Anna Preston 's Entries

• 23 Aug 2019
  How To Declutter To Move In With A New Beau

  Tips, tricks and handy advice to help you downsize your stuff ready for a big move with a brand new beau. Moving in with a new partner is a very exciting time as you leave the single life behind and start a brand new phase with a special person. The only problem is, you both have lots of stuff filling out where you live now, and realistically, you'll both only be able to take half of that into your new shared home. So, how do you strip your things down ready to move in with a new beau? Here are our top tips to help you get ready for this huge life change: Together, Write a List Of Everything A House Needs It may sound basic, but writing a list of everything you need for a house will help you form a basis for knowing what can be taken from either of your homes, and what needs to be bought. Gain An Understanding Of 'Sticking Points' There will be items that you both want to move into your new place, but only one person's item can fit. Once you know which items are sticking points, such as sofas and beds, you can negotiate and discuss those items. Perhaps you're willing to sell your sofa as long as you get to keep your bed. Knowing the sticking points gives you the ability to work together to move forward with a decision. Help Each Other Declutter Decluttering can be difficult when you're on your own and you'd rather be doing something else so, it makes sense to help each other declutter. Two hands make light work! Pop some music on, have your partner sit with three boxes and then go through each item they have, asking them if they want to give it to charity, keep or sell. Then they can return the favour for you. Eventually you'll both only own things you really want, or things you use, so you're not bringing clutter to your new place. Buy Yourself Time With Cheap Self Storage Cheap self storage is a secure unit you can rent for short periods of time, or longer periods of time if you need to. You can usually move between different sized of unit easily if your needs change. It might be that your contract is coming to an end in your current property and you and your partner are eager to make the move to a new place together quickly. Cheap self storage is a great option, enabling you to move items you don't want to move to your new place and out of your current rental. It buys you the time to sort through your things in your own time, and to move in with your new love as quickly as you feel you want to. To find out more about typical self storage prices see Storing.com’s price comparison chart. Reuse Items That Don't Have A Place in Your Current Home Maybe you've a desk in your spare room that can be used for a home office in the place you'll be sharing with your partner. Maybe you've a wardrobe and chest of drawers you've never had room to use properly because of an integrated system, but the new house you're moving into needs them. Try to think carefully about items you have stored in the garage, spare room and cheap self storage and how they might be useful in your new place with your partner. Moving in with a partner is so exciting, but the process of downsizing your stuff can be tricky. With such a great reason to let go of your clutter, hopefully the process won't be too stressful. Remember to work together, keep your eye on the end result, and enjoy the process of decluttering, which can be a therapeutic process for some. Soon enough you'll both be enjoying your new place together, making memories in this new chapter of life as a couple.

  5706 Posted by Anna Preston
• By Anna Preston

  How To Declutter To Move In With A New Beau

  Tips, tricks and handy advice to help you downsize your stuff ready for a big move with a brand new beau. Moving in with a new partner is a very exciting time as you leave the single life behind and start a brand new phase with a special person. The only problem is, you both have lots of stuff filling out where you live now, and realistically, you'll both only be able to take half of that into your new shared home. So, how do you strip your things down ready to move in with a new beau? Here are our top tips to help you get ready for this huge life change: Together, Write a List Of Everything A House Needs It may sound basic, but writing a list of everything you need for a house will help you form a basis for knowing what can be taken from either of your homes, and what needs to be bought. Gain An Understanding Of 'Sticking Points' There will be items that you both want to move into your new place, but only one person's item can fit. Once you know which items are sticking points, such as sofas and beds, you can negotiate and discuss those items. Perhaps you're willing to sell your sofa as long as you get to keep your bed. Knowing the sticking points gives you the ability to work together to move forward with a decision. Help Each Other Declutter Decluttering can be difficult when you're on your own and you'd rather be doing something else so, it makes sense to help each other declutter. Two hands make light work! Pop some music on, have your partner sit with three boxes and then go through each item they have, asking them if they want to give it to charity, keep or sell. Then they can return the favour for you. Eventually you'll both only own things you really want, or things you use, so you're not bringing clutter to your new place. Buy Yourself Time With Cheap Self Storage Cheap self storage is a secure unit you can rent for short periods of time, or longer periods of time if you need to. You can usually move between different sized of unit easily if your needs change. It might be that your contract is coming to an end in your current property and you and your partner are eager to make the move to a new place together quickly. Cheap self storage is a great option, enabling you to move items you don't want to move to your new place and out of your current rental. It buys you the time to sort through your things in your own time, and to move in with your new love as quickly as you feel you want to. To find out more about typical self storage prices see Storing.com’s price comparison chart. Reuse Items That Don't Have A Place in Your Current Home Maybe you've a desk in your spare room that can be used for a home office in the place you'll be sharing with your partner. Maybe you've a wardrobe and chest of drawers you've never had room to use properly because of an integrated system, but the new house you're moving into needs them. Try to think carefully about items you have stored in the garage, spare room and cheap self storage and how they might be useful in your new place with your partner. Moving in with a partner is so exciting, but the process of downsizing your stuff can be tricky. With such a great reason to let go of your clutter, hopefully the process won't be too stressful. Remember to work together, keep your eye on the end result, and enjoy the process of decluttering, which can be a therapeutic process for some. Soon enough you'll both be enjoying your new place together, making memories in this new chapter of life as a couple.

