World Awareness Day card. Vector illustration. EPS10

Join the world in fighting Autism

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AUTISM TO CARE FOR YOUR LOVED ONES.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people communicate and interact with the world. One in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.

Autism affects people in different ways. Some people may have;

  • Social communication and social interaction challenges
  • Repetitive and restrictive behavior
  • Over- or Under-sensitivity to light, sound, taste, or touch
  • Highly focused interests or hobbies
  • Extreme anxiety
  • Meltdowns and shutdowns

Care tips for children and people with autism.

  • Be consistent
  • Stick to a schedule
  • Reward good behavior
  • Create a home safety zone
  • Figure out nonverbal ways to communicate
  • Figure out the motivation behind the tantrum
  • Make time for fun
  • Pay attention to your child’s sensory sensitivities
  • Find help and support
  • Create a personalized autism treatment plan

How to extend support people with autism

  • Donate monetary support to an organization that provides charity care to people with autism such as https://www.autism.org.uk/
  • Participate in the autism awareness campaigns to help those with autism get diagnosis and help.
  • Advocate and implement fair policies
  • Fight discrimination and avoid stigmatization of people living with autism.

 

Source: www.autism.org.uk, and https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/helping-your-child-with-autism-thrive.htm

Please visit the above links for more information about autism

Large group of people dancing at Zumba class

4 May Ageing well and healthier.

Large group of people dancing at Zumba class

Across the world, people are living longer. A baby girl born in the UK today can expect to live to the age of 83; for a boy, it is 79.

Globally, the number of people living today aged 60 and over has doubled since 1980, and by 2050 we can expect to see the number of people aged 80 or more quadruple to 395 million.

This increase in the number of people living to a ripe old age can be viewed as a public health success story. Yet although populations are living longer, many of these additional years are spent in ill health.

Over four million (or 40 per cent) of people in the UK over the age of 65 have a limiting long-term health condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer, arthritis and dementia.

Many of these conditions are linked to lifestyle and modifiable behaviours and declines in mortality have not been matched by declines in morbidity with marked inequalities between the least deprived and the most deprived areas remaining.

So the public health agenda aims to improve the health of our population to enable more years spent in good health which will help to reduce health inequalities across different social groups and reduce the growing financial pressure on our health and social care services.

Now more than ever, unhealthy behaviours such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, inactivity and eating excessively are in the spotlight.

The NHS Five Year Forward View backs “hard-hitting national action on obesity, smoking, alcohol and other major health risks”, presenting a clear opportunity to tackle long term health conditions and ensure that people in old age are able to maintain their health, wellbeing and independence for as long as possible.

It is never too late to make a change

Our experiences throughout life can have a negative or positive influence on health, affecting the risk of chronic disease and other health outcomes in later life.

Timely interventions during midlife and beyond offer great potential to increase wellbeing, maintain health in both body and mind and reduce the risk of losing independence.

Research evidence sets out key actions for professionals to promote a healthy lifestyles for people in midlife and beyond. These include:

  • Stopping smoking: it is never too late to stop smoking, and after the age of 35-40, a person loses three months of life expectancy for every year of continued smoking.
  • Being more active: research shows that physical activity in older age has multiple benefits, including reduced mortality, improvement of physical and mental capacities and enhanced social outcomes.
  • Reducing alcohol consumption: chronic conditions caused by alcohol misuse include liver cirrhosis, and evidence suggests that regular excessive drinking increases the risk of the most common forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia
  • Improving diet and maintaining a healthy weight: a healthy diet is key to staying well as people age, and there are a number of causes of malnutrition in older people including socio-economic hardship, a lack of knowledge about nutrition, disease and the use of medications and social isolation

A lot can be done to help improve and maintain general health and fitness that is of particular relevance to people over the age of 65, such as checking eye health, maintaining good oral health, getting hearing tested and being vaccinated against pneumococcal and flu.

