Nursing & Care News | Blog | Secure Healthcare Solutions

A recent report by Age UK found that over 500,000 elderly people don’t see or speak to anyone else for five to six days a week. They also found there are presently 1.4 million chronically lonely older people in England. Human beings are social creatures and not made to be alone. This is why companionship is so important. Unfortunately, our society has changed drastically over the past few years and social contact is not what it once was.

This is particularly true during the pandemic where we have been in lockdown and it has been harder than ever to see our loved ones. Things such as Facetime and Skype have made it easy to feel that we are in touch with relatives. Unfortunately for those that aren’t in tune with modern-day digital technology, this can be tougher than ever.

Being lonely is not just something that is unpleasant, but can also lead to a host of chronic illnesses. This includes an increased risk of dementia, heart disease, and mental health issues such as depression. It is because of this that companionship care is so important. We are here to help with companionship care services near you to ensure that your loved one is well looked after and has someone to speak to when they need it. Here are some reasons for the importance of companionship care…

It can protect them against certain cognitive illnesses
Several studies have been conducted that have shown those who are lonely tend to score worse on the cognitive functioning scale. This means that they could have an enhanced risk of developing something such as dementia. Being on their own for too long has also been shown they are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. With someone to talk to, they can offload any worries or thoughts they might have before they can escalate.

There is a lower risk of heart disease
A recent study found that people who are not in regular contact with people and who suffer from extreme loneliness are 32% more likely to have a stroke and 29% more likely to develop coronary heart disease. The research found that those that are isolated and lonely are less inclined to take care of themselves. They might do less physical exercise, not eat as well and smoke more. Companionship care services can ensure your loved one eats well and regularly and has the company that they need throughout the day.

Why companionship care is so important — hoto by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

It will give them a sense of purpose
If someone is lonely they will lose their sense of purpose. They are less likely to feel engaged with the world and feel worthless. Without someone to talk to regularly about both important topical matters and mindless chatter, it can have a great effect on someone’s mindset. This can lead them to feel slowly worse in themselves and unmotivated to do everyday, simple tasks. Without motivation they might not want to get up, bathe, get dressed and eat well.

Our companionship care services will ensure they not only have a reason to get up and ready for the day ahead but that they have tasks to do during the day. No matter if this is just watching television or reading a book it will help. We can also take your loved one to social events such as bingo or to a social club and check-in that they are alright.

How will companionship care help?

Our companionship carers can call in however often they are needed. Whether it is someone to pop in twice a week to check on their mental health and wellbeing, have a catch-up over a cup of tea, or help them get to a social event, they are here to help. They will be there to offload any thoughts and worries too; whether these are mental, health-related or to do with aspects in the lives of those around them. They will be there to play board games with and assist with getting up, dressed, and fed. While these might all seem like small tasks, they will make a huge difference to the loved one in question.

These all highlight the importance of companionship care and just how it can help your loved one today. If you are looking for companionship care in Wolverhampton, the West Midlands, and the surrounding areas, we are here to help. We offer live-in care services, 24-hour care, and many other services to help. If you find yourself asking where can I find companionship care near me, then please get in touch.

When a loved one has dementia, the home can have a big impact on them and how they live their life. When someone has dementia it can be a frightening and confusing experience both for them and their loved ones. They can often experience symptoms such as confusion, memory loss and difficulty learning new things. This means that they might forget how to do things around the house. Or they might forget where things are kept. By making the house more dementia friendly, you can make this process much easier for them.

It is important to remember that not every point might apply to every person and that it is not a good idea to do everything overnight. Big changes can often make their condition worse, so you will want to do things gradually. Take a look through the list and decide what will be best for the individual. We have a range of Dementia care services in Dudley, Walsall, Birmingham, Wolverhampton and surrounding areas so are here to advise if you need any further help. As soon as you think “where can I find dementia care near me?” don’t hesitate to get in touch. Here are some top ways to make your home more dementia-friendly.

1. Ensure there is good lighting
It is important to ensure that the home is well lit. This will enable you to see clearly where you are going and if there are any potential trip hazards. Daylight and good internal lighting will help to eradicate any shadows or dark areas that can make the floor confusing. It can also help you to roughly keep track of the time of day. You can set up smart devices that will turn lights on at a certain time of day so that they automatically come on if the room is starting to get dark.

