Where Can I Find Help?

Help is available from many sources including:

• Your GP
• Your local Social Services department
• Local voluntary organisations for older people
• The Care Quality Commission – CQC

Our Team

Our team of skilled and experienced professional homecare staff are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care and support to our clients. We work closely with families and caregivers to ensure that our services meet the unique needs of each individual, providing help with care.
Chose the right homecare help for you.

Our Services

We offer a wide range of home health care services, including skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and more. Our goal is to help our clients maintain their independence and achieve their health and wellness goals.

Prevention

Preventing falls at home is difficult but there are ways you can reduce your risk of having a fall, including making simple changes to your home and doing exercises to improve your strength and balance.
If you have fallen in the past, making changes to reduce your chances of having a fall can also help you overcome any fear of falling.
Some older people may be reluctant to seek help and advice from a GP and other support services about preventing falls because they believe their concerns will not be taken seriously.
But all healthcare professionals take falls in older people very seriously because of the significant impact they can have on a person’s health.
Discuss any falls you have had with a GP and say if it’s had any impact on your health and wellbeing.
The GP can carry out some simple balance tests to check whether you’re at an increased risk of falling in the future. They can also refer you to useful services in your local area.

Avoiding Falls At Home

Tips for preventing falls in the home include:

• immediately mopping up spillages
• removing clutter, trailing wires and frayed carpet
• using non-slip mats and rugs
• making sure all rooms, passages and staircases are well lit
• organising your home so that climbing, stretching and bending are kept to a minimum, and to avoid bumping into things
• getting help to do things you’re unable to do safely on your own
• not walking on slippery floors in socks or tights
• not wearing loose-fitting, trailing clothes that might trip you up
• wearing well-fitting shoes that are in good condition and support the ankle
• taking care of your feet by trimming your toenails regularly and seeing a GP or podiatrist (foot health professional) about any foot problems

Strength And Balance Training

Doing regular strength exercises and balance exercises can improve your strength and balance, and reduce your risk of having a fall.
This can take the form of simple activities such as walking and dancing, or specialist training programmes.
Many community centres and local gyms offer specialist training programmes for older people.
Exercises that can be carried out at home are also available. Ask a GP about training programmes in your area.
It’s important that a strength and balance training programme is tailored to the individual and monitored by an appropriately trained professional.
There’s also evidence that taking part in regular tai chi sessions can reduce the risk of falls. Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that places particular emphasis on movement, balance and co-ordination.
Unlike other martial arts, tai chi does not involve physical contact or rapid physical movements, making it an ideal activity for older people.

Home Care vs Residential Care, and Why Your Choice of Provider Matters

Choosing between home care and residential care is a significant decision for you and your family. For many people, remaining in the comfort and familiarity of their own home is the preferred option. However, it is just as important to consider how that care is delivered and who is responsible for providing it.

While hiring an independent carer may seem straightforward, there are important legal, financial and practical responsibilities to consider. Insurance cover, employment obligations, training standards and reliable back-up support all play a crucial role in ensuring care is safe, compliant and consistent.

In this article, we explore the key differences between arranging care privately and working with a regulated home care provider like Angels Private Homecare, so you can make an informed and confident choice.

Insurances and Legal

When choosing Angels as your care provider, be rest assured that all of our carers are fully covered with public liability and malpractice insurance.

Independent caregivers who do not work for an agency will most likely not hold there own personal insurance.

If an accident or incident occurs whilst working, the employer could be held liable, costing you hundreds or even thousands of pounds, in costs and compensation.

You the client are also responsible for all payroll tax, national insurance contributions and verifying that the employee can legally work in the UK

Training and qualifications

If hiring a carer directly, you need to assess the competence and skill level of the carer.

Are you sure that they hold even the very basic knowledge to provide good quality and effective safe care,such as:

• First aid
• Medication Management
• Manual Handling
• Dementia awareness
• Physical intervention
• DBS (Disclosure and barring services checks)
• Criminal records checks

This is why using caregiver agencies like Angels Private Homecare gives you confidence that we will always be there for you

Support
Angels will provide a replacement carer if the carer cannot make it to work, and this will be one of your care team that you already know and trust.

