Best Dysphagia Training for UK Care Homes
When looking for dysphagia training for care homes in the UK, it is essential to consider programs that offer comprehensive education on dysphagia management. Some of the best dysphagia training options for UK care home staff include: By investing in high-quality dysphagia training programs, UK care homes can ensure that their staff are well-equipped to provide safe and effective care for residents with swallowing difficulties. Comprehending Dysphagia: An Extensive Manual Dysphagia is a medical term that describes difficulty in swallowing. This condition can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making it challenging to eat and drink normally. Understanding dysphagia is crucial for effective diagnosis and management, especially for care homes in the UK where elderly residents are often affected. This comprehensive guide will delve into the types, symptoms, causes, and treatments of dysphagia, along with the importance of dysphagia training for care home staff. What Is Dysphagia? Dysphagia refers to difficulties in swallowing food, liquids, or saliva. This condition can be temporary or long-term and can affect people of all ages. Dysphagia is typically classified into two main types: oropharyngeal dysphagia and esophageal dysphagia. Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Oropharyngeal dysphagia involves difficulty moving food from the mouth to the upper part of the oesophagus. This type often results from problems with the muscles, nerves, or structures of the throat. Esophageal Dysphagia Esophageal dysphagia involves difficulty passing food down the oesophagus. This type is usually due to blockages or irritations within the oesophagus itself. Symptoms of Dysphagia The symptoms of dysphagia can vary depending on its type and severity. Common symptoms include: by Ej Agumbay (https://unsplash.com/@ejagumbay) Causes of Dysphagia Dysphagia can result from various conditions, including: Neurological Conditions Neurological conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis can affect the nerves and muscles involved in swallowing. Muscular Conditions Muscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy can weaken the muscles necessary for swallowing. Obstructions Physical obstructions such as tumours, strictures, or foreign bodies can block the oesophagus, leading to dysphagia. Infections and Inflammation Infections and inflammatory conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophagitis can cause swelling and pain in the oesophagus. Diagnosing Dysphagia Diagnosing dysphagia typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These may include: Clinical Evaluation A thorough clinical evaluation by a healthcare provider can help identify the underlying cause of dysphagia. This includes a review of symptoms and medical history. Imaging Tests Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans can provide detailed images of the throat and oesophagus, helping to identify abnormalities. Endoscopic Examination An endoscopic examination involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the oesophagus to inspect the area visually. Swallowing Studies Swallowing studies, such as a barium swallow, can assess the effectiveness of the swallowing process by using X-rays to track the movement of barium-coated food or liquid through the oesophagus. Treating Dysphagia The treatment for dysphagia depends on its underlying cause and severity. Common treatment options include: Medications Medications can help manage conditions like GERD, infections, or inflammation that contribute to dysphagia. Swallowing Therapy Swallowing therapy, often conducted by a speech-language pathologist, can help improve the strength and coordination of the muscles involved in swallowing. Dietary Changes Modifying the texture and consistency of food and liquids can make swallowing easier for individuals with dysphagia. Surgery In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove obstructions or correct structural abnormalities in the oesophagus. Importance of Dysphagia Training for Care Home Staff Care home staff play a crucial role in managing residents with dysphagia. Proper training ensures that staff can recognise the signs of dysphagia, provide appropriate care, and prevent complications such as choking and aspiration pneumonia. by Timothy Buck (https://unsplash.com/@timothybuck) Recognising Symptoms Training helps staff identify symptoms of dysphagia early, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the risk of complications. Safe Feeding Techniques Care home staff trained in safe feeding techniques can assist residents in eating and drinking safely, reducing the risk of choking and aspiration. Emergency Response Training equips staff with the skills to respond effectively in emergencies, such as when a resident chokes or experiences severe difficulty swallowing. Individualised Care Plans Dysphagia training enables staff to develop and implement individualised care plans tailored to each resident’s specific needs. Conclusion Dysphagia is a complex condition that requires careful management to ensure the safety and well-being of affected individuals. Understanding the types, symptoms, and causes of dysphagia is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. For care homes in the UK, dysphagia training for staff is vital to providing high-quality care and improving residents’ quality of life. By staying informed and proactive, we can better support those living with dysphagia. Other training articles
Introducing Log my Care – the free care management system for care homes
Introducing Log my Care – the free care management system for care homes
