Toilet troubles and how to avoid themGoing to the toilet: it’s something we all do, on average 8 times a day(1). In fact, we spend six months of our lives on the toilet. It not only takes a lot of time, it represents a lot of physical and mental effort ( consciously and subconsciously): the processes of preparing ourselves, adjusting clothing, physically sitting down, moving our bladder and/or bowel, cleaning ourselves, and then making ourselves presentable for the world again. If you rely on a carer to help you, it gets even more complicated, and potentially unsafe, as they have to physically move you, balance and support you whilst they clean you, and assist in the transfer process on and off. There are a few simple things that we can all do- whether the person “going” or a carer supporting someone to ‘go”, that can make the getting on and off process at least easier- and safer. Everyone is differentNo two people are the same. Just because you stand with your back to the WC, adjust clothing, and sit then tear off a couple of sheets of paper and wipe from behind does not mean that’s how everyone does it. Toilet transfer is a multi-faceted process. How you think you do it may differ significantly from the reality. It may vary depending on the time of day, level of fatigue, how body and bodily functions change through the day. It depends on:
Measurement of successIt is not just your abilities, but the environment around the WC- how you interact with it to perform the task- if you are mobile, how do you get on, off- do you use the washbasin to lean on, where’s the toilet paper, how easy is that to reach, do you feel safe when leaning forward to wipe yourself? If using a walking frame, wheelchair, is there sufficient space in which to turn and manoeuvre? Sometimes, a simple change in the process may enable safe transfer without assistance. If there is a convenient, secure fixture to hand, why not use that to lean on for support? Or it could be something as simple as wrapping a few sheets of tissue round your hand to enable a swipe rather than a wipe to clean, or slowing down the movement. Equipment such as a commode frame over the WC, a grab rail or drop-down support arm may provide the minimal level of additional support and security required to empower safe transfer. Further intervention would involve minor adaptation. Replacement of the standard seat with a raised seat is one of the most common forms of adaptations undertaken(2). Variations such as raised seats with integrated support arms, bariatric (aka monk) benches with or without support arm(s) and toilet lifters all play a part. Bear in mind with toilet lifters, most lift and tilt. The Aerolet toilet lifter offers a choice of vertical lift, or lift and tilt. The choice depends on the client’s body strength, balance, and leg joint flexibility, and user preference: some people feel the tilt action makes them feel unstable. A “major” adaptation could involve replacement of the conventional WC with a wash dry toilet, that obviates their need to manually cleanse. A wash dry toilet such as a Closomat (the brand leader, and only one designed and built in Britain) also gives you improved hygiene: the douche is specifically designed to deliver an effective, targeted, thorough and consistent process to leave your bottom clean and dry without any residue left in skin folds. The legalitiesAs part of the Care Act 2014, you have the right of choice: you should be given the appropriate information to make an informed decision about what is right for you, whether you are still in your own home, or in a residential care environment. That choice can be the difference between you feeling comfortable with the solution, and willing to use it, whether it is a change to your home environment or of your home environment. “Obliging people to have things they do not like, or about which they have reservations may result in wholly wasted expenditure (2)) The right help be it in changes to the way you do something, or the fixtures and fittings, will empower you to keep your independence in one of the most intimate tasks we do in daily life. The key is to talk to people who know, and understand, your support network be it family, friends, healthcare professionals. Or just log on and ‘LiveChat’ with us, email or pick up the phone to us: we talk toilet all day, every working day. LiveChat: https://direct.lc.chat/11086092/ Tel 0161 969 1199 References:
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Struggling to use the toilet? Top ‘tech’ to help you keep your dignityNone of us like to admit we are struggling to cope with daily life. We think it means we lose our independence, our choice, that our home will be “over-run” with equipment that looks institutional. It’s particularly a worry regarding the toilet. It is one area we are more than reluctant to discuss. However, there are living aids that enable you to keep your dignity, to be hygienic. Some of them you’d even aspire to have in your home! And the icing on the cake? You may not even have to spend a penny to ‘spend a penny’. Getting on and off the WCMore people than you realise will often rely on the washbasin- if it is close enough- to give them support as they sit and stand. However, it may not be the safest method, although requiring no alteration to the bathroom/ toilet. You need to be sure the basin and its fixings are strong enough to support the additional weight/ loading. Grab railsGrab rails or support arms are the “cheap and cheerful quick solution. Fixed or fold-away options are available. They can be easily screwed into place on either or both sides of the WC. Again, care needs to be taken that the wall and fixings are strong enough. Raised toilet seatsThe toilet seat is actually the most frequently changed fixture, usually because people are struggling to lower themselves far enough to sit on their standard WC. It does make it difficult for other members of the household to use the loo, especially if there is only one WC in the home. Some people may also feel a bit precarious when using it. The toilet rise and reclinerDo you use a riser and recline chair in the lounge? If so, chances are you could benefit from the toilet equivalent in the bathroom. You need the “mechanical” motion to help, A toilet lifter fits over the WC. At the push of a