Winter Hazards? Drive DeVilbiss can help prevent them!
Yorkshire, January 2018 -Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare continues to promote their nationwide Fall Prevention marketing campaign. With snow and cold conditions expected to continue over the coming weeks, both staying in and going out in the winter, makes older people much more vulnerable to a fall – both inside and outside of their own home. According to Age UK, almost 20% of older people worry about not being able to get out of the house as much over the winter due to poor weather conditions and shorter, darker days. The charity’s outdoor winter advice for avoiding slippery and wet conditions includes wearing footwear with non-slip soles, fitting an external grab rail at a front and / or back door and keep a mixture of salt and sand handy on steps or paths in icy weather. Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare has a vast range of both indoor and outdoor products designed to make winter life more comfortable, much safer and to potentially avoid unnecessary yet hazardous falls. Riser recliner chairs to all terrain walking canes, outdoor and indoor grab rails to bath lifts and seats as well as low rise beds to non-slip household mats allow DDH to be the ultimate partner of choice for their retailers and customers. With more than one in three (3.4 million) people over 65 suffering a fall that will cause serious injury and even death every year (1) and the cost to the NHS and social care equating to £2.3 billion per year (2) it compounds the fact that we all need to focus on fall prevention . Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare continues to do just this. To find out more and for a copy of DDH’s home hazard check list please contact: info@drivedevilbiss.co.uk or telephone 0845 0600 333 www.drivedevilbiss.co.uk About Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare: Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare are one of the fastest growing global manufacturers of durable medical equipment. We carry a complete line of durable medical equipment including mobility products, beds, bariatric products, wheelchairs, sleep surfaces and pressure prevention products, respiratory equipment, CPAP products, self-assist products, power wheelchairs, power scooters, rehabilitation products, paediatric products, patient room equipment, personal care products and electrotherapy devices. It is our mission to manufacture and market world-class products which focus on innovation, functionality and value. By doing so, we strive to promote independence and improve the quality of life for the individuals that use our products.
The Physical, Social & Psychological Causes of Malnutrition in Older Adults
One in ten older people in the UK are suffering from, or at risk of malnutrition. This relatively unknown, yet significant issue, costs the NHS £19.6 billion per year. [1] Often overshadowed by obesity as a public health issue, malnutrition impacts a person’s wellbeing; this leading to further problems, such as an increase in hospital admissions, increased dependency and increased risk to life. Considering the demographic profile of the UK, the prevalence of malnutrition amongst older people will undoubtedly rise. The number of people aged 60 and over is expected to surpass 20 million by 2030; by 2040, nearly one in four people will be over 65.[2] Patients with or at risk of malnutrition result in a public expenditure cost of up to four times more than that of non-malnourished patients, meaning as the population ages, it will become one of the UK’s most expensive conditions. Despite the brilliant work of organisations such as the Malnutrition Task Force and Age UK, malnutrition in older adults still receives little media attention. This may have contributed to the lack of public knowledge surrounding the issue. For example, almost half (42.6 per cent) of UK adults aged 30-50 are unaware of the serious nature of malnutrition, whilst four in ten are unaware of the symptoms. [3] Thus, in order to tackle malnutrition, it firstly needs to be better understood. Not just by healthcare professionals, but by the public, as often, it is family, friends and carers who are in the best position to spot the initial signs. A multifactorial condition, malnutrition can stem from a series of interrelated physical, social and psychological causes. The most common causes fall within the physical category. These include medical conditions which can result in a lack of appetite such as cancer and liver disease, or conditions which disrupt the body’s ability to optimally digest food and absorb nutrients, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis for example. Older people often struggle to prepare and consume meals due to physical hindrances. These could include poor dentition, dysphagia, loss of taste and smell, physical disabilities or poor mobility which prevent a person from shopping and cooking for themselves. Social factors, although less apparent, can be extremely instrumental in the development of malnutrition. Isolation, often exacerbated by physical issues such as hearing difficulties and decreased mobility, leads to many older people in our community eating alone. With mealtimes being a social occasion, a lack of social interaction around food may discourage eating and lead to malnutrition. Another factor is low income – many older people survive on small pensions or on savings alone. This may lead to circumstances of poverty, resulting in a decrease in the quantity and quality of food consumed. Malnutrition is also associated with several psychological issues. Mental health problems such as depression and anxiety or a change in mental state due to stress or bereavement can affect a person’s appetite and interest in eating. If insufficient nutrients are consumed, a change in mood and energy levels will eventually occur and a negative cycle will ensue. Other psychological causes can include eating disorders, substance addiction and dementia. Due to the complex nature of malnutrition and myriad causes, there are no simple, blanket measures to prevent its occurrence amongst older people. However, once the causes of each individual case are recognised and understood, there are steps which can be taken to manage, treat