Cancer care – Secure Healthcare Solutions

Individuals that have long term conditions or serious health conditions are more likely to benefit from live-in care. Serious conditions such as ventilation care, cancer care etc, are likely to make individuals feel weak and unable to do daily tasks, which are normally simple to do. Examples include, grocery shopping or getting around the house.

We have always been in favour of providing live-in care in a home care environment, so individuals are close to their loved ones and around a comfortable setting, as opposed to a care home environment.

It is important that our service users are supported and cared for to make everyday life much easier, also to ensure that medication is administered on time, which all contributes to the well being of our patients. Below we will highlight how live-in care can help individuals within a home care setting.

Live-in care services offer:

– Independence, enabling you to live at home around your loved ones and within your own environment.
– Tailored care and support provided to an individual. Closely working with care managers to ensure the best quality care and support is provided in a home environment.
– By having a live-in carer, it is more of an affordable approach, compared to residential care.
– Help with everyday tasks throughout the day, such as support with cleaning the house, using the bathroom, preparing food and to assist with movement around the house.
– No restrictions to eat and drink when you want and being around loved ones.
– Companionship, feel free to open up to our healthcare team about any problems that you are encountering.
– Care provided in a home care setting, allows individuals to stay closed to their pets for companionship and also you are not limited to spend time outdoors.

Mental health boost
Having somebody that you can talk to and be around can be a great way to reduce mental health matters.

Loneliness with elderly people is very common, particularly as the younger generation have busy lifestyles and childcare commitments.

A live-in care worker could be a great avenue to ensure companionship and to support with jobs around the house, so our service users can spend quality time with their loved ones, as much as possible.

Personal care support
Personal care assistance, such as assisting with using the bathroom, support with cleaning the house, preparing food and movement around the house. Here at Secure Healthcare, we ensure our service users live a quality life and provide the best quality care and support.

Health routine
Personal home care allows better health treatment, more time is spent with individual service users to ensure the best care and support is provided.

Within a home care setting, you can also eat a healthy balanced diet and you are not restricted to eating a set diet, which is more common in a residential home.

Social events
Care provided within a home care setting allows social activities to boost individual moods. Whether this is meeting with friends, family members or going to events, then home care is an appropriate setting, as this is limited within residential homes.

If yourself or somebody that you know are seeking live-in care, then find out more about our services by clicking here or contact our home care team on 0121 285 9449.

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.

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

Get all the facts that you can

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

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

Tell your family and loved ones

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

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

Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pexels

Consider your finances

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

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

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

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

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

Unfortunately, going through chemotherapy is not the nicest of experiences. The harsh reality is that Chemotherapy does bring with is a variety of side effects that can’t be avoided. When going through the treatment you may feel fatigued which has the knock-on effect of a reduced appetite. It is important that you still eat and that you look after your diet, eating healthily to keep your body as strong as possible. Try to eat slowly, eating smaller portions but more often and opt for foods that are easier on your stomach, reducing fatty or spicy food. Your cancer care assistant can also advise you on this.

In order to help you during your chemotherapy treatment, below we have put together some food ideas for someone on chemotherapy.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein and good fat. They are full of positive nutrients and help combat fatigue as well as fill you up. During Chemotherapy, it is especially important to look after your body. Eggs will help with maintaining muscle mass and are a good source of omega-3.

Whether you like scrambled eggs, poached eggs or hard-boiled eggs, there are many ways to include egg within your diet. Just make sure they are cooked properly to help reduce the chances of them disagreeing with your stomach.

Smoothies

For a blast of nutrients, look no further than a smoothie. Smoothies are great as you can add whatever you would like into them, switching up the flavour profile dependant on your symptoms or taste. If you experiencing any inability to chew or swallow, smoothies are soft on the throat and are great for enhancing your immunity and aiding digestion.

You can easily make your own smoothies, so make sure you buy all your favourite fruits and whizz up a smoothie that you can look forward to. Plus, if you need to get more vegetables into your diet, then a smoothie is a great way to achieve this. Your cancer care assistant can help to prepare these smoothies for you.

Fish

It is always recommended to eat fish within your diet due to the many health benefits it brings. If you are going through chemotherapy, try and aim for at least two fish dishes a week.

