Bilston – Page 8 – Secure Healthcare Solutions

If you have always been a caring and considerate person, then you might have thought about becoming a nurse. A nurse is currently the UK’s most employable type of degree. 94% of students get a job within six months of their course finishing. Becoming a nurse is hard work, but is also one of the most rewarding careers that you could ever do. You can go home every day knowing that you have made a profound difference in someone’s life, simply by doing your job and being you. If you are interested in a nursing job and wondering “how do I get into nursing?” There are a few things you need to think about.

Consider the field of nursing you want to go into
There are many different branches within the nursing career field. These include adult nursing, children’s nursing, mental health nursing and learning disability nursing. You could choose to specialize in one or do a degree that allows you to study in two of them. Do your research before you decide which you want to do. While they are all nursing jobs, they are all very different in what they entail.

The route you will take to become a nurse
Once you have decided to become a nurse, you will need to consider how you will do this. You will also need to think of how you can fit it around your everyday life. There are a few ways that you can become a nurse:

– Studying at university –
This is probably the most common and well-known route to become a nurse. Each university in the UK has its own criteria for entry. You will need to do your research and find which one is best for you. It’s like you will need at least two or three A-levels as well as supporting GCSE’s. You can also find some online degrees if you cannot go out to university. This might be the case for example, you have children at home that you need to look after.

– By doing a nursing degree apprenticeship –
Nursing degree apprenticeships are a bit of a newer offering and more and more NHS organizations are offering this now. You will still need to study in order to become a nurse. The difference is you will be at university part-time and do various placements. In order to begin a nursing apprenticeship, you will typically need a level 3 qualification. Your apprenticeship should take about four years.

– By becoming a nursing associate –
A nursing associate is a great one if you want to head straight into work. While not the same as being a registered nurse, you can do further training to top-up your training and climb the ranks. In this role, you will work alongside fully qualified nurses and nursing care support workers. You will learn on the job and undertaking training. You will have a range of opportunities in a diverse range of settings. These are great to broaden your experience and teach you on the job.

Think about if a nursing job is for you
There are many attributes that make up a great nurse and it can help if you have these qualities. The first of these is adaptability. Each day working as a nurse can be completely different. You will need to be prepared to adapt and switch up what you are doing at a moment’s notice. You will need to be ready to work under pressure and expect the unexpected each and every day.

Another attribute you will also need is to have patience. You may have a difficult patient that doesn’t want to eat or take medication, or their family may try to intervene. It is important that you take deep breaths and try to keep calm and patient at all times. This will make it easier for everyone involved.

You will need to be prepared to commit. Nursing isn’t a job you can put in minimal effort and put down at the end of the day. It is a commitment to caring for your patients and going above and beyond on a daily basis. You may get home and find that you are impacted by the day’s events and sometimes have to work overtime.

Another quality you will need to have is empathy. Being a nurse is a full-on and emotional job and you will be dealing with people suffering the worst challenges of their lives. Try to empathize with how they might be feeling and how you can make this better.

These are just some of the top tips to get into a nursing job. A nursing career is a very rewarding one, but one that you will dedicate your life to. Think about the above and decide carefully if it is for you. If you have enjoyed our article on “how do I get into nursing” why not get in touch? You can see the nursing jobs we have available on our site. Find out more about our nursing jobs and vacancies here.

Staying in touch with your loved ones during the pandemic is an important aspect that will not only help your own mental health but also theirs. With many people being told to stay at home, face-to-face communication is currently paused meaning other ways to stay in touch are more important than ever. Luckily, from video calls to countless messenger apps, or letters and emails, there are a whole plethora of avenues that you can go down to stay in touch with your loved ones. Below are several ways to stay in touch with your family during the pandemic.

Communicate Through Email
Email is an efficient and effective way to stay in touch with your loved ones during a pandemic. Most people have email addresses, and if they don’t it’s easy to create one using one of the major suppliers. When sending an email, you can create an email chain and send it to multiple people at the same time. A positive thing about email is that you don’t have to reply instantly. You can let it sit in your inbox and reply when you are ready and have thought of something interesting to send back. There is also not a character limit meaning it is easier to send something longer than through a text and it’s free to have.