Easter fayres raise hundreds for Teesside care homes
EASTER was celebrated at care homes across Teesside – with bonnet making masterclasses and fayres. The Gables Care Home, in Middlesbrough, and Ingleby Care Home, in Ingleby Barwick, were among those to mark the occasion with a variety of activities. At The Gables, residents created Easter bonnets, adorned with bunny ears, fluffy chicks, brightly coloured eggs and other decorations. A raffle of chocolate eggs helped raise over £110 for the residents’ fund, which pays for day trips throughout the year. The home also held a special lunch, dancing and singing to round-off the celebrations. Resident Ann Barker said: “I wish the weather was as nice as our Easter hats.” Kate Charlton, acting home manager at The Gables Care Home, on Highfield Road, said: “All our residents had a wonderful Easter celebrating in many different ways. “Those lucky few who won the Easter egg hampers from the raffle were kind enough to share their chocolates with the rest, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. “We’d like to thank everyone who bought a ticket and helped raise a great amount for our residents’ fund.” In Stockton-on-Tees, at Ingleby Care Home an Easter Fayre helped raise over £245 for their residents’ fund. Residents’ relatives donated eggs for a tombola and cakes for a raffle. Meal vouchers were also donated for prizes by the Arc Stockton, Fryer Tucks fish shop, the Myton Arms in Ingleby Barwick, and Thornaby pubs The Roundel and The Griffin. A cake stall sold cupcakes baked by the Ingleby Care Home kitchen staff to help with the fundraising. Resident Joyce Marsay’s daughter Christine Cooper baked a cake for the raffle, won by the home’s deputy manager Kayleigh Duncan. Joyce said: “I’m so pleased Kayleigh won the cake Christine baked. I’m sure she’ll enjoy it.” Kirsty Walsh, activities coordinator at Ingleby Care Home, on Lamb Lane, said: “Fantastic support from the residents and their families made our Easter Fayre a huge success. “We’d like to say a big thank you to those who came along and bought a ticket for the tombola and raffle as well as to those local businesses who donated prizes. “The community support we receive at Ingleby Care Home is so important and means a huge amount to our residents.” The Gables and Ingleby care homes are part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net We hope you had a happy Easter
Tanglewood Employees In Line for Care Awards
Fourteen employees at Tanglewood Care Homes are keeping their fingers crossed ahead of the second annual Lincolnshire Care Awards next week. The 14 team members have all been nominated for awards by care home managers, colleagues, residents or families – and they will find out if they’ve won at a ceremony in Lincoln on 22nd February. Tanglewood employees make up one-fifth of the total nominees, and 11 of them work in one care home – Cedar Falls in Spalding. The shortlisted candidates are: Nursing category Gabriel Curila – Hunters Creek Care Home in Boston Stephanie Hewat-Jaboor, Mariana Anton and Susan Palethorpe – Cedar Falls Care Home in Spalding Residential category Moira Tasker – Tanglewood Care Home in Horncastle Artur Haluszko, Vivian Smith, Chris Inte and Brenda Love – Cedar Falls Care Home in Spalding Care Leadership category Kryzystof Krzysztofiak and Anita Malkevica – Cedar Falls Care Home in Spalding Outstanding Learner category Susie Neupane – Cedar Falls Care Home in Spalding Supporting Role category Andy Pridmore – Cedar Falls Care Home in Spalding Steph Townsend – Tanglewood Care Home in Horncastle The Lincolnshire Care Awards celebrate outstanding care workers, teams and organisations. The event is staged by the Lincolnshire Care Association (LinCA) and will take place at the County Assembly Rooms in Lincoln at 7pm on Thursday 22nd February. The awards dinner will be compered by Melvyn Prior from BBC Radio Lincolnshire. More than 100 people were nominated before the final shortlist of 66 finalists was chosen. This year’s awards are bigger and better after a huge increase in nominations and the introduction of a new award recognising the contribution of support staff. In total there are nine categories: Sills & Betteridge Community Care Award StaffAid Residential Care Award University of Lincoln and Lincolnshire County Council Nursing in Social Care Award Apetito Best Supporting Role Award Community Health Partnerships Care Leadership Award District Councils Community Leadership Award Lincoln College Rising Star Award Bishop Grosseteste University Outstanding Learner NatWest Outstanding Care Team Award Tracy Ann Shelbourn, founder and Director of Tanglewood Care Homes, commented: “We are delighted to be part of the LinCA Care Awards again this year, a special occasion for every care community in Lincolnshire to join hands in celebrating our ‘care heroes’ – dedicated nurses, carers and support teams that make a difference in the lives of the people we care for.” Melanie Weatherley, Chair of the Lincolnshire Care Association, said: “The amazing work carers do isn’t celebrated enough so it’s an honour to host this event and recognise the great contribution of those from the care sector in Lincolnshire. “I meet brilliant care workers, nurses and leaders every day and they deserve their work and achievements to be celebrated in such a way. The work they do in the county is so important and they are so valued by the people they care for, their colleagues and all of us who benefit from high quality care.” For more information on the Care Awards visit http://linca.org.uk or follow the hashtag #LincsCareAwards on Twitter and Facebook. To find out more about Tanglewood Care Homes www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk.
