We all need support during bereavement

Bereavement is one of the most devastating experiences we can face.  Even the long-expected passing of our parents can leave us feeling raw and empty.

That’s why Nobilis has produced an article offering advice and guidance on getting through this challenging period.  It helps you understand the effect of bereavement and suggests strategies for coping as well as places to turn for support.

You can read the article by clicking on this link:

http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/bereavement--coping-with-your-loss.aspx

You can also find many other useful articles on elderly care at our website, www.nobilis.co.uk.

Dementia – Caring for those who Care

Dementia presents huge challenges to those who care for loved ones.  That’s why Nobilis has produced an article specially for those in this difficult position.  It explains what you need to think about in terms of helping both the person suffering dementia as well as yourself – because if you don’t look after yourself, everyone suffers!

Learn:

·         Where you can find helpful resources

·         How to protect your loved one from risks

·         How to control many of the problems associated with dementia

·         What to do about finances

You can read the article by clicking on this link:

http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/coping-with-dementia--a-carers-guide.aspx

You can also find many other useful articles on elderly care at our website, www.nobilis.co.uk.

Do you know what to do when someone dies?

No one likes to think about it, but we will all face the time when a loved one dies.

In such a distressing period, the last thing we want to deal with is bureaucracy, but unfortunately there is much which needs to be done when someone passes away.

That’s why Nobilis has put together a helpful article which takes you through the essentials, including clear checklists of who needs to be notified and what you will need to do.  You are welcome to print this article out and file it with the important paperwork you will need in the event of someone’s death.

You can read this article here:

http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/what-to-do-when-someone-dies.aspx

You can also find many other useful articles on elderly care at our website, www.nobilis.co.uk.

The Future of Elderly Day Care – Building Your Client Base

An ageing society creates ever greater needs for day care services.  The elderly and infirm increasingly feel trapped in their homes and numerous reports point out the need for increased action to ensure these people are not excluded from society.

Day care providers are therefore in the perfect position not only to help create a stronger, more socially responsible community, but also to build their business by meeting this growing need.  Yet many potential clients are currently shut out from day care because of the difficulties posed by transport.

This is why Nobilis in-home care has devised an innovative service to enable a whole new section of the elderly community to access day care, improving life for them and creating new business opportunities for day care providers.

The Nobilis Difference

Nobilis offers high-quality in-home care services across Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.  We offer exceptional levels of personally tailored care to enable the elderly and infirm to remain independent in their own homes.  Our fundamental ethos is that caring is not simply a job.  This is why a vital area of our work is creating constructive working partnerships with other businesses which provide services to the elderly.

We aim to operate as a hub, uniting care professionals across the region and offering easy access for our own clients to reliable service providers through our Trusted Partners Scheme.  We believe it is possible for businesses to thrive even in tough times by working together to improve the lives of the elderly whilst maximising opportunities for growth.

This is why we are proud to offer a new approach to day care.

Nobilis Enhanced Package

Our research shows many elderly people would like to benefit from day care.  It’s stimulating, sociable and promotes better health, both physically and mentally.  However, many cannot attend day care because of mobility problems.

The Nobilis Enhanced Package removes this obstacle.  Working with day care providers we will offer a convenient and affordable service:

·         One hour’s care and support at the client’s home, getting them out of bed, washed and dressed and providing a suitable breakfast.  The tailored nature of Nobilis care means any other needs specific to that client will be catered for – even  ‘hanging  the washing on the line’.

·         Safe and comfortable transport to the day care provider.

·         An enjoyable day of activity, stimulation and social interaction through the day care provider’s programme.

·         Transport from day care back to the client’s home.

·         A further hour of care and support to ensure the client receives what they need, be it shopping ,  general domestic help or merely being settled for the night, rounding off a positive and rewarding day.

With our Enhanced Package, the day care market is opened up to an entirely new spectrum of clients who are likely to remain with us for the long term.

The clients’ lives are improved considerably, their families are reassured by the care they receive throughout an entire day and day care providers will benefit from new business.  This is the new model we are working towards in the care industry, providing sensitive care which benefits everyone.  In whatever capacity, we hope you would like to join us in this mission, because together we really can make things better – for the individual, their families and the community as a whole.

Call Nobilis now on 08456800225 to explore how your business can open up new markets.

Nobilis – Caring to Make a Difference

How do you cope after a diagnosis of Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease is a serious condition, but there’s plenty to be done in order to make things better if you or a loved one have been diagnosed.

In a new article from Nobilis you can learn:

·         How to cope with the trauma of diagnosis

·         Where to find help

·         Diet guidelines for Parkinson’s

·         How to plan your support

·         Which benefits may be available

You can read the article by clicking on this link:

http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/living-with-parkinsons-disease--strategies-for-a-better-life.aspx

You can also find many other useful articles on elderly care at our website, www.nobilis.co.uk.

AgeUK blog on the future of care homes.

