These days, it seems you can’t open a newspaper or turn on the TV without being offered some new piece of advice on what you should or shouldn’t eat. No sooner did we start buying low fat spreads than we were told to switch back to butter, and we’re probably being a bit optimistic if we try counting a blueberry muffin as one of our “five a day”.

As we get older, our nutritional requirements change, to match the changes in our bodies and our pace of life. The diet you had aged 20 might not be the one that’s best for you at 70 or 80! Eating properly helps us remain in good condition, both physically and mentally, so with this in mind, here are some useful tips on how you can eat healthily without missing out on tasty treats!

Omega 3 and Calcium

Omega 3 fatty acids have been proven to reduce inflammation and significantly lower the risk of heart disease, arthritis and even some types of cancer, while calcium – as we’ve long known – is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and bones. Pecans, walnuts and flax seeds are an excellent source of Omega 3, as are oily fish, such as mackerel, sardines and tuna. Calcium becomes especially important as we get older. The World Health Organisation recommends that the over-50s get around 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day, which is the equivalent of about 4 cups of milk, or a vegan alternative such as almond or soy milk. Green veg such as broccoli, spinach and kale are also rich in calcium.

Reducing Your Salt Intake

Yes, there are few things nicer than a bag of chips doused liberally in salt and vinegar, but salt consumption can be a major contributing factor to hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart disease. As well as reducing the amount of salt you sprinkle on food, look out for the salt content of processed foods, as these are often very high in sodium.

Stay Hydrated

As we get older and do less physical work and strenuous exercise, so we tend to feel thirsty less often, but that doesn’t mean our bodies no longer requires fluids. Staying hydrated is vital, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Even caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea will help to keep dehydration at bay.

Take Things Gradually

Even when it’s done with the best of intentions, sudden changes to your diet can be disruptive. Older care recipients are often reluctant to change their ways, so it’s best to do these things in steps, rather than all at once. Try alternating between white and wholemeal breads and pastas before making a permanent switch to wholemeal. If you take two sugars with your tea, switch to one teaspoon of sugar and an artificial sweetener before cutting out sugar altogether. This way, you’ll have time to adjust to those changes by the time they become permanent.

Helping with meal preparation and nutritional advice are just two of the many services our carers provide. To find out more, please contact us using our online contact form, or call us on 0170 869 3057.

If you’re considering home care for yourself or for a loved one, it’s often difficult to know exactly which kind of care is best suited to you and your needs. The types of care available are almost as varied as the reasons you might consider home care in the first place, so finding the one that’s right for you is very important.

Personal Home Care (Domiciliary Care)

If you or a loved one has extensive care needs throughout the day and night, personal home care could be the perfect solution. As well as helping with bathing, dressing, household chores, outings and meal preparation, our fully qualified nurses and health professionals can be there, 24 hours a day, to provide immediate medical assistance whenever necessary.

Respite Care

Many of those living with care needs have a family member already caring for them, but the day-to-day routine of providing that care can place a strain on relationships, and leave home carers with few opportunities to enjoy time to themselves. Respite care is a flexible option which can be tailored specifically to you and your family’s needs, offering peace of mind while you’re away from the care recipient.

Companion Care

One of the biggest challenges for an ageing population is one of companionship. With family members often living some distance from elderly relatives, knowing there is someone to keep them company and help them with basic tasks around the house can make a huge difference. A companion carer can also help you to maintain a routine, keeping on top of things like laundry, walking and feeding pets and remembering appointments with your doctor.

Hospital to Home Care

Being discharged from hospital following an operation or long-term treatment for an illness doesn’t necessarily mean you will no longer require some level of care. Hospital to home care helps you transition from the hospital ward to the comfort of your own home, providing you with assistance with any medical equipment you may need to use, or maintaining a routine with prescription medication. A carer can also provide transport and help with any household tasks during your recovery. The term and nature of the care you receive is entirely up to you, and our registered nurses and healthcare professionals will create a programme of care designed specifically for you and your family.

Palliative Care

While hospices and hospitals can provide excellent care for those living with long-term illnesses, many prefer to remain in familiar surroundings, near family and friends. Our palliative carers can ensure that you or your loved one is comfortable and that they receive first class care whenever it’s needed. As well as supporting you with treatments they can provide social companionship and help you to maintain a day-to-day routine. A palliative carer can live with you around the clock to provide 24 hour care, or they can visit at times that suit you and your family’s requirements.

To find out more about the various kinds of care we offer, please feel free to contact us using our online contact form, by calling our office on  0170 869 3057 or you can email us at romford@everycare.co.uk.

Information on Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is a long-term degenerative disorder which affects the central nervous system, with its symptoms mainly affecting motor skills, i.e. coordination and movement. Later stages of the condition can involve symptoms of dementia, along with emotional and sensory problems.

With its severe impact on mobility, many of those living with Parkinson’s will, at some point, require home care. Everyday tasks such as getting dressed, maintaining personal hygiene and doing housework are made increasingly difficult, and even if you are cared for by family, a professional respite carer can provide them with a much-needed break from their daily care routine.

CAUSES

Research into the precise causes of Parkinson’s is still ongoing. Smoking, historic head injuries and exposure to certain pesticides are all believed to increase someone’s chances of developing Parkinson’s, but the major factor is a gradual loss of dopamine cells in the midbrain. The resulting reduction of dopamine effects those parts of the brain that control movement. Typical symptoms include uncontrollable shaking or tremors, sudden bouts of rigidity and slower movement.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing Parkinson’s can be a drawn-out process, mainly because the earlier symptoms can point to a very wide range of conditions and disorders. In some cases, it can be years before a proper diagnosis of Parkinson’s is established. Parkinson’s typically affects those aged 60 and over, though around 5% of cases are what we call “early onset”, affecting those aged 40 and above. Men are around 50% more likely to develop Parkinson’s, though women are also affected.

TREATMENT

There is no known cure, but treatments to minimise its impact are available. Those in the early stages of the condition are often prescribed L-Dopa, which helps to increase dopamine concentration in the brain. Changes to the diet have also been shown to have a positive effect on those living with Parkinson’s, particularly early on. Surgical procedures, such as applying microelectrodes to stimulate the brain, have proven effective in cases when drug treatments haven’t worked.

Physiotherapy will also play an essential part in the treatment of Parkinson’s, particularly when it comes to advising patients on how to maintain a good standard of health and fitness. Speech and language therapists can help those who find their speech is affected by Parkinson’s, and many of them can also help when eating and swallowing become a challenge.

CARE

The professional care requirements of those living with Parkinson’s will depend on how advanced the condition is, and the domestic circumstances of the care recipient. Early on, they may need help with simple physical tasks, but as their symptoms develop the carer is likely to become more involved with preparing meals and helping them to maintain a routine. Home care provides all of this, while allowing you to retain a greater degree of independence than might be offered in a care home environment.

If you would like to know more about the kind of care services we provide to those living with Parkinson’s, please call us directly on 0170 869 3057, or contact us using our online contact form.