Month: October 2016

Most of us can remember playing games as kids where we had to find pairs from a pack of cards turned face-down. It was a test of memory as much as anything, but a bit of reasoning came in to it as well.

Well, these two skills, the ability to memorise and reason, are important for everyday life. They can help us find our way round public transport, manage our finances, etc. This is why it’s essential that older people in particular indulge in these games on a regular basis. In other words, if you look after someone aged 60 or over or who has Alzheimer’s it’s important to include memory games in their care package.

We are already aware from previous research that doing mentally challenging activities such as crosswords, Sudoku and word puzzles, as well as learning new skills, can lessen our chances of getting dementia. A study published last year by King’s College London shows that playing online memory games can have a similar effect.

Which games are good to play with someone who has Alzheimer’s Disease?

Bingo. This is one game which most of us will probably recognise. Researchers rate it as highly effective when it comes to cognitive skills. Playing a game of Bingo can improve an individual’s alertness and awareness of their surroundings for several hours after the game has finished and help to slow down the disease.

Jigsaw. Like Bingo, jigsaws are excellent for cognitive function. A jigsaw is about problem-solving but not in a competitive way.

Memory Lane. The individual with Alzheimer’s is asked to choose a card with a question such as ‘Did your grandfather smoke?’ This encourages him or her to sift back in their memory in order to answer.

Why it’s important to play games

Alzheimer’s can cause individuals to withdraw from everyday relationships with friends and family. Playing games and stimulating their cognitive function can not only slow down the disease, but can also reduce anxiety, maintain relationships and lead to more enjoyment of life.

Have you any experience with looking after someone who has Alzheimer’s Disease? Did you find that playing memory games helped? Let us know on our Facebook https://facebook.com/lavorocare or Tweet at us https://twitter.com/joblavoro .

Are you currently looking for a job? Take a look at our current positions http://lavoro.com/jobs .

 

As a care worker it’s important to be aware of the signs if someone is having a stroke. This article will detail the symptoms of a stroke and what to do.

The possibility of having a stroke increases with age. In fact the condition is now the second highest cause of death for individuals aged 60 or over in the UK today. That’s a shocking statistic, especially with a condition which, if treated quickly enough, provides a good chance of a successful recovery.

What is a stroke?

There are two types of stroke – ischaemic and haemorrhagic. The former is by far the most common form of stroke with around 85 per cent of strokes caused this way. It happens when there is a blockage, or clot, in a blood vessel in the brain. The second form of stroke is the result of a ruptured vessel that leads to bleeding in the brain.

The danger of a stroke is that it prevents oxygen reaching the brain, which in turn, can lead to problems with speech, movement and thought. In severe cases it results in death.

What if someone is having a stroke?

If you suspect someone you are caring for is having a stroke, the NHS recommend adopting the actions of their easy-to-remember Act F.A.S.T. Campaign: look for any of the first three symptoms, then call an ambulance, don’t wait to see if that person feels better in a minute or two:

• Facial weakness (i.e. lop-sided mouth)
• Arm weakness (are they only able to raise one arm?)
• Speech difficulties (are they slurring their words?)
• Time to call (for emergency medical help)

Other symptoms of a possible stroke include a sudden severe headache, blurred vision, confusion, dizziness or loss of coordination.

Treatment for stroke victims

The reason it’s so important to act quickly when someone is having a stroke is because, in the case of ischaemic strokes, these can be treated effectively using a drug called t-PA within the first three hours of an attack. The medication can severely limit the damage caused by the condition to the extent the individual can suffer hardly any symptoms at all. Failure to get the medication, or a delay, however, could result in physical paralysis and on-going mental difficulties.

Have you ever come across someone having a stroke? Do you have any other advice of what to do? Let us know on our Facebook https://facebook.com/lavorocare or Tweet at us https://twitter.com/joblavoro .

Currently looking for a job in care to make a difference to people’s lives? Take a look at our current positions http://lavoro.com/jobs .

 

 

By looking at what the individual needs, rather than imposing a particular care regime on them, Person Centred Care (PCC) puts the care receiver at the heart of the treatment package.

PCC is also a more holistic view of the care an individual needs, taking into account not just their physical and mental needs, but also their environment, lifestyle and even values. The care package is then developed from the point of view of the individual rather than the caregiver, where there can be consultation over visit times and discussion over, for example, activities such as an exercise regime. This means that PCC is considered by many professionals as a more ‘compassionate’ way of treating those needing care.

How individuals benefit from PCC

Flexibility. One of the biggest benefits of PCC for individuals receiving care is that they get to make decisions and have input into their own care (rather than having what the ‘system’ thinks is best imposed on them).

