Home Instead Highlights August 

Welcome back to Home Instead Charnwood's monthly newsletter

Welcome back to Home Instead Highlights!

This month we once again are excited to share updates, stories, and insights from our journey and community. As we navigate through this August, we celebrate our achievements, take on our new ambitions and get creative this month! We once again have been busy connecting with our community, clients and Care Professionals through informative workshops, engaging discussions, coffee drop in’s and proactive outreach efforts.

We’d be delighted if you would join us as we dive into the latest from Home Instead Charnwood, celebrating our commitment to providing exceptional care and support to you and your loved ones.

Care Professional Coffee Drop In

At our recent Care Professional Coffee Drop-In, our dedicated team had the pleasure of meeting with Amie at Costa. This informal gathering provided an excellent opportunity for our care professionals to share their experiences, voice any concerns, and ensure they felt supported in their roles.

Amie’s warm and attentive presence helped foster open communication, allowing our team to address any issues and reinforce our commitment to their well-being and professional development. This session is just one of the many ways Home Instead Charnwood prioritises the support and satisfaction of our care professionals.

Four smiling people posing for a selfie outside a café with umbrellas and lights in the background. - Home Instead

Floral Window Display Competition

We are delighted to share that Home Instead Charnwood participated in the Love Loughborough Floral Window Display Competition! Our vibrant and colorful display brought a touch of nature and joy to the community. We loved seeing people’s reactions as they admired the beautiful flowers and creative design. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and shared in the beauty of our display!

Our care professionals and clients joined in our efforts for the Window Display Competition! They took beautiful pictures with their favourite flowers, showcasing the vibrant heart of Home Instead Charnwood. Our team and clients are the essence of our community, and we were excited to include their joyful moments in our display. Thank you to everyone who participated and made our display truly special!

A storefront window with pink balloon letters spelling "HOME INSTEAD" amid floral decorations and gift items. - Home Instead

Finalists in Retirement Living Awards!

We are thrilled to announce that Home Instead Charnwood has been named as finalists in the prestigious Retirement Living Awards! This recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional care and support to our elderly community. We are incredibly proud of our dedicated team and grateful for the continued trust and support from our clients and their families. Stay tuned as we eagerly await the final results!

Retirement Living Awards Finalist 2024 logo with colorful leaves and celebratory confetti on a purple background. - Home Instead

Scam Prevention

A scam is a scheme to try to steal money, personal information or data from a person or organisation. Older people are often victims of scams due to a lack of experience with modern technology. We’re here to help.

Our Care Professionals are trained to look out for potential scams or fraud targeting our clients so that they can intervene and prevent it.

Here are several tips and strategies to help the elderly avoid getting scammed:

  • Stay Informed: Regularly learn about common scams and attend workshops on scam prevention.
  • Discuss with Care Professional or Family: Talk with trusted people about any suspicious activity and report suspicious calls or emails.
  • Limit Information Sharing: Don’t share personal info unless you’re sure of the recipient and shred documents with personal information.
  • Use Secure Websites: Only enter personal info on sites with “https” and try to avoid unsolicited emails asking for personal info.
  • Take Your Time: Don’t rush decisions involving money or personal info.
  • Consult Others: Talk to a trusted person before large purchases.
  • Contact the Bank: Notify your bank if you suspect fraud

By staying informed, vigilant, and using available resources, the elderly can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams.

Doctor discussing with two women on a couch in a modern medical office, holding a clipboard with documents. - Home Instead

Worried about returning home after a hospital stay?

Home Instead is here to help you transition smoothly with our personalised support services.

Navigating post-hospital care can be stressful for families, but having the right support in place can ease the recovery process and help prevent complications.

As a leading private home care provider, Home Instead specializes in tailored care designed to meet the specific needs of individuals at home. Our services include short-term care, respite care, hourly care, and 24-hour live-in support, ensuring that you or your loved one receives the best possible care in a familiar and comfortable environment.

Here’s what we promise:

  • Reliability: We will be on time, every time.
  • Flexibility: Call times are arranged to suit the client, not our schedule.
  • Personal Matching: Clients are matched with Care Professionals to ensure compatibility.
  • Consistency: We guarantee a minimum of one-hour call times.
  • Familiar Faces: You will never have a stranger at your door; we always introduce our Care Professionals to clients.
  • The Mum & Dad Test: We only send Care Professionals we would trust with our own parents.

