Employment

Top 6 Tips for Getting that Nursing Job You’ve Always Wanted

November 22, 2018December 11, 2018 Aaron Daniels Comment(0)

So, you are just about to complete your qualification to be a nurse, and now you have to start looking for a job. It can be quite daunting stepping out into the world if you don’t have the necessary experience. Usually nursing homes and medical institutions require that applicants have experience in the field, which […]

Cooking

Cooking Health

4 Healthy Meals for Your Elderly Loved Ones

October 16, 2018December 11, 2018 Aaron Daniels Comment(0)

Nutrition plays a big role when it comes to the health and wellbeing of our elderly loved ones. Making sure they get what they need from their diet is important for their optimal health. But, as we all know, our digestive system works differently as we age, and our dietary needs change over time. Making […]

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Guides

Caring For An Elderly Parent At Home: 4 Useful Tips

April 24, 2019April 9, 2019 Aaron Daniels Comment(0)

Caring for an elderly parent lets you return the support your mum and dad gave you as a child. From making your home safe to hiring a support worker, here’s how you can give your elderly parent the best care possible while they’re at home.

Recommended reading: 5 Things to Do Before an MRI Exam

Make your home as safe as possible

Many injuries happen at home, with Accident and Emergency (A & E) doctors warning that you are: “more likely to die sorting out the Christmas lights by taking them out of the loft, or trying to fix the faulty plug or flex, than an electrician is on a building site.” Making your home as safe as possible for your elderly parent is the first step of caring for them, and can be the most important.

Some of the things you can do to make your home as safe as possible for your elderly parent include: getting rid of clutter (anything that restricts movement); adding support bars to your bath, shower, and toilet; installing anti-scald devices on all taps.

Get your elderly parent connected

One of the biggest mountains to climb for someone who is homebound is being disconnected from the world, being cut off from people and what’s happening outside. To help care for your parent’s mental health, you can show them they’re not alone by making sure they are able to use the internet.

While there is a lot of research into the damage too much web surfing can cause, being able to get in touch with friends and keep up to date with current affairs is an antidote to loneliness. Give your elderly parent the skills to use the internet and you give them the freedom to connect with people and the world whenever they want to.

Put a diet plan & exercise program in place

Few things have such an immediate impact on your physical and mental health as eating well and exercising regularly. To give your elderly parent as full, active, and enjoyable a life as possible you should design a diet plan and exercise program with and for them.

Foods that are high in protein are among the best parts of a healthy diet, as they fill you up without making you feel bloated. However, chocolate has lots of great health qualities too, such as making your mind sharper, and helping your blood flow. When deciding on an exercise plan for your elderly parent, keep in mind what their limitations are – don’t make them over-exert themselves, as this could cause more problems than it solves. This article has some top exercise tips for the elderly.

Hire a carer or support worker to help

While we’d all love to be there all day every day to help our elderly parents, the reality is that life means we can’t be around all of the time. To make sure your parent always gets the care and support they need, you should consider hiring a carer to help when you’re not able to.

Hiring a care worker doesn’t only mean your elderly parent has someone to keep them safe and fed when you’re not around. One of the most important reasons for getting someone in to help is that they give your elderly parent company, giving them someone to talk to.

We all want to do as much as we can to help our elderly parents, and having them at home means you can be around them as often as possible. Put these four tips in place and not only will you give your mum or dad the care they need, but you’ll also give them the tools to live as independent and active a life as possible.

Health

What Is PCOS And How Is It Treated?

February 8, 2019February 6, 2019 Aaron Daniels Comment(0)

PCOS is one of the most common ovary conditions, affecting millions of women across the world. PCOS causes unpleasant side-effects but is simple to treat. Below we explain what PCOS is and how to treat it.

