LIVE-IN CARE BEATS ISOLATION

The benefit of being cared for in your own home with a live-in carer, particularly for someone who is living with any level of dementia, has never been clearer.

In our last story, we touched on loneliness being something that can cut lives short in many different ways. For older people, loneliness is known to be a big contributor to illness and can result in a person giving up on life and literally fading away.

Companionship and friendship

The importance of companionship and friendship to a person who is living with dementia should never be underestimated. Being isolated behind a closed bedroom door is the worst nightmare for anyone living with any level of dementia. If someone is being cared for in their own home with a live-in carer, they can enjoy the surroundings of their own home. They are free to move around, even under ‘lock-down’. Boredom can be relieved as their live-in carer is effectively ‘self-isolating’ with them, on hand 24 hours a day, dedicating all her time to her client’s needs.

Isolation and the resulting lack of physical contact and communication can cause distress and anxiety. And it is very difficult explaining to someone who is living with dementia the reasons why they have to maintain social distancing.

24 hour, one-to-one support

It doesn’t matter how long it takes to get ready in the morning. With a live-in carer things can happen at a relaxed pace. Over and above the day to day things a live-in carer delivers – personal care, providing healthy meals and prompting with medication – they can also help encourage their client to take exercise, ensure they keep up with any physio routines and generally help to keep mind and body active. Plus, as the client and carer are effectively ‘self-isolating’ together, all activities can be undertaken without the need to socially distance – something that would be more likely to happen in a communal setting.

Keeping in contact

Even though restrictions are being a little softened, many families are choosing to continue minimising contact and visits to their vulnerable loved ones. But being able to keep in touch with a loved one – by telephone or via social media with the help of a live-in carer – does not only help reassure family and friends that their loved one is being kept safe, it also goes some way to relieving an older persons anxiety caused by social distancing.

Live-in care – minimising risk

With the Covid-19 pandemic set to continue affecting and restricting the way we live and how we care for our vulnerable loved ones, it is clear that receiving care in our own homes will be the best way of minimising any risk to infection from the virus.
Just this week, William Laing, founder and Chairman of care industry analysts LaingBuisson, predicted that the care home industry is going to suffer as “people are not wanting to go into care homes. They are more likely to want to have live-in care.”

Over the last two months, since the Covid-19 restrictions have been in place, we have continued to share advice and the most up to date Government guidelines with both our clients and their Otus registered carers. We continue to be available 24 hours a day to support and advise in any way we can. If you would like to speak to us about your care needs, or you would like to speak to someone who has experienced the support our carers have provided, we would be happy to talk, without obligation.
Tel: 01403 710 119
Email: [email protected]

THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING IN TOUCH

For the past few weeks, the Otus Live-in Care team has paid extra special attention to communication. The team has kept in regular touch with their clients and families, making sure that clients are safe and secure, being cared for by one of the company’s registered live-in carers. The priority has been to ensure that every one of its clients and their respective families have the reassurance that their loved ones are in good hands, being cared for in the safety of their own home.

Just saying ‘Hello’

With the stay at home policy set to continue for at least another three weeks, it is worth remembering how important it is to keep in touch. Now more than ever, while we’re practicing social distancing (or more accurately, physical distancing), we should also look out for any neighbours or indeed long distance friends who might need some help or just a phone call to say ‘Hello’. If we can all help at least one person during this crisis, even in a small way, a lot of people could be lifted by our kindness. The truth is, we all need contact with other people. Connections promote wellness – human connection is important for good health, especially when life presents situations that can cause increased anxiety and loneliness.

Loneliness

The author Vivek Murthy has written a book looking at loneliness called “Together”. In it he argues that loneliness can cut lives short in many different ways. Vivek refers to a UK poll amongst GP’s – the results showed that 76% of British GP’s said they saw between one and five patients a day whose visit was “primarily driven by loneliness”. Even more reason to make a call to someone you know who might be isolating alone.

Being resourceful

The good news is social distancing doesn’t have to mean that we cannot communicate and keep in touch. It can be difficult for an older person to understand why their family is not visiting so the more ways we can find to keep in touch, the better. Otus’ live-in carers have played a very key role in helping ease any anxiety their clients may be experiencing. Where they have the relevant equipment, they have set up ways in which their clients can see and interact with their family via social media and the internet. At the least, they have ensured that regular conversations take place over the telephone. Just hearing someone’s voice can be enough to lift spirits and make a difference.