An interesting AgeUK blog yesterday on the future of care homes (http://ageukblog.org.uk/) where they talk about the isolation of care at home.  We believe that social activities are essential, and yet a lot of care provided by local authorities and other care companies is focussed only on the bare minimum of personal care.  We are in the process of building relationships with several residential providers to provide a package of day care (in light of council cutbacks to funded daycare), so we provide the service to get our clients up and ready for the day and provide transport them to the care home and the reverse at the end of the days.  We hope that these sorts of services provide both indepedence and comfort of home with social activites and community.  More details to follow...

Mobility scooters can be fatal – learn how to choose the right one

Mobility scooters provide vital independence for the elderly and infirm but every year there are thousands of accidents and occasionally even fatalities caused by scooters.  Often this is because the driver has bought a scooter which is not appropriate for their needs and abilities.

In this article from Nobilis you can learn how to choose the right mobility scooter for an elderly person.  Find out:

·         Where you should go to buy your scooter

·         What to consider when making your choice

·         The benefits and pitfalls of buying new, second hand and renting

·         What to consider after buying your scooter

You can read the article by clicking on this link:

http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/mobility-scooters--how-to-choose-the-right-one.aspx

You can also find many other useful articles on elderly care at our website, www.nobilis.co.uk.

I miss the "star rating" system from CQC

We were somewhat surprised to recieve an unannounced inspection from CQC on 22rd December, just at a busy time for carers and a reduced manning at the office, but well done to everone who made the inspector very welcome and showed great professionalism. 

I must admit that the CQC inspector was a lovely lady and very professional as well, so did not approach the inspection in a threatening or aggressive manner which was great.  The team was able to furnish her with all the information she required (as we are totally electronic here we dont have paper files so we had to "pull" information on request from our CRM system and data vault).

I am happy to report that I have now recieved the draft report back, and in all quality standards Nobilis has been assessed as "Compliant", with no concerns raised.  I will put the finalised report on our web site once CQC have confirmed the draft.  But here is the issue for me. ...

"Compliant" simply says we are not causing concerns.  But surely, that is a very wide band, and fails to differentiate between the simply competent agencies and those that are truely excelling.  I know that the star system was not perfect, but from a public perspective it at least gave some indication about quality.  Removing the star system without a replacement is leaving agencies without an independant assessment of quality.  The proposal to outsource the quality system a la restraunt "Michelin stars" had its problems, but is not as daft as a crowd-sourced (unverifiable) "Trip advisor" model.

Now that both the "Michelin" and "Trip Advisor" models seem to have been kicked into the long grass, does anyone know what else is being considered, or perhaps more importantly a time scale?  It looks like the care industry is heading for YEARS without any quality measures, just at the time when many agencies have finally made the mental leap to a retail-model and are focussing on private-clients and direct payment clients. 

Could we not turn back on CQC stars at least until somethink more permenant is in place?

There are many options after suffering a stroke

Strokes leave most people with some form of debilitation.  This in itself can lead to even more problems through the psychological impact of disability.

                                                        

Fortunately there is a wide range of help and support on offer and in this article from Nobilis you will learn about:

·         What the NHS offers to stroke victims

·         The support provided by charities

·         Private rehabilitation options, offering treatments not available on the NHS

·         Routes to independent living through in-home care

You can read the article by clicking on this link:

http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/post-stroke-care--moving-forward-.aspx

A lovely card from a client's family

You may be aware that Nobilis specialises in a number of areas, one of which is end of life care.

I have today recieved a lovely card from a client's family which makes the whole team feel valued in the face of quite saddening circumstances:

Mum and I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all of your team, who cared so wonderfully for my father.  I know that without your conscientious and compassionate carers, Dad's last three months would not have been bearable.  They were a team to be proud of, so thank you so very much. 

Many deaths from diabetes are preventable. Learn how

24,000 people died unnecessarily in 2008/09.  The cause was complications from diabetes which were entirely avoidable.

In this article from Nobilis you can learn more about a very common condition which can be far more serious than people imagine.

Discover:

·         The warning signs of diabetes

·         How the condition is diagnosed

·         What treatments are available

·         How you can help yourself and your loved ones manage or even avoid diabetes

You can read the article by clicking on this link:

http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/diagnosing-and-managing-diabetes.aspx

You can also find many other useful articles on elderly care at our website, www.nobilis.co.uk.

Are Strokes Easily Diagnosed?

Like so many serious medical conditions, strokes can generate great fear and confusion.  That’s why Nobilis is providing a series of articles to demystify this important area of healthcare.  When you are better informed you are better able to deal with medical problems when they occur.

Today you can learn about the procedures for diagnosing strokes and what patients can expect in hospital.  You will also find out how important rapid diagnosis is for those suspected of suffering a stroke.

You can read the article by clicking on this link:

http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/diagnosing-a-stroke.aspx

You can also find many other useful articles on elderly care at our website, www.nobilis.co.uk.

Which surprising test spots health problems early in the elderly?