Fish is full of essential nutrients that will help your body. It provides you with omega-3 fatty acids and is full of protein to help your muscles. Fish also help with other areas of your body including brain health, your liver and your sleep (which is especially important when going through chemotherapy)

With a little research, you’ll find there are a whole plethora of fish recipes that you can follow which are easy to cook and digest when going through chemotherapy.

Protein-Rich Snacks

When going through chemotherapy you may feel particularly tired, low on energy at some points and a loss of appetite. It is important that you still try to eat something when you are feeling this way, which is why it’s important to have some snacks nearby when you feel like eating something small.

There are so many different snack ideas that you can consider when going through chemotherapy, below are just a few:

Fruit – this can be frozen, canned or dried
Cheese and crackers
Healthy soup
Yoghurts or ice-cream
Almonds and other nuts
Pumpkin seeds
Hard-boiled eggs
Celery with peanut butter or cream cheese

If you or your loved one is going through chemotherapy and needs some additional cancer care services, we are here to help. We have a range of cancer care nurses and assistants that can help you. Find out more here.

If you are looking for cancer care jobs near you, we also have a number on offer. Find out more.

Dysphagia is a condition that means it is hard to swallow food or liquid. Not only is this distressing in itself, but if the person it is impacting is not eating it can lead to serious problems such as malnutrition, pneumonia or dehydration. This is why it is so important to try and assist with this as soon as possible. Some of the main conditions which could lead to dysphagia include Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, a stroke, head injury and cancer, particularly cancer of the oesophagus. Often, medical conditions such as the above, can cause the nerves or muscles in the throat to become weak or not work properly, making it difficult to swallow food and drink.

What are the symptoms of dysphagia?

If you have dysphagia you could have difficulty swallowing certain liquids or foods, cough or choke when drinking or eating, bring food back up and be unable to chew food properly.

What does a nutritious diet include?

A nutritious diet will keep the body and mind healthy, strong and in the best state possible. A nutritious diet should consist of the following:
Carbohydrates – Found in foods like pasta, bread, cereals and rice

Healthy fats – Healthy fats are present in dairy, butter and oil
Protein – Protein can be found in pulses, nuts, meat, eggs and fish
Vitamins and minerals – Different vitamins and minerals are found in different foods. For example, Vitamin C is present in citrus fruits, Iron in meat, poultry and beans and Vitamin A in vegetables such as carrots and kale.
Fluids – Water is best for the body to keep you hydrated

How to help someone with dysphagia swallow their food and drink

There are a number of different tips and methods for people with dysphagia and it is a good idea to try different techniques and see what works best for the individual. These are just a few things you can try to help your loved one.

Encourage them to sit upright, relax and take their time with chewing small, manageable pieces of food
Have more frequent, smaller meals and snacks rather than three large meals in a day
Eat soft foods that are easy on the throat, such as soup or yoghurt
Mash up food that is not naturally soft, or finely chop it so it is easy to manage. This can include meat, vegetables and fruit
Cook food until it becomes tender. This includes cooking rice or vegetables for longer to ensure they are soft and easier to swallow
Make smoothies or shakes. Instead of trying to help them to eat an apple or banana, why not put them together in a blender and make them into a smoothie? You can add milk to make it easier to swallow. You could also add in some protein powder to ensure they are getting enough protein for their body
Use plenty of gravy and sauce to help food go down easier
Avoid foods that are too salty, dry, sticky or have pips in as these can all be difficult to swallow
Take small sips of water or another drink between mouthfuls. Make sure these are small sips. If not, you might get full of water

How to decide what to make
There are also a host of recipe books out there which are specifically designed for dysphagia and if you need help with swallowing. No matter if you are suffering from swallowing and need help with Parkinson’s care, Multiple Sclerosis Care, Stroke Care, head injury care and cancer care, there are some great resources to help. You could also try looking on Pinterest. Speak to the individual who is impacted and ask what foods they fancy. You can then put together a plan and some recipes based on this.

Remember that each individual is different and that some techniques might work better than others. Communicate with the individual and see what they feel comfortable with trying.

If you have someone coming in to help with the care of your loved one with Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis, a stroke, head injury, cancer or anything else that can cause dysphagia, be sure to voice any questions you might have. We have a range of home care health professionals who can help. Find out more about how we can help with Parkinson’s care, Multiple Sclerosis Care, Stroke Care, head injury care and cancer care as well as our other services here.