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As you get older it could be that you lose your appetite. There are many reasons for this, whether it is due to medical issues such as dysphagia, stomach and digestion issues, or mental health conditions that make them not hungry. This can be a struggle for a carer or family member who looks after them as they need to eat to get vital nutrients and minerals in their body to ensure they keep their strength up. If you are looking for ways to combat lack of appetite in the elderly, here are some ways that you can help. Whether you are a home carer or looking for a home carer to assist with your personal care at home services, then we are here to help.

Think about food texture

It is important to consider the texture of food when giving it to someone. If they are suffering from difficulty swallowing, sore gums or a dry mouth then you don’t want foods that are going to exacerbate that. It is a good idea to try foods such as soups, stews and smoothies which can help provide them with nutrients without being painful or difficult to eat. You can also liaise with their doctor to see if there is anything they can advise.

Enjoy meals with them

Meals can be much more enjoyable if they are eaten with someone. As a home carer, you might not be able to eat at the same time as your client, but you could stay and keep them company. Sometimes just having a bit of extra company while you eat can be a real encouragement. Alternatively you

Find flavoured foods

As you get older your taste buds can weaken and this can make food seem much more unappealing. If this is the reason for loss of appetite then it is a good idea to focus on food that stimulates flavour. This includes things such as garlic, chilli and other herbs and spices. Plain food such as rice or pasta can seem extremely flavourless if they are served on their own.

Encourage meals that are smaller but more often

If your loved one or the one you provide personal care for has a lack of appetite then it could be that they benefit more from meals that are little or often. A big meal can seem overwhelming so instead, try to help them to eat a few times a day, with less on their plates. As long as they are getting the right nutrients and vitamins throughout the day it doesn’t matter how many meals this is spread over.

Look into a meal delivery service

It can be a struggle for elderly people to cook food and if they have something such as dementia they might forget to prepare something or not remember how to use the oven. It might also be dangerous for them to do so. If this is the case, it can be a good idea to use a meal delivery service. There are many companies out there where you select meals for the next week the week before, and then they get delivered at mealtimes. These are healthy and nutritious and can cater for dietary needs.

If an elderly relative or someone you care for is suffering from a lack of appetite then these top tips can help to get them back on track. For care at home service that can assist with personal care then please get in touch today.

Looking for a job in personal care or as a home carer? We have a number of vacancies here. Find out how you can help and find your ideal new role today.

If you have a condition that limits your mobility, it can be difficult to keep healthy and there can be a parallel between your level of mobility and your level of overall health. Yet it is important not to let it stop you from living a healthy life. Having a disability or limited movement can mean that your ability to take care of yourself physically and emotionally isn’t the easiest of tasks, but it is important to do in order to promote your overall happiness and wellbeing. With a home carer helping with your personal care, this can happen.

Home carers can help you to take care of yourself and lend assistance or support you with tasks that you might otherwise find tricky. This can include getting washed, dressed, preparing meals, and just going about your daily life. If you are looking to live a healthy life with limited mobility, we have some top tips that you can follow.

Learn to accept your disability or condition

It can be difficult to accept your disability as this can make you feel like you are giving in or that you are subject to a limited life. Neither of which is the case. Before you can accept your disability if it is a new one, you need to give yourself time to grieve and get through the process. Recognize that your plans and the way you live your life have been changed unexpectedly and this is something that you need to acknowledge. Remember you don’t need to put on a happy face – you will have bad days and that is okay. Make sure you have family and friends who can support you and if not, that you have external help such as Mind charities or personal care carers who can be there when you need them.

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Find exercises that work for you

While you might not be able to exercise in the same way that you once did, it doesn’t mean that you can’t ever exercise again; you just need to change the way that you do it. Exercising is extremely important for healthy wellbeing and as well as improving your physical health, it also helps mentally. Exercise releases endorphins that improve your mood, relieve stress, and can boost your self-esteem. Depending on your condition you could go swimming. This supports the body and reduces joint and muscle discomfort, as well as reducing risk. You can work out with weights, or you could do stretches which can keep your body and joints supple and mobile.

