Author: Marketing

It’s officially the start of summer, and while many of us enjoy the warmer weather, with temperatures set to soar in the coming weeks, it’s also a time when those who are elderly or vulnerable may be at risk.

The fact is, there are some groups who are more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions than most, which includes, the very old or very young, those who have mobility issues, sufferers of chronic health conditions including heart and respiratory issues, and those with extreme mental health issues.

During extremely hot weather older people can suffer effects on their health and can be more vulnerable to illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke and dehydration.

At Secure Healthcare solutions, all of our staff are trained to take extra care of you, or your loved ones in the heat, but here are some tips to help you to protect anyone who may be vulnerable this summer.

Keeping the Home Cool

Ideally, your home should be no hotter than around 21 degrees to promote good health. Investing in electric fans, and ensuring that they are placed in areas that will keep you/your loved one cool. Keep curtains drawn in times of direct sunlight to help to keep rooms as shaded as possible, and wherever you can, try and avoid metallic blinds which conduct further heat. Ideally where possible maintain a steady flow of air around the home, by opening windows and doors, but keeping in mind the safety of any vulnerable person within the home, and the security risks.

Hydration For Vulnerable People

It’s essential to stay hydrated when the weather is extreme. If the person you care for has mobility issues, ensure that there is fresh water nearby, and consider keeping ice chips available for those who have trouble drinking. Consider having alternatives like ice lollies, or juices available. It’s very easy for a vulnerable person to become dehydrated without letting you know, so consider things like setting timers to remind them/you to drink.

Keeping Safe in the Sun

It’s strongly advisable that anyone, vulnerable or not, stays out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, the hottest parts of the day. If you are going out with a vulnerable adult, or child, ensure that they have adequate sun protection in the form of suncream of a high SPF factor, appropriate hats to keep shade on the face, and stay in the shade where possible.

Cooling Down

During those particularly hot and humid times, there are some actions you can take to keep you or your loved one cool. For quick relief, running wrists or ankles under cold water can help to reduce body temperatures and cool down. A cool shower can also help, but where there are mobility issues, consider things like cooling mists or even a water spray to help alleviate the uncomfortable feelings associated with hot weather.

Appropriate Clothing and Bedding

Ensure that loose light clothing is worn, avoiding colours that promote heat, such as black trousers or t-shirts. Also, ensure that bedding is not conducting heat. Light coloured covers and cotton sheets are best. Where possible, move to a lightweight low tog duvet, or even just sheets to ensure that you don’t become overheated in bed.

 

At Secure Healthcare Solutions, all of our staff are fully trained to deal with caring for you or your family in extreme weather, and take the upmost care to ensure that all of our customers are comfortable and retain dignity in hot weather conditions.

Get in touch with us to find out how we can help you with your care at home needs.

 

 

 

 

Dementia is an umbrella term which is used to describe a number of brain conditions that affect cognitive ability. There are around 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and this is expected to rise to 1 million by 2025. As the population ages, this is expected to rise to 2 million by 2051.

Dementia is now the leading cause of death in the UK, and for those living with dementia and their loved ones, it can be very distressing.

While dementia is a growing issue, there are some steps we can take to try to protect against the disease, which we will explore here.

Sleep and Dementia

Various studies have found a link between a long term lack of sleep and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In fact a recent study has shown that one night of sleep deprivation can increase the levels of a protein that puts you at risk.

It is therefore advisable to try and maintain a regular sleep schedule. Try and go to bed and get up at the same time each day, even the weekends, so keep a regular sleep pattern. Avoid eating or exercising within 2 hours of going to bed, and ensure that sleep disorders are well treated.

Best Food to Eat to Avoid Dementia

There is a range of evidence to show that your diet can very much help to protect your brain against cognitive decline. Diets such as the MIND diet, and also the Mediterranean diet are suggested as being useful to ensure good brain health.

Eating food rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as oily fish, combined with healthy greens, lentils, pulses and whole grains can help you to protect against dementia.

Stress and Dementia

Being exposed to prolonged periods of stress can be linked to an increased risk of dementia. When we are stressed for a long time, the body releases cortisol which can damage the immune system which is known to play a part in developing dementia. Stress is also linked to depression, a second risk factor in developing the disease.

Making changes to lifestyle to avoid stress can be very beneficial for your brain. Things, like taking more exercise if you are able, practising mindfulness, plus making practical changes to avoid stressful situations, can be helpful.

Exercise to Avoid Dementia

According to the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, regular physical exercise can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 50%.