  Aug 23, 2019 5706
• 15 Aug 2019
  Dealing with Pets as a Live-in Carer

  A live-in carer must undertake many different tasks as part of their job and one of these is helping to take care of an elderly patient’s pets. If you are thinking about homecare or live-in carer as a career it may surprise you to learn that one of your jobs will be to look after your patient’s pet. If you are a pet owner yourself or a keen animal lover then this won’t be too onerous a task but if you’ve never had to take care of an animal before what can you expect? You can find out more at the Live-in Care Hub (www.liveincarehub.co.uk) but in the meantime here are a few pointers.   Pets can be family members too Whether a budgie, fish, cat or dog, a pet is often a much loved and cherished part of the family and may have been with the family, or the person you are caring for, a long time. As such they deserve to be cared for with the same dedication that the owner would show as the presence of a loved and familiar pet can be of enormous comfort to its owner especially when everything appears to be changing in their life – such as their care.   The benefits that the companionship of an animal brings to elderly people in general is well documented and there are numerous care institutions which now allow visiting animals, often dogs but sometimes other creatures, to be brought into homes where older people can enjoy their company for a while. The sight of a dog snoozing at the feet of an elderly resident aids relaxation and calmness and can really help improve the quality of life of a person.   Owning a pet can be particularly beneficial for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The familiarity of a feeding, grooming or walking routine can help to calm agitated minds and combat loneliness and depression. A friendly animal can also help a distressed person to engage in cases where they are unable to do so around people.   Get extra help where needed Most pets are exactly like humans in that they thrive on a regular routine, appropriate exercise and companionship. When you start to care for an elderly person make a good start by making friends with their pet wherever possible and ask about feeding, cleaning and exercise schedules. Any veterinary medications that are needed should be noted and administered correctly. Where a dog is involved it will need daily walks to maintain good health so walking time should be factored into your daily routine.   Sometimes though, with the best will in the world it can be difficult to give adequate time and attention to a pet if your elderly patient is especially demanding or has complex needs. In these cases you should reach out to others who can help, perhaps the patient’s family or friends. Or enquire in the local area about respite or temporary pet sitting or dog walking services; many pet sitters care for all different animals.

  5086 Posted by Anna Preston
• By Anna Preston

  Dealing with Pets as a Live-in Carer

  A live-in carer must undertake many different tasks as part of their job and one of these is helping to take care of an elderly patient’s pets. If you are thinking about homecare or live-in carer as a career it may surprise you to learn that one of your jobs will be to look after your patient’s pet. If you are a pet owner yourself or a keen animal lover then this won’t be too onerous a task but if you’ve never had to take care of an animal before what can you expect? You can find out more at the Live-in Care Hub (www.liveincarehub.co.uk) but in the meantime here are a few pointers.   Pets can be family members too Whether a budgie, fish, cat or dog, a pet is often a much loved and cherished part of the family and may have been with the family, or the person you are caring for, a long time. As such they deserve to be cared for with the same dedication that the owner would show as the presence of a loved and familiar pet can be of enormous comfort to its owner especially when everything appears to be changing in their life – such as their care.   The benefits that the companionship of an animal brings to elderly people in general is well documented and there are numerous care institutions which now allow visiting animals, often dogs but sometimes other creatures, to be brought into homes where older people can enjoy their company for a while. The sight of a dog snoozing at the feet of an elderly resident aids relaxation and calmness and can really help improve the quality of life of a person.   Owning a pet can be particularly beneficial for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The familiarity of a feeding, grooming or walking routine can help to calm agitated minds and combat loneliness and depression. A friendly animal can also help a distressed person to engage in cases where they are unable to do so around people.   Get extra help where needed Most pets are exactly like humans in that they thrive on a regular routine, appropriate exercise and companionship. When you start to care for an elderly person make a good start by making friends with their pet wherever possible and ask about feeding, cleaning and exercise schedules. Any veterinary medications that are needed should be noted and administered correctly. Where a dog is involved it will need daily walks to maintain good health so walking time should be factored into your daily routine.   Sometimes though, with the best will in the world it can be difficult to give adequate time and attention to a pet if your elderly patient is especially demanding or has complex needs. In these cases you should reach out to others who can help, perhaps the patient’s family or friends. Or enquire in the local area about respite or temporary pet sitting or dog walking services; many pet sitters care for all different animals.

  Aug 15, 2019 5086
• 15 Aug 2019
  Helping dementia patients feel more secure

  Dementia patients are prone to confusion and anxiety but by understanding their needs they can be made to feel more safe and secure.   Dementia is a blanket term that refers to a life-changing decline in mental ability. Alzheimer’s is the most common form – affecting 60-80% of patients, with Vascular Dementia, often caused by a stroke, the next most common variety.   Research by the Live In Care Hub shows that dementia is the most feared illness with 34% saying they fear suffering it in later life. The research, published in the “No Place Like Home” report, also revealed that 52% of people are happier to talk about the condition than they were 10 years ago.   The increased awareness and willingness to discuss dementia is good news for dementia sufferers as it encourages those caring for them to learn about their needs and provide a secure, safe and familiar environment.   Core Symptoms To be considered dementia, at least two of the following areas must be affected: Memory Communication and language Ability to focus and pay attention Reasoning and judgement Visual perception   Many patients become agitated and scared when difficulty remembering impacts on their daily life. For example, forgetting which drawer the spoons are in or walking into the bedroom instead of the bathroom. If their language skills are diminishing, they may have difficulty in making themselves understood and may find it hard to listen to and follow instructions if their attention span dwindles. Another area where those with dementia can struggle is with mobility, even around familiar areas, as problems with visual perception can make rugs look like holes and thresholds look like steps.   Familiar Surroundings Memory is strengthened by repetition so it is important to keep changes to the home environment to a minimum. It can help to label doors, drawers and cupboards with the contents to help the patient locate items with the minimum of fuss. It is for this reason that many dementia patients decline if they need to move to a care home – learning new surroundings and routines simply confuses their damaged brain and they find it hard to adapt. In so many ways they are better being cared for with in-home care or live-in care at home.   Careful alterations can support independence One change that is useful to make is to remove rugs and mats – even ones taped to the floor. As mentioned above, these can be seen as holes or steps and turn into trip hazards, thus increasing the risk of falls. Good lighting helps so ensure that curtains are opened and lights fitted with bright enough bulbs. Carpets are usually a better choice as the noise of walking across a hard floor can be disorientating to sufferers, and should contrast with the walls so the edges are clear.   Remembering who’s who It can be difficult for those with dementia to keep track of new faces. If in home care is required then the same carers should be requested so that the patient recognises them. Labelled photographs, together with times when the carer will be present, can be helpful. If the sufferer has live in carers then placing a photograph of the current carer in a prominent position will help avoid anxiety.              

