blog | Secure Healthcare Solutions

Secure Healthcare Solutions Essington provides bespoke and high quality care at home and support so you can enjoy a personalised homecare service built around your needs.

Living independently at home ( Essington ) is something most of us would like to do for as long as possible. When that time comes to make the decision to ask for extra support to continue to live independently as much as possible, our home care services are tailored for exactly that.

Our trained caring friendly staff have your Dignity and respect at the forefront of delivering personalised care in the comfort of your own home. When providing home care for yourself or a family member or friend, we take the time to get to know you and make sure you are continually happy with the care you received and the staff that support you.

Home care can be arranged on an hourly, daily, weekly basis or a much longer plan to suit your needs. We provides in-home care and support services to people so they can live as independently as possible in their own homes and communities. We support people to live life the way they choose.

The best person to know what support you need to remain as independent as possible in your own home is you. That is why everything we do is designed around your needs and goals. These can be relatively simple like help with shopping through to high dependency 24 hour care.

Housekeeping
Personal care
Domiciliary care
Companionship
Support with information and advice
Housing support
High dependency care
Live-in care
Respite care
Medication management
Hospital to Home service
Complex and specialist care

Let us help you get the care you need for the life you want.

If you wish to learn more about how we can support you, please contact us and let one of our advisers come to see you and your family for a more detailed plan on how we can support you.

Secure Healthcare Solutions Wightwick provides bespoke and high quality care at home and support so you can enjoy a personalised homecare service built around your needs.

Living independently at home is something most of us would like to do for as long as possible. When that time comes to make the decision to ask for extra support to continue to live independently as much as possible, our home care services are tailored for exactly that.

Housekeeping
Personal care
Domiciliary care
Companionship
Support with information and advice
Housing support
High dependency care
Live-in care
Respite care
Medication management
Hospital to Home service
Complex and specialist care

Let us help you get the care you need for the life you want.

If you wish to learn more about how we can support you, please contact us and let one of our advisers come to see you and your family for a more detailed plan on how we can support you.

“Secure Healthcare Solutions Tettenhall provides bespoke and high quality care at home and support so you can enjoy a personalised homecare service built around your needs.”

Living independently from your Tettenhall home is something most of us would like to do for as long as possible. When that time comes to make the decision to ask for extra support to continue to live independently as much as possible, our home care services are tailored for exactly that.

Housekeeping
Personal care
Domiciliary care
Companionship
Support with information and advice
Housing support
High dependency care
Live-in care
Respite care
Medication management
Hospital to Home service
Complex and specialist care

Let us help you get the care you need for the life you want.

If you wish to learn more about how we can support you, please contact us and let one of our advisers come to see you and your family for a more detailed plan on how we can support you.

The Problem

Cavell Nurses’ Trust spoke to over 2,200 nurses, midwives and HCAs about financial hardship and deprivation, domestic abuse, health, illness, wellbeing and employment. Here’s what we found:

Nurses are nearly twice as likely as the average person to be unable to afford basic necessities like beds, washing machines and keeping their homes warm
Two in five nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants have a long-term physical or mental illness that limits their day-to-day activity
Nurses are 3 times more likely to have experienced domestic abuse in the last year

“This is appalling, and we’re taking action”

Will you be here for nurses?

Cavell Nurses’ Trust gives money and support to nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants (HCAs) who are facing financial hardship, often because of illness, domestic abuse and the effects of older age. If you believe we should be here for nurses, please join us and take action at cavellnursestrust.org/research If you’re a nurse, midwife, HCA or work in healthcare, please take action and help your colleagues at cavellnursestrust.org/ research

Still caring

In spite of all this, nursing professionals are getting on with the vital job of caring for the UK. Nurses give so much to us all. They help bring our children into the world. They care for us when we’re dying. They’re here for us with care and compassion at the darkest and the brightest moments in-between.

About Cavell Nurses’ Trust

Cavell Nurses’ Trust is here for nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants (HCAs) with money and support when they are experiencing personal or financial hardship. We also help people who are retired or have changed profession and help students in exceptional situations. We’re proud to offer a listening ear and practical support to everyone who gets in touch. Cavell Nurses’ Trust was established in 1917 following the execution of British nurse Edith Cavell in WW1. She helped 200 Allied soldiers reach freedom from German-occupied Belgium and Cavell Nurses’ Trust is her living legacy. We’re proud to maintain Edith’s values of compassion, courage and care in the work we do. Put simply, we’re #HereForNurses

“I was devastated; the idea that I wouldn’t walk again and be unable

to return to work was horrible. I couldn’t imagine my life without nursing”

In 2010, nurse Michelle’s life changed forever. Until then, she’d worked with new born babies suffering heart problems and loved every minute of it, but increasing pain in her lower back turned into bad news – two ruptured discs. It soon became clear that Michelle would be a wheelchair user for the rest of her life. Michelle’s determination was strong and after five months in hospital and six months rehabilitation, she was ready to return to work. But costly modifications were needed to her wheelchair so Cavell Nurses’ Trust was able to secure funding to convert her manual wheelchair into an electric one. This help has ensured Michelle’s return to work as a Cardiac Education Nurse.