Focus on your diet

Your diet is really important to support your physical and mental wellbeing. By eating healthily and getting all the nutrients that you need, you are more likely to feel better in yourself and be much healthier too. If you aren’t able to fix meals yourself, then your personal care carer can do this for you, or you can get a meal service that can deliver fresh and nutritious meals to your door every day. Do whatever you feel most happy with and that suits your lifestyle. Ensure that you get enough protein, vitamins, and minerals to stay strong, focused, and positive.

These are just a few ways that you can live a healthy life with limited mobility. If you are looking for a home carer that can assist you with your day-to-day life, then please get in touch. We have a range of personal care and other types of carers here at Secure Healthcare Solutions who can create a plan tailored to your needs. Get in touch today for a home carer who can help you out.

If you have had a family member diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it can be a shock. You can be left wondering what it means and just how you can help with Parkinson’s care. Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous system that affects movement. It gets worse over time and this can be distressing for you to watch a loved one go through. This is why it is a good idea to prepare yourself as early on as possible. Parkinson’s symptoms often start gradually and are barely noticeable. It could be that the person has a slight tremor in a finger, but this gradually gets worse. It is usually followed by stiffness and slowing of movement. Your loved one will need extra help during this time and this is where a Parkinson’s care at home carer can come in. There are also additional things you can do to help.

Learn as much as you can about the condition

When you find out someone has Parkinson’s, it is a good idea to research it. This is so you know what to expect as their condition progresses. While not everyone is the same and they don’t move at the same pace, it is better to prepare yourself for certain things that might occur. There are books you can read, blogs you can find online, websites, and charities that are all on hand to help you out. You can also ask your Parkinson’s care carer for any advice.

Let your loved one have as much independence as possible

Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s’ can be frustrating for the person that has received the diagnosis. They will likely want to retain as much independence as possible. This will ensure that they can feel like themselves and not like they are useless. Instead of doing everything for them, let them try it themselves. You could also offer. For example, if they look like they want a drink, ask if they would like you to make it for them or for them to do it themselves.

Parkinson's care — Photo by **Pixabay** from **Pexels**

Help them to get active

Keeping active is especially important for those suffering from Parkinson’s. Exercise helps the brain to use dopamine which is a chemical involved in the movement. This can help with Parkinson’s care. You can help them to stay active with things such as going on a walk with them, doing an exercise class such as yoga, or even simple exercises at home. These will also help to improve their mental health as well as their physical health. It is also a lovely way for you to all spend some time together too!

Keep an eye out for worsening symptoms

If someone has Parkinson’s, their symptoms will gradually worsen. They might not notice it themselves, but you could. Keep an eye out for if their speech, walking ability or movements change. It is also important to check that they aren’t getting depressed as this can cause them to decline faster. It could be a good idea to keep a diary of their symptoms so you can track if anything changes.

These are a few ways that you can help to look after someone with Parkinson’s disease. Here at Secure Healthcare Solutions, we have a range of carers who are specialized in Parkinson’s care. Find out more and how we can help you here.

If you are looking for a role as a home carer, check out our vacancies here.

If you are looking for some extra care or to begin care at home, it can be a bit overwhelming. You might wonder just what different sorts of care is available. That is why we have broken down the main types and explained just what they are. You can also find more complex and specialist care services that fall under these categories too. Here are the differences in the types of home care available.

Personal Care

First in our list of types of home care is personal care. A personal carer comes in usually every day to help with a number of things. This includes getting you washed and dressed, preparing meals, and doing light chores around the house. They can also pick up your shopping for you and any medical prescriptions that you might need.

Live-In Care

Live-in care is a service where a highly trained professional will live within your property during the day or night. A live-in carer is there to support you with any needs you may have, helping to support your independence.

Respite Care

Respite Care is a service offered to allow the person looking after a loved one a break. It is able to offer support in the short term or the long term and can benefit both the carer and patient. Looking after someone unwell can be draining making respite care an important role within the healthcare profession.

Holiday Care

Going away is important for your mental health, and will allow you to recharge your batteries before returning to your everyday stresses. If you require everyday support then a holiday carer can help you with a trip away.