and prevent reoccurrence of these. These steps fall broadly into two categories; clinical and social interventions. Clinical interventions include screening, monitoring and the involvement of healthcare professionals. For example, a doctor may alter medication or subscribe oral nutritional supplements (ONS), whilst a dentist can be approached to tackle oral pain and denture problems. Dietitians are best placed to advise on how best to tackle malnutrition through diet, as well as also prescribing ONS if indicated. Speech and Language Therapists are the principal Healthcare Professional involved in diagnosing and recommending treatment for malnutrition caused by dysphagia. Dietitians can also provide a supporting role, as can occupational therapists who can provide appropriate aids to enable independent eating. The social factors which lead to malnutrition are more challenging to address. Issues such as isolation and poverty are most evident within the community, so it is no surprise this is where 93% of malnourishment occurs.[4] Successful social interventions can include shopping schemes, community meal services or lunch and activity clubs, which serve the dual purpose of providing older people with a means of eating, whilst offering them a chance to socialise. Where possible, family and friends should be encouraged to make visits during mealtimes, to help the older person prepare their food and to preserve the social aspect of eating. The physical, social and psychological causes of malnutrition are often interlinked and in many cases, can develop into a downward spiral. There is a vast network of support, information and guidance available to older people living with, or in danger of malnourishment. However, many people never find their way into this network, due to the greatest problem present in the battle against malnutrition: awareness. Gaps in professional training and public awareness may deter older people from seeking help and prevent healthcare professionals from recognising the signs. Progress has clearly been made, but this must continue, with the ultimate goal of increasing awareness of the condition and creating an integrated system of health and social care. Only then will older people receive the help they need and deserve to live their lives long and to the full. Written by Emily Stuart, Wiltshire Farm Foods Dietitian [1] http://www.bapen.org.uk/pdfs/economic-report-short.pdf [2] https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/reports-and publications/later_life_uk_factsheet.pdf [3] apetito and OnePoll polled 2000 UK adults aged 30-71 between during 23 – 28 February 2017. [4] http://www.malnutritiontaskforce.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/A-review-and-summary-of-the-impact-of-malnutritio-in-older-people-and-the-reported-costs-and-benefits-of-interventions.pdf
Overcoming dementia communication barriers
A simple way to overcome dementia communication barriers A leading care centre in Seaford is keen to share its advice and successes in caring for people with dementia. Its January top tip for anyone caring for someone with dementia is to use a simple but very effective communication aid. Clifden House Dementia Care Centre has implemented the use of simple but very effective communication aides for its residents. These are called ‘Communication Cards’. Communication Cards are pictorial representations of common emotions and needs, and have proven to be an exceptionally useful mechanism for residents – allowing sufferers to quickly and easily express themselves clearly. A person with dementia can often have difficulty communicating. They can struggle to find the right words and frequently repeat words or become stuck on a certain syllable. This can be very frustrating and often distressing for dementia sufferers. ‘I feel’ expressions are the first set of communication cards and includes faces and words to describe how they are feeling. Examples of emotions on the cards include worried, excited, sad and cross. Nial Joyce of Clifden House said: “Every member of staff at Clifden House carries communication cards with them. They find them useful for engaging with residents and help overcome communication difficulties. “It is important for us to understand how residents are feeling and these cards are a great help. They allow us to give a more focused standard of care and help to minimise misunderstandings and potential frustration for the resident.” Communication Cards are also very handy to use alongside everyday conversation to keep residents aware of how they are feeling and to let them know that it’s normal for them to have trouble communicating. There are many free communication resources available online or, like Clifden House, you can purchase communication cards from www.theplaydoctors.co.uk. If you would more information or tips about communicating with dementia suffers cards visit www.clifdenhouse.co.uk or contact Clifden House on 01323 896460 or email office@clifdenhouse.co.uk
Introducing the Pocca™ Awards
UK schools outdoor learning focus to be rewarded in new awards programme Schools across the UK are being encouraged to showcase the use of their outside learning areas in a new awards programme designed especially for the sector. The Pocca Awards, developed by outdoor canopy provider i2o Ltd, has been launched to recognise and reward education establishments using available outside space to inspire students and enhance learning. Schools are invited to demonstrate their outdoor learning approach and highlight how innovative and creative they have been in utilising their outside space in four distinct categories. 1. Active learning outside: how outdoor learning space encourages physical activities outside such as balancing, PE, Games, Sport and Play. 2. Creative leaning outside: how outdoor learning areas are used to encourage creative activities such as Art, Music, Drama, Crafts, Food Technology. 3. Core learning outside: how outdoor learning areas enhance educational activities in core subjects such as English, Maths, History, music and reading. 