Loading Jobs...

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.

Parkinson's care
Senior Woman Suffering With Parkinson’s Disease

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.

home carer

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.

cancer care at home

Photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels

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

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

Home-based chemo could be more effective

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

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

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

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

They can ensure you aren’t alone

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

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

They can give you back your independence

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

They can help with brain training activities

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

mental health

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

They can address your health concerns

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

They can support your family

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

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

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

As a healthcare provider, where our healthcare staff has experienced stressful situations during this pandemic providing personal care, we understand that stress is a normal part of life, during your lifetime everybody will experience stressful situations. Stress is the feeling of being affected mentally or emotionally pressured. It can be very difficult to get rid of stress, as there could be reoccurring thoughts and situations which you experience or have experienced. Stress can be overwhelming when you are exposed to it for a long period of time.
Everyday life experiences can cause stress, such as work, relationships, and money problems, when feeling stressed it can be difficult to sort out these issues and it can affect everything that you do.
Stress can cause mental health problems. For example, if you struggle to deal with feelings of stress, it could lead to mental health difficulties such as anxiety or depression.
Mental health problems can cause stress. It may be difficult to deal with your mental health problem, and also managing medication, health care appointments, or treatments that can cause further stress.

What are the signs of stress?
You are likely to experience stress differently in various situations. It can be difficult to tell straight away if you are experiencing stress, and you may just carry on with everyday life. Stress can impact you emotionally and physically, which is likely to impact your behavior.

There are various symptoms that you can experience:
Cognitive symptoms
Memory problems
Difficulties concentrating
Poor judgment
Negative thoughts
Anxious thoughts
Constant worrying

Emotional symptoms
Depression
Feeling unhappy
Anxiety and feeling agitated
Moody, irritability, or anger
Feeling lonely and isolated.

Physical symptoms
Muscle aches and pains
Diarrhea or constipation
Nausea & Dizziness
Chest pain and a rapid heart rate
Frequent colds or flu

Behavioral symptoms
Eating more food or loss of appetite
Sleeping a lot or not enough
Avoiding others and finding it difficult to communicate
Procrastinating
Nervous habits (shaking leg, nail-biting, chewing pen)
Drinking or smoking

stress awareness month

Secure healthcare suggestions on how to deal with stress

Exercise
Regular working out is a great way to relax your body and mind. This can improve your mood. Getting outdoors is a great way to boost your mood. Whether it a short period of exercises such as a 10–30-minute run, daily walk, or bike ride. A gym workout at home or at the gym can also be important to keep you occupied and clear your mind. Lack of exercise can increase the risk of anxiety and depression. Exercise is critical to clear your mind and negative thoughts to boost your mood.

Eating well
We recommend you eating a well-balanced diet to help you feel better in general, this will help you control your moods. It is essential to have a diet that consists of protein, high level of vitamins, eating vegetables and fruit is imperative to ensure you are having your five a day, also it is important that you are hydrated by drinking water.

Sleep
Ensure you get seven to eight hours of sleep, keep yourself occupied during the day, and also meditation and relaxing sleep music can help you get to sleep.

Hobby
Undertaking a hobby such as reading, hiking, writing, cooking, learning to play a musical instrument, baking, and playing board games with your family and friends can take your mind off things and keep you occupied.

Meditation, stress reduction, or yoga
It is beneficial to meditate and practice relaxation techniques to help you deal with stress. There is a lot of content on YouTube which you can watch to help you with this.
The NHS provides a lot of information about stress and how to deal with it. Click here to find out more.

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

Consider how much you can spend

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

Think about the reasons you need a carer for

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

Is it permanent or temporary?

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

Remember hours can change

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

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

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

 

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

Get all the facts that you can

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

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

Tell your family and loved ones

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

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

cancer care diagnosisPhoto by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pexels

Consider your finances

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

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

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

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

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

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 required 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 on-going 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 on-going needs, Email us on 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.

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

Knowledge Is Power

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

Be Active

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

Person Holding Black Tube

Photo by PhotoMIX Company from Pexels

Everybody Is Different

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

Eat Smaller Portions But More Often

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

Make a plan

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

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

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