Home From Hospital Care

If you have gone through a major operation then it can be intimidating returning home. Home from hospital care supports you at home whilst you return to fall health. As soon as you are discharged from the hospital home from hospital care is there to help with all your medical needs as well as assisting with your daily activities, causing the least disruption.

types of home care — Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger on Unsplash

Companionship Care

If you don’t have any relatives or friends nearby, life can get lonely. Which is where companionship care can help. Sometimes overlooked in types of home care, this is a very effective one. Loneliness can play a real toll on your mental health and can even make medical conditions worse. To combat this, why not look into companionship care? This is where a carer will come to your home to spend time with you, whether this is to chat with you or play a puzzle or a board game.

24 Hour Care

24-hour care is just what the name suggests and means that a carer will be there for you both day and night. They can help you with everything from getting you up, washed and dressed, to preparing your meals and helping you to the toilet at night.

Overnight Care

If you feel uneasy about being in your house alone overnight, then overnight care could be a good option for you. A carer will be there for you to put your mind at rest. If you need to get up for the toilet or if you have a fall, you know they will be there on hand right away to help you out.

Assisted Living

Assisted living means that a carer will live for you at all times. They are skilled aid carers that are medically trained and can provide pain management and rehabilitation therapy, plus help in the case of any emergencies arising. Assisted living will give you peace of mind and an increased sense of safety and security.

No matter the types of home care you are after, we can help you at Secure Healthcare Assistants. Get in touch with us today to find out more information.

A cancer diagnosis can be a scary and devastating thing for all those involved. Whether you are the one that has been diagnosed, or it is a family member or friend. This is where cancer care can come in. Cancer care can be there for you right from your initial diagnosis through each stage of your condition. Many people that get cancer can live well for a number of years. By receiving the right care at home they can experience an improved quality of life. All from the comfort of the place they feel most familiar.

There are around 367,000 new cases of cancer every day in the UK, meaning that someone is diagnosed with cancer once every two minutes. Here at Secure Healthcare Solutions, we know how important it is to be supported throughout your cancer journey. We will do what we can to make it more comfortable for you. By receiving cancer care at home you could find that there are a number of benefits. Here are just a few…

It can be more convenient

Making the journey into the hospital when you need a dressing changed or assistance with your catheter can be a hassle. If you don’t drive or don’t have someone who can drive you then it can mean getting public transport. This is something you won’t want to do if you’re feeling poorly. By having cancer care at home you can have someone there to assist you with low-level medical support such as your catheter or stoma or dressing wounds. They can also help you with palliative care if you need it, as well as other specialist care.

You are in your familiar surroundings

There really is nowhere quite like home. By having cancer care at home you can stay in your own familiar surroundings, with your belongings, your photos, and all your memories. This has been shown to help with the mental health of cancer patients. When you are ill or upset, the last place you want to be is in a clinical setting away from everything that you know.

Photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels

You will get to know the same faces who look after you

By having cancer care at home you can have the same person look after you and give their dedicated attention. Your carer will be there to help you look after the house when you are unable to. They will prepare your meals, pick up your prescriptions or just give you some company, these are all things that they can do. Your carer knows that having cancer can be a daunting and lonely experience. They will also be an ear to listen to and a shoulder to lean on when you need it the most.

Home-based chemo could be more effective

If part of your cancer care involves you having cancer therapy or treatment at home, it could actually be more effective. A 2010 study in the US on cancer patients showed that those who were treated at home experienced less use of emergency services, better mental health, and higher levels of independence.

These are just a few benefits of cancer care at home. If you are looking for a home carer to help with your cancer care please get in touch today.

If you are looking for a role as a cancer carer or a nurse, please check out our vacancies here.

Mental health is just as important as your physical health and that is why it’s not something that should be neglected. If you are suffering from an illness or if you can’t get out and about like you used to, then it can be detrimental for your mental health. You can find that you don’t want to do activities that you used to be interested in. You could withdraw from yourself and others around you and could end up having potentially harmful thoughts. This is where a home carer can come in.

They can ensure you aren’t alone

One of the biggest causes of mental health issues can derive from loneliness. This has been especially true during the pandemic, but can be a continuous problem. A survey by Age UK found that over 2 million people in England that are over the age of 75 live on their own. They also found that over a million people go over four weeks with no contact with someone they know such as a neighbor, friend, or family member. If you are lonely it can be hard to reach out.