Our care goes beyond just physical support; it’s about providing a holistic approach that includes personal care, healthcare at home, virtual ward services, and live-in care. This approach facilitates quicker healing and better overall well-being in the comfort of your own home.

A caregiver in a maroon top assists an elderly woman lying in bed, adjusting her pillow in a cozy room with brick walls. - Home Instead

Tips on How to Keep our Elderly Loved ones Safe during a Heatwave

As we enjoy the warmer months, it’s crucial to remember that extreme heat can pose serious risks, especially for older adults. At Home Instead, we’re committed to ensuring the well-being of our elderly community, and that includes staying safe in the summer heat. Here are some essential tips to help protect your loved ones during heatwaves.

  • Stay Hydrated: Ensure loved one’s drink plenty of water throughout the day. Offer water regularly and encourage the consumption of hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid Peak Heat: Limit outdoor activities to cooler parts of the day and ensure indoor environments are well-ventilated. Visiting places such as cafes. Shops or buildings that have Air conditioning or having access to fans in and out of home can help maintain a comfortable temperature. Consider using cooling mats, ice packs, or portable air conditioners to help manage indoor temperatures.
  • Wear Appropriate Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat can help protect against heat and sun exposure.
  • Check Medications: Some medications can increase sensitivity to heat. Review any potential side effects with a healthcare provider to avoid complications.
  • Monitor for Heat-Related Illnesses: Be aware of symptoms such as excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, or confusion, which may indicate heat exhaustion. If these symptoms occur, move to a cooler place, hydrate, and seek medical attention if necessary.
  • Keep Cool: Use damp cloths or take cool showers to help lower body temperature. Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day to block out direct sunlight and keep indoor spaces cooler.
  • Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Regularly check in on elderly family members, friends, or neighbours to ensure they are managing well during extreme heat
Elderly man in a yellow shirt wiping sweat from his forehead with a towel on a sunny day. - Home Instead

NHS to Offer Older Adults Free RSV Vaccine        

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of winter coughs and colds, with infections increasing during the winter. Those most at risk include older adults. Each year, thousands of elderly individuals require hospital care due to RSV, and sadly, some cases result in fatalities. The virus is  dangerous for those with underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, or a weakened immune system.

Starting from 1 September 2024, individuals turning 75, as well as those aged 75 to 79, will be eligible for a free RSV vaccination. This single-dose vaccine is designed to provide enhanced protection as you enter an age group at the highest risk for severe RSV infection. Unlike the flu vaccine, the RSV vaccine does not need to be administered annually.

Elderly woman pointing to her bandage; text: "Preventing RSV for 75+, NHS offers free vaccine starting 1st September 2024. - Home Instead

Scam Prevention

A scam is a scheme to try to steal money, personal information or data from a person or organisation. Older people are often victims of scams due to a lack of experience with modern technology. We’re here to help.

Our Care Professionals are trained to look out for potential scams or fraud targeting our clients so that they can intervene and prevent it. We also give free fraud prevention talks to the local community, get in touch for more information, and stay scam aware!

Here are several tips and strategies to help the elderly avoid getting scammed:

  • Stay Informed: Regularly learn about common scams and attend workshops on scam prevention.
  • Discuss with Care Professional or Family: Talk with trusted people about any suspicious activity and report suspicious calls or emails.
  • Limit Information Sharing: Don’t share personal info unless you’re sure of the recipient and shred documents with personal information.
  • Use Secure Websites: Only enter personal info on sites with “https” and try to avoid unsolicited emails asking for personal info.
  • Take Your Time: Don’t rush decisions involving money or personal info.
  • Consult Others: Talk to a trusted person before large purchases.
  • Contact the Bank: Notify your bank if you suspect fraud

By staying informed, vigilant, and using available resources, the elderly can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams.

An elderly woman and a man look at a tablet. Text: "Don't miss a trick. Be #ScamAware." Home Instead logo in the corner. - Home Instead

At Home Instead Charnwood, our commitment to excellence in care, innovative solutions, and community engagement sets us apart. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to provide compassionate, high-quality home care services tailored to individual needs. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting updates and valuable information next month.