button, it lowers and raises you as needed over the pan. It keep your feet on the floor, so you are safe and balanced. The majority raise and tilt, so gently push you from a seated position to standing. However, some people report the tilt motion makes them feel unstable. In that case, a vertical lift version may be more suitable, supposing you have the strength to then move yourself to the standing position. See how they work, and differ, here: https://www.closomat.co.uk/aerolet.html Using the toiletCan you manage to tear off the toilet tissue? Can you manage to wipe yourself properly and effectively? Again, “cheap and cheerful” alternatives exist, such as bottom wipers. You do need to have good fine motor skills to fit the toilet paper onto the arm, and then, of course, there’s the task of removing the used paper…. The ultimate alternative is to replace the conventional WC with a wash and dry toilet. In essence, it combines the WC, bidet and a dryer in one. Just ‘go’, push the operating mechanism, and the toilet cleans you. They are widely used in the Far East, so are becoming aspirational in the UK- indeed, one is even manufactured here, and (in various guises) has been for almost 60 years! See how it works here: https://www.closomat.co.uk/palma-vita.html There are some things to consider when choosing a wash and dry toilet, as everyone’s body is contoured, bladder and bowels move differently, Our handy guide gives you some “top tips”: https://www.closomat.co.uk/images/downloads/campaigner-resources/ClosomatWash%26Drytoilet-toptips.pdf You don’t have to spend a penny to ‘spend a penny’Anyone who meets specific criteria is entitled to a Government grant of up to £30,000 to adapt their home (https://www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants). It applies whether you own your own home, or live in rented accommodation (again, subject to certain provisos). It is a mandatory fund, to make the “necessary and appropriate” adaptations to your home that are “reasonable and practical”. You do not even need to see a healthcare professional. You can self-assess, if you feel capable, rather than rely on an Occupational Therapist or similar healthcare professional to appraise your needs. And, you have the right to choose. If, for example, a particular wash and dry WC is being suggested, if there is a different one of which you prefer the appearance and/or functionality, you have the right to ask for that one instead. Try before you buyYou may not be physically writing the cheque, but you still want to be sure you can actually use the equipment, that it will help you. Many Disabled Living Centres have equipment you can test. Wash and dry toilets can be found more widely: check out if there’s one you can try near you: https://www.closomat.co.uk/changing-places/closomat-locations-a-z.html See what other people think…“Life changing” “It’s the icing on the cake” “Better than a throne” “A brilliant idea” That is how some people describe their decision to adapt their toilet to suit their changing needs- dealing with issues including IBS, fibromyalgia, arthritis, spinal injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, and numerous other conditions. You can read their stories here: https://www.closomat.co.uk/palma-vita-case-studies.html Closomat is the UK’s leading provider of equipment that delivers independent and hygienic toilet solutions. It was the first to introduce wash & dry toilets into the UK. Today it is the brand leader. It is also the only company in the sector to be based, and manufacture in the UK, and offer in-house nationwide sales and after-sales support. Its website www.closomat.co.uk is now the ‘go to’ resource for assistive toilet technology. The website features a live chat facility so you can in real time ask any questions you may have. Or telephone 0161 969 1199.
The post Struggling to use the toilet? Top ‘tech’ to help you keep your dignity appeared first on UK Care Guide. from https://ukcareguide.co.uk/struggling-to-use-the-toilet-top-tech-to-help-you-keep-your-dignity/assistive-technologies/ Keep a caring eye on your loved one’s finances through text messagesMany of us care for loved ones who need a bit of extra support when it comes to managing their finances. Whether that’s because of dementia, a learning difficulty, mental health problems or any other impairment, managing money can be a challenge for some, and often it’s better to ask for help from a carer to make sure everything’s on track. Getting that support can be a struggle though. Money matters are, after all, a bit of a taboo. It can make many feel anxious or ashamed to even think about asking someone they trust to keep an eye on their finances for them. Getting the balance rightThere’s a delicate balance between allowing a loved one their own independence and privacy and being able to offer them the right level of support when they’re struggling financially. On the one hand, many carers end up taking risks to support those they care for with managing their money, like using their debit card and PIN, or logging into their online banking on their behalf. These methods expose the person needing care to potential fraud, breaking their bank’s terms and conditions, but also means they have to give up all their privacy to get support. It’s all or nothing. Now there’s a way to set up light touch support with spending alerts, delivered to carers through text messages. It’s called Toucan, and we’ve built it as a mobile app in the first instance. Building ToucanI started Toucan because, having experienced mental health problems myself, I knew how much of an impact it had on my ability to manage my own money. I saw that there weren’t safe, flexible tools available for people to share their own banking data with someone they trust, such as a carer or family member. Having worked for many years in financial technology, I knew the underlying tech was there to solve this problem. It just needed to be built and tested. At the beginning of this year, Toucan set out to build these tools, armed with evidence from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute that said that third party alerts – text messages sent to a family member or carer when there is unusual or problematic spending – were something that lots of people wanted, but no banks were offering. To make