PCOS is a common condition that affects women’s ovaries

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that affects how ovaries work and that afflicts many women. Around 10% of women suffer from PCOS, causing them to experience uncomfortable but treatable medical issues. There are three principle ways women can be affected by PCOS:

Irregular periods: Ovaries don’t ovulate correctly
Polycystic ovaries: There is an abnormal level of male hormones in the body, leading to an increase in facial and/or body hair
Excess androgen: Ovaries increase in size and are filled with sacs containing fluid

Women who have two or more of the three main symptoms of PCOS should speak to a GP, as there is a high chance they are suffering from it.

How to find out if you have polycystic ovary syndrome

There are three main characteristics of PCOS: irregular periods; polycystic ovaries; excess androgen. Each of these three have associated symptoms and if you show signs of having two of these three you should seek diagnosis from a GP.

A GP will carry out an initial diagnosis to see if you have PCOS. Your doctor will review your medical history, looking at any weight changes and menstrual period issues in your record. You will undertake a physical exam, where your GP will look for excessive hair, signs of acne, and if you have a resistance to insulin. If your doctor believes you may have PCOS they will recommend one of three tests:

Blood test: Your blood will be tested to look at your hormone levels
Pelvic exam: A GP will look at and inspect your pelvis to see if there are any growths, or anything else unusual
Ultrasound: The thickness and lining of your ovaries are checked

If you are diagnosed with PCOS, you will be recommended one (or more) of three treatments: lifestyle changes; medication; surgery.

You can treat PCOS by making lifestyle changes

Women who have PCOS and are obese or overweight have a greater risk of long-term health issues. If you have PCOS and don’t have a healthy weight, your symptoms could be lessened considerably by losing only 5% of your body weight.

A healthy weight is where you have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 18.5-24.9 – any lower and you are underweight, any higher and you are overweight. If you are not sure if your what your BMI is and if you are overweight, use a BMI calculator to find out.

Medications you can take to get rid of your PCOS

Losing weight is proven to help reduce the symptoms of PCOS. In order to fully tackle most cases of PCOS, you will need to take a course of medication. The medication used to treat PCOS falls in three categories, based on your symptoms: irregular periods; fertility problems; excess hair.

PCOS medication used for irregular periods: You may be advised to to take the contraceptive pill, or a course of progestogen tablets
Fertility problems: There are stages of medication available to treat PCOS which causes fertility problems. If the first stage works you do not need the second. However, you continue moving through the stages until a medication does work:
- 1st stage: clomifene
- 2nd stage: metformin
- 3rd stage: letrozole and tamoxifen
- 4th stage: gonadotrophins
Excess hair: There are a few different medications you may be prescribed to treat any excessive hair caused by PCOS:
co-cyprindiol
Dianette
Marvelon Yasmin
cyproterone acetate
Spironolactone
Flutamide
finasteride

Taking the correct course of medication (pending on the symptoms) clears many cases of PCOS without the need for surgery.

Surgery used to treat some cases of PCOS fertility issues

PCOS can cause women to have fertility issues, making it difficult for them to get pregnant. Medication can treat many cases of PCOS that lead to problems, but some women may require surgery to deal with their PCOS.

Fertility issues caused by PCOS which have not been cured by medication can be dealt with using minor surgery, called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD). LOD deals with your hormonal imbalances by removing the tissue which creates male hormones, making you fertile again.

PCOS affects one in ten women and can lead to irregular periods, fertility problems, and excess hair (body and facial). If you are one of the 10% women affected by PCOS speak to your GP. PCOS can often be treated simply so don’t suffer its effects and get help from a doctor.

Guides Health

6 Failsafe Ways to Improve Your Health

January 23, 2019December 11, 2018 Aaron Daniels Comment(0)

Taking care of your health is important, as is ensuring our elderly loved ones are also living in such a way that their health is tip-top. As we grow older, we need to take special care in specific aspects of our physical and mental health. This includes a spectrum of aspects including diet, physical activity and mental stimulation.