2. Eliminate any unnecessary noise
Unnecessary noise can be stressful and confusing, particularly if the individual has hearing aids. You can reduce noise by getting fabric items such as cushions, carpet and curtains. These can help to absorb sounds such as that of walking on laminate flooring. It is also a good idea to turn the radio or television off when it is not in use. For dementia care at home, this is a simple yet effective way to help.

3. Remove any potential hazards
It is important to remove any potential hazards that the individual could be affected by. Remove any rugs that could be a tripping hazard, particularly those at the tops of stairs or in rooms that aren’t as well lit. It could also be a good idea to lock away any hazardous products such as those used for cleaning. People with dementia could get confused, you don’t want them to find and either consume them or get them on their skin which could cause irritation or injury.

4. Put up signs around the house
To help with dementia care at home, put signs up labelling what certain rooms are for. For example, you could put a sign up on the toilet door with the word toilet and an image of a toilet. This could help with them trying to remember what room is for what function in the home.

This will prevent them from becoming distressed at not being able to find what they are looking for. You could also put up signs for things such as the kettle or microwave and instructions on using them. Putting timers next to devices can also be a good way of helping them not forget about things such as putting the kettle on.

5. Display photos of loved ones and happy memories
Items such as photos of family members or loved ones can help with dementia care at home. It can help them to feel comforted and keep their loved ones in their mind. It is a good idea to put a photo of the recipient next to their phone number. Pin this up in case they can’t remember who to call. Make items such as puzzles, books, photographs and essential phone numbers easy to find and put them in multiple places around the home.

If you are looking for dementia care in Dudley, Walsall, Birmingham, Wolverhampton and beyond, Secure Healthcare Solutions are here to help. Our dementia care services ensure that your loved one is looked after at home. We will make them feel as relaxed and happy as possible. For more information about our dementia care at home and dementia care services, please take a look here or get in touch with us today.

When the time comes for you to introduce a home carer to your or a loved one’s life, it can feel like a big step. You probably have a lot of questions to ask and things you are thinking about before it happens. It can feel difficult, confusing, or a bit overwhelming, but this is completely normal and to be expected. In order to make it a bit easier for you, we have put together some of the top questions that you might have thought of but don’t know the answers to, or those that you haven’t even thought to ask. Here are our top questions to ask your home carer before they start…

1. Why did you start working in care?

This is a great question to ask your home carer as it helps you to get to know your potential home carer and what their personality is like. After all, if you are going to be accepting someone regularly into your home and to look after you, you want to know you trust them, their personality, and their professionalism. If you know what prompted them to begin their career as a carer, you will find out about their journey and hear stories about what they have done. It is also a great way to get to know them a bit more and find out if they are someone you gel and connect with for your home care.

2. Do you visit me before my home care starts?

You will receive your own dedicated home care plan before your carer starts with you and this will usually be decided following a care assessment process. The person who will be your main carer or a dedicated care manager will come and visit you ahead of time so you can answer any questions (such as in this article) and they can conduct a health and safety risk assessment as well as find out a bit more about you. They will be able to see your living situation, what your condition is like (if you have one), and how you currently go about your day to day life. When your bespoke care plan is created, they will ask questions such as any medications you require, any challenges you face with your daily life such as mobility, hearing or sight, your dietary needs, who else helps with your care, and your lifestyle choices, preferences and beliefs.

3. Will I always have the same carer? How often will I see them?

We know how important it is to have someone that is constant in your life. Someone that can get to know you as a person, your preferences with how you like things done, and knows your routine. If you were to have a myriad of different carers every day not only would this be an inconvenience, but can also be unsettling. Because of this, we try to ensure you have the same couple of carers as much of the time as possible. Sometimes this cannot be the case, for example, if your regular carer is off sick or on holiday, but you should be given a different carer who you have probably met and interacted with before. Remember that it is down to you with how you feel about your carer and if after a few visits you aren’t comfortable with them, you are well within your rights to ask for someone else.