  5557 Posted by Anna Preston
• By Anna Preston

  Helping dementia patients feel more secure

  Dementia patients are prone to confusion and anxiety but by understanding their needs they can be made to feel more safe and secure.   Dementia is a blanket term that refers to a life-changing decline in mental ability. Alzheimer’s is the most common form – affecting 60-80% of patients, with Vascular Dementia, often caused by a stroke, the next most common variety.   Research by the Live In Care Hub shows that dementia is the most feared illness with 34% saying they fear suffering it in later life. The research, published in the “No Place Like Home” report, also revealed that 52% of people are happier to talk about the condition than they were 10 years ago.   The increased awareness and willingness to discuss dementia is good news for dementia sufferers as it encourages those caring for them to learn about their needs and provide a secure, safe and familiar environment.   Core Symptoms To be considered dementia, at least two of the following areas must be affected: Memory Communication and language Ability to focus and pay attention Reasoning and judgement Visual perception   Many patients become agitated and scared when difficulty remembering impacts on their daily life. For example, forgetting which drawer the spoons are in or walking into the bedroom instead of the bathroom. If their language skills are diminishing, they may have difficulty in making themselves understood and may find it hard to listen to and follow instructions if their attention span dwindles. Another area where those with dementia can struggle is with mobility, even around familiar areas, as problems with visual perception can make rugs look like holes and thresholds look like steps.   Familiar Surroundings Memory is strengthened by repetition so it is important to keep changes to the home environment to a minimum. It can help to label doors, drawers and cupboards with the contents to help the patient locate items with the minimum of fuss. It is for this reason that many dementia patients decline if they need to move to a care home – learning new surroundings and routines simply confuses their damaged brain and they find it hard to adapt. In so many ways they are better being cared for with in-home care or live-in care at home.   Careful alterations can support independence One change that is useful to make is to remove rugs and mats – even ones taped to the floor. As mentioned above, these can be seen as holes or steps and turn into trip hazards, thus increasing the risk of falls. Good lighting helps so ensure that curtains are opened and lights fitted with bright enough bulbs. Carpets are usually a better choice as the noise of walking across a hard floor can be disorientating to sufferers, and should contrast with the walls so the edges are clear.   Remembering who’s who It can be difficult for those with dementia to keep track of new faces. If in home care is required then the same carers should be requested so that the patient recognises them. Labelled photographs, together with times when the carer will be present, can be helpful. If the sufferer has live in carers then placing a photograph of the current carer in a prominent position will help avoid anxiety.              

  Aug 15, 2019 5557
• 15 Aug 2019
  Great Books for Elderly Readers

  It’s said that the joy of reading never leaves you. Getting stuck into a good book or favourite magazine is a wonderful way to pass the time whatever your age.   The joy of becoming totally immersed in a good read is something which often has its roots in childhood and most keen readers will tell you that reading is something which is invaluable as a tool for relieving stress or simply for passing a few hours. According to the Live-in Care Hub many older people find their days significantly enhanced when they have access to reading materials.   Indeed, according to their No Place like Home report many carers, whether they are providing live-in care 24/7 or regular home care services during the day, have confirmed that elderly people are happiest when they have familiar things like their favourite books around them. When your senior relative has a bookshelf groaning with books it can be difficult wondering what book to get for them that they haven’t already read. Here are some suggestions.   Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen This award-winning book, recommended for elderly people by Goodreads, tells the story of love between two people from different worlds.   The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway This is about an old fisherman and his battle for survival against rough seas. It’s a fairly simple and short but absorbing tale.   Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo This would be a lovely story to read to the grandkids as well as being one that can whisk you away to a world of a young boy, his grandmother and a magic cape.   Making the Rounds with Oscar by David Dosa An extraordinary true story of the cat who knew when people at the end of their lives needed the comfort he could provide. Heart-warming and inspiring.   The Little Lady Who Broke All The Rules by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg A 79 year old woman dreams of escaping her humdrum life and robbing a bank. She and four friends decide to rebel against the ordinary and go on to have fun adventures.   Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson Set in a traditional English village this book explores the local characters, their travails and foibles.   One Man’s Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey by Richard Proenneke An inspiring read for those with an adventurous streak.   These are just a few general suggestions of course but you can also consider books relating to hobbies and interests whether that be gardening, wildlife, caravans, motorcycles or crafts. The choice is endless.   Audiobooks and E-Readers   For people who are blind or partially-sighted or who have difficulty in concentrating audiobooks or podcasts are a godsend. Simply download some onto an easily accessible device which they or their carer can operate. The RNIB have a large collection of talking books for the blind.   An e-reader like the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is a great option as it has options to set font size for easier reading and the screen is glare-free even in bright sunlight. Downloading books is simple to do and the device is very user-friendly.    With all these options, both for books to try and for devices to read them on, there’s really no reason your elderly relative or friend shouldn’t be able to enjoy reading, wherever they may be!

  5168 Posted by Anna Preston
• By Anna Preston

  Great Books for Elderly Readers

  It’s said that the joy of reading never leaves you. Getting stuck into a good book or favourite magazine is a wonderful way to pass the time whatever your age.   The joy of becoming totally immersed in a good read is something which often has its roots in childhood and most keen readers will tell you that reading is something which is invaluable as a tool for relieving stress or simply for passing a few hours. According to the Live-in Care Hub many older people find their days significantly enhanced when they have access to reading materials.   Indeed, according to their No Place like Home report many carers, whether they are providing live-in care 24/7 or regular home care services during the day, have confirmed that elderly people are happiest when they have familiar things like their favourite books around them. When your senior relative has a bookshelf groaning with books it can be difficult wondering what book to get for them that they haven’t already read. Here are some suggestions.   Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen This award-winning book, recommended for elderly people by Goodreads, tells the story of love between two people from different worlds.   The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway This is about an old fisherman and his battle for survival against rough seas. It’s a fairly simple and short but absorbing tale.   Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo This would be a lovely story to read to the grandkids as well as being one that can whisk you away to a world of a young boy, his grandmother and a magic cape.   Making the Rounds with Oscar by David Dosa An extraordinary true story of the cat who knew when people at the end of their lives needed the comfort he could provide. Heart-warming and inspiring.   The Little Lady Who Broke All The Rules by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg A 79 year old woman dreams of escaping her humdrum life and robbing a bank. She and four friends decide to rebel against the ordinary and go on to have fun adventures.   Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson Set in a traditional English village this book explores the local characters, their travails and foibles.   One Man’s Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey by Richard Proenneke An inspiring read for those with an adventurous streak.   These are just a few general suggestions of course but you can also consider books relating to hobbies and interests whether that be gardening, wildlife, caravans, motorcycles or crafts. The choice is endless.   Audiobooks and E-Readers   For people who are blind or partially-sighted or who have difficulty in concentrating audiobooks or podcasts are a godsend. Simply download some onto an easily accessible device which they or their carer can operate. The RNIB have a large collection of talking books for the blind.   An e-reader like the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is a great option as it has options to set font size for easier reading and the screen is glare-free even in bright sunlight. Downloading books is simple to do and the device is very user-friendly.    With all these options, both for books to try and for devices to read them on, there’s really no reason your elderly relative or friend shouldn’t be able to enjoy reading, wherever they may be!