sure we were building the right product it was vital that we sought out feedback from potential users and domain experts. We were grateful to be able to work with Money and Mental Health in order to recruit testers from their Research Community. The pilot lasted for three months and last week we released a research report outlining the huge benefits we saw when testing these alerts. Starting supportive money conversationsIt’s hard to talk about money, particularly with a family member who lives some distance away. Toucan’s spending alerts helped our pilot testers have those open, supportive money conversations at a time when they needed support the most. The app works very simply. The account holder downloads it to their smartphone and sets up an account, securely connecting to their bank. They can then choose rules-based alerts to set up, such as when their balance goes under a certain amount, or a certain amount is spent in one day. Finally, they can nominate someone they trust to receive those alerts simultaneously through text message. Someone like a close family member or carer, who can offer timely support. For the carer, getting a Toucan text message created an opening to start a supportive money conversation with their loved one. Since both parties received the alert at the same time, both were expecting to chat about it, meaning that it didn’t feel like an interrogation. By having supportive money conversations, those living with mental health conditions who tested Toucan found that their wellbeing improved as well as their financial health. They felt better supported by family, and more able to open up about their struggles. And they found that conversations led to practical help with budgeting and money saving, as well as improved financial habits, such as being more aware of spending. Light touch supportGiving support with managing money doesn’t need to be all or nothing for the person you care for. You don’t have to break the bank’s terms and conditions by sharing online banking logins. Lighter touch ways to get support now exist, like Toucan. If you think you or a loved one could benefit from third party alerts, the first version of the Toucan app is now available to download on Apple and Android. Toucan is funded through banks, making it free to use for you or your loved ones. We want to hear your feedback. Whatever your story and whatever you want from third party access tools, get in touch through our website or on Facebook. We’ll do our best to build tools that work for you, and take your feedback to the banks who can roll them out. Bailey Kursar is Co-founder and CEO of Toucan. Sign up at usetoucan.com, give them your feedback on Facebook or online and download their research report at usetoucan.com/research.
The post Keep a caring eye on your loved one’s finances through text messages appeared first on UK Care Guide. from https://ukcareguide.co.uk/keep-a-caring-eye-on-your-loved-ones-finances-through-text-messages/elderly-care/ How to get four times more from your care budget
Whether an individual or a social care provider, the cost is always an issue. If you are the person who needs help, it is not just the £, but the best value for money, the psychological impact of having to accept the need for help, the reliance on someone else to help do even the most basic task: the recipient’s mental wellbeing. If you are a care provider, it is not just the £, but again the best value for money, the best use of what resources, and staff, that you have available, whether in a home care or care home environment. Would you like to get four times more for your money?Where appropriate, it is possible. It involves simply changing the conventional WC for a wash and dry, or “smart” version. The ability to go to the toilet is one of the five key “activities of daily living” (ADLs) used to assess a person’s need for care intervention. It requires more skills than many of us realise, whether we are doing it alone or with care intervention: getting on, off, reaching for and tearing off toilet tissue, the body contortions and balance needed to wipe, the strength and dexterity to wipe effectively to avoid matter being left in contact with the skin and all the associated health issues. It makes sense, therefore, where suitable, to make the switch, to a fixture that addresses the flushing and cleaning all in one. A fixture that can be enhanced, be it with a simple grab rail to integrated support arms or even the WC equivalent of a riser recliner chair, to cover the getting on and off considerations. And, as we all, regardless of age, become increasingly discerning in the aesthetics of our living environment, such fixtures have the added benefit of being stylish rather than institutional in their appearance. They are the latest aspirational “gadget”. But, most importantly in the cost of care argument, they can cost as little as 25% of the cost of providing care support for that one activity for a year. Bear in mind that the capital cost is a “one-off”: once installed, the support it gives continues for years. Whereas a carer has to be paid for every day, year in, year out. Bear in mind too that, as with almost every home fixture, there are numerous versions. Some just wash, some wash & dry. The performance of each of those elements varies too. Some can be accessorised so continue to provide that independence even as the recipient’s needs and capability changes over the years. We have produced a white paper to help get it right. It can be found here, for free reading/ download: https://www.closomat.co.uk/images/downloads/white-papers/WashandDry-wp.pdf. If you just want a quick reference point of things to consider, our #10 Tips covers the salient points. It can be downloaded free of charge here: Alternatively, pick up the phone for free advice for your own, specific circumstances (tel 0161 969 1199), or use our LiveChat facility on the website (www.closomat.co.uk) so you can ask any questions in real-time (during office hours) without even picking up the phone. ClosomatClosomat is the UK’s leading provider of equipment that delivers independent and hygienic toilet solutions. It was the first to introduce wash & dry toilets into the UK. Today it is the brand leader. It is also the only company in the sector to be based, and manufacture in the UK, and offer