This might be because of pride or just because you feel helpless. Your carer will be a friendly face that you don’t need to reach out to as they will always be there. Whether you need someone during the day or a live-in carer who is with you all the time, you can rest assured you are in safe hands at all times.

They can give you back your independence

One thing that can take a toll on mental health can be if you lose your independence. A carer can help encourage you to do things yourself at home while knowing you are under watchful supervision. By being able to do these things on your own it can help you feel more positive about yourself. This will therefore help your mental wellbeing. You will feel more like your old self, more capable, and have small daily challenges that when you complete will be a real mood booster.

They can help with brain training activities

Your carer can help to set you up with activities that can boost your mental health. This can include word searches, playing chess with you, sudoku and quizzes. These are all good for keeping you feeling positive and your brain active and healthy. It can also help with dementia and reduce your likelihood of developing it as well as potentially slowing symptoms. They can also play your favorite music and help with other activities that can keep your mind busy. It will also be a welcome distraction from any sad or negative thoughts you might be feeling.

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They can address your health concerns

One of the things that could impact your mental health could be if you are worried about your physical wellbeing. If you have recently been diagnosed with a condition then this could leave you feeling worried and anxious, with many questions. A carer has looked after many people and may know the answers to things you are fretting about. If they don’t, they will know the right contacts and be able to get the answers for you.

They can support your family

If your family is looking out for you and know that they are worried about you then it can cause you to feel guilty and impact the way you feel mentally. You might feel like a burden and this can be upsetting. By having a carer you know that your family won’t have to worry about you so much, which in turn can ease your own anxiety and feelings.

These are just a few ways that having a home carer can help with your mental health. If you are suffering mentally make sure you speak to someone and get the help that you deserve. If you are looking for care at home services, we are here to help. Find out more about what we do here.

If you are looking for care at home job, we have a number of vacancies which can be found here.

If you or a loved one are suffering from an illness, have recently come home from hospital, or find that age is meaning you can’t do things around the home as you normally would, it might be time to consider a home carer. A home carer can make a huge difference in your life. They can ensure that you stay living independently in your home; as opposed to having to go to an assisted living facility or a care home. This can be very beneficial to people who don’t want to leave their homes, surroundings, and pets behind. When it comes to the time to get a home carer, it can leave you with a number of questions. The first of these might be “where do I find a home carer near me?” (You’ve come to the right place – here at Secure Healthcare Solutions we can help you with this.) The second might be what hours do I choose for a home carer? If you are stuck at the hours you should select, this article should be able to provide some clarification…

Consider how much you can spend

The cost of care differs around the country but tends to be between £15-£20 an hour. Sometimes councils will be able to contribute to the cost. It is a good idea to get in touch and find out if they can help and how much by. You can also speak to your healthcare team who can advise you on if you are eligible for any funding for care at home services.

Think about the reasons you need a carer for

There are many reasons that you might need a carer. As an example, here at Secure Healthcare Solutions we provide personal care, live-in care, respite care, holiday care, 24-hour care, overnight care, and assisted living – to name but a few! Consider if you need a carer for a specific purpose. This might be to help with medication, to get you up in the mornings, and to bed in the evenings. Or for a company during the middle of the day. There are many reasons that a home carer can help you so think about what will be best for you and your circumstances.Photo by Cristina Serí on Unsplash

Is it permanent or temporary?

Once you have a home carer it doesn’t mean that you will have one forever. It might be that you have just come out of the hospital and need help with your daily tasks while you recover. Or it might be that you have recently had a fall and can’t get around as you did, but you will be better soon. When you are thinking of the hours for a home carer, consider if it is permanent or only temporary.

Remember hours can change

It is important to keep in mind that your home carer hours can change depending on your needs. You will regularly meet with your home carer (or they can speak to a loved one for you). They will ensure that you are getting the right care for your needs. If you start with just an hour in the morning and the evening but then find this isn’t enough, we can up your hours to something more suited for you. Similarly, if they are coming for too long each day and you don’t need them for that amount of time, let them know and your hours can be cut down.

These are just a few tips when it comes to choosing the hours for your home carer. If you are looking for a home carer, please get in touch with us at Secure Healthcare Solutions today and find out how we can help.

If you are a home carer looking for a new role, we have a number of vacancies that you can see here.