And across the life course there may be times when people are more amenable to change, such as after retirement, when children leave home, when starting to care for older relatives or grandchildren, or during the menopause.

These are times when people may consider adopting new healthy behaviours or may be at risk of adopting unhealthy ones.

It is also important to note that the burden of risk factors and their consequences are not equally spread across society.

For example, having four unhealthy behaviours is five times more likely in people with no educational qualifications, compared with those with higher education.

Public health needs to find more innovative and effective solutions and work with local communities to identify what works in different circumstances.

Key settings: community and primary care

Inevitably as people age, their circle of friends diminishes as friends die and social isolation or loneliness can occur. This may result in reduced wellbeing and a greater risk of mental health problems or dementia.

Local interventions that tackle social isolation and loneliness by enabling and supporting older people to develop new connections in later life have been highlighted by experts as promising.

Partnership working within councils, with town planners, with social services and externally with the police, fire and rescue services is key to enabling people to get out and about and maintain connectedness to others.

Primary care has an essential role to play as practice staff care for individuals from cradle to grave. Important interventions that take place within primary care settings include immunisations, such as the flu vaccine, the NHS Health Check programme and screening programmes that start in midlife.

Increasing longevity and growing numbers of people with multiple health conditions means that the promotion of healthy ageing must be put in the spotlight.

The newly established Centre for Ageing Better is focusing on what works in the health ageing sector in order to bridge the gap between research, evidence and practice.

As public health professionals, we must do more to spread the message that what you do today, whatever your age, will influence how you fare tomorrow.

Source: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/

Centra Care Ltd nutrition plan

6 May Nutrition for the Elderly

Centra Care Ltd nutrition plan

Nutrition for the Elderly in 2020 – A useful guide Healthy eating shouldn’t change just because of advancing age. Proper nutrition in the elderly guidelines requires as much attention as with any other period. Seniors must ensure that they eat right to provide the body with the nutrients it requires at an advanced age. One reason for the poor attention given to elderly nutrition is that most people don’t fully comprehend its

Healthy eating shouldn’t change just because of advancing age. Proper nutrition in the elderly guidelines requires as much attention as with any other period. Seniors must ensure that they eat right to provide the body with the nutrients it requires at an advanced age.

One reason for the poor attention given to elderly nutrition is that most people don’t fully comprehend its importance.

Another is that, as individuals age, various issues can make it difficult to maintain healthy lifestyles. Answering the question- what are the factors affecting nutrition in the elderly? helps to put together an appropriate nutrition plan.

Learning a few fundamentals of good nutrition for the elderly is essential. It makes it easier to select the right variety of foods for a particular person.

Why is nutrition important in the elderly?

As the body ages, the risks of various physical and mental conditions increase. A healthy lifestyle helps to minimise or even prevent some of the health issues to which seniors are susceptible. For elderly persons who are living with different ailments, it is useful to know which foodstuffs to focus on.

For people living with chronic illnesses, a balanced diet is critical for effective management. Diseases such as diabetes, dementia and high blood pressure require care. Neglecting nutrition can aggravate chronic ailments and make life harder for an elderly person. Studies show that eating well can decrease the risks of anaemia, stroke, bone loss, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer.

Improved mental health is another importance of nutrition and hydration in the elderly. As you age, the mind does as well, and over time, it loses its sharpness. However, the appropriate diet for the elderly can slow down this process. Good nutrition can boost cognitive ability and memory in seniors.

Poor nutrition is detrimental to the immune system. When the body doesn’t have the ingredients it needs to boost immune, it leaves an individual prone to many health challenges. With a compromised immune system, even common infections like the cold become a big issue.

Proper nutrition improves the quality of life in the elderly. When the body receives all the nutrients it demands, it has a better chance to function as required. Strong bones, an enhanced immune system and mental acuity are a few advantages of good nutrition that will make it easier for an ageing individual to live a fulfilled life.

