5 ideas for keeping well and avoiding hospitalisation
We’ve all heard the saying ‘Prevention is better than cure’. As experts in elderly care we understand the importance of keeping loved ones safe and well in their own homes.
We are often called in when a family is at crisis point due to a family member’s health deteriorating. Sometimes a health issue is unavoidable, but in many cases prevention and/or early intervention can avoid a difficult situation.
It’s important not to view any deterioration in someone’s general health as simply ‘getting old’. Inactivity, missed GP appointments, signs of depression, problems with meal preparation, a poor appetite or weight loss as well as slips, trips and falls are all warning signs that require attention.
It’s important to go to the doctor regularly as well as keeping up with other check-ups such as hearing and eyesight. We advise maintaining a calendar so regular and annual appointments aren’t missed. Planning to ensure your loved one is able to get to the appointments is also advisable.
Taking the right medication at the right time can be confusing – particularly if your family member is living with dementia. It’s important to have a system that ensures they are keeping up to date with medication. This could be something as simple as an alarm, a phone call reminder, or there are quite a few good options on the market to help ensure medication isn’t missed.
Encourage activity! With warmer weather finally now upon us, encourage simple exercise such as short walks. An activity such as gardening, which is great for both body and soul, can help to maintain muscle and flexibility as well as releasing stress. Even just some light housework like dusting can be considered exercise with a purpose!
Even though our appetite may diminish as we get older, maintaining a balanced diet is essential. The latest advice is to ‘eat the colours of the rainbow’ which is a fun way of keeping on track. Be sure to include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain options when it comes to bread, and oily fish in your diet each week. Sugary snacks are great for a treat, but should be limited.
This is possibly one of the easiest ways to maintain wellbeing. Did you know that water makes up 60-75% of our body weight? It’s really important to keep hydrated as it is involved in many important functions including regulating body temperature and helping our brains to function as well as helping to prevent constipation. Experts recommend around 1.2 litres daily which is 6-8 glasses.
Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are harmful to our health. We all know how good it is to talk and spend time with like-minded individuals. Encourage your loved one to take part in local activities such as craft clubs, having a cuppa with a neighbour or joining one of the many community-run social groups. Our Care Professionals regularly take clients out to social events such as lunch clubs, singing groups or even just out for a walk around the garden centre. We all feel better when we’ve been out and about in the fresh air.
Knowing what to look out for can really help to avoid health issues. Our team is on hand to offer help and advice, including signposting to local organisations and groups.