  Aug 15, 2019 5168
• 15 Aug 2019
  3 Benefits of becoming a live in carer that you may not have co

  Thinking of becoming a live-in carer? If you aren’t sure if it’s the right job for you then perhaps these unexpected benefits will change your mind. There are many reasons why someone chooses to become a live-in carer. Perhaps you’ve cared for an elderly relative and wish to continue caring for others once they’ve passed away or moved into residential care. Perhaps you’ve worked in a care home and now want a change of job to something that offers a bit more flexibility. Or perhaps it’s all new to you and you just like the idea of making someone’s twilight years just that little bit more comfortable, whether it’s by providing regular home care or actually living with the person needing care.   A rising elderly population means you’ll never be out of a job Perhaps unsurprisingly, research by the Live in Care Hub, published in their “No Place Like Home” report, found that an overwhelming majority of people would prefer to remain in their own home, with a carer if necessary, rather than move into residential care. This, coupled with rising numbers of older people, means there is likely to be high demand for live-in care at home in the future meaning you can be pretty sure you won’t be out of a job any time soon.   You may reduce your living costs considerably There are many different shift patterns for live-in carers to reflect the differing needs of their clients. Some carers choose to offer a level of care that allows them to make their clients home their own. This allows them to reduce their living costs by avoiding the need to own or rent accommodation for nights that they spend away from the home.   Even carers who work with a client who needs more constant care, and therefore change shift on a regular basis, can keep the running costs of their own home low as it requires less heating and cleaning whilst not in use. Some enterprising carers even rent their own dwelling for short-term lets when they are not using it!   You won’t be lonely Many carers starting their first live-in care position worry that they will become lonely or isolated from their own friends and family. All carers are entitled to regular breaks in which some choose to use to leave the client’s house and meet with friends for coffee or to attend meetings of clubs and activities.   Plus, there’s always your client to talk to. Part of the role of live-in carer is to provide companionship and many old people are always ready to chat about the weather, their family, what’s on TV or reminisce about their past. And unlike the majority of care homes live-in care enables clients to remain with their pets, so if you like animals you may well find yourself caring for a dog, cat, goldfish – even a pony or llama – as well as your client. In fact, many live-in carers are “empty nesters” who are looking for a career to fill the gap where raising a family once sat and find live-in care to provide them with the ideal combination of a caring role, company and career.

  4893 Posted by Anna Preston
• By Anna Preston

  3 Benefits of becoming a live in carer that you may not have co

  Thinking of becoming a live-in carer? If you aren’t sure if it’s the right job for you then perhaps these unexpected benefits will change your mind. There are many reasons why someone chooses to become a live-in carer. Perhaps you’ve cared for an elderly relative and wish to continue caring for others once they’ve passed away or moved into residential care. Perhaps you’ve worked in a care home and now want a change of job to something that offers a bit more flexibility. Or perhaps it’s all new to you and you just like the idea of making someone’s twilight years just that little bit more comfortable, whether it’s by providing regular home care or actually living with the person needing care.   A rising elderly population means you’ll never be out of a job Perhaps unsurprisingly, research by the Live in Care Hub, published in their “No Place Like Home” report, found that an overwhelming majority of people would prefer to remain in their own home, with a carer if necessary, rather than move into residential care. This, coupled with rising numbers of older people, means there is likely to be high demand for live-in care at home in the future meaning you can be pretty sure you won’t be out of a job any time soon.   You may reduce your living costs considerably There are many different shift patterns for live-in carers to reflect the differing needs of their clients. Some carers choose to offer a level of care that allows them to make their clients home their own. This allows them to reduce their living costs by avoiding the need to own or rent accommodation for nights that they spend away from the home.   Even carers who work with a client who needs more constant care, and therefore change shift on a regular basis, can keep the running costs of their own home low as it requires less heating and cleaning whilst not in use. Some enterprising carers even rent their own dwelling for short-term lets when they are not using it!   You won’t be lonely Many carers starting their first live-in care position worry that they will become lonely or isolated from their own friends and family. All carers are entitled to regular breaks in which some choose to use to leave the client’s house and meet with friends for coffee or to attend meetings of clubs and activities.   Plus, there’s always your client to talk to. Part of the role of live-in carer is to provide companionship and many old people are always ready to chat about the weather, their family, what’s on TV or reminisce about their past. And unlike the majority of care homes live-in care enables clients to remain with their pets, so if you like animals you may well find yourself caring for a dog, cat, goldfish – even a pony or llama – as well as your client. In fact, many live-in carers are “empty nesters” who are looking for a career to fill the gap where raising a family once sat and find live-in care to provide them with the ideal combination of a caring role, company and career.