Here is a useful video on the importance of nutrition for older people.

What are the Factors Affecting Nutrition in The Elderly?

Keeping up with healthy eating gets hard as you age due to a number of reasons:

1 -Loss of appetite

Poor eating habits in the elderly are largely due to the loss of appetite that comes with age. Studies have not identified what exactly causes diminished appetite. It could be the changes to the central nervous system or hormonal imbalances. However, the loss of appetite means that an ageing individual eats less, which affects nutritional intake.

2 -Loneliness

Seniors who live alone may find it difficult to enjoy mealtimes, leading the individuals to avoid them altogether. Isolation can also cause depression, resulting in poor appetite. It is why relatives are advised to visit seniors around mealtimes to keep them company.

Compromised mobility – an elderly person who has limited movement may not access the right foods. Going to shop for household items or even moving around the kitchen to prepare meals can be a real challenge for seniors in these situations.

Such individuals rely on various services to bring them meals at home. However, you can’t always be sure that such services are meeting the nutritional needs of the elderly.

3 – Financial constraints

In some instances, it’s a matter of money. An ageing individual who doesn’t have a fixed income may not afford to buy the correct foods that provide good nutrition for the elderly. Other necessities such as utilities, rent and medication may take priority to healthy eating. An ageing person may only budget for the basic foodstuffs and inadvertently end up with the wrong nutrition.

4 – Ailments

Old age come with its set of health complications that can influence how one eats. Chronic illnesses such as stroke, cancer and heart disease can bring secondary issues like loss of appetite that make it difficult to maintain healthy eating habits.

5 – Dental problems

Poor dental health can interfere with nutrition in the elderly. Loss of teeth, painful gums and poorly fitting dentures are some of the common problems that seniors have to deal with. Chewing issues can make eating a difficult activity that some people may opt to undertake as fewer times as possible.

What Nutrition Do The Elderly Need

Knowing that older adults need nutrition is not enough, they must have the right kind. As the body changes with age, its nutritional requirements shift as well. A diet plan for a 30-year-old will not have the same benefits for a 70-year-old.

How many calories should a single meal have? Which minerals are essential for seniors? Such considerations are critical when creating a diet plan. A few nutrition guidelines in the elderly will help avoid some common mistakes. Certain nutrients play a more crucial role in the elderly than others.

1 – Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a big challenge for people over 60. The ability of the body to digest vitamin B12 from proteins decreases as a person ages. This deficiency can cause issues with the central nervous system.

Eating lean meat, seafood and cereals will boost the intake if B12 in a senior. Vitamin B12 supplements may be necessary if you are wondering about- what nutrition do elderly need?

2 – Potassium

3 – Increased potassium intake and reduced-sodium content go a long way in managing and combating high blood pressure. Beans are some of the richest foods in potassium. Vegetables and fruits contribute a fair share too.

4 – Fibre

When planning nutrition in the elderly, ensure that you include sufficient fibre. Besides helping with digestion, fibres reduce the threat of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Foods that increase the consumption of fibre include cereals, grains, fruits and vegetables.

5 – Calcium and Vitamin D

Improving bone health is fundamental in ageing individuals. Weak bones cause some of the most frequent problems in seniors such as fractures, falls and limited mobility. Vitamin D and calcium enhance muscle and bone health. Vegetables, fish and cereals are some of the food groups that help with this.

6) Increasing your intake of adaptogens

Adaptogens are herbs known for their ability to help your body better handle physical and emotional stress. Recent pharmacological studies of some adaptogens give a rationale to their effects at the molecular level.

It has been shown that there is a significant beneficial stress-reducing effect of adaptogens in the system. One adaptogen that has been shown in scientific studies that you can take in a supplement form is Bacopa Monnieri. Find out more about this stress-reducing herb here: https://www.simplesmartscience.com/bacopa-monnieri-leaf-and-herbal-extract/

Importance of Hydration

Water retention capabilities diminish with age, which is why hydration is a common threat in seniors. One importance of nutrition and hydration in the elderly is that it helps with moods.