Responsibility. When given more responsibility for their own care decisions, individuals become more interested and emotionally engaged in their own well being. They’re also made to feel less helpless and dependant.

Satisfaction. People who take responsibility for their own health tend to become more aware of their health, for example, whether or not they’re eating properly, getting enough exercise, etc.

Appropriateness. By informing and making decisions about their own care, individuals are more likely to get what they need so their care package is more suitable for them.

Independence. Better care means better health and less reliance on health services and in the long term could lead to less care needs, allowing individuals to remain independent for longer.

Happiness. Knowing they are getting the most suitable care for them will obviously make them feel less anxious, more confident about the ‘system’ and therefore happier.

It’s not only those receiving the care that benefit from PCC. Studies have shown that the caregivers themselves can attain greater job satisfaction. Here are a couple of ways how:

How carers benefit from PCC:

Accomplishment. Delivering more suitable care for an individual means that he or she will be happier, healthier and more likely to get well sooner making the care giver feel as if they are indeed making a difference.

Relationships. Treating people as an individual, rather than as a ‘patient’, will result in a better relationship over all and will create a much more pleasant working environment for the care giver.

Have you tried giving Person Centred Care? What benefits have you and your care recipients found? Let us know on our Facebook https://facebook.com/lavorocare or Tweet at us https://twitter.com/joblavoro .

Currently looking for a job in care to make a difference to people’s lives? Take a look at our current positions http://lavoro.com/jobs .

 

Drop in to apply for a Support Worker Role – Preston

Preston Marriott Hotel,
Garstang Road,
Broughton
Preston,
PR3 5JB

Recruitment open day Thursday 13th October 2016 10am-4pm. Interviews are available to book throughout the day, on the day applicants are also welcome.

Lavoro Care Limited are excited to announce the securing of multiple contracts within the Preston area. We invite you to come and see us and find out what we have to offer.

Are you looking for work within the Preston area? Are you a business in need of our services?​ Do you require the supply of temporary or permanent support workers?

Are you looking for work within the Health and Social Care sector?​ Do you want to make a difference to vulnerable children / adults by supporting them and promoting their independence?

If yes, then please drop in along with your CV to see us, our team would be delighted to meet you and discuss all the options available.

Each open day will include introductions, briefs, registrations and refreshments throughout.

We look forward to meeting you!

If you would like to speak to the team, please telephone 0151 691 4935 or on 0151 922 9925

For more information please email wirral@lavorocare.com , or if you would like to apply but can’t attend an open day please send your CV to jobs@lavorocare.com

 

Person Centred Care (PCC) is a way of providing support and treatment for an individual which prioritises their needs and wants, rather than that of the care ‘system.’ In this way it’s more about shared-consultation with the recipient of the carer and acknowledging what they both need and want.

Essentially it’s about respecting those under your care as an individual, and treating them as such. So how do you go about achieving that and in doing so, provide better care for him or her?

PCC care giving techniques

Understanding. It’s important to make time to get to know the individual. What are they passionate about? Which are their favourite activities/past times?

Including. Most people have family and friends who can give you insight into the person you’re caring for, as well as provide help and fill in useful background where necessary.

Sharing. Allow the individual to share in decisions about their own health, eg. what they’d like for tea tomorrow, where you’ll both go on a walk. This empowers him or her, while, at the same time, encouraging them to take more responsibility for their own health.

Supervising. In order for PCC to succeed, everyone involved in the individual’s care package must work in this manner – otherwise the effects will be diluted and could result in confusion for the patient.

How PCC can make you a better care worker

Getting to know an individual means listening to him or her more and taking on-board their experiences and background so that you’re able to provide a more suitable package of care in terms of interests, diet, social activities, etc.

Not surprisingly, this improved communication often leads to a shared friendship where the care recipient looks forward to visits, with his or her mental well-being improving as a result.

Seeing the caregiver as more of a ‘friend’, rather than someone who has ‘come to look after them’, lessens the ‘helplessness’ feeling, ie. their care is something you are both working on together as a team.

There are in fact many benefits to PCC. It’s still in its infancy, meaning there aren’t many studies at present to refer to. However, it’s clear from client feedback that it’s a form of treating individuals which is already proving extremely popular.

Have you tried to give Person Centred Care? Have you found it improves your standard of care giving? Let us know on our Facebook https://facebook.com/lavorocare or Tweet at us https://twitter.com/joblavoro .

Currently looking for a job in care to make a difference to people’s lives? Take a look at our current positions http://lavoro.com/jobs .