4. What costs are included?

The costs for your home care plan will depend on a number of different factors. The amount you pay can depend on if your local council has carried out a care needs assessment and agreed you are eligible for this, your income, and your savings. The council will do a means test to decide how much you need to pay. If you are self-funding your care, you will need to arrange this yourself. As well as the charges per visit, you will also need to find out where they stand on costs such as mileage for trips if VAT is included and National Insurance for the care worker. You will also need to consider things such as shopping money or petrol money for the carer if they go out to fetch your shopping or other items for you during the day.

5. How can I make it easier for you to help me?

Last on our list of questions to ask your home carer is a simple yet worthwhile question as it will help you both with some clarity on what you need. It will show that you understand there are challenges faced within the role, but you want to make it as easy as possible. They might be able to make some suggestions for you which will make you feel more independent or comfortable. For example, you may feel shy and not want to speak up about certain things in case you offend them, but they might not know they are doing something wrong or not how you like it. If you speak up, this will help them care for you in the way you feel most comfortable, and make them feel happier that they are doing their job properly.

These are some of the most important questions to ask your home carer before having them start in your home. It is a big step for all of those involved and therefore it is important that you feel comfortable. Find out more about our home care services here.

If you are looking for a home care role, we have many vacancies and information which you can find here. Get in touch with us today.

Exercise
Although it is winter exercise can be difficult and with gyms being shut it can become more difficult for individuals to be motivated to exercise. Getting outdoors is a great way to boost your mood. It is essential to keep active to improve your mental health and stimulate your brain. Lack of exercise can result in increasing the risk of anxiety and depression.

Even short periods of exercise such as a 10-minute run, walk, bike ride or gardening can help stimulate your brain. Those that are missing the gym can exercise in the garden using dumbbells and resistance bands which you can purchase off eBay.

Exercise is critical to clear your mind and negative thoughts to boost your mood.

The NHS recommends various home workouts which you can do at home or you can discover some using Youtube.

Set a new target
Due to limited interaction with friends and family because of COVID-19 restrictions setting a new goal or target can be important to help clear your mind. It could be gaining a qualification online, learning a new language, learning new recipes, or losing weight.

It is important to do something out of your comfort zone to keep you focused and motivated to achieve a target/goal.

There is so many beginner and advanced free courses that you find online using through the Open University or using reed.co.uk.

Volunteer opportunities
Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health. Keeping active can reduce anxiety and stress and you can increase your self-confidence by volunteering. You will get the satisfaction of helping and supporting those in need and it will boost your mood.

There are many opportunities to volunteer to support COVID-19, whether it is business support, working at the test centers or administering vaccines. Visit the NHS website and register your interest in your area if you are interested.

Reach out
During the lockdown, it is difficult to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues, however advanced technology such as video calls is the next best option to help us get through these difficult times and ensure a positive mood. Whether you need someone to talk to or you can support someone, checking someone’s well-being is important to ensure people are feeling good and supporting them during difficult times.

There is a modern technology that you can use over the phone such as Facetime, WhatsApp, Microsoft teams to regularly communicate with your loved ones. Using Apple and Google play store you can download many group team quizzes and have fun as a group.

Daily Routine
Having a daily routine can be very important to keep you occupied, so your brain is active. Having a to do list for each day can be very important, even if is basic such as food plans, shopping times, shower times etc. It is also important to spend time away from electronic devices and allow time to relax, whether that is listening to some music, going for walk, run and doing some exercise.

Healthy Eating
During these difficult times individuals can be distracted to eat junk food, however, it is important to eat healthily and exercise, particularly with Gyms being closed to ensure you are fit and healthy.

There are many foods that you can eat to ensure you have a healthy balanced diet, below is some to consider:

Fruits and vegetables: Oranges (high in vitamin C), Apples (high in fiber), Bananas (high in Vitamin C, B6, and potassium), Broccoli (high in vitamin C), Carrots (high in Vitamin A), Spinach (High in Vitamin A).

Protein: Chicken Breast, Salmon, Tuna, Turkey, Beans, Lentils, Eggs, Tofu, Quinoa, Pumpkin Seeds

Snacks: Hummus and Vegetables, Mixed nuts, Greek yogurt with berries, fruit smoothies

Secure healthcare solutions provide 24-hour care and ensure quality care in the West Midlands. During the lockdown, our healthcare staff interacts with those in care to ensure they remain positive during the lockdown, based on what individuals are comfortable doing.