4. Environmental learning outside: how an outdoor learning area supports environmental focuses such as nature activities or core subjects such as Science, Biology and Geography. Speaking about the launch of this new awards programme, Managing Director of i2o Ltd Robert Carpenter said: “We are champions of outdoor learning and we know schools are too. Over the last 20 years, we have worked with schools across the country and continually see how passionate schools are about outdoor learning and the impact this has on students. We know that this is a community that can learn best practice from each other, recognise excellence in outdoor learning and provide inspiration for the future. We’re proud to support the sector and to develop the Pocca Awards programme to recognise the outdoor learning efforts and achievements of UK schools.” i2o Ltd relaunched the trademarked brand name Pocca to the schools market in September 2017, to represent the canopy structures designed for the schools market. Pocca stands for Permanent Outdoor Covered Curriculum Area. The Pocca Awards are open to any school or educational institution based in the UK that can demonstrate its outdoor learning excellence; with or without a canopy area. Nominations are expected from across the country and will be accepted until 5pm on Friday February 23rd 2018. An independent judging panel will review the entries to determine a shortlist. The shortlist will be announced in March 2018, with online voting to choose an eventual winner in each category. Winners will be announced in April 2018. Interested schools that are keen to put themselves forward for the Pocca Awards can find out more and download a nomination form at www.poccaawards.co.uk .Further Pocca awards announcements will also be available throughout the nomination campaign from Pocca social media profiles on Twitter and Facebook.
Foster children and elderly keep each other company
Foster children have been spending time with care home residents as part of a scheme to bring young and elderly together. The children from fostering agency Team Fostering have been visiting Broadacres Care Home, in Rotherham, as part of the initiative. They spent several hours with the residents over the festive period and the home has invited them back for future events and activities. The young and elderly played board games, pass the parcel, read poems and books together, performed songs and took part in a quiz. Resident Iris Oldfield, 89, said: “I don’t have a young family so I was absolutely delighted to spend time with the young children.” Julie Eveleigh, interim manager at Broadacres Care Home, on Naylor Street, said: “Team Fostering approached us to bring the children in to entertain our residents. “They put on a buffet and kept the residents company with games, music and dancing. “The experience had huge benefits for both the residents and children and we’re hoping there will be many more visits in future.” Steve Elliff, education and support service manager for Team Fostering, said: “Team Fostering set up the volunteers programme in order to help young people develop skills and gain new experiences, which will be useful for future employment. “Our young people showed interest in supporting older people, which led us to contacting Broadacres Care Home. “On the day, they showed a lot of enthusiasm for putting on a good party and engaging with the older people. “They all worked extremely hard and took a lot away from the experience.” Broadacres Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net. Team Fostering is an independent not for profit fostering agency. For further information visit www.teamfostering.co.uk.
Mayor invites elderly to new year tea party
A special mayoral invitation was sent to care home residents ahead of the annual Peterlee over 60s New Year tea party. Residents from Bannatyne Lodge Care Home were among those to attend the event, hosted by Town Mayor Cllr Mary Cartwright. They were joined by elderly residents from across Peterlee, alongside care home staff and council members. Hot drinks and snacks were served throughout the tea party, held at Shotton Hall, while entertainment was provided by singer Shirley Mack. Derek Unthank, who lives at Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, on Manor Way, said: “It was such a great afternoon. I really enjoyed having a dance.” Fellow resident Monica Taylor added: “I thought it was wonderful. It’s not often we get tea served to us by the lady Mayor.” The care home’s activities coordinator, Dawn Minto said: “It’s so kind of the Mayor to invite us to the New Year afternoon tea. “It’s a highlight of our calendar in January. We’ve been coming to this event for 10 years and have brought many people over the years. “Our residents thought it was a treat to be served by the town councillors, who were the waiters as well as the hosts.” Bannatyne Lodge Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Folk Celebrations The Romanian Way
Staff at a nursing home in Wellington donned traditional eastern European folk outfits to take to the dance floor as part of an event to celebrate the Romanian culture. The event, hosted by the activities team at Camelot House & Camelot Lodge, featured Romanian music and dance, and the showing videos of Romanian customs, dancing, wildlife and landscape. “Everyone had a brilliant day. It was a huge amount of fun and everyone really got into the spirit,” said Camelot’s Richard Dempslake. “Our members of staff cooked up a huge amount of traditional Romanian food for everyone to try and in the afternoon dressed up in traditional costumes. “We had entertainment with a band and a Romanian quiz with residents encouraged to learn a few greetings words like ‘buna’ which means hello. “Staff and residents were dancing together under the flag bunting decorations and the smell of the food was just delightful. “Everyone worked hard to make the event a success, especially our Romanian staff who said they were delighted to have the chance to tell people more about their home country.” The activities team at Camelot are planning further cultural days with an ‘Oriental Day’ for the Chinese New Year next month and a Polish Day in May. Camelot House & Lodge, run by care providers Camelot Care, is home to up to 90 residents with memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. The group, who also have homes in Plymouth, Bridgwater and Yeovil, were winners in the End of Life Care category in the 2017 Care Focus South West Awards.