Being diagnosed with cancer can be a very scary and difficult time both for you and for your family. This is why it is important to prepare yourself for what to expect and deal with any feelings that you can to help you cope with the days ahead. If you are looking for cancer care, or any advice, we are here to help. Here are some top tips for coping with a cancer diagnosis…

Get all the facts that you can

One of the first things you will want to do following your diagnosis is to get all the facts. Some things you might want to ask your doctor could include:
What type of cancer do I have?
Has my cancer spread?
Can my cancer be treated?
What treatment options are available to me?
What can I expect during the treatment?
What are the next steps?
What cancer care assistance can I get?

Once you have the answers to these questions you might feel a bit more in control and prepared for what is coming. It is important to find out what you are up against. This way you can avoid too many unpleasant or unexpected surprises along the way. Your health care team will be more than happy to answer any questions that you might have.

Tell your family and loved ones

It can be hard to tell your family or loved ones that you have cancer, but it can also help to do so. They will want to be there and support you and it might feel like a weight has been lifted. If you are in denial you might put off telling your loved ones as it makes it feel more real, but it is the best thing to do. When you speak to them, introduce the subject gradually and that is easiest for you. If you find it easier to do so over the phone or by email instead of in person, then do this. It is about what makes you feel the most comfortable.

Be prepared that some of your family might get upset, some might be silent and some might have lots of questions. All of these are normal reactions and just because they love and care about you and want to help you. Be as truthful as you can and don’t be afraid to ask them for help if you need it. You might want them to pass the news on to others. It can be exhausting having to have the same discussion over and over again with different people.

Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pexels

Consider your finances

When you get a cancer diagnosis you need to consider your finances and be prepared. You will likely need to take time off of work. So be sure to speak to your employers about how they will support you with this. You might have to travel to hospitals or treatment centres that are further away and require you to hire a car, pay for petrol or get a hotel room. Consider the costs of these and speak to your local clinic or hospital. They can advise on financial aid during and after your cancer treatment.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Don’t forget that your friends and family will want to be there for you, so make sure you let them. If you don’t have any friends or family that live near you, or who are available during the day, you can also look into cancer care services. Here at Secure Healthcare Solutions, we have a range of cancer care services to help you. We can assist with everything from picking up your shopping or medication to your household chores, preparing your meals and emotional support too.

These are just a few tips for coping with a cancer diagnosis. Make sure that you get the help you need. If you require any cancer care or at-home care, we are here to help. Please get in touch with us today.

If you are looking for a role in home care, cancer care and for any cancer care jobs near you, you can find our vacancies here.

When it comes to diabetes, one of the best ways to live with and manage it, is to research and improve your knowledge. With more knowledge comes a better understanding and recognition of how to improve your quality of life. Diabetes doesn’t just affect a small part of you, it can affect your whole body. There is so much research out there it can get overwhelming so teaching yourself in small chunks is key. Due to this, we have put together a guide of 5 small tips for living with and managing diabetes. These tips are just the basics but it’s always good to have a refresh, especially if you are newly diagnosed. We are also on hand for your diabetes care and if you find yourself asking “where can I find diabetes care near me?” we are on hand to help.

Knowledge Is Power

Understanding and educating yourself about diabetes can make the process a lot less stressful. Although they are complicated diseases, do not be scared to read up about them and to learn more. Try to listen to podcasts, read books and watch tv shows about it. The more you actively try to learn, the more you will take in and the more you will understand. Many experts will be able to give you tips and tricks to make the process of living with diabetes as straightforward as possible.

Be Active

Along with helping with your diabetes, exercise has many other benefits such as reducing your stress levels, increasing your muscle mass and losing weight. Throughout the week, try and set a target of exercising three times. Vary these exercises with strength training to increase your muscle strength and cardio exercises like fast walking or running. There are many apps that you can download which will help you stick to a target or support your exercise journey. If you are at an unhealthy weight, by losing this you will find it easier to manage your diabetes. Your diabetes care team can also help with this.

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Everybody Is Different

Always follow the professional advice given but remember everybody is different. What works for someone may not work for you, and that is alright. Some of the advice given may not work but don’t feel down and stressed about it. Try other experts advice and you may find that works perfectly. No-one knows your body better than you, so don’t put much pressure on yourself.