in-house nationwide sales and after-sales support. Some more great blogs from ClosomatThe post How to get four times more from your care budget appeared first on UK Care Guide. from https://ukcareguide.co.uk/how-to-get-four-times-more-from-your-care-budget/assistive-technologies/ ADAPTING TO SUIT EVERYONEWe are creatures of habit. Many of us resist change (although we may like it if we deign to give it a try!). We like the familiar. Certainly, if for whatever reason we find ourselves less able or mobile, whatever our age, we still want where we live to feel like home, even if certain things have to be adapted to accommodate our new circumstances. Indeed, a recent survey into attitudes towards care homes found that people wanted somewhere that felt like home. However, they also wanted it to offer the ambience and facilities of a quality hotel…. What we forget that, when we say what we want, we look at the reality through rose coloured glasses. At home, chances are we’re sharing the bathroom with a partner; perhaps, in today’s multi-generational homes, with our children, and potentially grandchildren. We like the fixtures and fittings of a luxury hotel, but want the cosiness of home. Fortunately, in the bathroom at least, we can have it all (almost). Living aids are evolving, to become technology that assists but also inspires. Indeed, disabled aids are actually now becoming trend setters! One of the latest aspirational gadgets in home design is the smart toilet- a WC that washes and dries. It moves on from the bidet- that icon of 1970s bathroom décor- and delivers a better, more hygienic way of dealing with intimate care. It’s logical if you think about it: which is a better way to clean- washing, or wiping with a bit of paper? There are added benefits too. As the WC washes you, bowl and bladder matter is thoroughly rinsed away without risk of any transferring to other areas of the body, or being missed. As the WC dries you, there’s none of the abrasion inherent in using toilet tissue. It’s actually a gadget that’s been around for years in the care sector: Closomat, now the brand leader, introduced the first into the UK almost 60 years ago! It’s an almost perfect solution for everyone In the homeIf you live on your own and are struggling with intimate care, it means you don’t need to rely on a carer to come in and help, to wipe your bottom. If you share your home with your family, you can be sure of being clean without relying on any of them helping you. And, as it is one of the latest devices in aspirational home décor, younger family members will not be reluctant to accept- and use- your latest living aid. In a residential care environmentUnder new guidelines from the Royal College of Occupational therapists (RCOT), care homes are being urged to install equipment that people would have in their own homes. Regardless, the concept of a wash & dry toilet brings the home benefits. It means care staff can be released for other duties. It means residents feel independent and in control, able to ‘go’ when they want, and be sure of being clean afterwards. We can’t please everybody all of the time, but, with the right ‘tech’, we can please most of the people, most of the time, in the bathroom at least… Closomat is the UK’s leading provider of equipment that delivers independent and hygienic toilet solutions. It was the first to introduce wash & dry toilets into the UK. Today it is the brand leader. It is also the only company in the sector to be based, and manufacture in the UK, and offer in-house nationwide sales and after-sales support. Its website www.closomat.co.uk is now the ‘go to’ resource for assistive toilet technology.
The post ADAPTING TO SUIT EVERYONE appeared first on UK Care Guide. from https://ukcareguide.co.uk/adapting-to-suit-everyone/assistive-technologies/ ADDRESSING THE BIG ISSUE IN INTIMATE CAREIf you are a larger person, one issue rarely addressed, but which is probably more of an issue than you care to admit, is that of using the WC. The focus when weight is discussed is on one’s health. Wellbeing is not often considered. Going to the toilet is something we all do, on average eight times a day. It is one of the 10 key ADLs (activities of daily living) that are taken into account when one is assessed for care support. If you are one of the 25+% of people who are obese, it is something one has to think about. Your size affects your ability to get on and off the WC, to use the fixture properly, to clean yourself effectively. Being able to undertake such a basic function has a huge impact on one’s psychological wellbeing, one’s feeling of independence, of being in control. A recent survey found that only 40% of care homes had the right equipment to deal with bariatric residents. Of those that do, the chances are they will use a hoist to help a client transfer on and off. Hoists can also be employed at home. Wherever the location, that can potentially be undignified: as we have been anecdotally told, clients can, in effect, be left suspended in the air whilst their bottom is cleaned, the toilet flushed etc. Once on the toilet, is your bottom correctly positioned over the pan? Are you sat comfortably? Can you reach to wipe yourself thoroughly? Whether or not you have the mobility and dexterity to wipe yourself, can every fold of flesh be adequately cleaned? Think of the health & hygiene consequences if urine or faeces is left trapped in contact with the skin. Yet a little thought and a few changes can make the whole process pleasant and hygienic. Firstly, a toilet lifter can assist in getting on and off, replicating natural movement whilst giving you the support you require. Most have integral arms, to offer support once you are sat over the WC. If you are not using a toilet lifter, consider changing the toilet seat to a bariatric version, or complimenting it with a bariatric bench. Either will give you better support, especially around the buttocks, and ensure you are properly positioned over the pan: your body mass inevitably means you are sat further forward, so your bladder and bowels are similarly further forward. Men may even prefer what is known as a horse shoe seat, as that will accommodate their genitals appropriately to help avoid spillage. For optimum cleanliness, if budgets allow, a wash & dry toilet, also known as a smart