Help and advice

Throughout this very difficult time, Otus Live-in Care will continue sharing the latest help and advice with our clients, their families and their live-in carers. We are proud that our registered carers have shown such commitment – we recognise that they too will have been dealing with their own worries and concerns. Helping their clients understand the very different ways that we are all having to live our lives during this crisis has not been an easy task.

Safe at home

As the Corvid-19 crisis continues, one of the safest places our most vulnerable can be cared for is in their own home. Otus Live-in Care continues to support clients in West Sussex and across the UK – we have professional and experience carers who are ready to care for someone in their own home. If you would like to speak to us about care for a loved one, we would be happy to talk, without obligation. Tel: 01403 710 119 or email [email protected]

LIVE-IN CARE PROVIDES EFFECTIVE SELF-ISOLATION FOR OUR MOST VULNERABLE

In light of the Covid-19 crisis, care homes are struggling and increasingly coming under the spotlight. As a result, the advantages of engaging a live-in carer have never been clearer.

Self-isolation – having a live-in carer, a person can effectively self-isolate at home safely and in comfort, surrounded by their own familiar surroundings.

Companionship – older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation and it can have a serious effect on health. A important part of a live-in carer’s role is being a companion.

Managing risk – a person is far less likely to catch the virus when being cared for by a live-in carer and certainly is at less risk than if living in a care home.

One-to-one care – live-in care delivers 24 hour one-to-one care. In the current crisis, live-in carers are able to limit contact with anyone from outside, unless of course for other healthcare professionals. Having a live-in carer means you come into contact with fewer people.

Key worker status – as a ‘key worker’ a live-in carer has priority to access important services – for example, to make use of dedicated shopping hours or key community hub services.

Peace of mind – at Otus, our aim is to alleviate the stress and concerns normally associated when considering care or companionship for a loved one. Now more than ever, our clients’ families have peace of mind, knowing that their loved one is safe, particularly as they are unable to visit themselves.

Communication – a live-in carer can be the vital link between an elderly person and their family – a live-in carer can make regular calls to her client’s family to give them reassurance that all is well. And families will have the advantage of being able to telephone and speak to their loved one at any time. With the right equipment, carers can even set up video conferencing or facetime calls so that families can get together virtually.

Resourceful – a live-in carer has the capacity to be able ensure that important tasks such as repeat prescriptions, food shopping/deliveries or co-ordinating other healthcare support and advice are completed.

Advice and guidance – Otus Live-in Care continues to ensure that their registered carers are kept up to date on all Government and Public Health England guidance surrounding Covid-19 including enhanced hygiene regimes and isolation measures.

24 hour assistance – working with an established introduction agency like Otus Live-in Care, clients and their families can be confident that if any problems or issues should arise, there is someone on the end of the ‘phone, 24/7 who is able to help.

To find out more – call us. If we can help or share advice we would be very happy to talk, without obligation. We would welcome the opportunity of helping more people and have experienced live-in carers who are available to work during these difficult times.

Telephone 01403 710 119 or email: [email protected]

SHARING ADVICE AND GOOD PRACTICE

In light of the developing Corvid-19 coronavirus crisis, we have reassured our clients and their families that all Otus registered live-in carers are aware of and keeping themselves updated on the most up-to-date Government and Public Health England advice.

We have also urged all our registered live-in carers to keep in touch with their client’s family or representative to seek any specific wishes they may have vis-a-vis minimising potential exposure to the virus.

Being cared for in their own home is probably the best place for the elderly and frail who are at higher risk than the general population.

We have stressed the importance of focusing on hand hygiene at all times and to consider minimising the amount of contact with other members of the public, particularly in enclosed spaces. For example reducing outings to just essential trips, if carers go out to do shopping, minimise these trips to once a week and to think carefully about the necessity for any other appointments. We have also suggested that carers should ask any visitors to a client’s home to wash their hands thoroughly on arrival and to minimise physical contact (unless of course, the visitor is a healthcare professional).

