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Carers Guide

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Special spotlight on care and support for whole family

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LANCASTER GUARDIAN

www.lancasterguardian.co.uk Thursday, March 30, 2023

Caring For You

How best to enjoy long, strong and healthy life

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e may well be in the grip of winter and it can be stressful as temperatures drop, but that’s no excuse not to live a healthy life and to take care of our mental and physical wellbeing. But what are the best ways to stay in shape as we get older? There’s a barrage of information on the best ways to boost your health, but from the many sources of advice that there are, a few basics emerge that can be followed by everyone. Eating, drinking and sleeping well is essential for good health at any age. A balanced diet contains the six essential nutrients, namely: vitamins, minerals, protein, fats, water and carbohydrates, while drinking plenty of water and fluids

helps your brain and body to function well. Getting several hours of good quality sleep each night is another must, as the body renews itself at this time. A relaxing bedtime routine or soothing music or hypnosis tapes may help if you struggle to get to sleep. Exercise, in whatever form, is proven to help keep you fit and boost your mental health. Physical activity, from a simple walk or run, to gardening, dancing, cycling or any other sport is great for you, and getting out in nature adds greatly to the benefits. Self care and mindfulness will help you to switch off your worries, as stress is good for no-one. Common conditions in advancing years may be staved off or improved by sticking to a healthy lifestyle. To enjoy a

full life in older years with new activities, community and family involvement, hobbies and learning, we are all dependent on good health. Along with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, not smoking is another major contributor to staying healthy. Everyone wants to reduce the risk of illness and to delay care dependency. World Health Organisation tips to look after yourself include consume less salt and sugar, reduce intake of harmful fats, avoid harmful use of alcohol, check your blood pressure regularly, practice safe sex, talk to someone you trust if you are feeling low, and have regular general health check ups. Doing activities you enjoy is important. The WHO reports studies that show older adults who participated in social activities lived longer.

Keeping active is good for health in seniors (photo: Adobe)

LANCASTER GUARDIAN

Thursday, March 30, 2023 www.lancasterguardian.co.uk

One stop shop for all your mobility needs

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here are so many mobility aids on the market that it might seem overwhelming and can be difficult to know where to start. Come to us or we’ll come to you! At Ableworld there is a vast range of equipment to make everyday tasks easier, whether that’s as simple as an easy-hold kitchen utensil, something for comfort like a riser recliner or something to get you on the move like a mobility scooter. And their showroom –in Wigan– is the perfect place to see what’s on offer and get expert advice. The company, which has other outlets in the North West and supplies hospitals and care homes too, has nearly 25 years of experience in the business and is committed to ensuring its customers get just what they need for their circumstances. “We have an ethical policy,” explains managing director Mike Williams, who says the ethical policy

is to ensure that the customer don't purchase a product not suitable for them which can lead to added complications for a person’s condition. And if you can’t get to the showroom, they will come to you. Ableworld offers free home demonstrations within a 30 mile radius where they can carry out a no obligation assessment in the comfort of your own home on certain products.

There is also the choice to lease rather than buy on some products – such as wheelchairs – which can be ideal if you might need some help temporarily, such as after an operation or illness. It is also possible to hire a wheelchair or Mobility scooter for a weekend, to allow you out and about for a special occasion. You can also buy second hand stairlifts, ideal for those on a

budget or who needs an item for a short period only. • Stairlifts • Recliner Chairs • Wheelchairs • Scooters • Powerchairs • Walking Aids • Adjustable beds And much more! Come and see us! We are honoured to have been voted the Number 1 Mobility Retailer in the UK.

You’ll find friendly and knowledgeable staff waiting to help you at Ableworld, 130 Cherry Tree Rd, Blackpool FY4 4TH or call today 01253 335614. Or call to arrange a free home demonstration for certain products. Delivery direct to your home can be arranged as well as fitting on some items. Visit www.ableworld.co.uk to find out more.