Improving quality of life with dance
Recent studies reveal an increasing number of health benefits from dance – particularly for dementia sufferers. Clifden House, a leading dementia care centre in Seaford, advocates dance as a therapy. Dance, in any form, not only requires physical movement but also involves important cognitive stimulation. The mental and physical coordination required to dance stimulates several regions of the brain. Nial Joyce of Clifden House said, “Life doesn’t have to stop with a dementia diagnosis. Finding fun and active activities liked dancing is proven to improve well-being and is a great way to take part in light exercise, provide cognitive stimulation and promote social interaction with others. “At Clifden House, we witness first-hand how the quality of life among our residents is remarkably improved by dance related activities.“ For dancing there must be music. The positive effects of music on dementia suffers is well-researched and documented. Music and song is easier to recall than other memories for people with dementia. Nial said: “Any form of cognitive stimulation therapy is the gold standard. Evidence is that it produces an improvement in people’s memory scores and certainly in their quality of life.” The specialist dementia care centre provides a huge range of music, song and dance activities on a weekly basis. This variety helps decrease anxiety, improve well-being and generally lift the mood of all it residents. For more information visit www.clifdenhouse.co.uk About us Clifden House is a family-run dementia care centre that has developed into a leader in specialist dementia care. Our location on the coast in Seaford, East Sussex, gives us easy access to Brighton, Lewes, Eastbourne and London by road and rail. Clifden House is a vibrant and active environment. It is home to a range of people from different backgrounds, taking part in everyday activities, just like in any other family home or community. Our guests and residents may be catching up with the news, chatting at the hairdressers, getting ready to go out to the pub or shopping, doing their exercises or taking part in everyday tasks. Engage & cultivate relationships This is a home too for family, friends and carers to spend quality time with their loved one. We offer day care, overnight stays, respite and residential care. We can deliver choice and options whatever the circumstances.
UK Fundraisers Prepare to Par-tea in aid of Dementia UK
UK-wide tea parties will help to raise funds for families facing dementia Icing sugar is flying off the supermarket shelves and the kettle is officially on! It can only mean that people are gearing up for one thing: ‘Time for a Cuppa’ campaign. From 1st-8th March 2018, fundraisers up and down the country will be channelling their inner baker and leaving no teacup unturned as they raise money for specialist dementia Admiral Nurses. Admiral Nurses provide the specialist support that families need. When things get challenging or difficult, Admiral Nurses work alongside families affected by dementia, giving them one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions, helping families with more confidence and less fear. Admiral Nurses have had a positive impact on people like Alison, whose long-term partner Philip has been living with young onset dementia since his early 60’s. Alison said: “It’s so important that I have my Admiral Nurse, Rob, there for me as Philip’s health deteriorates. I trust his opinion implicitly and he understands what I am dealing with on a day-to-day basis. He even supports my initiative to train Jess, a loveable Labrador, as a therapy dog for Philip. Ultimately Rob is an absolutely fantastic listener and I only wish I had found him sooner”. Funds raised from this year’s baking will help to grow the number of Admiral Nurse services in the UK, helping more families face dementia. It will also help to employ more Admiral Nurses on the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline which is used by families who do not have direct access to an Admiral Nurse. Dr. Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, said: “A diagnosis of dementia can be a life-changing experience, with people and their families feeling alone and scared as a result. Time for a Cuppa is all about bringing people together over some tea and cake, to talk about experiences, to encourage support and to raise funds for more desperately needed Admiral Nurses. Whether you’re a builder’s tea or an Earl Grey sort, we’re hoping you can join us for a cuppa.” To register for your free ‘Time for a Cuppa’ fundraising pack and to find out how to get involved you can call: 020 7697 4052 or email: timeforacuppa@dementiauk.org There are currently 222 Admiral Nurses working across England, Scotland and Wales and Dementia UK’s target is to have 300 in place by 2020.