We will continue to share any updated guidance and advice with all our clients, their families and carers – these are challenging times for everyone and we should all keep abreast of the latest advice.

Who we are

Otus Live-in Care is a privately owned company offering a bespoke service introducing personal live-in carers and companions to clients in their own homes. We are dedicated to help provide support for those who want to remain living in their own home independently, but with the security that they have someone living with them to deliver support and provide companionship. To find out more about how a live-in carer could help you maintain a healthy lifestyle whilst retaining your independence and remaining in your own home, visit our website www.otusliveincare.com, call us on 01403 710119 or email [email protected]

If you or someone you know has been in hospital or had an illness or fall, you may need additional care to help you get back to normal and stay independent once you get home.

It is a fact of life that our NHS hospitals continue to be under immense pressure, not least when it comes to ensuring that patients have the right care and support to continue their recovery at home. In the case of elderly patients, discharge from hospital can be very worrying, particularly if they live on their own or with an elderly partner.

SAFE DISCHARGE

Hospital teams should always ensure that any discharge is a ‘safe discharge’ and this will normally involve some temporary support referred to as ‘intermediate’, ‘reablement’ or ‘after’ care. Depending on a patient’s needs, this care could be provided for a couple of days, one – two weeks, or in some cases longer, but to a maximum of six weeks – it will depend on how soon a patient is able to cope at home on their own. But at best, it will likely not be support every day and visits may not be very regular or timely.

In most situations, a key focus for an elderly person who has been in hospital is to get back home to their own familiar surroundings. And one solution for all concerned could be the engagement of a carefully selected live-in carer, who can deliver peace of mind for temporary recuperation or on a more permanent basis.

LEAVING HOSPITAL

Naturally, some people can be discharged from hospital without the need for any additional support. Whatever the situation, there are some important things that everyone should consider when leaving hospital:

• Ensure you leave hospital with a discharge letter detailing the treatment you have received and any follow up care or appointments
• Ask a relative or carer to help you leave hospital and settle in at home
• Make sure you understand what medicines you need to take and when
• If the hospital is arranging for equipment at home, make sure you or the person helping you knows how to use it
• Feel free to ask a member of the hospital team to write down anything that you will need to remember
• Make sure you know who to contact if you need more help.

LIVE-IN CARER SUPPORT

Whether it is just for a short time or for ongoing support, engaging a live-in carer could be the most effective step to take, especially during the important first couple of weeks at home when an elderly person may need physical help as well as companionship and support to regain confidence. A live-in carer could be an invaluable support during the discharge process, giving both the patient and loved ones reassurance. Alternatively, in the situation whereby an elderly person might need a greater degree of personal care and support longer term in order to return to their own home, having a live-in carer on an ongoing basis could be the answer.

Otus registered live-in carers all have the correct training and skill set to care for someone in their own home. Otus carers renew their training on an annual basis, thereby ensuring they have the most up to date skills. Otus provides carers for clients who need reassurance, medication prompting, general household support and companionship, as well as for people who have more complex care needs, for example full assistance with mobility (using a hoist); assistance with bathing, washing and dressing (including help getting into and out of the bath or shower); continence care and help with toileting (including the emptying of commodes or catheters). Having specific training and experience in how to care for a person who has a terminal illness, has suffered a stroke or is suffering from advanced Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease are also areas of care that a live-in carer can undertake.

WHO WE ARE

Otus Live-in Care is a privately owned company offering a bespoke service introducing personal live-in carers and companions to clients in their own homes. We are dedicated to help provide support for those who want to remain living in their own home independently, but with the security that they have someone living with them to deliver support and provide companionship. To find out more about how a live-in carer could help you maintain a healthy lifestyle whilst retaining your independence and remaining in your own home, visit our website www.otusliveincare.com, call us on 01403 710119 or email [email protected]

BEST WISHES TO ALL OUR CARERS FOR A VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON AND NEW YEAR AHEAD

On behalf of the Otus team, we would like to thank all our registered carers for their hard work and dedication caring for Otus clients over the past year. To those of you have only recently joined our register or have yet to care for an Otus client, we look forward to working with you in 2020.