Video Calls
Throughout the pandemic, video calls are becoming one of the most popular ways to communicate with one another. There are many providers out there that make it easy to do so, such as Zoom, Skype, or Facebook. You’ll also find that most mobile devices or laptops have cameras built into them meaning you don’t need to purchase anything additional so have a video call. Video calls typically go on for longer as you can actually see each other, you can have multiple people on the call at the same time, and if you are feeling creative you can always play some games over the camera, like a family quiz or an online escape room.

Staying in touch with your loved ones — **Photo by** Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

Messenger
Online messenger platforms like Facebook messenger or Whatsapp are perfect for sharing images, staying in touch with your loved ones a quick message, or having a longer conversation. With messenger, they are free to use and the messages you send are instantly delivered. As with other ways of communicating, you can create a group and message multiple people at the same time. The main benefit of the messenger is that it’s quick and easy to use, if you are out and about and have a sudden thought you want to share to show you are thinking of someone, you can quickly send it to them within a minute. Messenger apps can be used on your laptop or mobile device.

Letters
Letters aren’t as popular as they used to be but are still a nice way to communicate with your loved ones. Letters tend to be unexpected, giving your friends or family members a nice delivery when they are least expecting it. They show that you have gone the extra mile to get in touch with them and allow you to be more personal than through an email or messenger post. Writing a letter is also great fun when you think about it, when was the last time you sat down with an a4 piece of paper and wrote a nice message on it? With technology taking over, probably a long time ago, if ever.

Blog Posts
Have you thought about starting up a blog? A blog is a great way to let multiple people know how you are doing, no matter who they are. With a blog, you can be personal and write about your day-to-day life, or you write about a subject matter that you are interested in. People can read your posts whenever they have some time free without having to get in direct contact with you. Plus, if your blog is really interesting you may find people who you don’t know coming to your site to read what you write. This could lead to you writing more meaningful posts that can affect others in a positive way as well.

Overall, there are many ways in which we can communicate through this dreaded pandemic. Choose the ones that work best for you and the people you want to stay in touch with. An elderly person may be better over a letter or email than a zoom call or your blog posts. Whereas your parents may prefer video calls or to read your blog posts.

How do you stay in touch with your loved ones? How often do you message each other? Is there something that we are missing? Let us know in the comment box below, we would love to hear from you.

At Secure Healthcare Solutions a case management system is important for us to ensure that we provide quality care, case managers work with adults and children that have ongoing needs, to provide quality care, so our patients can maximize their quality of life. We work with individuals cared for and communicate with families and local authorities to ensure the best possible support is given.

Initially, we will conduct a face-to-face assessment with our patient and if required with the family to determine the level of care required. We will then write these findings in a detailed report and outline all the recommended interventions.Our patients will have a tailored care management plan, created around individual needs. Patients may require short-term or long-term case management and we will ensure that we have a plan in place to effectively deal with the needs.

What case managers can expect from Secure Healthcare Solutions

Round-the-clock support – The team operates a 24-hour service, with a dedicated out-of-hours team, so we can be contacted at any time to support you.

Arranging staff rapidly to assign to a package – We work with over 1000 healthcare professionals, we are able to deploy a specialist team and also train them if required to suit the needs requires for each package of care.

Nurse-led packages – Our nurses are highly trained and supported by a clinical lead nurse. We can provide experienced registered nurses and specialist nurses, including RMN and RNLD if required.

Flexibility to accommodate individual needs –Patient’s needs can change over time, therefore we are flexible and can cater to these needs by providing more or less care.

Sourcing specialist equipment – We understand that individuals may need support with purchasing specialist equipment such as a wheelchair stairlift, toilet aids, etc to assist with everyday needs.

Advice on housing – Providing support on appropriate housing is important for us, as individuals cared for need an environment that they are comfortable with to suit their individual needs.

Education and activities – Advising individuals with education and activities that they can undertake aligned to their interests and new areas that want to be explored.

Simple financial payments – Our support team ensure initial costings and ongoing fees are processed efficiently.

Feedback is welcome – We appreciate feedback at all times, so we can adapt and improve our service to meet expectations.

Robbie Steeles managing director of Secure Healthcare Solutions states that “It is imperative that our patients with individual needs have the option to receive support from a case manager to ensure quality care and support is provided. We have a flexible approach and we can adapt to the changing needs to support and care for the clients the best that we can. We are always here for those that require support and care”.

Click here to find out more about our case management services.

Speak to our trained case management specialists today to see how we can support individuals with ongoing needs, Email us at homecare@securesolutions.co.uk or call us on 01902 302 017 to discuss how we can support you to provide the best possible care and support.