The Covid pandemic has brought a tumultuous twelve months, turning most things that we knew or took for granted and turning them on their heads. It has been a year unlike anything we have ever experienced before and even once we go back to “normal” it is likely that our values, expectations, and priorities in life will have changed for good.
There is no parallel in our living history of something even on a percentage of the scale of what we are dealing with and it has taken its toll on many. No matter if your career is working from home or in a caring profession such as in 24-hour care, overnight care, emergency care, home care, or in nurse jobs, you will have been impacted. Here are some ways that the Covid pandemic has changed our values.

We are going to be dependant on technology for a long time
Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, Zoom calls were few and far between, with business people traveling all around the world to meet with potential clients or prospects. This has all changed and we now conduct the majority of our major business meetings and conferences from our home, only traveling when strictly necessary.
School children are being taught online lessons and toddlers are being immersed in nursery sessions such as sing-songs and storytimes online. The lines between work and home have never been so blurred and it is important for people to still limit the time spent on screens – for all of the family involved.

It made us re-evaluate our relations and families
Before the pandemic, we were all guilty of taking advantage of the fact that we could go and see our family members whenever we felt like it. We would leave it longer without speaking to them and then pop in for a cup of tea or coffee when we were free. Now we have realized just how much we miss those that are near to us and have adapted how we speak to our friends and families. Regular zoom calls, quizzes, and online games have had us speaking and interacting in new ways. Not being able to go to hospital appointments or see our loved ones if they are ill has been a difficult thing for all of us.

It has changed our views on work and our careers
Being in a lockdown has given us all a chance to really evaluate our life and career choices. While before we might have been happy stuck in a career that we don’t really like, it has given many of us the time to think of what we actually want to be doing. With so much time being spent at home, we have had the opportunity to research new jobs, enroll in online training courses, and apply for new positions. If you have always wanted a job in the care sector, there has never been a better time to do so. You can find out about our career vacancies in domiciliary care, home care, and nurse jobs here.

It has put a spotlight on our health workers
Never has there been so much appreciation for our health workers as right now. This pandemic has been an intense time for those involved in all professions. Whether they work in 24-hour care, overnight care, emergency care, or ventilator care, they have all never been so needed. Carers heading into patients’ homes have had to deal with those that are suffering from both illnesses and loneliness from being apart from their families and loved ones, heading into something they have never dealt with before. The publics’ support for those key workers is something that is sure to stay for a long time and many people value just how excellent the care system in the UK is compared to other countries around the world.

If you are looking to make a real difference or the pandemic has had you re-evaluating your choices and you would like to find a new career or job, we would love to hear from you. We have many positions in 24-hour care, overnight care, emergency care, home care, nurse jobs, and more. Find out our available positions here.

As people’s lives change, support could be needed in order to assist them to live as close to an independent life as possible. This could be at any stage of life, due to a disability, old age, or mental health problems. As a domiciliary care worker, you are there to make a difference in their lives, supporting clients to maintain their quality of life. Here at Secure Healthcare Solutions, we have a range of domiciliary care jobs for you. Whether you are looking to join the career and it is something you have wanted to do for a while, or you just want to find a bit more about what is a domiciliary care worker entails, we have put together the following blog post to make it a bit clearer.

What Is a Domiciliary Care Worker?

As a domiciliary care worker, you will be looking after people’s loved ones in the facility of their own home. You will be there to support them with day to day tasks that they are struggling to complete, due to age or a particular illness. As a domiciliary care worker, you can choose to work nights or days, helping your patients feel independent and able to live a quality life. You should be patient and empathetic to the challenging situations that your client may have. When looking for domiciliary care jobs, ensure you check where it is based and if you will be working days or nights or if there is a choice.

What would day to day duties typically be?

As a domiciliary care worker, your roles will vary depending on the situation of your patients. You are there to help the patient feel at home and will support them with living independently. You’ll be tested on a daily basis and no two days will be the same. It’s important that you use your initiative and are approachable and patient as your client will be asking you to support them with a variety of tasks, these can include:

Supporting them when seeing doctors or nurses
Helping to get them around the house
Supporting them with household tasks
Preparing their daily meals
Supporting with their personal care
Helping them get ready in the evening and to bed
Being there to talk to and give them company

How to get started as a domiciliary care worker?