A special big thank you to those who have committed to work over the festive holidays – we know that all your clients will be very thankful for your support during the holiday period. At Otus, we really do appreciate that being a live-in carer can be very demanding but at the same time, it can also be rewarding. And at this time of year especially, we know that all carers are making a difference and for this we are very appreciative.

With best wishes from all of us at Otus Live-in Care.

Two stories concerning adult social care came to our attention at the end of November – in the coming weeks it will be interesting to see if there are any positive developments.

“Age is just a number – for different people it means different things”

Firstly, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has analysed population data on health and life expectancy and compared trends over a number of years.

The results have led the ONS to conclude that “70 may be the new 65” because many people who reach their 70th milestone birthday can still expect to live another 15 years, particularly when taking health into account. It is recognised that improvements in medicines and treatment, combined with healthier lifestyles over the years are all contributing to our longevity. However, this also results in greater pressure on our already stretched NHS and adult social care services.

Libby Webb, senior research manager at Age UK commented: “People at age 70 now have the same life expectancy and similar health to people aged 65 in the past so, on average we are definitely seeing people doing better than they did in the past. But people still experience a period of poor health at the end of their lives.”

“Social Care must be solved by next government”

The second story was the publication of an open letter on adult social care, signed by a coalition of charities and councils including Age UK and Alzheimer’s Society, and the United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA) – of which Otus is a member. The letter was circulated to members of the UKHCA and published in the Daily Telegraph under the heading “Social Care must be solved by next government”. Ahead of the forthcoming General Election, the open letter firmly states it is “absolutely crucial that adult social care and support is at the top of the next government’s agenda”. The letter goes on to say that the General Election is a chance for the incoming government to finally “grasp the nettle and find a lasting solution.”

The signatories went on to say: “As organisations dedicated to bringing about the changes needed for social care, we want to see a new government put funding reform into action to deliver sustainable investment which supports people’s well-being. Working together, we can make the most of that opportunity for the benefit of the entire population. This is in the national interest, it must not be wasted again.”

Watching with interest

At Otus, we regularly help guide and signpost families who are finding it difficult to identify effective support and advice when caring for a loved one. In our experience, there is definitely a need for improvement across all areas of adult social care – Alzheimer’s UK research estimates that 60% of people receiving home-care services are living with dementia and that by 2025, one million people in the UK will have dementia – meaningful solutions need to be found.

The Alzheimer’s Society published some very useful advice this week about how feelings can be difficult to deal with, especially for people who are looking after a loved one living with dementia. The Society identified a number of reasons people may feel ‘guilty’ and shared some helpful advice on ways to help manage these feelings.

Take a break
Once particular ‘guilty’ feeling that can be experienced is around the desire to have time apart. The importance of taking a break cannot be underestimated and should never be considered ‘guilty’ or ‘selfish’. Where someone is caring for a loved one, being able to enjoy spending time away from a caring role is vital. Everyone needs to recharge their batteries now and again. But in order to really benefit from having time away, a carer must feel confident and be reassured that their loved one’s care is in good hands.

Respite live-in care
So often, engaging a professional live-in carer to give respite or holiday cover for carers supporting a loved one is overlooked. At Otus Live-in Care, our registered carers have many years’ experience looking after clients who need help with catheters, are suffering a long term or terminal illness, have had a stroke or are living with Parkinson’s, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Otus registered carers are always prepared to provide holiday cover or respite care in between their regular clients. It takes a very special approach to be able to take over the role of a family carer – over and above professional skills, a respite carer must be flexible, compassionate and respect the wants and needs of the person they are caring for – as well as be able to deliver reassurance to the family carer.

To quote the Alzheimer’s Society advice: “Many carers find that giving themselves some time apart, and doing things that make them feel happy and positive, makes them more able to fulfil their role.”

Don’t think twice – ask for advice
If you are caring for a loved one, someone who relies on you on a daily basis, it is vital that you take care of yourself as well. We are always happy to offer support and advice whether you use our services or not, without obligation. The Otus team has experience of caring for their own loved ones and as a result, understands the pressures and challenges faced. We are all registered ‘Dementia Friends’ – an Alzheimer’s Society initiative about learning more about dementia and the ways everyone can help – if you would like to know more about our respite live-in carer services, please call us on 01403 710 119.