In this post we take a look at easy ways you and your loved ones can enjoy optimal health, no matter what their age. Let’s get started.

1. Get Enough Rest

woman asleep girl sleep dreams - 6 Failsafe Ways to Improve Your Health

Our bodies need time to reboot and rest, and this becomes crucial when we age. Make sure you or your elderly loved ones get enough rest to make sure their bodies are capable of functioning optimally. Afternoon naps, or just a lie down is recommended.

2. Get Moving

woman exercise fitness - 6 Failsafe Ways to Improve Your Health

No matter your age, staying active is important for your body to stay strong. It will also ensure that all your organs are still functioning properly and getting enough oxygen. Go for walks with friends, join an aerobics class, just get moving!

3. Watch Your Weight

scale diet fat health tape weight - 6 Failsafe Ways to Improve Your Health

As we grow older, it becomes more and more important to keep an eye on your weight. You need to have a healthy bodyweight to ensure that your body can tackle anything it faces. Being under or overweight can be detrimental to your health.

4. Challenge Your Mind

man wearing brown jacket and using grey laptop - 6 Failsafe Ways to Improve Your Health

Keeping your mind stimulated will ensure you stay sharper for longer. Consider playing games or doing the crossword every now and then. You can also pick up a book to read, but whatever you do, you’re your mind active.

5. Check Your Diet

adult cutting daylight facial expression - 6 Failsafe Ways to Improve Your Health

This goes hand-in-hand with keeping an eye on your weight. You need to make sure you follow a healthy diet and that your body is getting all the nutrients it needs for optimal health. Here is a couple of handy ideas for meals to cook for your elderly loved ones.

6. Love Yourself

Growing old can be difficult, and one can easily feel neglected or shunned by society. In order to overcome the challenges, you may face, you need to take care of and love yourself. Do the things that you love, spend time with friends, or call your family. Your mental wellbeing plays a big role in your overall health.

There you have it! Improving your health as you age is an ongoing process, and the sooner you start implementing these simple steps, you’ll start feeling healthier and happier. Remember that your health is the most important thing you have, and you are the only one who can decide how to live.

Nursing

8 Important Tips for Caregivers for Excellent Home Caring

December 22, 2018December 11, 2018 Aaron Daniels Comment(0)

Taking care of elderly loved ones at home can be very trying. Even professional nurses experience good and bad days when it comes to providing excellent home care. While it is important to ensure your elderly loved ones are receiving the very best care, love and acceptance, it is also important to ensure that the caregiver is capable of providing it.

In this article we provide some expert tips on how to ensure caregivers are able to provide the best home care, no matter what.

#1: Boost their Self-Esteem

woman wearing white top - 8 Important Tips for Caregivers for Excellent Home Caring

Growing old is hard, and takes away a lot of youth’s freedoms. Make the elderly person you take care of feel good about themselves by doing their nails and hair, and ultimately boost their self-esteem.

#2: Take a Break

You will not be able to provide a haven when you are rundown and tired. Take a break when you are tired, without feeling guilty. This will ensure you are in tip-top shape when you have to provide home care.

#3: Acceptance is Key

beautiful blur fashion female - 8 Important Tips for Caregivers for Excellent Home Caring

The elderly is often shunned or pushed away by society. It is very important that they feel loved and accepted in their own homes. Accept every setback and issue, and provide an environment of love and care.

#4: Allow Freedom

woman open arms while closed eyes smiling photo - 8 Important Tips for Caregivers for Excellent Home Caring

Losing independence is probably one of the worst effects of growing old. It is important that you provide a space where the person you are taking care of feels that they have the freedom to make decisions.

#5: Patience is Important

three old women sitting on chair - 8 Important Tips for Caregivers for Excellent Home Caring

You will more than likely have to listen to the same story a million times, or go through the same processes even more. Don’t lose your temper or patience, and allow the person to feel empowered and loved.

