was a lovely home, and my grandma’s family had chosen somewhere that would suit her with large grounds for walks and supportive, friendly staff. But the fact is, my grandma was an incredibly independent lady, captain of the lady’s golf club for many years and well respected within the community.

My grandad had passed away a couple of years before and she was living on her own. The family made the decision that it would be safer for Grandma to go into a home. However, in those days, there wasn’t the option for live-in care. I think for my grandma at this point, a live-in carer would have been a much better option. She had her own home in a suburban area, near the golf course, with a beautiful garden and all her antique collections around her that she had collected over the years from round the world trips. Grandma went from this, to one bedroom in the care home. She used to drive the other residents crazy as she insisted on sitting in the chair that had the sun shining on it and would move people to do this.

To think now that live-in care would have been a valid option for grandma makes me feel sad for missed opportunities. I know she would have loved to be able to stay in her own home which she lived in with my grandad for many years, with all those memories. She had the space, with a spare room to accommodate a full time carer to live with her. She would have had companionship, help with regular household duties, someone to prepare meals and to take her out to meet her golfing friends. She would have been able to hold onto her independence and to sit in her chair, in the sun, by the patio doors looking out onto her garden that grandad had spent so many years tending to”. Katy Harrison, Marketing Manager, Noble Live-in Care.

A care home is suitable for many people but it is not the only option. Get in touch with us today to get some impartial advice from our experienced team. We would love to help you in finding the right option for you and your loved one.

 

A care home is suitable for many people but it is not the only option. Get in touch with us today to get some impartial advice from our experienced team. We would love to help you in finding the right option for you and your loved one.

Contact us directly on +44 (0) 333 121 2601 or click here for more information.

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Meet Rebecca – Head of Nursing

Rebecca qualified as a Registered Nurse in 2011. Her journey in care began in the community before commencing her Nursing Degree at 18 years of age. Rebecca’s first job was in a high dependency respiratory unit following completion of her respiratory qualifications, she then wanted further challenges so completed her intensive care qualification and moved onto work in ITU.

Rebecca left the acute sector to pursue a life at sea as a nursing officer where she nursed the crew and public, this involved critical life scenarios & marine emergencies. She enjoyed her ventures around the world, until she realised it was time to return home to England.

Following Rebecca’s return home, she moved into the community setting, qualifying in practice nursing and realised she wanted to combine her acute setting and community skills by supporting individuals with complex health and social needs in the community setting.

So Rebecca began her complex journey and soon found her “home from home” within City and County healthcare, as a Community Complex Nurse, playing a key role in supporting the transition from acute settings to home of some of the most clinically complex individuals in our communities.

Rebecca says …

“Where there was a challenge – We found a way! There is nothing more fulfilling for me, than seeing people at home, where they wish to be, and who are we to let their medical condition get in the way? We make the impossible, seem possible.

I am proud and humble to now be head of nursing for all of our complex operational divisions, across the south of England, and thank everyone that has enabled me to be here.

As head of nursing, I enjoy working with a great team of experienced registered nurses, and operational persons. Every day is different and we are challenged often. But with the team we have, nothing is ever impossible. We continue to learn, strive and achieve the best for our clients, and care workers.”

“My favourite quote is from Ghandi: ‘You must be the change you wish to see in the world’ ”.

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