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.

Photo by Marcus Aurelius from Pexels

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.

Parkinson’s is a brain disorder that affects the nervous system, leading to shaking, stiffness, difficulty walking, balance, and coordination.

Men and women can both have Parkinson’s disease, although it impacts men 50 percent more than women.

Generally, Parkinson’s first develops around the age of 60, and only about 5 to 10 percent would have Parkinson’s before the age of 50.

Parkinson develops when cells in the brain stop working effectively and the cells are lost over time. The brain cells produce a chemical called dopamine. When the brain can not produce enough dopamine, you will start to notice symptoms, particularly to control movement properly.

There are three main symptoms of Parkinson’s, which are tremor, stiffness, and slowness of movement, however, you may also experience other symptoms, including problems with your sleep, memory, and mental health issues.

Generally, individuals with Parkinson’s initially do not realize that they have this disease, and symptoms gradually worsen over time, as the disease progresses. Currently, there are around 145,000 people in the UK that live with Parkinson’s and it is known to be the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world.

Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, and scientists are working hard to find a breakthrough for a cure. There are treatments available to help reduce the main symptoms and maintain quality of life for as long as possible.

During the early stages of Parkinson’s, symptoms are generally mild, and you may not need any treatment, however, it is advised to have regular appointments with a specialist to monitor your condition.

Some research highlights that regular exercise may reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, also there is some research that shows that individuals that consume drinks with caffeine are less likely to get Parkinson’s disease than those who do not drink it.

Eating a well-balanced diet containing fruits and vegetables can improve overall health and help with non-movement symptoms.

There is no guarantee that this protects you, however, it is recommended to live a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and good nutrition and hydration.

Treatments
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, however, treatment and domiciliary care and support can help ease the symptoms experienced. Medicines can be prescribed to increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. You may also want physiotherapy to help with movements and speech therapy to help with slurred speech.

At Secure Healthcare Solutions we want to provide you the right amount of care and support required through your condition, which may deteriorate over time. It is important that we listen to your needs and what goals you want to achieve, to then create a tailored care plan to support your individual’s needs and preferences. We are able to provide this support within care homes and at the comfort of your home. Support may include:

– Ensuring you have the medicines you need and support with administering medicines.
– Providing support with social activities that you enjoy.
– Stimulating the brain by reading or walking.
– Supportive treatments such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

Speak to us today to see how we can support patients with Parkinson’s. Email us at homecare@securesolutions.co.uk or call us on 01902 302 017 to discuss how we can support you or your loved ones to provide the best possible care and support.

If you have a relative that is sick, your natural instinct is that you want to care for them. After all, the person in question has likely always been there for you and you want to give something back. Yet you could find that after a while it takes its toll. If you have a job that you need to go to every day, have children and pets to look after or have a lengthy journey over to your loved one, it can soon become stressful. The emotional investment can keep you going but it could end up making you ill. If you get ill and burnt out from doing too much work this isn’t good for anyone. This is why it is a good idea to look into getting a home carer. If you are considering this, then there are a few things you need to remember:

Asking for help is not a failure

If you have been looking after a relative for a while, you can feel a sense of failure if you suddenly need to ask for external help. This is not the case. It is important to remember that by asking for help you are doing your loved one and yourself a favor by giving them the best care possible. This is a courageous thing to do and says a lot about how much you care about the other person.

Your relationship with your loved one will probably improve

It can be very stressful looking after your loved one. Even though you want to do it, you may find that your stress shows as resentment or you just find it very distressing to see them that way. When the pressure of caring for them is removed, you can focus on spending quality time with them. You can play games, talk, look at photos and reminisce. Instead of worrying about their care, you can sip cups of tea and just enjoy the time you spend together. This is a much healthier way to spend your time.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

They are better qualified for the role

Your home carer is qualified to do this role and will therefore be very good at it. They will know what to do in certain situations that you might have found distressing or not known what to do. They are also good at handling situations such as getting people dressed or helping them bathe with dignity. If you are too close to someone they can see this as embarrassing or that they don’t want you to do it. A carer is detached enough from the situation that it isn’t an issue.

It is important that if you are finding it difficult to look after a loved one who needs care, that you seek external help. All of our carers at Secure Healthcare Solutions are experts in their field and fully checked by the CQC for their top-quality care. If you are looking to find out more or hire a carer then please get in touch with us today.

If you are looking for a role as a home carer, see 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.