WW2 veteran gives pupils first-hand history lesson
School pupils received a World War 2 history lesson from a medal winning veteran of the conflict, living at a Stockton-on-Tees care home. The youngsters from St Teresa’s RC Primary School, in Ingleby Barwick, visited residents at the Ingleby Care Home dressed as children from the 1940s. Among the residents is John Podsukites, 95, who received the Medal of Ushakov from the Russian Federation in 2016 for his service on the arctic convoys in 1944. The convoys – named the “worst journey in the world” by Winston Churchill – delivered essential supplies to the Soviet Union during the height of the War. John was part of a convoy that fought off 18 attacks in two days by German U-boats and aircraft, before arriving safely at its destination. He showed the children photos of the ships he served on, shared his experiences and told them stories about the war. He said: “It’s really important youngsters know about the war, even though it was a long time ago.” Several pupils from the school’s Year 4, 5 and 6 classes wrote notes about their visit to the care home. Year 4 pupil Maddie, 8, said: “The care home was an amazing experience. I loved listening to John and looking at all his amazing medals. He taught me a lot of things about World War 2.” Year 6 pupil Benjamin, 10, said: “I loved meeting the residents, especially John. We were learning about WW2 at school so it was very convenient.” Kirsty Walsh, activities coordinator at Ingleby Care Home, on Lamb Lane, said: “John loved talking to the children about his experiences. “The teachers were even asking if he could go to the school to do a presentation.” Ingleby Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information please visit www.hillcare.net
From Ayrshire to Asia for First Holiday
AN AYRSHIRE woman has gone on her first holiday at the age of 65 to Vietnam after she was able to research her destination through an innovative, digitally enhanced care system. Margaret Sancken embarked on her holiday in November to spend 11 days discovering the country in Southeast Asia. For the trip she was accompanied by Gina McClinton, Team Leader, at St Leonard’s Court where Margaret has been a tenant for the last 23 years. The pair saw the sights and took in the best of what Vietnam has to offer, even enjoying the Asian cuisine with a local family on one night. Margaret was able to go on her first ever holiday thanks to Blackwood’s CleverCogs™ system, an innovative digital care system which allows tenants to be as independent as possible and take control of their own lives. Margaret said: “My trip to Vietnam was an experience I will never forget. The country is so beautiful and I got to do some amazing sightseeing such as the Hai Van Pass, different pagodas and we even went to the coconut candy factory in Saigon. “We had organised a tour guide who was able to show us all the great spots across the country. One night, a local family welcomed us all for dinner and cooked an incredible seven course meal. But for me one of my favourite experiences was the day cruise on the Mekong Delta. “A leaflet that came in the post sparked my interest in the country and after researching it on Clever Cogs I asked Gina if she wanted to come along with me and we booked it soon after.” Margaret was able to research her trip from start to finish on the CleverCogs™ system. The bespoke technology tailors each device to the wants and needs of the individual and gives users control over their care and support. It also enables customers to browse the web, email, do their shopping and even catch up with friends and family. Margaret continued: “At first I was never really interested in using the CleverCogs™ system but I soon discovered it was very easy to use and now I couldn’t live without it. “It has allowed me to do so much that I never knew it was capable of until I started using it. It’s given the confidence to try new experiences and enabled me to visit places I thought I’d never go. “ Since booking her holiday to Vietnam, Margaret now has plans to go to Australia and spend 26 days travelling across the country which includes a cruise and four day train journey. Gina said: “I was thrilled to be able to accompany Margaret on her holiday. I had never been to Asia before and it was really interesting being able to experience the different culture. “Margaret and I had a jam packed holiday and we saw a lot of the sights to ensure we made the most of our trip. It was wonderful getting to see Margaret fulfil her lifelong dream and be part of it all. “It is great that due to the CleverCogs™ system our tenants get to live as independently as possible and this is epitomised by Margaret and her new desire for adventure.”