4.1 million Brits work an extra day per week caring for elderly relatives
Carers visit their elderly relatives seven times a week, travelling 13 miles, on average. 57% are also holding down a full-time job and over half still have their own children living at home. Around half of carers have to rely on friends, neighbours and professional support. This issue is predicted to grow, as a further 6.6m Brits expect to be caring for elderly relatives in the next five years. Eight in ten carers would like to do more but work pressure (48%), family commitments (38%) and distance (25%) are the main factors that prevent them spending more time with elderly relatives. 10% of carers are considering seeking professional assistance, whilst 74% state they would be willing to discuss the introduction of technology to help give them greater peace of mind when they can’t be there. More than four million Brits are spending the equivalent of a full working day per week (7.8 hours) caring for an elderly relative. A further 6.6 million are expected to take on this responsibility in the next five years according to new research from Neos, the UK’s first smart home insurance provider. Those caring for an elderly relative make on average seven visits per week, with 26% visiting twice a day to check in on them. This is taking its toll on carers, as they live on average 13 miles away from their relative, with those in the South travelling almost double the distance (15 miles) compared to those in the North (8 miles). In addition to these visits, carers are also being contacted by elderly relatives on average 3 times a week for assistance. Over half (57%) of those surveyed are also juggling caring responsibilities with a full-time job, which is the most common factor preventing them from visiting their relative more often. More than half (57%) are also part of the growing number of people in the ‘sandwich generation’, still supporting young or adult children living at home whilst also caring for the elderly. While over half of carers (51%) have family members to offer support, it’s not hard to see why carers have to look beyond their family. A quarter (26%) of those surveyed look to friends, neighbours and professional support to lend a hand. Around 10% are considering professional support in the future, although for 20% of carers this option feels out of reach financially. Others are looking to technology to help bridge the gap. Carers UK believe more households should consider using technologies that could help both the person who is being cared for and the carer, as currently less than three in ten (29%) are embracing health and care technology4. Neos’ research shows just 8% of carers say they have installed smart technology in their relatives’ home but 74% would be willing to discuss the possible use of technology with elderly relatives, with 44% of carers believing the key to this being adopted is making sure it is simple to understand. Physical safety is top of the list of safety concerns for carers, in fact over half (51%) of carers say there’s been an accident in their elderly relative’s home that could have put them or their property at risk. Nearly a third of these accidents were as a result of a fire, leak or break-in. Emotional welfare is also a key concern for carers, with 40% worried about their elderly relative being lonely and 20% concerned about them feeling vulnerable and scared on their own. Neil from Wallasey, is a part-time carer who has experienced this first-hand, “I’ve been caring for my Dad who’s 80 for more than three years now. It’s really tough balancing caring, working and supporting my family. I always visit him three times a week, which means traveling in the car for an hour each time to help him out with cleaning, shopping and cooking. I can’t be there all the time but I really worry something might happen to him when I’m not around. I really enjoy spending time with my Dad but I’ve been looking into things like NHS care and installing smart tech to monitor the home to relieve some of the strain and give me peace of mind.” Matt Poll, co-founder of Neos, said: “Anyone that regularly cares for an elderly loved one will know we wish we could be there more often than we are. Whilst family, friends and professional support can help, it’s not practical for someone to be there all the time. This is one of the reasons I started Neos, to give people the power to get instant reassurance, wherever they are, whenever they want. Technology can be there when you’re not and monitor the home 24/7 to check that everything is okay. I believe this is a great example of how technology can make life better.” Madeleine Starr, Director of Business Development and Innovation at Carers UK, said “Technology can make a big difference to carers, especially those looking after a loved one from afar or juggling work with care. We know through increased downloads of our care coordination app, Jointly, that more people than ever are making the connection between modern solutions and caring for others. Yet, while Carers UK’s own research with YouGov suggests that a majority of us use technology to manage money (72%) and shop (71%), less than three in 10 (29%) use the same tools to help with health and care. As Neos’ new findings show, there is still room for more carers to use technology and to have more choice in what is available. For some people, new technology can feel daunting, but there’s a range of user friendly products out there. Thinking about how technology could help maintain independence for the person you support can be a good way to start the conversation about trying something new. Carers should look into technological support in the form of smartphone and computer applications (apps), telecare, and monitoring, or contact a charity like Carers UK to find out what is available. You