Ideally one should aim for 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise 5 times per week, doing a mixture of cardio and weight training. However, if you are new to exercise, things, like wearing a fitness tracker and just heading outdoors a few times per day, can be very beneficial.

Keep Your Brain Active to Avoid Dementia

Of course, one of the best ways to ensure that brain function does not dimish is by keeping it regularly ‘exercised’. This can take the form of constant learning, whether through books, online or by taking a class. A higher level of education is linked with better mental functioning in old age, so it’s very much worth ensuring that you keep mentally active.

 

 

 

When you are looking for care at home services for yourself or a family member, it’s understandable that you want to ensure that you are finding the agency who will provide the best possible care. With many care agencies to choose from, it can be daunting trying to work out who will be the right provider for you, so here we explore some questions to ask, that will help you to come to the right decision.

Do you have carers that can help with the type of care that I need?

It’s vital that your care at home provider has staff who are able to deal correctly with the needs of you or your loved one. It is a truth that all people are different, and in the case of care at home, needs vary from simple help with everyday things that may have become difficult as the body gets older, to complex care needs that require a specialist nurse or healthcare worker.

What checks do you undertake on your carers?

You of course want to be assured that you are in the best possible hands, after all, you are inviting a care worker into your home. Ask your agency what background checks are undertaken on their care providers, including if a DBS is undertaken, and what types of references are provided.

Will you undertake an assessment on my or my relative’s needs?

To be able to offer a truly personalised service, your care at home agency should offer to undertake a full assessment of your requirements.

Are you able to provide 24 hour care?

For many people who require care at home, services are needed around the clock. As your agency not only if they are able to provide care at all hours, but what support is available in the event of any issues.

Will I get the same member of staff looking after me each time?

It’s very important that you feel comfortable with the person who will be taking care of you, after all, you may spend a lot of time with them, therefore it may be far better for you if you see the same one or two carers regularly. Ask your agency if you will be provided with the same carers each time.

At Secure Healthcare Solutions, we work with you to find the best carer to suit your needs. We understand that everyone is different, and that is why we offer a tailored care plan, that is completely individual to you and your needs.

Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you.

 

Secure Healthcare solutions are pleased to announce that we are now offering care at home services in the Derby area.

Whatever your needs, our fully trained, compassionate and expert carers can assist.

Our care at home services offer you, or your loved one the choice to stay at home with support which is completely tailored to your needs. Whether you are looking for help around the house for those little jobs that are too demanding or require 24-hour care at home, we are here to help.

Here are some of the solutions we can offer

Respite Care in Derby

Undertaking care of a loved one can be demanding. Our respite care services allow you to take a break, while knowing that the person you care for will be looked after in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own home.

From a few hours to a few weeks, Secure Healthcare solutions can offer you a tailored solution for respite care for you.

Personal Care at Home – Derby Area

When facing illness or mobility issues, it can be difficult to carry out activities that you had previously performed easily. Our care services are there the help support you with everyday living so that you can remain at home, just with a little help. Our carers understand your need to maintain dignity, and will always assist you with the upmost respect, ensuring that you feel comfortable at all times.

Complex Care at Home Services

Our complex care is a one to one service specifically tailored for those who are affected by complex health conditions including

• Ventilator dependencies
• Acquired brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Learning disabilities
• Mental health conditions
• Dementia
• Neurological disorders
• Paediatric care needs
• Palliative care needs

Our highly trained staff including clinical nurses can help you or a loved one with these needs. Whether you require round the clock assistance, or someone to check in a few times our day, our excellent carers can help you.

Why Choose Secure Healthcare Solutions?

Choosing Secure Healthcare as your homecare provider means that you will have a personalised service which is completely tailored to your needs. We pride ourselves on treating our clients with the same care, kindness and dignity with which we would expect our family to be treated.

 

If you are looking for care at home services in the Wolverhampton area – Secure Healthcare Solutions can help you. Whether you require some time ‘off’ from caring from a loved one, or are looking for a longer term solution, our respite care services mean that the person you usually care for can stay comfortably at home, being looked after by one of our fantastic carers.

What is respite care?

Respite care is quite simply a short period where a care-giver gets some time off, and hands over responsibility as a carer to a care home or agency. Being a care provider for a family member, spouse or partner can be exhausting, and it’s vital that you get some time off, for both your own mental and physical wellbeing and also in order to be able to provide the best care possible.