  Aug 15, 2019 4893
• 13 Aug 2019
  How To Cope With Caring For An Elderly Mother

  Information, resources and tips to help you care for yourself whilst caring for an elderly relative, which can be very challenging.   Statistics tell us that within the UK, 1 in 5 people aged between 50 and 64 are carers  and around 65% of older carers (aged between 60 and 94) have long-term health issues themselves on top of caring. The same studies also revealed that nearly 70% of older carers say that their caring position causes them to have problems with their mental health. Not all older carers are caring for their parents and could be caring for their children, partner or friend. However, many older carers are caring for their parents, or one of their parents, which can have many unique challenges including:   Struggling with the role reversal with your parent Handling the various moods and emotions of a parent who requires care (they may feel bitter, embarrassed or resentful) Handling the physical and emotional behaviour of a parent with dementia Missing a parent who is no longer 'themselves' because of dementia Dealing with the responsibility of keeping a parent safe and in good health Coping with the physical challenges of caring Balancing family life and a career with your caring role Struggling with your own emotions of resentment, anger, bitterness, sadness and more   These are just some of the challenges that can arise when you care for a parent. When caring for your Mother, there may be particular challenges that come from your position. Your Mother may have been the one you always turn to for advice, the one you always admired for her strength and togetherness, the one who always looked out for you. It can be so hard to handle the change, particularly when the bond with your Mother is strained whilst you need to provide adequate care to ensure her wellbeing.   How To Cope With Caring For An Elderly Mother   To care for your Mother well, you must put yourself first. Unfortunately that is not always the main priority of caregivers. In fact, most caregivers struggle to put themselves first, which can result in caregiver burnout eventually. Caregiver burnout is where a person is physically and emotionally exhausted from caring and they are then unable to provide care to themselves or their loved one whilst trying to recover from the breakdown. It can take years to get over a breakdown, so it is important to try and avoid it. Can you include any of the following in your life to help you cope with your caregiver position?   Hobbies that are just for you Exercise A healthy diet Abstinence from bad habits that you lean on to cope Regular chats and support from your GP, friends, family and neighbours Any activities that help you stay in touch with your own worth and identity   The more healthy and balanced your life is and the more emotional support you allow yourself to take, the better.   Is It Time To Consider Respite Care? If you are doing everything you can to cope with caring for your elderly Mother but you know you need a little more support, perhaps it is time to consider respite care. Home care agencies can provide home care to your loved one as a one off, once a week, for a set time everyday, or for holiday cover. Professional carers will come to your home and care for your loved one, allowing you the time to relax, run errands, spend time with friends and family, or simply to get outdoors and get some time away from the home. If you think you might need more support long-term, you could speak to home care agencies about long-term at home care where the carer lives in your home and cares for your loved one. This is a great alternative to residential care and means your loved one remains at home with you, but you are able to relieve some or all of your caregiver duties.   It can be hard to swallow your pride and recognise that you can't do it all, all the time. To enquire about home care services or respite care, speak to some local care agencies. Also speak to your doctor about getting a care assessment for your Mother and take a look at The Live-in Care Hub for more information about live-in care. Your Mother deserves to be happy and healthy, and so do you. Reaching out for help is a really important step to take if you need some support with your caregiving role.

  5400 Posted by Anna Preston
• By Anna Preston

  How To Cope With Caring For An Elderly Mother

  Information, resources and tips to help you care for yourself whilst caring for an elderly relative, which can be very challenging.   Statistics tell us that within the UK, 1 in 5 people aged between 50 and 64 are carers  and around 65% of older carers (aged between 60 and 94) have long-term health issues themselves on top of caring. The same studies also revealed that nearly 70% of older carers say that their caring position causes them to have problems with their mental health. Not all older carers are caring for their parents and could be caring for their children, partner or friend. However, many older carers are caring for their parents, or one of their parents, which can have many unique challenges including:   Struggling with the role reversal with your parent Handling the various moods and emotions of a parent who requires care (they may feel bitter, embarrassed or resentful) Handling the physical and emotional behaviour of a parent with dementia Missing a parent who is no longer 'themselves' because of dementia Dealing with the responsibility of keeping a parent safe and in good health Coping with the physical challenges of caring Balancing family life and a career with your caring role Struggling with your own emotions of resentment, anger, bitterness, sadness and more   These are just some of the challenges that can arise when you care for a parent. When caring for your Mother, there may be particular challenges that come from your position. Your Mother may have been the one you always turn to for advice, the one you always admired for her strength and togetherness, the one who always looked out for you. It can be so hard to handle the change, particularly when the bond with your Mother is strained whilst you need to provide adequate care to ensure her wellbeing.   How To Cope With Caring For An Elderly Mother   To care for your Mother well, you must put yourself first. Unfortunately that is not always the main priority of caregivers. In fact, most caregivers struggle to put themselves first, which can result in caregiver burnout eventually. Caregiver burnout is where a person is physically and emotionally exhausted from caring and they are then unable to provide care to themselves or their loved one whilst trying to recover from the breakdown. It can take years to get over a breakdown, so it is important to try and avoid it. Can you include any of the following in your life to help you cope with your caregiver position?   Hobbies that are just for you Exercise A healthy diet Abstinence from bad habits that you lean on to cope Regular chats and support from your GP, friends, family and neighbours Any activities that help you stay in touch with your own worth and identity   The more healthy and balanced your life is and the more emotional support you allow yourself to take, the better.   Is It Time To Consider Respite Care? If you are doing everything you can to cope with caring for your elderly Mother but you know you need a little more support, perhaps it is time to consider respite care. Home care agencies can provide home care to your loved one as a one off, once a week, for a set time everyday, or for holiday cover. Professional carers will come to your home and care for your loved one, allowing you the time to relax, run errands, spend time with friends and family, or simply to get outdoors and get some time away from the home. If you think you might need more support long-term, you could speak to home care agencies about long-term at home care where the carer lives in your home and cares for your loved one. This is a great alternative to residential care and means your loved one remains at home with you, but you are able to relieve some or all of your caregiver duties.   It can be hard to swallow your pride and recognise that you can't do it all, all the time. To enquire about home care services or respite care, speak to some local care agencies. Also speak to your doctor about getting a care assessment for your Mother and take a look at The Live-in Care Hub for more information about live-in care. Your Mother deserves to be happy and healthy, and so do you. Reaching out for help is a really important step to take if you need some support with your caregiving role.