Ensuring the elderly have regular eye checks is not only about making sure they can see clearly.  Eye examinations can spot a range of health problems which have nothing to do with the eyes, enabling treatment before any other symptoms appear.

This helpful article from Nobilis takes you through the importance of eye tests for the elderly, explaining:

·         Why we tend to neglect these tests

·         Helpful preparations before an examination

·         Who qualifies for free eye tests

·         Which diseases can be spotted early through eye tests

·         What you can do to help elderly relatives who wear glasses

You can read the article by clicking on this link:

http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/eye-care-for-the-elderly--the-importance-of-checks.aspx

You can also find many other useful articles on elderly care at our website, www.nobilis.co.uk.

Are treatments for dementia dangerous?

Dementia causes a lot of fear and there have been many stories in the papers about the dangers of medications used to treat it.  At Nobilis we are always striving to help the community gain a better understanding of the issues surrounding old age.  Consequently, this article from our Information Centre explains the options for treating dementia. 

You will discover:

·         The importance of talking about the condition

·         The two basic types of drug medication

·         The controversy around the ‘chemical cosh’ and what the Government is doing about it

·         The numerous non-drug treatments available

You can read the article by clicking on this link:

http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/treatments-for-dementia--finding-the-right-path-.aspx

You can also find many other useful articles on elderly care at our website, www.nobilis.co.uk.

Dementia – Assessment & Diagnosis

Dementia causes considerable fear amongst the elderly and their families, but although most types are incurable, early diagnosis can make treatments far more effective at slowing its development and maintaining good levels of mental functioning.

 

The unfortunate truth is that the majority of dementia sufferers remain undiagnosed.  In Hampshire it is estimated that only 44% of those with dementia have been diagnosed and in Dorset this is as low as 26%.  Clearly this has serious implications for the long-term mental health of those unaware they have the condition, which is why it is important to be alert to the symptoms and seek medical advice if you feel there is cause for concern.

Read the full article here: http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/dementia--assessment-and-diagnosis.aspx

What are the options if you have to give up driving?

Having to give up driving can be a traumatic experience for the elderly.  However, if you know the many alternatives for transport it can make the transition much easier.

In this article from Nobilis you will discover:

·         The help available with the costs of public transport

·         The public and voluntary schemes designed to help the elderly get out and about

·         The options for scooters

·         How to help with shopping

You can read the article by clicking on this link:

http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/life-after-driving--options-for-the-elderly-who-can-no-longer-drive.aspx

You can also find many other useful articles on elderly care at our website, www.nobilis.co.uk.

Improve health & quality of life for the elderly

We tend to think of exercise as a young person’s activity, but it can be vital in helping the elderly stay fit, independent and happy.

In this helpful article from Nobilis you will learn about:

·         The particular benefits for the elderly of exercise

·         How to begin exercise for older people safely

·         The charity which can help with professional exercise classes which are safe and fun!

You can read the article by clicking on this link:

http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/exercise-for-the-elderly--keeping-seniors-fit.aspx

You can also find many other useful articles on elderly care at our website, www.nobilis.co.uk.

The importance of a Power of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) or letter of attorney is a written authorisation to represent or act on another's behalf in legal, financial or health affairs, or some other legal issue. For people who lack the mental capacity, or in time may become unable to make important decisions, it’s important for someone else to be appointed to do it for them.It’s why the Mental Capacity Act 2005 was introduced to enable people to choose someone to manage financial, property and even health and welfare decisions on their behalf. When the Mental Capacity Act came into force in 2007, Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) replaced the previous Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs), although EPAs made before that date are still valid. EPAs only need to be registered if the Donor has since lost capacity.

Read the full article here:
http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/the-importance-of-a-power-of-attorney.aspx

Do you know how important it is to care properly for elderly people’s feet?

Foot care is vital to keep the elderly mobile and can even be a way of spotting health problems before they become serious.

In this article from Nobilis you will learn:

·         Why it is so important to look after the feet of the elderly
·         The problems which can develop with untended feet
·         How to care for feet
·         How to cut toenails properly
·         The help available to older people unable to look after their own feet.

You can read the article by clicking on this link:

http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/happy-feet--the-importance-of-foot-care-in-the-elderly-.aspx

You can also find many other useful articles on elderly care at our website, www.nobilis.co.uk.

Falls - a real danger for the elderly

Every year, 1 in 3 elderly people suffer a fall. They are one of the leading causes of death, injury and hospital admissions among the elderly population, so it’s important to understand what causes them, and what steps can be taken to reduce the risk of it happening.

 

Nobilis have produced an article helping you understand falls in which you will learn:

• Why do falls become more frequent in old age?
• Top tips for a safer home

You can read the article by clicking on this link:
http://www.nobilis.co.uk/feeds/information-library/falls---a-real-danger-for-the-elderly.aspx

You can also find many other useful articles on elderly care at our website, http://www.nobilis.co.uk/