LIVE-IN CARERS CAN DELIVER MUSIC THERAPY

Reading the remarkable accounts of how the late Rhinestone Cowboy singer Glen Campbell continued delivering his famous music, even when he was suffering from Alzheimer’s, has reminded us how important music can be to those suffering from dementia. With the help of his family and friends, Glen continued performing after he had been diagnosed – his last concert was in 2012 – the words and music were always there.

From before we are born our sense of hearing is active. At the age of 16 weeks gestation a baby can hear and distinguish its parent’s voices. We use music to soothe our babies when they are distressed and as our children begin to grow and learn, we sing them the same songs and nursery rhymes that we had sung to us. Medics say that hearing is the last sense we lose before we die and often encourage music to be played to patients in comas.

A quick search online for music therapy delivers a number of stories illustrating how effective music can be when caring for the elderly, particularly those suffering from dementia. There are many examples where dementia sufferers have found comfort and become happily animated when they listen to tunes or watch films from their past.

Support and advice can be sought from the British Association of Music Therapy which holds a register of practitioners who are qualified to provide music therapy. However, by using an iPod or MP3 device loaded with music enjoyed by someone in their younger days, a live-in carer can easily help deliver the benefits of music to clients. With input from loved ones and friends, a play list of music and songs liked by someone in their past can be created. Out of the home, a live-in carer can also help a client visit clubs or groups where they can join with others to sing or just listen to music, as well as going along to church, another place where music can be enjoyed.

Otus Live-in Care is a privately owned company. Based in West Sussex, we deliver a bespoke service, introducing personal live-in carers to clients in their own homes across the UK. Our registered carers have extensive experience of caring for people suffering from dementia and recognise the benefits of using music to help their clients. To find out more about our services call us on 01403 710119 or email [email protected], without obligation.

TOP TIPS FOR A DEMENTIA FRIENDLY HOME

This month sees the latest push to get more people talking and learning about dementia.  It is estimated that dementia could affect two million of us by 2050.  Today, it is estimated that 850,000 people are already sufferers.  There is still no cure and organisations such as Dementia UK and the Alzheimer’s Society continue to spread the word and encourage people to fight for more funding for research.

A little known fact is that dementia can affect the young as well as the old, the fit and not so fit, and it is important to recognise early onset dementia (early-onset or young-onset can affect people in their 40s, 50s and early 60s).  It is not all about memory loss – it can affect the way we think, speak, perceive and behave.  Symptoms can include problems with concentration, judging distances, or controlling emotions.

People suffering from dementia can stay independent for many years, but often this is with the support of a loved one.  Living with dementia can be very stressful for all involved.

For anyone who has found themselves caring or just looking out for someone suffering from dementia, charities such as Dementia UK or the Alzheimer’s Society offer lots of help and advice to help minimise the difficulties that can be encountered, including how to make a home more dementia friendly.  Here are our top tips:

Declutter – everything should have a purpose

Lighting – natural light is good for positive mood, darkness in the bedroom is important for sleep

Patterns – keep things simple and plain.  Swirls, spots and patterns can be confusing

Colour – use contrasting colours for soft furnishings rather than ones that clash

Flooring – avoid anything that could cause a trip, be mistaken for a step or indeed a hole.  For example, a black mat on a brown floor could be mistaken for a hole by someone suffering from dementia

Wallcoverings and dressings – avoid cluttering walls with lots of different images, shapes and mirrors which could be upsetting and disturbing

Furniture – label draws and cupboards with bright pictures of what’s inside

Reflections – can be confusing so make sure that as the day darkens, curtains are drawn

Making changes – avoid making lots of changes in one area all together – too many changes at once in a single room could cause confusion.

At Otus Live-in Care our core aim is to give families peace of mind and confidence that their loved ones are being cared for by fully qualified and carefully matched carers.  Over 65% of our clients suffer from some form of dementia.  Co-ordinated from our head office in West Sussex, Otus registered carers have been delivering person centred care, either full time or as respite for family carers for over five years across the UK.  If you would like to know more about our services, just call the Otus team on 01403 710119 or send us an email at [email protected].  We would be happy to talk to you, without obligation.