  Aug 13, 2019 5400
• 13 Aug 2019
  The Importance Of The Right Nutrition For The Less Mobile

  Find out about the nutritional needs you may have as somebody with less mobility and how to achieve new nutritional goals for optimum health.   Making and preparing meals when you have issues with arthritis or other mobility problems can be very challenging. The simple act of slicing a cucumber, opening a jar or even just making some toast can be very difficult and as a result your nutrition can suffer. 1 million adults aged 65 or over in the UK are malnourished or at risk of malnourishment and many of those people may struggle because of issues with mobility. Adversely, the right nutrition is very important for anyone but particularly those who are less mobile. As we age our nutritional needs change and a big challenge can be getting the right nutrients on fewer calories and ensuring we don't consume too many calories. If you are less mobile the already present challenge of nutrition becomes even more challenging. Here are some tips to help you maintain your nutrition if you are less mobile:   Count Your Calories If you move less you require fewer calories. It is important for you to count your calories and ensure you are getting the right nutrition from the smaller amount of food you are consuming. It can be challenging to do this but so important as weight gain is only going to cause further issues with mobility and increase your risk of obesity related diseases like Type 2 Diabetes.   Consider Some Help At Home The Live-in Care Hub completed a study that found that most people would prefer to avoid residential care if they are unwell or unable to care for themselves and residential care might not even be appropriate for you if you simply need some help with basic tasks. The same study showed that somebody who has live-in care is much more likely to enjoy the food and drink they want, than someone within residential care. Home care services can be really useful to help with shopping and cooking nutritious meals for you. Home care services can also help maximise your mobility and help you stay as independent as possible.   Pack In The Protein For the elderly and those who are less mobile protein is so important. When you don't get enough protein in your diet you lose body fat, lean mass and muscle and you can't maintain the strength you currently have let alone build more strength. So, you could even be limiting your ability to improve mobility just by not eating enough protein. Some great protein sources  are eggs, lean meat and legumes.   Maintain Good Bone Health Falls can be really tricky injuries to recover from as you age, so it is important to keep your bones as strong as possible with exercise and diet. Although calcium is important when it comes to your bone health, a good variety of fruits and vegetables is also important.     It is important that you seek specific advice for good nutrition to ensure that your health and vitality is optimum as you age. With changing nutritional needs as we get older some simple tweeks can make a huge difference. The right diet changes and support could even boost your mobility, if not maintain it along with good levels of health, for an active and healthy later life.

  5373 Posted by Anna Preston
• By Anna Preston

  The Importance Of The Right Nutrition For The Less Mobile

  Find out about the nutritional needs you may have as somebody with less mobility and how to achieve new nutritional goals for optimum health.   Making and preparing meals when you have issues with arthritis or other mobility problems can be very challenging. The simple act of slicing a cucumber, opening a jar or even just making some toast can be very difficult and as a result your nutrition can suffer. 1 million adults aged 65 or over in the UK are malnourished or at risk of malnourishment and many of those people may struggle because of issues with mobility. Adversely, the right nutrition is very important for anyone but particularly those who are less mobile. As we age our nutritional needs change and a big challenge can be getting the right nutrients on fewer calories and ensuring we don't consume too many calories. If you are less mobile the already present challenge of nutrition becomes even more challenging. Here are some tips to help you maintain your nutrition if you are less mobile:   Count Your Calories If you move less you require fewer calories. It is important for you to count your calories and ensure you are getting the right nutrition from the smaller amount of food you are consuming. It can be challenging to do this but so important as weight gain is only going to cause further issues with mobility and increase your risk of obesity related diseases like Type 2 Diabetes.   Consider Some Help At Home The Live-in Care Hub completed a study that found that most people would prefer to avoid residential care if they are unwell or unable to care for themselves and residential care might not even be appropriate for you if you simply need some help with basic tasks. The same study showed that somebody who has live-in care is much more likely to enjoy the food and drink they want, than someone within residential care. Home care services can be really useful to help with shopping and cooking nutritious meals for you. Home care services can also help maximise your mobility and help you stay as independent as possible.   Pack In The Protein For the elderly and those who are less mobile protein is so important. When you don't get enough protein in your diet you lose body fat, lean mass and muscle and you can't maintain the strength you currently have let alone build more strength. So, you could even be limiting your ability to improve mobility just by not eating enough protein. Some great protein sources  are eggs, lean meat and legumes.   Maintain Good Bone Health Falls can be really tricky injuries to recover from as you age, so it is important to keep your bones as strong as possible with exercise and diet. Although calcium is important when it comes to your bone health, a good variety of fruits and vegetables is also important.     It is important that you seek specific advice for good nutrition to ensure that your health and vitality is optimum as you age. With changing nutritional needs as we get older some simple tweeks can make a huge difference. The right diet changes and support could even boost your mobility, if not maintain it along with good levels of health, for an active and healthy later life.

  Aug 13, 2019 5373
• 13 Aug 2019
  5 Ways To Keep Your Mind Healthy In Later Life

  Read about how to ensure your mind stays healthy and clear as you age, with great tips, tricks and information to support your mind through the years.   As we age, our physical and mental health naturally declines. However, this can be preventable or at the very least we can slow it down with a little extra effort with our lifestyle. It is so important to put the plans in place to retain the best possible health, so that later life can be as vibrant and rewarding as possible. With your mind in particular, it is naturally going to degrade to some level as you get older, and certain aspects of getting older make your brain more likely to decline, so you have to pay extra care and attention to your brain health to ensure it stays in tip top condition for the best possible brain health in your golden years. Here are X ways to keep your mind healthy in later life:   Decrease The Things That Make You Unhappy In a study completed in Boston with people over the age of 65 with amazing memories it was found that part of the success of their incredible memories was taking the steps to reduce or remove things they didn't like in their life, as early as middle age. Jobs they hated, taking more holidays, doing more activities that made them happy all contributed to preventing brain health decline as they aged. So, now is the time to reduce the things in your life that don't make you feel great, and replace them with the happiest activities, for the good of your brain health.   Maintain Your Sense Of Purpose Something that is often lost when people move into care homes, or when they age in general, is that they lose their sense of purpose. This can lead to depression which is really bad for brain health. Whether you have a gardening project, you volunteer at a local charity shop or you have a role in your local social group, maintaining your sense of purpose will help keep your brain young.   Stay Social Staying social is so important when it comes to the health of your brain. Being lonely is known to be as bad for you as smoking, so the more you can stay in touch with others the better for your brain. In fact, contact with children improves mental health in the elderly. If you struggle to stay mobile and find that is a hindrance to your social life, it might be worth looking into homecare services. Live-in care provides excellent support and companionship helping maintain your independence.   Stay Active Exercise boosts blood flow and oxygen to the brain so it is important to stay active in later life to maintain your brain health.   Eat Well Nutritional needs change as you get older so eating well is essential, for a wide variety of reasons including maintaining your brain health. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to ensure you stay sharp in later life.   If you need some help maintaining your health and wellbeing, it is important to seek help. Speak to your GP, to your homecare services provider or live-in care provider, to your social services agent or to friends and family to look into getting some support. Your brain health, and overall well being can thrive with the right routine, activities and support in place.            