Eat Smaller Portions But More Often

When suffering from diabetes it is advised you eat small meals throughout the day instead of eating the standard three larger meals. The reason for this is that by eating smaller but more often can help regulate your blood sugar levels easier. Make sure you have a good diet at this will help in many ways from improving digestion to reducing tiredness.

Make a plan

Listen to the experts and make a plan with them to help manage your diabetes. By leaning on your diabetes educator, they will help assist you with improving your diet and how to get active. Try to work with your educator to make your plan realistic and achievable, that way you have the motivation to stick with it. Our team at Secure Health Care solution will help you with your plan, supporting you with meal plans, shopping for your ingredients and managing everyday symptoms like hunger, amongst other things.

If you are looking for diabetes care near you, we are on hand to help. Get in touch today and find diabetes care near you.

We also have a range of home care jobs including looking after diabetes care. Look at our current healthcare job roles here.

Palliative care is also sometimes called end-of-life care. It is specialised care for those who have a terminal or serious illness. It is designed to make the end of their life as comfortable as possible. Terminal illnesses can include cancer, dementia or motor neurone disease and means an illness that cannot be cured. When you reach the end stages of a condition such as listed above, it is important to manage pain and any other distressing symptoms. Each year approximately 40 million people are in need of palliative care. Looking for palliative care in your area? Or to find out more about what palliative care is? We have outlined it below…

When does palliative care begin?

The stage at which palliative care begins can differ depending on the person and the individual case. Some people can have palliative care for months, others weeks, days or even just for the last few hours of their lives. The stage that you are considered reaching your “end of life” is if you are likely to not live past the next twelve months.

As well as those with a terminal illness, it can also apply to those who are frail with a coexisting condition, have a condition where they are at risk of dying suddenly or have a life-threatening condition that has been caused by something such as a stroke or an accident.

How can a palliative care worker help?

Emotional support

Knowing that you are coming to the end of your life can be an extremely distressing thing to go through and to come to terms with. This is why emotional support is so important. You will likely feel emotions such as shock, fear, anger, resentment, helplessness, anxiety and sadness. You might also feel alone, even if you have a strong support network. Over time you will likely feel a bit better as you come to terms with your diagnosis, but feelings might come back towards the very end of life. This is completely normal and is nothing to be ashamed of. Your palliative care team is here to help you with these feelings and will be here to talk to you, understanding how you are feeling and seeing if there is anything they can do to make you feel better. As well as talking they can look at photos, do mindfulness activities and read you a book to try and take your mind off of your thoughts for a while. They can also get in touch with a psychologist if they feel this would help to benefit you.

Pain management

Pain management is one of the most important aspects of end of life care. While you may no longer be able to receive treatment such as chemotherapy, this doesn’t mean you should be in any pain. Not everyone who is reaching the end of their life is in pain. However, if you are, your doctor or nurse will find out when your pain started, where it is and if it is affecting you in ways such as stopping you from sleeping or eating. They will aim to prescribe you medicines that are weaker at first such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. They will then move to mild opioids such as codeine and then stronger opioids such as morphine. Medics prefer to not prescribe the latter at the earlier stages. It can often make you feel drowsy or not quite with it so wait until it is really needed.

Support for your family

If you are a family member who is also a carer for someone who is reaching the end of life, it can be tough on you. This is why our palliative care staff are here to help. We can help to spread the load and allow you some relief. It can be very intense caring for a loved one round the clock so we are here to help with that. We can also answer any questions you might have or give you advice if you need it.

Help managing your symptoms

As well as helping you manage any pain that you might be experiencing, we will also assist with other symptoms you might have. If you are bed-bound we can help you to get washed and dressed. We can also change your catheter or stoma bag if you need. We can help with symptoms such as constipation or nausea. And will also liaise with your wider health team for any help you need managing your symptoms.

Here at Secure Healthcare Solutions, we know how stressful and hard it is when you or a loved one are reaching the end of your life. We are here to help ease the stress and make it as pain-free as possible. If you are looking for palliative care, please get in touch with us today. If you are looking for a career in palliative care or for palliative care jobs, we have a range of healthcare job roles here.