If an independent caregiver calls in sick or doesn’t arrive to your home, you the client will need a back-up plan as there will be no continuity support plan for such eventuality.

Watch What You Eat And Drink

It sounds obvious, but having a balanced diet is crucial for good health, energy and preventing illness. An ideal diet should be low in saturated fat, with lots of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, oily fish, and small amounts of low-fat dairy and lean meat.
Don’t forget to top-up with lots of water to avoid dehydration, which can make you feel tired and confused. Tea, coffee and fruit juice will also help you to stay hydrated but avoid sugary fizzy drinks.

If you drink alcohol, keep at least two days per week booze-free to give your liver time to recover from the toxic effects of alcohol, and don’t exceed recommended daily limits for alcohol consumption.

Look After Your Teeth

Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Floss helps to prevent gum disease by removing pieces of food and plaque from between the teeth.

If it’s left to build up you might notice sore or bleeding gums, and gum disease can also be linked to diabetes, strokes, heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis
Have regular check-ups and, if you wear dentures or have a bridge, ask your dentist to check that they fit properly.

Stay Active

Daily exercise helps you to stay strong and healthy. This will lower your risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even cancer. If that wasn’t enough, staying active can boost your self-esteem, improve your sleep, and give you more energy.
Government guidelines recommend that older adults do 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week, as well as strengthening exercises twice a week.

If that sounds like a lot, start small and as you get stronger you will be able to work up to those amounts.

Make The Most Of Your Doctor

It’s a good idea to get some routine tests done at the doctors to check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. High readings increase your risk factor for stroke and heart disease, but any problems are completely reversible with medication.

Whilst you’re there, why not ask your doctor about the seasonal flu jab? It’s free once you reach 65, or if you have a health condition that puts you at risk of more serious problems if you caught the flu. its all about staying well at home

Get A Vitamin Boost

Lots of people have a vitamin D deficiency and don’t know it. In fact, it’s estimated that it affects half of the adult population. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cognitive impairment, bone problems and also cardiovascular disease.

Try to get outside in the sunshine for at least 15-20 minutes a day for a vitamin D boost. It can also be found in food such as eggs and oily fish. Alternatively, talk to your doctor about a vitamin D supplement.

Take Care Of Your Feet

Look after your feet by applying moisturiser to prevent dry skin and cutting your toenails straight across. Make sure you have footwear that fits properly and supports your feet.
If they’re sore you may be tempted to stay in slippers, but a pair of trainers could be a good option as they are more supportive.

Contact your doctor if your feet become painful, feel very hot or cold or if you have common problems like corns, bunions, or ingrown toenails.

Sort Out Your Sleep

Many of us have trouble getting or staying asleep as we get older. This can leave you feeling tired and irritable.
Avoid insomnia by cutting down on daytime naps, establishing a bedtime routine and going to bed at the same time each night.

Try a warm drink such as chamomile tea or hot milk before you go to bed.

Take The Tests

As we age our hearing and eyesight can be affected, so it’s important to get them checked regularly. Hearing loss is common in older people so see your doctor if you must have the TV on loud or having trouble tuning into conversations. If you need a hearing aid, some are available on the NHS.

Have your eyes checked every year if you are aged 70 or over, and every two years if you are under 70. This means that changes in your vision can be corrected and any problems can be picked up before they seriously affect your sight. Eye tests are free if you are over 60. We offer a wide range of services including skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and personal care. Our team of trained professionals will work with you and your family to create a personalized care plan that meets your unique needs.

Stay In Touch

Spending time with other people can prevent you from feeling lonely or anxious. If you find that you are no longer able to do the things you used to do, try to develop new hobbies and interests or think about becoming a volunteer.
Use Skype to make video phone calls to friends and family who don’t live nearby.

If you are single, divorced, or bereaved and would like to meet someone.