  4973 Posted by Anna Preston
• By Anna Preston

  5 Ways To Keep Your Mind Healthy In Later Life

  Read about how to ensure your mind stays healthy and clear as you age, with great tips, tricks and information to support your mind through the years.   As we age, our physical and mental health naturally declines. However, this can be preventable or at the very least we can slow it down with a little extra effort with our lifestyle. It is so important to put the plans in place to retain the best possible health, so that later life can be as vibrant and rewarding as possible. With your mind in particular, it is naturally going to degrade to some level as you get older, and certain aspects of getting older make your brain more likely to decline, so you have to pay extra care and attention to your brain health to ensure it stays in tip top condition for the best possible brain health in your golden years. Here are X ways to keep your mind healthy in later life:   Decrease The Things That Make You Unhappy In a study completed in Boston with people over the age of 65 with amazing memories it was found that part of the success of their incredible memories was taking the steps to reduce or remove things they didn't like in their life, as early as middle age. Jobs they hated, taking more holidays, doing more activities that made them happy all contributed to preventing brain health decline as they aged. So, now is the time to reduce the things in your life that don't make you feel great, and replace them with the happiest activities, for the good of your brain health.   Maintain Your Sense Of Purpose Something that is often lost when people move into care homes, or when they age in general, is that they lose their sense of purpose. This can lead to depression which is really bad for brain health. Whether you have a gardening project, you volunteer at a local charity shop or you have a role in your local social group, maintaining your sense of purpose will help keep your brain young.   Stay Social Staying social is so important when it comes to the health of your brain. Being lonely is known to be as bad for you as smoking, so the more you can stay in touch with others the better for your brain. In fact, contact with children improves mental health in the elderly. If you struggle to stay mobile and find that is a hindrance to your social life, it might be worth looking into homecare services. Live-in care provides excellent support and companionship helping maintain your independence.   Stay Active Exercise boosts blood flow and oxygen to the brain so it is important to stay active in later life to maintain your brain health.   Eat Well Nutritional needs change as you get older so eating well is essential, for a wide variety of reasons including maintaining your brain health. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to ensure you stay sharp in later life.   If you need some help maintaining your health and wellbeing, it is important to seek help. Speak to your GP, to your homecare services provider or live-in care provider, to your social services agent or to friends and family to look into getting some support. Your brain health, and overall well being can thrive with the right routine, activities and support in place.            

  Aug 13, 2019 4973
• 13 Aug 2019
  What Are The Challenges Of Caring For The Elderly

  Find out about key challenges of elderly care in both live-in and residential settings, as well as common advantages and benefits to this kind of job.   There are currently over 11.8 million people in the UK aged over 65 which means there are lots of jobs constantly being created within the care industry. Working within care can be extremely rewarding, enabling you to work within a profession that truly makes a difference to others. The right senior care really makes a difference to people’s lives.   However, working with the elderly doesn't come without its challenges, including many that don't crop up in other jobs. If you are considering carer jobs or care home jobs, it is important to think about the challenges you might face in this industry so you can be as prepared as possible.   Here are some common challenges of caring for the elderly:   Your Client Might Not Ask For Help It is extremely common for carers to work with clients who do not ask for help. They may not think they need any, they might think it undermines their independence, they might be too proud. Being gentle, understanding and willing to always try but never force is important. In the case of safety though, you have to tactfully step in.   It Is Physically Demanding It is physically demanding to work within care. At the very least you are likely to be on your feet all day and at most you will be lifting and moving your clients as part of the job. The physical demands of caring are quite challenging so it is important to be physically fit within this type of job.   Your Client Might Not Recognise You Dementia comes with some huge challenges for carers, including the fact your client might not recognise you. They may also not understand your intention to help them and to keep them safe. This can be very tricky to navigate when you're a carer, but with some specialist training and a lot of patience and kindness, there's always a way to maintain your clients wellbeing and happiness. With research showing that people with dementia find live-in care better than a care home a role as a live-in carer can be particularly rewarding.   Particularly Sensitive Situations As a carer you might need to help somebody use the toilet, to help clean them after they go to the toilet. You may be helping them have a bath or shower, to help them dress. This can be a hurdle to get used to at the beginning of your career. A sensitive and compassionate approach to this kind of care is a must.   Letting Go Like any caring person, you will likely get attached to at least some of your clients. This is normal and can be a lovely part of the job, but it doesn't come without its heartbreak. As their health declines, as they get more dementia symptoms or pass away you may find it very tough.   If you are interested in live-in carer jobs, or care home jobs then it is important to understand the challenges involved in this kind of career. You can find out more at The Live-in Care Hub (www.liveincarehub.co.uk) or contact a live-in care agency or local care home for more information. It can take time to get used to some of the difficulties associated with caring for the elderly and infirm, and even the most experienced carers still need support and training with certain aspects of the job. All of that aside, the job is still very rewarding and offers some fantastic benefits.      