#6: Show You Care

action adult affection eldery - 8 Important Tips for Caregivers for Excellent Home Caring

If you are taking care of your own loved ones, put extra effort in to show them how much you care for them. Call them frequently, visit every other day, and just show them how important they are to you.

#7: Accept Memory Loss

women s grey jacket - 8 Important Tips for Caregivers for Excellent Home Caring

Memory loss goes hand-in-hand with growing old. The person you are taking care of will more than likely forget strange and absurd details. Accept it as a part of who they are, without correcting them.

#8: Show Respect

left hand on top of right hand on white pants - 8 Important Tips for Caregivers for Excellent Home Caring

Finally, in order to provide a loving environment for the elderly where they feel as much a part of society as you and I, you have to show some respect. This will ensure they do not feel robbed of their dignity.

These tips should help you on those difficult days when you feel tired and broken. Remember, an environment of love and care while showing respect and allowing freedom and independence is key to providing excellent home care.

Do you want to become a volunteer and help the elderly in nursing homes? Join Contact the Elderly to find out how you can be involved and make a difference in someone’s life today. Here’s some great caregiver career tips to get you started too.

Employment Nursing

Top 6 Tips for Getting that Nursing Job You’ve Always Wanted

November 22, 2018December 11, 2018 Aaron Daniels Comment(0)

In this article we take a look at ways you can pro-actively find and land your dream nursing job, without necessarily having that experience. Let’s get started!

1. Be Specific

Firstly, you’ll need to have a very clear idea of exactly what you want to do, and where you want to work. Consider all your options, and pursue the one that suits your goals best. If you wish to provide home care nursing, pursue that. If you want to work at a nursing home, look for jobs there.

2. Volunteer

It is very important for potential employers to know that you do have some experience. Volunteering is the best and easiest way to do it. If you need to pay off your study loan, consider asking around at hospitals whether they are in need of extra standby nurses.

3. Be Pro-Active

Now that you have a very good idea of where you want to work and what position you wish to have combined with some experience, you can start the job hunt. You’ll also be able to easily find the right nursing homes or hospitals offering positions.

4. Keep Looking

Always keep in mind that landing your dream job is a full-time job on its own. You have to continue looking everywhere. There is also a good chance that the institutions you wish to work for is not hiring at the moment, so always keep looking and applying.

5. Put Yourself Out There

Get yourself in the game and be ready to be employed. Visit events and conferences to network as this will bring you closer to your goal. You can also make use of powerful tools such as LinkedIn to network with peers and search for your dream job.

6. Be Interview-Ready

Finally, once you’ve started applying for jobs and working part-time, you need to make sure that when you do get that call you are prepared. Make sure you go through the necessary steps in preparation before your interview, have some questions for the interviewer, and stay calm and confident!

And remember, never get discouraged or side-tracked. Landing your dream job is within your reach, never stop looking and stay positive. We trust that you’ll find the perfect job for you, and that you’ll have a successful career in nursing.

If you are interested in getting involved in volunteering or fundraising for the elderly, be sure to have a look at how you can do so with Age International. We wish you all the best!

Cooking Health

4 Healthy Meals for Your Elderly Loved Ones

October 16, 2018December 11, 2018 Aaron Daniels Comment(0)

Making sure our elderly loved ones get the right amount of nutrients in their diets is of utmost importance for their health and wellbeing. In this post we share some scrumptious recipes that’s all great for their health. Let’s dig in!

#1: Honey Dijon Chicken

This meal is perfect for adding some protein in their diet, and has loads of flavour to offer.

What You’ll Need

450 g boneless chicken breast
Salt and pepper
3 Medium Red Potatoes
2 Medium Carrots
Olive oil
Rosemary
Honey
Dijon Mustard

Preheat your oven to 220 and season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Next, chop up the veggies and lay them out in a sheet pan. Drizzle half a tablespoon of olive oil and rosemary over the veg. Mix half a tablespoon honey, Dijon mustard and olive oil in a bowl. Coat the chicken with the mustard mix and add it to the sheet pan. Bake for about 20-30 minutes.