If you want to become a domiciliary care worker but don’t have any experience, don’t let this stop you. To work in this field, you don’t need to have any previous experience, as long as you have worked in positions that require you to have a similar skillset and certain qualities, you will be considered. Key qualities of domiciliary care duties include punctuality, good communication skills, ability to work under pressure, and always maintaining a high standard of care, hygiene, and organization. If you are considered for the domiciliary care job, introductory training is always provided to help you feel confident in your ability.

What career progression is there for a Domiciliary Care Worker?

There are a variety of positions you can move to once you have been a domiciliary care worker. If you want to study whilst on the job, you can train to be a domiciliary care manager. In this position, you will be in charge of other domiciliary care workers, similar to how your manager will be to you. Alternatively, you could work towards being a care home manager however with this you may need some extra qualifications on top of your domiciliary care management ones.

Where can I find care jobs and health jobs to become a domiciliary?

As a specialist company, we at Secure Healthcare Solutions have a whole array of domiciliary care jobs available within the healthcare profession. If you are looking to become a domiciliary care worker, please get in touch and we will help find you a suitable role, matching your requirements. Find out more about Secure Healthcare Solutions and our available domiciliary care jobs on our website today.

If you are a kind, patient and caring individual looking for a new role, then a healthcare assistant job might be the one for you. Wondering if you have the right traits and just what being a healthcare assistant entails? Here at Secure Healthcare Solutions we are one of the best home care agencies in Wolverhampton and know just what it takes to be a great healthcare assistant. Healthcare jobs provide a real sense of worth to those who do them and are a valuable role in society. From home care services to complex care services, here is some more information on a healthcare assistant job role…

What is a healthcare assistant?

A healthcare assistant is an individual who ensures a patient’s experience is as stress-free, dignified, and comfortable as it can possibly be. It is often the first step on a career ladder if you are looking to get into a more advanced career position, but many people like the role so much they stick at it for many years.

What would day to day duties typically be?

As a healthcare assistant, you will have a varied role in-home care services and complex care services, with many different duties. This is one of the reasons so many people love the day. Healthcare jobs provide you with a great opportunity to try out different skills and better yourself every day. Typical duties can include:

Helping your client to get washed and dressed in the morning
Fixing your client with healthy and nutritious meals throughout the day
Going shopping for them
Doing light cleaning around the home
Being a companion
Picking up any medication and prescriptions they might need
Driving them to any medical appointments
Life administration such as paying bills
Administering medication
Taking them on day trips or to social events
Getting them ready for bed and settled for the night

Healthcare solutions — Healthcare assistant

What personality traits should I have for a healthcare assistant?

As a healthcare assistant, there are certain personality traits that would benefit you in the role. You will need to be a caring and kind person, as well as cheerful and friendly. Patients might not get much other company so will look forward to your visits and having some nice companionship. They may also be unwell or missing their independence so a kind and patient temperament will help them a lot. You will also need to be willing to be hands-on with the patient including personal tasks. If you are someone that is bothered by washing someone, helping them go to the toilet, or clearing up mess such as sick then this might not be the role for you. You will also need to be organized as you will often have a number of different patients on your rota that you need to see during the day. You will need to know who needs what and when, which homes you need to be at during certain times of the day, and the individual needs of the clients. If you are not organized you could end up missing appointments, getting orders wrong, and upsetting those that you look after.
There aren’t any specific qualifications you need as a healthcare assistant, but many employers will ask that you have a good basic level of English and Maths. If you have a qualification in healthcare such as an NVQ or a BTEC this can be useful, but if you don’t have one it is not something to worry about. One of the most important things for you to gain a role in a healthcare assistant job is to have relevant experience in care work. There are many apprenticeships you could do, or it is worth volunteering somewhere locally. This will show your future employer that you are dedicated to the profession and will have some basic knowledge of what you will be doing.

Where can I find care jobs and health jobs to become an HCA?

Here at Secure Healthcare Solutions, we are one of the best job provider sites and home care agencies in Wolverhampton and beyond. From staffing for nurses and private hospital staffing to health jobs and care jobs, we have a myriad of roles to apply for. If you are looking to be a healthcare assistant, we are on hand to help. Get in touch with us today and find out what roles we have available. Find out more about Secure Healthcare Solutions on our website today.