toilet, is the business. Basically, and integrated douche sprays water upwards to wash away movement residue. Bear in mind not all are the same. Some are just shower toilets, that wash your bottom but have no subsequent drying function. Douche and drying performance varies from one make to another, so it may be worth trying before you buy. The more reputable manufacturers have units in locations to enable this, and may even be able to provide a home demonstration. It is not just the douche and dry performance that varies. The angle of the douche is different depending on manufacturer. This has little-considered consequences if you are a larger person. The spray may potentially either miss the area it is supposed to be cleaning, or your body mass will cover the spray nozzle and prevent effective (or any) cleaning. The douche arm could poke or prod you as it extends. Think too about not just how effectively it cleans and dries you, but how easy it is for you to use and operate- not just now, but in the future, should your condition, dexterity, mobility deteriorate. Can it be ‘accessorised’ to accommodate changing needs? Depending on your circumstances, it may be possible to attain funding for it under a Disabled Facilities Grant, particularly as such assessment now often takes into account the client’s health & wellbeing, beyond the clinical need. After all, would the assessor like a stranger to wipe their bottom? The alternatives are available, that deliver a healthy & hygienic solution that simultaneously enhances the client’s wellbeing. Closomat is the UK’s leading provider of equipment that delivers independent and hygienic toilet solutions. It was the first to introduce wash & dry toilets into the UK. Today it is the brand leader. It is also the only company in the sector to be based, and manufacture in the UK, and offer in-house nationwide sales and after-sales support. Its website www.closomat.co.uk is now the ‘go to’ resource for assistive toilet technology. Some more great blogs from ClosomatThe post ADDRESSING THE BIG ISSUE IN INTIMATE CARE appeared first on UK Care Guide. from https://ukcareguide.co.uk/addressing-the-big-issue-in-intimate-care/assistive-technologies/ A Day in the Life of a Nurse in a Care HomeIf you’ve ever considered a Nursing career in care but wanted to know more about what’s involved day to day, then this is the blog for you. There are a lot of misconceptions about working as a Nurse in a care home and we want to show you why working in care can be a great option for you. We spoke to some of our dedicated Registered Nurses to find out what a day in the life of a Nurse in a care home is really like. ‘In a hospital the patients are in and out, usually after a short amount of time. In care, you get to know each resident on a different level, you hear about their lives and personal stories. You build friendships and have a laugh with them, they really do become like extended family.’ Leanne Burrows, Dene Place Care Home Start of the shiftHandover and allocationThe first call of the day is to get the handover from the Nurse on the previous shift. They’ll provide you with crucial updates on our residents, highlight any concerns raised during the previous shift and inform you of any requests from our resident’s families. You’ll then update our care teams with everything they need to be aware of and allocate residents to the team; they will be responsible for the care of these residents for that shift. Check in on our residentsYou’ll visit our residents going room to room, check in with them, have a quick catch up and make sure they are okay. For residents with critical care requirements, e.g. diabetes, you’ll attend to these residents straight away and provide care or medication as necessary. Check the diaryIt’s important to check your diary and familiarise yourself with the priorities for the shift. If you’re working days you’ll check if there are any meetings booked in, check any outstanding requests with GPs and follow up on medication requests. Throughout the dayMedication RoundsThere are medication rounds you’ll be required to complete throughout the day, usually 3 times but this can vary depending on the specific needs of our residents. You’ll prepare the medication trolley and distribute medication to our residents ensuring you check the register and work in line with the medication policy. During these rounds you may also be required to:
During or after your medication round you will ensure that all the daily notes and supplementary files are completed as necessary. ‘It’s nice to know when you finish the day that you made a real difference to your residents. You might have noticed a change in their health that no one else has noticed, things like that can be so important.’ Lily Makhanya, Fountains Lodge Care Home Daily observationsVisiting our residents going room to room to ensure they are safe and comfortable is an important duty throughout the day. This might involve:
Resident of the dayIn addition to the daily care provided, at Bupa Care Homes, we have a resident of the day. You’ll check their medication, weight and vital signs (as necessary) and ensure any changes in their health and wellbeing are recorded. You’ll be required to update their supplementary files, review each section of their care plan and make any necessary updates or changes. GP roundsYou’ll be required to attend the GP rounds, updating them on any significant changes in the condition of our residents. Following the rounds, you will need to ensure all notes are completed including professional notes, supplementary files and update care plans as necessary. Liaising with external healthcare professionalsIn addition to attending the GP rounds you will be required to liaise with all external professionals regarding the care of our residents. You might seek advice, support, highlight any changes to and update the following:
‘You get to go home knowing that you have helped someone, that a reward in itself.’ Leanne Burrows, Dene Place Care Home MeetingsAttending meetings both with internal employees and external healthcare professionals is a key part of your role. These meetings are usually diarised and you’ll check at the beginning of your shift if you have meetings scheduled in for that day. There are times that you’ll be required to attend last minute meetings should any of our resident’s families need to speak to you or if there are any adhoc visits from external healthcare professionals. At Bupa, we have a daily meeting called a ‘take ten’, this is where you’ll highlight any clinical concerns, discuss issues/compliments and any upcoming appointments. You will then cascade these to the wider care team. You might also attend internal meetings with members of the wider team and our care teams. Depending on the home, these meetings could be daily, weekly or monthly. You might:
Liaising with families and residentsKeeping in touch with (and updating) our resident’s families, ensuring you involve the residents themselves, is important. Any requests will need to be actioned and any concerns they may have must be responded to. You will need to ensure that all verbal and written correspondence is recorded or updated to ensure that the whole team has access to this information should you not be in the home. It is also important to involve residents and their families with all decisions relating to their care and treatment. ‘Even after residents are no longer with us, sometimes the families come back to visit you. They’re so grateful that you were there for their relatives and it’s such a lovely feeling as Nurse knowing you had such an impact. You don’t often get that in other areas of Nursing.’ Patrycia Mikos, Collingwood Grange Care Home Paper work and admin dutiesYou’ll notice that paper work comes up a lot throughout the day. Completing this and documenting updates on our residents is essential. It allows a smooth transition when handing over to other members of the team and it means that the on-going care of our residents can be monitored. It’s crucial to ensure that we monitor any existing conditions, their general health and wellbeing and take any necessary action when care is required. You will review, sign off, amend and update the following:
If you’re working nights, you’ll need to counter check all the notes and files and complete anything outstanding that has been handed over to you from the team working the previous shift. Provide support to the care teamOur care teams are amazing, and they will have the daily care in hand, but it’s essential you provide continuous support to them throughout the day should they need it. Depending on your work load each day you also might:
Emergencies and critical careThroughout the shift there may be emergencies or urgent care that will require your immediate attention. If you’re working days, there will be a manager or clinical manager on shift to support you but if you are working nights you will be responsible for dealing with the emergency immediately and notifying your manager. This might involve:
‘People might think that working in a care home is easy, but it’s not. There is a lot of responsibility, you don’t have a consultant to fall back on in care,’ Hayley Garner, Sandhills Court Care Home HandoverYou’ll handover to the team on the following shift ensuring all the paperwork is complete. You’ll provide the team with crucial updates on our residents and highlight any concerns raised. If you’re handing over to night staff, you will inform them of any outstanding duties or paperwork that they need to pick up urgently. CPD and trainingAt Bupa we’re lucky to have our own clinical trainers, they run courses and workshops to ensure you learn new skills and keep your core Nursing skills updated. You’ll attend regular CPD and at Bupa, you don’t have to look very far for opportunities; from online learning and podcasts to getting involved with working groups; fragility, falls etc. There are plenty of ways for you to keep your skills up to date – in line with best practice. You’ve made it to the end of the shift! Are you still with us? Great! Let’s tell you about the shifts. You’ll be required to work 12-hour shifts starting from 7am up to 8pm depending on your location. Bupa can offer either days, nights or a mixture depending on your preferences and the home’s availability. Some homes may require you to come in earlier to provide a handover while other homes complete this within the usual shift times. We believe it’s our privilege to look after people, it’s why we value our Nurses and make sure you feel appreciated for all the hard work you do. It’s also why we support your ambitions, giving you autonomy to practice, offering career development and ongoing CPD – enabling you to work at the top of your profession. With a culture that encourages you to be completely yourself and to care about the wellbeing of others, you’ll enjoy a truly rewarding Nursing career, as part of our Bupa family. Want to know more? Let one of our team call you to discuss your new career at Bupa, visit https://www.bupa.co.uk/careers/nurses, leave your contact details and let us do the work. If you want a taste of what it’s like to work at one of care homes home check out our Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/BupaUKCareersOfficial/). ‘Your input can really impact someone’s life and that’s special. It’s an amazing job, I wouldn’t change it for the world.’ Hayley Garner, Sandhills Court Care Home
Some more great blogs from Bupa
The post A Day in the Life of a Nurse in a Care Home appeared first on UK Care Guide. from https://ukcareguide.co.uk/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-nurse-in-a-care-home/carers/ How Ergonomic Chairs Can Help The Elderly With Back PainAs we grow older, it becomes more important to take care of your bones, especially your back, so that you can avoid serious injuries that can lead to chronic pain if not rectified. Most of us spend many hours of the day sitting in chairs that are not designed to encourage good posture. Inevitably this leads to slouching. This adds strain to the spinal discs and ligaments which in turn, causes back pain. Elderly people need to be especially mindful of avoiding this back pain because it takes much longer for the body to recover and recoup from the inconvenience and pain that a sore back can cause. It’s better to stay limber, mobile and at peak performance. That’s where an ergonomic chair is your best friend An ergonomic chair, when used properly is a safety net for when you forget to maintain good posture. Over long periods of sitting at a desk, you are generally busy with work, which