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LANCASTER GUARDIAN

www.lancasterguardian.co.uk Thursday, March 30, 2023

Caring For You

Living fulfilled best life after dementia diagnosis

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s the population ages there are more and more people living with dementia. This puts an ever-increasing strain on families as they become carers so it is vital that people understand what dementia is and what help is available for those with the disease and their families. For those who are coping with memory loss, and problems with thinking speed, it can be distressing to try and adjust to a new way of living. But there are many ways to help yourself, or a fellow sufferer in the early stages of dementia. Some suggestions from healthcare experts are as follows; Establish a regular routine and post up a weekly timetable, with activities for when you feel

at your best, maybe in the mornings. Keep keys in an obvious place. Have a list of helpful and emergency numbers by the phone. Put regular bills on direct debits. Use a pill organiser box to help you remember which medicines to take and when while ensuring your home is dementia friendly and safe. Literature about living well with dementia can be found in the Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia guide: living well after diagnosis, or from the NHS website. An assessment by Social Services will help identify what help is available and can be given to a person with dementia who remains living at home. There are drugs that help with some types of dementia

and stop symptoms progressing for a while. This is why it’s important to go to the GP as soon as you suspect there’s a problem. Activities to help with symptoms of dementia include: doing word puzzles or discussing current affairs, or sharing memories and experiences to create a ‘life story book’. Early memories become ever more vivid for dementia sufferers as later ones recede. Stay as active as possible, physically, mentally and socially, to boost memory and self esteem, and help avoid depression. Respectful Care, a home care provider, has a free online guide about how best to communicate with a person who is living with Alzheimer’s, who must be treated with dignity throughout all three stages of the disease.

Help seniors retain dignity after dementia diagnosis (photo: Adobe)

LANCASTER GUARDIAN

Thursday, March 30, 2023 www.lancasterguardian.co.uk

Caring For You

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Care home or residential care for your loved one?

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s you get older living at home may no longer be viable and it may be the time for your own welfare and for the good of your family to move into a care or nursing home. It may be that the type of care home needed is for a loved one or you may be considering a move for yourself into a home that provides residential care, known as a residential care home. The main difference between a care home and a nursing home is that a nursing home always has a qualified nurse onsite to provide medical care. Nursing homes can offer different levels of care including help for those with high dependency if, for example, they have a physical disability, or for

those with long-term conditions which require complex care. A care home provides accommodation, care and support for those who need help with managing daily life. Depending on individual needs, this can include personal care such as help with dressing, washing and eating. Local authorities do run care homes, but privately owned care homes are more common. Charity and voluntary organisations also own care homes. According to the NHS a care home may be the best option if you or someone you know is struggling to live alone – even with help from friends, family or paid carers, or they have had a needs assessment that suggested a care home is the best choice. Or they may have a complex

medical condition – that needs specialist attention during the day and night. Residential care homes provide living accommodation with 24-hour support and supervision. Moving into a care home may have to be considered if a person can no longer live safely at home because of illness, frailty or dementia and if they are at increased risk of falls, or at risk of malnourishment because they’re not eating properly. Nursing homes care for people who struggle significantly with daily life or have various medical conditions and need regular treatment from registered nurses. Nursing homes are able to provide a higher level of care, but tend to be more expensive. For more on care homes and nursing homes visit www.nhs.uk and search social care and support guide.

It's an important choice choosing care or residential home for a loved one (photo: Adobe)

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LANCASTER GUARDIAN

www.lancasterguardian.co.uk Thursday, March 30, 2023

Caring For You

Living rich and full life enjoying independence

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obility and everyday tasks that once never posed a problem can become increasingly difficult with age, or for people who have a disability, but everyone wants to stay independent as much as possible for as long as they can. The term independent living refers to any housing arrangement that has been designed exclusively for older adults, generally for those who are aged 55 and over. It is still possible to be selfreliant to a degree when living independently, but most communities offer services, amenities, and social activities to enhance wellbeing and contribute to easy and more pleasurable living. Facilities might include rec-