A properly hydrated body has a lot of energy, allowing you to be more energetic. Of course, there is the prevention and management of illnesses. Proper hydration can increase the ability to fight off ailments.

Hydration is critical for mental health as well. Depriving the body of sufficient liquid can impact the ability of the brain to function optimally. For active seniors, it is imperative to stay hydrated during activities.

Fruit juices, milk and plant beverages are some of the drinks included in nutrition in the elderly guidelines. Of course, water is the primary source of hydration. Although it may not always be simple, ageing persons must take the recommended amount of water.

Why is nutrition important in the elderly? This is a crucial question that everyone must consider. The body has its nutritional demands even at an advanced age. As people age, the ability to take in and retain nutrients changes dramatically. It is why eating the right foods should be a priority whether you are senior or taking care of one.

Source: https://ukcareguide.co.uk

palliativ vård

8 Jun 10 Benefits Of Care At Home.

While Home Care enables you or your loved one to receive the much-needed support in the comfort of your home, and in an environment you have grown to love and got accustomed, Care at Home comes with a whole lot more benefits that can make your journey of care a meaningful and fulfilling one. Below are the 10 major benefits of Home Care; 1. Comfort With home care, your loved one is able to stay in the one place that is most comfortable and familiar to them. They can sleep in their own bed, use their own bathroom, and continue their daily routines.  Being in a familiar environment can be especially beneficial for those suffering from progressive conditions that affect memory such as dementia. 2. Personalized Care Instead of adjusting to the schedules and routines of a care facility, home care is customized to fit your loved ones and your family’s needs. Whether your loved one only needs assistance for a few hours a day or requires full-time live-in care, home care is flexible and adapts to what is best for each client. 3. Faster Recovery Research shows that patients recover from surgery and illness faster and more successfully in the comfort of their own home. They also have a decreased risk of developing an infection from exposure to germs in a medical facility and have fewer hospital readmissions. 5. One-on-one Attention The personal nature of home care allows your loved one to be the primary focus of the Carer. Their job is to provide a level of attention and care that ensures your loved one is safe and comfortable. Because an in-home carer is usually tending to a single Service User, their needs are met much faster than in a residential facility. 5. Cost-Effectiveness Home care rates are charged by the hour, so there is a lot of flexibility when it comes to out-of-pocket expense. For individuals that need assistance on a part-time basis, the cost of home care can be significantly lower than a residential nursing facility. Long-term care insurance plans can also help cover the cost of home care. 6. Peace of mind  With home care, you don’t have to worry about your loved one being alone and falling or getting injured while performing daily activities such as showering and using the stove. Instead, you will be able to rest easy knowing they are being well cared for. 7. Independence Loss of independence is a big concern for seniors who are considering care options. A huge advantage of home care is that your loved one is able to keep control over many aspects of their daily life. They get to continue living by their own schedule, choosing when they want to eat, sleep, and socialize. For seniors who no longer drive, a caregiver can help them get to social activities and run errands supporting their ability to live independently. 8. Companionship Seniors who live alone often experience social isolation and feelings of loneliness which can lead to a decline in health. A Carer provides your loved one with a familiar face, friendly conversation, and a meaningful human connection, all of which can have a big impact on overall health and well-being. 9. Family Involvement Home care enables your family to be a larger part of your loved one’s care plan. You will have a direct line of communication with your loved one’s Carer and a care manager will provide you with frequent updates regarding care. 10. Pet Ownership The ability to stay living at home means your loved one won’t have to part with their beloved pet. For seniors, pet companionship has been shown to ease loneliness, reduce heart disease, and calm dementia patients. A Carer’s help can allow seniors to enjoy the benefits of pet companionship, even if they need some assistance caring for the animal.
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