“The help I’ve received from Cavell Nurses’ Trust has been life changing, I will be forever grateful to them.”

A student job in a nursing home opened Louise’s* eyes to a career caring for others and after qualifying in 2005, she nursed in her local hospital. Now a nurse and mother, Louise found her life took a bad turn as her partner was becoming increasingly abusive towards her – physically, emotionally and financially. She ended up in a women’s refuge with a bag of clothes and a toy for each child. Cavell Nurses’ Trust was quickly able to fund items for Louise’s new home and pay her registration costs, allowing her to return to her beloved nursing career.

“I’ve given so much during my nursing career and I’m so grateful to know that Cavell Nurses’ Trust

are there for me if I need help.”

Could this report be a catalyst for making a change?

The money and support Cavell Nurses’ Trust gives must be made available to more and more people. To do this we need to raise awareness of the cause described in this report. We need to raise awareness of the help available. And we need to raise the funds to make it all happen. Cavell Nurses’ Trust can only do this with your support. So I ask you to consider how you, the people you know and the people you work with, could be here for nurses too.

Secure Healthcare Solutions Edgbaston provides bespoke and high quality care at home and support so you can enjoy a personalised homecare service built around your needs.

Housekeeping
Personal care
Domiciliary care
Companionship
Support with information and advice
Housing support
High dependency care
Live-in care
Respite care
Medication management
Hospital to Home service
Complex and specialist care

Let us help you get the care you need for the life you want.

If you wish to learn more about how we can support you, please contact us and let one of our advisers come to see you and your family for a more detailed plan on how we can support you.

What is Hypotention ?

Doctors measure blood pressure using two numbers – the first and higher of the two is called the systolic blood pressure, and it occurs when the heart beats and fills the arteries of the body with blood. The lower number is called the diastolic blood pressure, and it’s the pressure in the heart when it rests between heartbeats. A normal blood pressure is said to be in the region of 120/80mmHg (systolic/diastolic) and doctors spend a lot of time dealing with people with high blood pressure. Use a blood pressure chart to see what your blood pressure means.

Low blood pressure (hypotension) on the other hand often requires no treatment but elderly people in particular can find it a problem, especially when standing up from sitting or lying down. In general terms, the medical advice is that the lower the blood pressure the better, and for most people their blood pressure rarely falls below 90/60.

Recognition

However, low blood pressure can sometimes mean there’s not enough blood flowing to your brain and other vital organs, which can lead to symptoms such as:

dizziness or lightheadedness
unsteadiness
fainting
blurred vision
heartbeats that suddenly become more noticeable (palpitations)
confusion
feeling sick (nausea)
general weakness

What to do if you have symptoms

If you think you may be experiencing an episode of low blood pressure, you should:

stop what you’re doing
sit or lie down
drink some water

The symptoms will usually pass after a few seconds or minutes.

When to see your GP

You should see your GP if you have frequent symptoms of low blood pressure. Your GP can measure your blood pressure and help identify any underlying causes of the problem. Read more about diagnosing low blood pressure.

Low blood pressure after suddenly standing up

If you experience symptoms of low pressure after changing positions, such as standing up, it’s known as postural, or orthostatic, hypotension. Symptoms shouldn’t last longer than a few seconds, as your blood pressure will adjust to your new position. This type of low blood pressure tends to affect people more as they get older, when it can lead to more frequent falls. Similar symptoms may also occur after exercise.

Low blood pressure after eating

If you experience symptoms after eating, it’s known as postprandial hypotension. It occurs more often in older people, particularly in those who have high blood pressure or conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and diabetes mellitus. After a meal, your intestines need a large amount of blood for digestion. If your heart rate doesn’t increase enough to maintain blood pressure, your blood pressure will fall, causing symptoms.

Low blood pressure after standing for long periods

Some people experience symptoms after standing up for long periods of time. This is sometimes known as neutrally mediated hypotension, and most often affects children and young adults.

What is Hypotention ?

Recognition

However, low blood pressure can sometimes mean there’s not enough blood flowing to your brain and other vital organs, which can lead to symptoms such as:

dizziness or lightheadedness
unsteadiness
fainting
blurred vision
heartbeats that suddenly become more noticeable (palpitations)
confusion
feeling sick (nausea)
general weakness

What to do if you have symptoms

If you think you may be experiencing an episode of low blood pressure, you should:

stop what you’re doing
sit or lie down
drink some water

The symptoms will usually pass after a few seconds or minutes.

When to see your GP

Low blood pressure after suddenly standing up

Low blood pressure after eating

Low blood pressure after standing for long periods

Some people experience symptoms after standing up for long periods of time. This is sometimes known as neutrally mediated hypotension, and most often affects children and young adults.

Talking Point is a helpful online community where anyone who is affected by dementia can receive valuable support.

It’s free, open day or night, and can be accessed online.