#2: Grilled Salmon Sandwich

Salmon is a great addition to any diet and rich in Omega 3. This easy sandwich recipe is perfect for a quick lunch.

What You’ll Need

Bread
Tinned salmon
Butter
Lettuce
Red Onion
Red pepper
Cheese

Butter two slices of bread on both sides and place one slice in a pan. Add pieces of salmon, lettuce, one ring of red onion, one slice of red pepper and slice of cheese. Place the other slice of bread on top. Grill in the pan until the bread is brown and toasted to perfection.

#3: Salsa Omelette

Omelettes are very versatile and you can use any topping you like! This recipe is great for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

What You’ll Need

Olive oil
2 eggs
Slice of cheese
Salsa
Avocado

Pour one tablespoon of olive oil in a heated skillet. Next, beat the eggs and add them to the skillet too. Once the eggs start to get firm, place the slice of cheese on top, together with the salsa. When the omelette is nice and firm, fold it over and serve with fresh avocado.

#4: Macaroni and Cheese

Who doesn’t love a nice big bowl of steaming mac and cheese? It might not offer that much nutritional value, but it’s still a meal fit for a king.

What You’ll Need

Milk
Flour
Butter
Cheddar
Cottage cheese
Macaroni

Preheat your oven to 220 degrees. Next, you have to make the white sauce using the milk, butter and flour. Melt the butter in a saucepan, and add a tablespoon of flour while stirring. Add the milk and stir until it boils and makes a thick and creamy sauce. Add the cheddar and cottage cheese and stir. Prepare your macaroni and add the sauce once it is cooked. Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a casserole and bake.

With these easy meals you won’t have to worry about what to cook for your elderly loved ones. There are loads of other healthy and nutritious recipes out there. Read our piece on the benefits of home care for your elderly loved ones here if you are considering to get home care for your elderly loved one.

Interested in learning more about healthy eating habits for the elderly? Read this comprehensive healthy eating guide by Age UK here.

Health Nursing

6 of the Best Benefits of Home Care for Elders

September 22, 2018December 11, 2018 Aaron Daniels Comment(0)

While most people opt for taking their loved ones to a nursing home, there are loads of other alternatives they can consider. Finding the perfect solution for your aging loved one may even seem a bit intimidating at first. The most important thing to keep in mind is their health and wellbeing, and what would add some comfort to their day.

In this post, we take a look at some of the most common benefits of opting for home care for your elderly loved ones.

1. Speedy Recovery

Studies have shown that elderly patients recover faster when they are in comfortably in their own homes. It’s also been found that home care can decrease the risk of the development of infections.

2. Boosts Interpersonal Bonds

Home care encourages your loved ones to interact with caregivers and vice versa. It also allows for one-on-one interaction and personalised care, minimising even more health risks with a professional nearby.

3. Allows Freedom

Instead of putting your elderly loved ones in a nursing home, getting home care will ensure they do not lose their independence. It also enables them to live comfortably in their own home while getting the best of care.

4. Provides Peace of Mind

You won’t ever have to worry about the wellbeing of your elderly loved ones when they have home care. They’ll have round-the-clock nursing available, just in case of an emergency.

5. That Personal Touch

Imagine your elderly loved one in a nursing home, with loads of other patients who need attention. When they are receiving home care, they will have the full attention of a medical professional 24/7.

6. Family Participation

Whether your elderly loved ones are living close by, or with you at home, getting home care allows for quality family time. You’ll be able to offer emotional support and a loving environment to heal and live comfortably.

As you can see, having your elderly loved ones taken care of at home has plenty of benefits, and not only for them, but for the whole family. Making sure those nearest and dearest to us are taken care of in a dignifying manner, while getting the love and support they deserve, makes for great family bonds.