There may come a point in your loved one’s life where they can’t live by themselves in the same capacity that they once did. Whether due to an illness or that they get concerned about their safety when going about their day to day tasks, there are many reasons this might be the case. Yet many don’t want to go into a residential home. They can see this as losing their independence completely and moving away from a house they have likely lived in for a number of years and is filled with all their favorite belongings and items that make them feel safe. This is why it is so good that there are other options you can look into, such as a live-in carer. With round-the-clock, permanent care, you can feel safe in the knowledge that your loved one is being looked after, while also retaining a level of independence. A live-in care agency such as ourselves at Secure Healthcare Solutions is here to help you find the perfect live-in care service. If you haven’t looked into having a live-in carer, we have put together just a few of the benefits having one can bring. If you are on the search for a private live-in care job, find out just what your role might entail too!

1. Dedicated one-to-one care and support
A live-in carer will provide dedicated care and support to your loved one, focusing solely on their needs and wellbeing. They will get to know your loved one on a personal level, becoming not just their carer, but a companion too. They will be there to help with everything from getting them washed and dressed in the morning, to helping with any health matters and making their coffee just the way they like it. A live-in care agency will provide your loved ones with a live-in carer that is best suited for their needs and personality.
2. You can stay in your own home
Losing your independence either due to old age or an illness can be hard enough, without being taken away from your home and all that you know. With live-in care, your loved one can stay in their own home, feeling safe and secure with all their belongings and memories around them. When moving to a care home it is unlikely you can bring most of your things with you, so this enables your loved ones to stay where they are most comfortable. If they have dementia, then change can be very distressing and even make their condition worse, so a live-in care service will help to eliminate this.

3. It can give family members peace of mind
If you have a family member that is frail or ill and living on their own, it can be a big burden on you. You could find yourself constantly concerned if they are alright if they have had a fall in the night, and if they are lonely. While you will try and be there for them as much as you can, you also have your own life to lead, such as going to work, and you can find this takes an emotional toll. By having a live-in carer you know that there is always someone on hand to help your loved one with medication, getting to the toilet when they need it, and companionship when they need it most.
4. Better value for money
A care home can be expensive and costs can quickly rack up, especially considering the level of care is nowhere near as dedicated as a live-in carer. A live-in carer will provide a completely bespoke package designed around your loved one and their best needs and interests. They are highly skilled in what they do and will provide a dedicated one to one service focused on your loved one. They can help with everything from getting their wash and dressed to food preparation, shopping, and visiting the doctors.

For a live-in care service that you can rely on, get in touch with us today. We provide live-in care in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell, Cannock, Telford, Birmingham, Bilston, and surrounding areas. If you are looking for a private live-in care job, we have a number of vacancies here at our live-in care agency. Please just pick up the phone or drop us an email today.

Being a nurse NHS is one of the most rewarding jobs out there. Yes, days can be stressful and you’ll need a break to rewind and refresh but you’ll never find a nurse who says they regret working in the medical profession. On a daily basis, you will be making a difference in many lives; you’ll be the one nursing your patients back to health or helping them get through the illness that they are suffering from. You’ll have the opportunity to hear many fascinating stories from your patients and work as part of a team. If you are looking for a position as a nurse NHS, or perhaps you want to expand past NHS support worker jobs, why not consider nurse jobs NHS? Below are five reasons why a nursing job is so rewarding.

Nursing Jobs — Private hospital staffing

A Job That Makes A Difference

As a nurse, you are literally saving lives. You are in a position where you don’t just give medicine, you look after patients, care for them and help them through times which can be troubling and traumatic without your help. On a daily basis, you will be making a difference to the lives of all that you see and speak to. A lot of nurses will tell you how there is nothing more rewarding than leaving your shift knowing that you have helped multiple people that day.

Well Respected Job

Being a nurse is a massive accomplishment and one that many could only dream of doing. Nurses are not only extremely knowledgeable and talented but also compassionate and full of empathy. They are there because they care about their patients’ well-being and make a difference every day of their lives. Being able to make such a difference is rewarding in so many ways. Life is such a precious thing and knowing that you helped save that person’s life, there is nothing more respectable than that.