distracts you from the important duty of maintaining good posture. These chairs act as your back up plan and if properly set up, will essentially force you to stay upright with your shoulders back. First, make sure you are working at the right height so you are not leaning forward or looking too far up. This can lead to neck pain. An ergonomic chair will have an adjustable height lever and this is step one when it comes to sitting properly. You want a comfortable chair with plenty of adjustments. The more the better. These adjustments are what allow the ergonomic chair to hug your body and keep you healthy. Lower Back SupportTo prevent an achy back, your chair also needs to have good lower back support and allow your lower back to arch slightly which ensures you avoid that dreaded slouch forward or slump down in your chair. Either of these actions will add unwanted pressure to your spine and lead to serious problems over time. Arm RestsAnother important but often overlooked aspect of a quality ergonomic chair is the arm rest. The arm rest is not just for resting your arms as the name implies. It also takes the pressure off your shoulders and upper back. An ergonomically designed chair will have an adjustable arm rest to suit any sized body. Lastly, checking your thigh gap (not the thing young people talk about on Tinder) is another important measure to keep yourself a the ideal sitting position. A chair that suits you or can be adjusted should allow you to run to easily slide your fingers between your legs and the back of lead side of the chair. These tips and tricks that will help you avoid a painful affliction that most elderly people deal with regularly. Back pain is no fun, whether you are going on 30 or going on 60. The difference is in how severe the pain will be and the length of time you need to recover from it. A comfortable ergonomic chair that is suited to your body and sitting position is going to go a long way to resolving the problems that back pain causes. Keep yourself limber, strong in the spine and fighting fit with a quality ergonomic chair. The post How Ergonomic Chairs Can Help The Elderly With Back Pain appeared first on UK Care Guide. from https://ukcareguide.co.uk/how-ergonomic-chairs-can-help-the-elderly-with-back-pain/news/ You can stave off the effects of Alzheimer’s disease by enjoying some of the active video games so popular with the youngsters. So says new research into this activity and the disease. According to scientists, games that involve you getting physical exercise, like those available for Xbox Kinect and the Wii boost your brain as you age. The study comes in the wake of the news that there are now games that can be used to detect Alzheimer’s disease, and it is clear that this condition is garnering a greater amount of attention from those in the tech and medical sphere. Just 15 Minutes a Day Will Do the TrickA study of nearly 1000 people, most of whom were pensioners, found that just playing the so-termed excergames just 15 minutes a day, 3 times a week, could help in keeping our brains healthy and sharp as we age. In the first study of this kind, scientists in Britain reviewed the effect that a host of exergames had on overall brain health by pooling all the data available from previous trails. These included people in their 60s, those in their 70s, and even some in their 80s cybercycling, playing Wii and Nintendo sports games, taking part in video games that required them to dance, and even kayaking in 3-dimensional lakes. It was found that these activities provided far more benefits than simple exercises, like brisk walking, did. The scientists reported that the combination of coordination and physical effort these games asked of participants really did improve mental functioning. Not Just Alzheimer’s, EitherThis kind of activity could also assist in protection against dementia and a variety of other neurological disorders, like Parkinson’s disease, as well, and boost brain functioning in people who already are suffering with strains of neurological impairment. The study included a total of 17 clinical trials which examined the effects of active gaming on our cognitive skills, examining 926 people ranging in age from their 30s through to their 80s. Joseph Firth, a psychologist from Manchester University, was quoted as saying that, as we age, various brain functions decline naturally, including those related to concentration, spatial awareness, and memory. Various neurological conditions, like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia are also a cause of our cognitive function decline, and this leads to a reduction in our ability to accomplish everyday tasks, he added. Firth Fascinated by the Evidence of Gaming on Cognitive FunctioningFirth went on to state that the scientists had been amazed to see, thanks to the available evidence as a result of this study, how these kinds of games were able to very significantly improve our overall cognitive functioning. He stated that the games were particularly beneficial for executive functioning, visuo-spatial abilities, and attention. The participants played the games around 3 times a week for about 10 weeks on average, with each session lasting between 15 and 60 minutes. Seven studies made use of the Nintendo Wii exergaming system, and 4 made use of the interactive dance games with platforms that are pressure-sensitive being used to respond to visual cues for foot movements. Three others put interactive cycling/treadmill training into the spotlight, and had participants completing various tasks, or avoiding obstacles placed in their way while they pedalled or walked around the various tracks. Another made use of VR kayaking, which required participants to coordinate their upper-body movements in order to navigate through virtual rivers and lakes. Exergames clearly have multiple benefits, and the fact that they are fun doesn’t hurt them either. The post Playing Video Games Could Stave Off Alzheimer’s appeared first on UK Care Guide. from https://ukcareguide.co.uk/playing-video-games-stave-off-alzheimers/elderly-care/ If you’ve ever considered a career in care but wanted to know more about what’s involved day to day, then this is the blog for you. We spoke to some of our dedicated Care Assistants to find out what a day in the life of a Care Assistant is really like. Being a Care Assistant is more than just a job, it’s about making a real and positive difference to our resident’s lives each day. ‘Being a carer means being part of a whole new family.’ Giada Congiu, Dene Place Care Home The first call of the day is to get a handover from the staff that were last on duty. Even if you worked the day before, speaking to your colleagues and checking the notes from the previous shift is essential. Small changes can make a big difference to our residents and can influence the care and support that’s required for that day. You’ll check with the Senior Carer and Nurse on duty to see which residents you’ve been assigned to take care of. You might work alone, or you might be required to work in pairs for certain duties, for example, if a resident requires the support of a hoist. Throughout the dayYou’ll visit your assigned residents going room to room supporting with day to day activities, including personal care, readiness for meal times and ensuring residents are dressed and able to take part in the daily activities. This may require you to:
‘Personal care is part of the role, but you don’t think of it. I am looking after someone that needs my help and that’s all that matters.’ Kirsty Wreghitt, Wykebeck Court Care Home ObservationsYou will be required to report any changes in our resident’s condition to the Nurse or Senior Care Assistant at the earliest possible time. Alongside this you will support the Nurse or Senior Carer in completing monthly and weekly checks, for example, weight checks to monitor the health of our residents. Meal timesAll our residents will have individual requirements and preferences for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so the care provided during these times will depend on each resident’s needs. You’ll chat with the residents and ensure they’re happy with their options. You might also:
‘You hear a lot of bad things about this industry but with the right surrounding and right leadership it is a great industry to work in. I started in care and never looked back.’ Kirsty Wreghitt, Wykebeck Court Care Home Morning and Afternoon ActivitiesEach morning and afternoon there will be activities that our residents can take part in if they wish. Some residents may prefer to enjoy time in the day room, have some quiet time in their own room, watch TV or go for a walk. If they’re not taking part in the planned activity you might just sit with them and have a cup of tea or a chat. Depending on their preferences and the individual residents you are caring for that day you’ll:
‘It’s about giving them a quality of life, making their time with us as good as we possibly can.’ Kirsty Wreghitt, Wykebeck Court Care Home Getting ready for bedYou’ll support our residents to get ready for bed. This might involve helping them to get into their nightwear and repositioning them to ensure they are safe and comfortable. Clean up & handoversYou’ll ensure that the home is tidy at the end of the shift, take any dirty clothes or bedding to the laundry room and dispose of any catheter bags. Ensure all your admin is completed; supplementary files, daily notes and care plans need to be up to date before the end of the day. You’ll hand over to night staff and ensure they are given all the necessary updates from that day. ‘Some residents may not know who you are at the end of the shift, but you know you did what you could for that person and what a nice feeling to go home with.’ Kirsty Wreghitt, Wykebeck Court Care Home AdminYou’ll notice that paper work comes up a lot throughout the day. Completing this and documenting updates on our residents is essential. It allows a smooth transition when handing over to other members of the team and it means that the on-going care of our residents can be monitored. It’s crucial to ensure that we monitor any existing conditions, their general health and wellbeing and flag any significant changes in their health to our Nurses. You’ll complete your paper work as you go, particularly for daily notes such as fluid and food charts but you’ll also have time throughout the day to update care plans with daily notes and ensure supplementary files are completed. Liaising with familiesYou’ll build relationships with our resident’s families and ensure they are kept up to date. You’ll provide support through both, the good and challenging days, celebrating the milestones in their lives and being a source of comfort during more difficult times. ‘We are changing people’s lives in a positive way.’ Giada Congiu, Dene Place Care Home Night DutiesIf you’re a night owl and want to know more about what’s involved during a night shift, check out the details below for additional duties that are carried out throughout the night. There might be residents that are still awake at the start of your shift, so you’ll:
Throughout the night you’ll also need to:
Cleaning dutiesYou’ll ensure hoists and wheelchairs are cleaned and that any dirty clothes are taken to the laundry room. You’ll clean the meal trays and ensure everything is ready for breakfast. If you’ve made it this far then you’ve made it to the end of the shift! Are you still with us? Great! Let us tell you about the hours. The shifts usually start between 7am and 8am and are usually 12-hour shifts. Some of our homes can offer a 6-hour shift which would start at either 8am or 2pm but this can depend on the location of the home. We believe it’s our privilege to look after the lives of the elderly and the vulnerable and it’s why we make sure you feel appreciated for all the hard work you do. With a culture that encourages you to be completely yourself and to care about the wellbeing of others, you’ll enjoy a truly rewarding career, as part of our Bupa family. To apply for our available roles please get in touch on our Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/BupaUKCareersOfficial/) or visit www.bupa.co.uk/careers. ‘If you’re compassionate and want to make a difference, give yourself a chance and try.’ Wioletta Klupaty, Dene Place Care Home More great blogs from Bupa careers belowThe post A Day in the life of a Care Assistant appeared first on UK Care Guide. from https://ukcareguide.co.uk/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-care-assistant/carers/ |
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