Aiding hygiene control with the new Matrix M Basin
A new height adjustable wash basin with enhanced features that assist hygiene control has been launched by Pressalit Care. Known as the Matrix M, Pressalit Care has developed new integrated power buttons for raising and lowering the basin, and to aid all important hygiene control has incorporated all plumbing into a discreet, concealed unit. The Matrix M also features Pressalit Care’s highly regarded grab handles at the front of the basin. Andrew Lowndes, UK sales manager for Pressalit Care says, “As well as popular features from our existing Matrix range, we’ve introduced new, stand-out elements into this basin. These will benefit both users and carers, whilst maintaining the commitment to quality, practicality and design that Pressalit Care has always made its priority. “Where a bathroom is to be used by multiple or single users the Matrix M will be a valuable element in providing flexible facilities, maintaining self-esteem and a sense of equality with others.” He continues, “The new concealed plumbing not only adds to the aesthetics of the design, but also aids hygiene control, as the pipework elements are not exposed to collect dust, dirt or bacteria. “The new integrated operating panel on the front of the basin is simple and intuitive – with the red buttons on white easy to see and use, allowing most users to be able to adjust the height themselves.” Hygiene is a top priority with the Matrix M basin. The concealed plumbing aids hygiene control; the smooth curved lines of the bowl make cleaning easy; and integrated handrails, as well as providing valuable support, have smooth lines and no hard to reach corners. The wide, white Matrix M basin has profiled raised edges to prevent spillages over the side. The flat surface around the bowl aids leaning and support, or indeed the storage of personal toiletries. All surfaces incline towards to the plug to ensure efficient drainage. The inward curve of the basin’s front edge allows the user to lean into the tap and reach it easily, whilst the shallow bowl gives plenty of space for wheelchair maneuverability. The Matrix M basin has a rise/fall of 200mm. The slim lifter unit allows wheelchairs to manoeuvre close to the wall. Securing the unit above the skirting provides much better access for wheelchair footplates and allows for slip-resistant flooring material to curve up the wall. To help integrate into different bathroom designs and to fit with individual needs, a manual operating version with crank handle is available, together with or without integrated overflow. Andrew Lowndes continues, “When creating a bathroom in a care home, hospital or school, or indeed a private home, the bathroom needs to provide facilities that are accessible to all users, a height adjustable basin is a must have. The flexibility that height adjustable elements bring to a bathroom play a major part in creating a usable space for everyone. “Our new Matrix M basin is easy to use, designed with hygiene in mind, and will certainly be a valuable asset to an accessible bathroom or Changing Places facility, where it’s important that users with mobility problems are able to participate on equal terms with others.” www.pressalit.com
Advocacy Charity Hosts New Health and Social Care Conference
North-West based charity, Advocacy Focus, has launched a brand new conference for health and social care professionals. The award winning advocacy provider, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary, will host ‘Breaking Barriers’ at Preston Grasshoppers RUFC on 14th March 2018. Justine Hodgkinson, CEO, says: “We wanted to do something really special for our anniversary year, so we came up with Breaking Barriers, which aims to provide an informative, interesting and interactive day for health and social care professionals, with a real focus on working in partnership.” Advocacy Focus supports individuals and helps them to achieve the outcomes that matter to them in their lives when dealing with health and social care services and local authorities. Justine says: “The nature of our work means that we work alongside health and social care professionals, putting people at the centre of their care and treatment. However advocacy as a service can be very difficult to understand, and as a result we often face many barriers. “One of the aims of the day is to help professionals understand, not just advocacy, but the case law and legislation that guides how we work together on a daily basis.” Advocacy Focus was founded in East Lancashire in 1998, originally East Lancashire Advocacy Services. Today, the charity has doubled in size and holds contracts with Lancashire County Council, Bradford Council and Trafford Council, as well as private contracts across the UK. Justine continues: “Breaking Barriers will shine a light on the parts of our services that are difficult to understand, helping to bridge the gaps between services and provide better outcomes for the people who access them.” Speakers at the event include Jake Mills, Comedian and Founder of mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, Kate Mercer, a well-established advocacy trainer and owner of Kate Mercer Training and Mark Neary, author of ‘Getting Steven Home’ – a book about Mark’s plight in getting his autistic son out of care. Workshops will be hosted by the British Institute of Human Rights, Francesca P Gardner, Barrister at Kings Chambers, Neil Allen, Barrister at 39 Essex Chambers and many more sector experts. Tickets cost £25 and include refreshments and lunch. To find out more and book your tickets, visit advocacyfocus.org.uk/breaking-barriers. Breaking Barriers 2018 is sponsored by Napthens, Codel Software (Active Absence), Sharp, Odonnells Solicitors, VS Group, Mayes Accountants, Building Blocks Computer Services (Cygnet) and Stonehouse IT.