Respite care at home

For many people who require care and support, it can be comforting for care to take place at home. If the primary carer needs a break, or has other responsibilities, they can often be put off from considering respite care if it takes place at a secondary location. That’s why respite care which takes place in the home can be a popular option. It provides the carer with a much-needed rest but allows the person being cared for to remain in a familiar environment.

How long does respite care last for?

Respite care can cover anything from a few hours to a few weeks. It may be that you have an appointment or responsibility that is incompatible with your care schedule, or you may be looking to go on a much needed holiday. Caring for a person with specific needs can be extremely demanding, and by giving yourself time to refresh your mind and body, you can come back to your care role with renewed energy.

Why choose Secure Healthcare Solutions for Respite Care?

At Secure Healthcare Solutions, we understand the demands that are placed upon you when caring for a loved one. We also understand your worries and fears when passing that responsibility onto someone else. That’s why we work with you to come up with a tailored care plan and can assist with any type of care responsibility. From checking up a couple of times a day via a healthcare assistant, to around the clock cover with a specialised nurse, we work with you to find the best care solutions. All of our carers and nurses are fully trained and vetted and will help to look after your family in their own home, providing not just medical or physical support, but true companionship and care. Our services cover the entire West Midlands area, so get in touch to find out how we can help you.

 

 

If you are looking for care at home services in the Wolverhampton area – Secure Healthcare Solutions can help you. Whether you require some time ‘off’ from caring from a loved one, or are looking for a longer term solution, our respite care services mean that the person you usually care for can stay comfortably at home, being looked after by one of our fantastic carers.

What is respite care?

Respite care is quite simply a short period where a care-giver gets some time off, and hands over responsibility as a carer to a care home or agency. Being a care provider for a family member, spouse or partner can be exhausting, and it’s vital that you get some time off, for both your own mental and physical wellbeing and also in order to be able to provide the best care possible.

Respite care at home

For many people who require care and support, it can be comforting for care to take place at home. If the primary carer needs a break, or has other responsibilities, they can often be put off from considering respite care if it takes place at a secondary location. That’s why respite care which takes place in the home can be a popular option. It provides the carer with a much-needed rest but allows the person being cared for to remain in a familiar environment.

How long does respite care last for?

Respite care can cover anything from a few hours to a few weeks. It may be that you have an appointment or responsibility that is incompatible with your care schedule, or you may be looking to go on a much needed holiday. Caring for a person with specific needs can be extremely demanding, and by giving yourself time to refresh your mind and body, you can come back to your care role with renewed energy.

Why choose Secure Healthcare Solutions for Respite Care?

At Secure Healthcare Solutions, we understand the demands that are placed upon you when caring for a loved one. We also understand your worries and fears when passing that responsibility onto someone else. That’s why we work with you to come up with a tailored care plan and can assist with any type of care responsibility. From checking up a couple of times a day via a healthcare assistant, to around the clock cover with a specialised nurse, we work with you to find the best care solutions. All of our carers and nurses are fully trained and vetted and will help to look after your family in their own home, providing not just medical or physical support, but true companionship and care. Our services cover the entire West Midlands area, so get in touch to find out how we can help you.

 

 

If you have made the decision to seek a homecare provider for you or a loved one, it can be difficult to know which type of carer is right for you. With a range of services available, how do you choose what type of support you require?

There are various types of home care services, and it’s important that you source the type of carer who will not only meet your needs but will also fit in well with your lifestyle. Here we explore some of the ways in which a home carer could help you.

Live In Care

For many, as we get older, we require more support to enable us to do the things which we had previously done with ease, making our once easy to navigate homes more difficult to get around and maintain. However, for many people, the prospect of either downsizing to another home, or moving into a care home is not a favourable option.

A live-in carer can help you or your loved one to stay in your own home, with one to one support that will help to maintain independence. From being an extra pair of hands around the house, helping you to undertake tasks that may have got a little harder such as cooking and cleaning, to complex care of those suffering from conditions such as dementia or Parkinsons, a live-in carer will help you or your loved one to stay at home for longer.

Care At Home For Someone Suffering From Dementia

For those suffering from dementia, staying at home can be incredibly beneficial, allowing them to live in familiar surroundings with memory triggers close at home. In fact, a recent study suggests that 85% of those in early stages of dementia state a preference to stay at home for as long as possible.

Dementia is, of course, a complex condition, and level of care required is likely to change as the disease progresses. With options available such as a carer visiting a few times a day, to 24 around the clock care at home, there are options to help those with dementia to stay at home for as long as possible.