Hearing Patients Stories

Part of doing a nursing job is being patient and listening to what your patients have to say. Every patient you look after comes from a different walk of life and it can be fascinating to hear their stories while caring for them. Being able to listen and hear about their life experiences is a special reward that not many people get to experience. You’ll hear things that will completely change your perspective on life and will make a difference to who you are and will appreciate all the little things.

Working As Part Of A Team

Each day as a nurse NHS you work with a team of different personnel, whether that be other nurses, doctors, care managers or social workers. You are never alone, you’ve always got someone there for you to support and them to support you. You’ll be working as a team and be impacting many lives in positive ways. When things get stressful, it’s always nice to know you have others going through what you are and can talk to each other. You can always ask questions, and come up with new ideas with each other, all with a common goal of helping others.

Job Security

Nurses will always be needed, no matter what month or year. They do an extremely valuable job and save lives. As the human population grows older and more people are born, more nurses will be needed year in year out. As far as job security goes, nursing is one of those jobs that is extremely sought after and won’t be stopped. As a nurse, days can and will be stressful however the security of your job is one thing that you will never think about. It’s not like a sales job where if targets aren’t met they will replace you. It will always feel rewarding knowing that patients value you on a day to day basis.

Are you looking to train and become a nurse? Are you currently a nurse and can share your reasons why nursing is so rewarding to you? If you have any questions please let us know in the comment box below, we would love to hear from you.

Nurse jobs NHS
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Growing up back in the 40s, 50s and 60s was vastly different to how people grow up nowadays. With no social media or access to their friends and family’s virtual lives 24/7, more time was spent valuing real-life encounters and relationships. One of the ways in which people used to socialise back then was to go to local dances together, in order to have a good time and often meet a potential future partner. However, people would gather at such venues for one thing over everything else: A collective love of music.

According to the British Geriatrics Society, evidence shows that four in ten older people living in nursing homes in England are depressed. One way to combat depression in older people is with a technique called music therapy.

The British Association for Music Therapy explains: “Everyone has the ability to respond to music, and music therapy uses this connection to facilitate positive changes in emotional wellbeing and communication through the engagement in live musical interaction between client and therapist. It can help develop and facilitate communication skills, improve self-confidence and independence, enhance self-awareness and awareness of others, improve concentration and attention skills.”

More specifically, music therapy can be a brilliant aid for those living with dementia. An article published by the NHS describes music and memory as powerful connectors. “Music lights up emotional memories – everyone remembers songs from their past – the first kiss, the song at a wedding, seeing their parents dance and we often use music to remember people at funerals.

“Music can have many benefits in the setting of dementia. It can help reduce anxiety and depression, help maintain speech and language, is helpful at the end of life, enhances quality of life and has a positive impact on carers.”

According to Aging Care, music is particularly beneficial for people struggling with memory loss “because it’s easier for them to access the memory of a melody than to recall a person’s name or a past event. ‘The memory of the song stays with them much longer than regular memories’”, says Snyder-Cowan, director of the Elisabeth Prentiss Bereavement Center for Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio.

The elderly often fall into the routine of not being as active as they should be if they find that they are stuck indoors a lot and can become demotivated by feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression. The NHS states that many adults aged 65 and over spend, on average, 10 hours or more each day sitting or lying down, making them the most sedentary age group.

However, there is some hope. It is a well known that regular exercise has been scientifically proven to delay the effects of ageing on the body, and introducing music therapy can encourage older people to get up and moving to their favourite songs. Regular exercise can lower the risk of getting heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, depression and dementia.

In an article published by Age UK Mobility, Retire at Home comments: “It has been found that even such minimal movement as tapping a foot or clapping hands is enough activity to release pent-up mental and physical stress, and bring a little joy into the room. For many seniors who are able, dancing to music is a wonderful way to exercise. Being swept into the rhythm of music can lower blood pressure and stimulate organs in the body.”

Music therapy can also encourage social interaction between lonely, older generations. As we mentioned in the introduction, dancing is how many used to socialise years ago, and so introducing music therapy can be nostalgic for lots of older people, a joy which they can all share together. Music therapy can initiate dancing, laughter and sharing stories – all being great ways to communicate and to keep the brain ticking.

The website of Bethany Village explains that music is known to bring people together. “In music therapy programs, older adults are encouraged to communicate and connect with other members of their group, often making new friends in the process. The social aspect of music therapy helps seniors alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.”