  5235 Posted by Anna Preston
• By Anna Preston

  What Are The Challenges Of Caring For The Elderly

  Find out about key challenges of elderly care in both live-in and residential settings, as well as common advantages and benefits to this kind of job.   There are currently over 11.8 million people in the UK aged over 65 which means there are lots of jobs constantly being created within the care industry. Working within care can be extremely rewarding, enabling you to work within a profession that truly makes a difference to others. The right senior care really makes a difference to people’s lives.   However, working with the elderly doesn't come without its challenges, including many that don't crop up in other jobs. If you are considering carer jobs or care home jobs, it is important to think about the challenges you might face in this industry so you can be as prepared as possible.   Here are some common challenges of caring for the elderly:   Your Client Might Not Ask For Help It is extremely common for carers to work with clients who do not ask for help. They may not think they need any, they might think it undermines their independence, they might be too proud. Being gentle, understanding and willing to always try but never force is important. In the case of safety though, you have to tactfully step in.   It Is Physically Demanding It is physically demanding to work within care. At the very least you are likely to be on your feet all day and at most you will be lifting and moving your clients as part of the job. The physical demands of caring are quite challenging so it is important to be physically fit within this type of job.   Your Client Might Not Recognise You Dementia comes with some huge challenges for carers, including the fact your client might not recognise you. They may also not understand your intention to help them and to keep them safe. This can be very tricky to navigate when you're a carer, but with some specialist training and a lot of patience and kindness, there's always a way to maintain your clients wellbeing and happiness. With research showing that people with dementia find live-in care better than a care home a role as a live-in carer can be particularly rewarding.   Particularly Sensitive Situations As a carer you might need to help somebody use the toilet, to help clean them after they go to the toilet. You may be helping them have a bath or shower, to help them dress. This can be a hurdle to get used to at the beginning of your career. A sensitive and compassionate approach to this kind of care is a must.   Letting Go Like any caring person, you will likely get attached to at least some of your clients. This is normal and can be a lovely part of the job, but it doesn't come without its heartbreak. As their health declines, as they get more dementia symptoms or pass away you may find it very tough.   If you are interested in live-in carer jobs, or care home jobs then it is important to understand the challenges involved in this kind of career. You can find out more at The Live-in Care Hub (www.liveincarehub.co.uk) or contact a live-in care agency or local care home for more information. It can take time to get used to some of the difficulties associated with caring for the elderly and infirm, and even the most experienced carers still need support and training with certain aspects of the job. All of that aside, the job is still very rewarding and offers some fantastic benefits.      

  Aug 13, 2019 5235
• 07 Aug 2019
  3 Signs You Should Quit Your Care Home Job

  Is it time to move on from the care home job? Take a look at three signs that it time for a change of scene. Working as a care worker in a care home can be rewarding. Getting to know your patients and their families, helping them to live their life to the full leaves you with a great feeling. But when you no longer feel like you are making a difference or have grown tired of the same routine, maybe it’s time to move to pastures new. 1 When there are limited or no professional development opportunities Some care homes provide a schedule of training for their care workers, improving and building on the skill set of their staff so that residents and patients are provided with the best quality service. Inevitably, this schedule of training and development will be guided by two things: what the care sector regulations say they have to provide and what they the care home management want to be able to provide their residents. If your care career and your own desires for professional development are not being met, you can feel stuck and unchallenged. 2 It’s unsustainable There comes a time when the routine and shift pattern you have ‘always done’ or are always expected to do becomes unsustainable. For example, if the care home staffing rota seems to be in the perpetual state of being understaffed, you will always be asked to do more in terms of shifts and hours. This isn’t something you can or want to sustain. There is also the issue of pay to consider too. Anyone seeking their fortune in care work will be sorely disappointed but low-levels of pay is not something that you can sustain either. There are care work paths that do pay well, such as live-in care work that is also rewarding in terms of the difference it makes to the lives of the person you live with and care for. Here is a good explanation of live-in care if you want to know more. 3 Something better comes along There is a saying that once you are in a role, you should be looking for your next. Today’s generation of workers is no longer prepared to stay in the same role for decades. As a care worker in a care home, there is nothing to say that you too cannot keep looking for a new role in care work that provides new challenges and opportunities for you. When it comes to the care sector, it is not only one of the most diverse industries but also one of the most fast-paced too. The way we offer care to people is changing because it has to. The care that older people want is changing because they want as many different care options as possible. What this means is that there has never been a better time to work in a care setting but that doesn’t mean staying at a care home. Is it time you moved to pastures new?

  5964 Posted by Anna Preston
• By Anna Preston

  3 Signs You Should Quit Your Care Home Job

  Is it time to move on from the care home job? Take a look at three signs that it time for a change of scene. Working as a care worker in a care home can be rewarding. Getting to know your patients and their families, helping them to live their life to the full leaves you with a great feeling. But when you no longer feel like you are making a difference or have grown tired of the same routine, maybe it’s time to move to pastures new. 1 When there are limited or no professional development opportunities Some care homes provide a schedule of training for their care workers, improving and building on the skill set of their staff so that residents and patients are provided with the best quality service. Inevitably, this schedule of training and development will be guided by two things: what the care sector regulations say they have to provide and what they the care home management want to be able to provide their residents. If your care career and your own desires for professional development are not being met, you can feel stuck and unchallenged. 2 It’s unsustainable There comes a time when the routine and shift pattern you have ‘always done’ or are always expected to do becomes unsustainable. For example, if the care home staffing rota seems to be in the perpetual state of being understaffed, you will always be asked to do more in terms of shifts and hours. This isn’t something you can or want to sustain. There is also the issue of pay to consider too. Anyone seeking their fortune in care work will be sorely disappointed but low-levels of pay is not something that you can sustain either. There are care work paths that do pay well, such as live-in care work that is also rewarding in terms of the difference it makes to the lives of the person you live with and care for. Here is a good explanation of live-in care if you want to know more. 3 Something better comes along There is a saying that once you are in a role, you should be looking for your next. Today’s generation of workers is no longer prepared to stay in the same role for decades. As a care worker in a care home, there is nothing to say that you too cannot keep looking for a new role in care work that provides new challenges and opportunities for you. When it comes to the care sector, it is not only one of the most diverse industries but also one of the most fast-paced too. The way we offer care to people is changing because it has to. The care that older people want is changing because they want as many different care options as possible. What this means is that there has never been a better time to work in a care setting but that doesn’t mean staying at a care home. Is it time you moved to pastures new?

  Aug 07, 2019 5964