 

Respite Care

Caring for a loved one can be exhausting, and sometimes carers just need a break for a short period. Respite care can be a bit of a lifeline for those caring for a partner, child or parent. Respite care at home means that you do not have to put the person you are caring for into residential respite care and can instead have someone come to their home and care for them, just like you would. In fact, the flexibility of respite care at home means that you can get cover for any period of time, from a few hours to go out or relax, to a few weeks.

Secure Healthcare Solutions offers a range of care at home services, all completely tailored to you, and all provided by the highest quality healthcare assistants or nurses. We cover all areas of the West Midlands and are available 24/7 to assist you.

 

If you have made the decision to seek a homecare provider for you or a loved one, it can be difficult to know which type of carer is right for you. With a range of services available, how do you choose what type of support you require?

There are various types of home care services, and it’s important that you source the type of carer who will not only meet your needs but will also fit in well with your lifestyle. Here we explore some of the ways in which a home carer could help you.

Live In Care

For many, as we get older, we require more support to enable us to do the things which we had previously done with ease, making our once easy to navigate homes more difficult to get around and maintain. However, for many people, the prospect of either downsizing to another home, or moving into a care home is not a favourable option.

A live-in carer can help you or your loved one to stay in your own home, with one to one support that will help to maintain independence. From being an extra pair of hands around the house, helping you to undertake tasks that may have got a little harder such as cooking and cleaning, to complex care of those suffering from conditions such as dementia or Parkinsons, a live-in carer will help you or your loved one to stay at home for longer.

Care At Home For Someone Suffering From Dementia

For those suffering from dementia, staying at home can be incredibly beneficial, allowing them to live in familiar surroundings with memory triggers close at home. In fact, a recent study suggests that 85% of those in early stages of dementia state a preference to stay at home for as long as possible.

Dementia is, of course, a complex condition, and level of care required is likely to change as the disease progresses. With options available such as a carer visiting a few times a day, to 24 around the clock care at home, there are options to help those with dementia to stay at home for as long as possible.

 

Respite Care

Caring for a loved one can be exhausting, and sometimes carers just need a break for a short period. Respite care can be a bit of a lifeline for those caring for a partner, child or parent. Respite care at home means that you do not have to put the person you are caring for into residential respite care and can instead have someone come to their home and care for them, just like you would. In fact, the flexibility of respite care at home means that you can get cover for any period of time, from a few hours to go out or relax, to a few weeks.

Secure Healthcare Solutions offers a range of care at home services, all completely tailored to you, and all provided by the highest quality healthcare assistants or nurses. We cover all areas of the West Midlands and are available 24/7 to assist you.

 

If you work in the healthcare profession, you may, at some point considered using a nursing agency. Whether you are a RGN, a healthcare assistant, or any other type of nurse practitioner, at Secure Healthcare Solutions, we have a range of excellent roles available on an agency basis.

But what are the benefits of working through a nursing agency, and should you consider it?

Pay For Agency Nursing

Generally speaking, the pay you will receive as an agency nurse or healthcare worker will be higher than if you worked directly for an employer. As an agency worker, you are able to work as many shifts as you like for a good hourly rate, so can take control of your earning potential. At Secure Healthcare Solutions, a nursing agency in Birmingham, covering all of the West Midlands, payment is made weekly meaning that you are never waiting on your wages!

Flexible Nursing Shifts

One of the biggest benefits for many staff looking to use a healthcare agency is the flexibility it allows. As an agency worker, you can choose your own shifts, work at times that suit you and fit around your home and family life, and avoid working shifts that are not suitable for you, such as nights. For many nurses and healthcare workers, the ability to choose your hours is one of the main reasons to choose nursing agency work.

Experience

As an agency nurse, you can attain a wider level of experience, as you can work in different environments. For many healthcare workers, they would have previously only worked in one area such as a specific hospital department. Agency nurses get to experience a range of facilities, such as care homes, prisons and also benefit from being able to work across departments within hospitals, giving them a greater breadth of experience with which they can boost their long-term career prospects.

Developing Skills as an Agency Nurse

When you work in the same setting for a long period of time, many of the skills you learnt in training can go unused for a period of time, making you less confident in those areas. As an agency nurse of healthcare assistant, you get to develop these skills as you are working in a range of environments.

Looking for Nursing Roles in the West Midlands?

As a leading healthcare agency based in the West Midlands, Secure Healthcare Solutions can help you to find your perfect healthcare role today. You can browse our selection of available nursing roles in the West Midlands

Or why not call us on 0121 285 9449 and speak to one of our friendly team who can advise you about the roles and opportunities on offer.