‘I really appreciated the help and support I get from people I’ve never met. This helped me to cope with my situation, deal with my feelings, frustrations, worries and fears. I felt as though there was always someone I could turn to, and no matter when I posted, I always received a reply from someone within hours.

‘When you are dealing with someone with dementia, this is so important. With statutory services, I have often had to wait days for anyone just to ring me back.’

On Talking Point you can:

ask for advice
read other people’s stories
offload your concerns about dementia
share helpful information.

How is Talking Point run?

Talking Point is run by a small team of staff and supported by brilliant volunteers. The volunteers all have personal experience of caring for people with dementia. They help to welcome new members, point people toward useful resources and provide on-going support for the service.

As the community isn’t manned by professional advisers, it cannot provide medical or legal advice. Help is instead provided through shared experience and peer support.

Register to Talking Point

Visit Talking Point now to register and join the community.

You can begin by posting a message to introduce yourself in our welcome forum. You may prefer to browse the community for a while, and simply read what others have written, before posting a message.

If you have any questions, please refer to Talking Point guide or contact our team on TalkingPoint@alzheimers.org.uk.

Autism West Midlands is the leading charity in the West Midlands for people affected by autism. We exist to enable all people with autism, and those who love and care for them to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.

Because autism is closely linked to anxiety, one of the main benefits of professional care and support is to minimise anxiety and distress. This is achieved by close knowledge of the individual with autism, and by providing security and structure.

Professional support can also expand boundaries. Even though people with autism are often resistant to change and anxious about change, they may also be open to new experiences. Professional care can, for example, expand dietary choices. Additionally, where people with autism need a structured day, part of the structure can and should be activities which they enjoy.

People with autism often have strong interests, even obsessions, in certain subjects – for example Dr Who; The Beatles; computer games. A structured programme will enable them to spend some time in following these interests, as part of a balanced programme of activities. A balanced programme for an adult with autism might include some time at College; some time in physical activity (for example swimming or a walk); some time on personal care; perhaps sometime on food preparation; some time on the individual’s particular interests. This is only one example: some people with autism would not be physically or mentally able to carry out all these activities; others – for example someone high-functioning with Asperger syndrome – may be fully able to plan their own time. The message is to try to deliver a varied programme within a known structure. The structure will tend to minimise anxiety; the variety can help develop skills and provide interest.

Please click here for downloadable information sheets

Voluntary donations help fund a variety of our projects in the West Midlands. Donations also pay for equipment for our service users to enjoy and help families gain access to services in the community specifically for those with autism.

Download a fundraising pack now

With your support, Autism West Midlands can help people with autism to live as independently as possible, in both residential care and their own homes. We can provide activities and events to support families from sibling groups to stay and play sessions and parent support groups. Our Helpline is also a listening ear, providing support and advice to those who need it. The work that we do is possible because of the support from you.

For just £15.00 per year become a supporter of Autism West Midlands and you will receive the following;

– Online supporters welcome pack

– Digital supporters certificate

– Exclusive supporters web access to our very own digital Autism Matters magazine

In this section you can find out how to get involved with Autism West Midlands, including fundraising activities, volunteering opportunities, membership and events. More details here.

It is very important to protect food from harmful bacteria that could be spread by other activities in the care home. Older people may be more likely to suffer from food poisoning and become ill because ageing weakens the immune system’s ability to fight infection. So it is important to take extra care when dealing with food intended for people in residential care. This supplement is for small residential care homes that prepare and cook food for people in either long-term or short-term residential care. It is not intended for use in nursing homes.

The safe methods in this supplement cover the following specific food safety issues found in care homes:

• Extra care: protecting food

• Mini-kitchens

• Gift food

These will help you to reduce the spread of harmful bacteria between the rest of the care home and the kitchen. You will need to use this supplement together with the Safer food, better business for caterers pack and not on its own.

If you have completed the SFBB caterers pack you will already be familiar with the safe methods and how to complete them. Work through the supplement and complete the relevant safe methods and the new safe method completion record. Then insert the safe methods into the appropriate colour-coded section of the pack. When you have completed all the sections, make sure you and your staff (this means anyone working with food in a care home setting): • follow the safe methods all the time • fill in the diary every day Remember, the safe methods in the supplement will not provide a food safety management system by themselves. The supplement should be used alongside your caterers pack.

As part of your registration as a care home provider, you will need to comply with the national minimum standards (NMS). You can get further information on the NMS from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or the social services at your local authority. All care homes are also required to have an infection control policy. For further advice you can refer to the Department of Health’s ‘Infection control guidance for care homes’.

Where can I get more information ?

For information about Listeria, which is a type of bacteria that can cause serious problems for the elderly, see: www.food.gov.uk/science/microbiology/listeria More information on registering as a care home provider can be found at: www.cqc.org.uk/ Information on infection control within care homes is available at: www.dh.gov.uk/publications

The pack is available to download from the Food Standards Agency website at: www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/ caterers/sfbb/sfbbcaterers/