reational centres or clubhouses on site where residents can mix with others and participate in community activities. These can range from arts and crafts to continuing education classes, fitness sessions, sing-alongs, card or board games or movie nights, just as examples. Whether you are an older person or someone with a disability, you can still live independently. However, financial issues are common for people who live alone, as is a state of loneliness, which can impact health. To live independently you will need an income that covers your bills. Supported living help is a combination of suitable accommodation – which can be your own home – with some form of personal care (such as help with washing, cleaning or

cooking). To find out more about supported living visit the www.nhs. uk website. Options for older people who want to continue to live independently are shared ownership, retirement villages and Homeshare. For shared ownership homes there is a government-backed shared ownership scheme for people aged 55 and over. Retirement villages are usually large schemes set out like a village. Homeshare is a scheme where someone in need of accommodation moves into your home. In return, they provide you with practical day-to-day help. For more information on options that are available visit www.ageuk.org.uk then the Specialist Housing Options section, or visit a local estate agent.

There are many options to enable elderly people to continue to live independently (photo: Adobe)

LANCASTER GUARDIAN

Thursday, March 30, 2023 www.lancasterguardian.co.uk

Caring For You

Help elderly with wills and powers of attorney

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t isn’t necessarily a subject that people like to think about, but making a will is a very necessary and positive action, and is the only way to make sure that your estate, which is your money, property, possessions and investments, goes to the people and causes that you prefer. Should you not be married to your partner, or within a civil partnership, you may not realise that your partner will have no right to inherit if you don’t leave a will. Firstly, you need to list your assets and debts. Then make decisions and state clearly how you wish to divide your entire estate. You will need to decide on executors – who will be the people who deal with distributing your estate after you’ve died. Being

an executor is a great responsibility so consider appointees carefully. When writing a will, it’s best to get legal advice. Check an advisor is licensed with a professional body, such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority or Law Society. Some charities and banks offer will-writing services. You can make your own will but you must make sure it’s valid, and signed in the presence of independent witnesses. Store your will with a solicitor, bank, at home or with the Probate Service. Find your local Probate Service through the GOV.UK website. You must let your executors know where your will is kept. If you lose mental capacity without a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place, your family will have to apply to the Court of Protection to have a deputy

appointed to deal with everyday financial matters. This is a slow and expensive process. No one has the right to automatically take control of your finances or your care. A power of attorney gives someone you trust the legal authority to make decisions for you. There are two types of LPA. A Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows your chosen person to handle your bank accounts, investments, bills and property, while a Health and Welfare LPA covers decisions about your health and care. For more about mental capacity and making decisions visit www.gov.uk/makedecisions-for-someone site. There is information on the Age UK website or contact the Office of the Public Guardian for help with related issues, on 0300 4560300.

Wills and powers of attorney help elderly and families (photo: Adobe)

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Hotel is situated in the centre of town with outdoor seating area in lovely gardens. 4 nights half board hotel accommodation, lift to all floors, free wifi. Includes all coach transportation, porterage door to door service. Enterance and excursions include Blair Athol Distillery, Pitlochry, Red Deer Centre, Queens View Visitor Centre, Strathspey Railway, Blair Castle and Gardens.

THE CAPTIVATING COTSWOLDS. 26TH-29TH MAY £349 PP (SRS £70) Hotel located on the outskirts of town ideally placed to visit the beautiful region of the Cotswolds, 3 nights half-board hotel accommodation, inc glass of wine with dinner each evening.

All coach transportation, porterage, door to door service. Lift Access to all floors. Entrance and excursions include Burford, Stow on the Wold, Rodmarton Manor with tea & cake, Garden of Miserden.

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Superb stay at 3 hotels in the Emerald Isle, 6 nights half-board, Return Ferry Crossing, All Coach Transporation, porterage, door-to-door service. Entrance & Excursions inc: Galway, Westport House, Glen Keen Farm, Killary cruise, Celtic Crystal Visitor Centre, Clifden.

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LANCASTER GUARDIAN

www.lancasterguardian.co.uk Thursday, March 30, 2023