As a carer, you spend so much time focused on someone else that you can easily forget to take care of yourself.But if you get ill, then there’s no one to care for your loved one. So it’s even more important for you to protect some time each day for self-care habits.
This will help you have the energy and strength to continue doing the amazing job that you do. The stress and demands of being a carer actually increase your risk of developing health problems.
You may recognise some of these common ways you may not be taking care of yourself.
- Being regularly sleep deprived
- Poor eating habits
- Poor exercise routines
- Not resting when feeling unwell
- Not engaging in social situations or meeting friends
- Not taking care of your home
- Medical problems
While self-care might fall to the bottom of your very full list of priorities, not taking care of yourself can have severe consequences including depression, anxiety, and even alcohol dependency. Looking after your own wellbeing is important for yourself, but also for the person that is relying on you to care for them.
Here you will find some tips for simple changes you can make to ensure you look after yourself too.
5 top self-care tips for carers
Get support
Speak to an organisation or to your doctor and see what support is available in your area. Many people caring for a parent or a spouse believe that it is their responsibility and no one else’s, so asking for help can feel quite difficult. But everybody needs support and that helps you be the best carer you can be for your loved one.
Family and friends
Lean on them for emotional support and don’t say you’re okay if you’re not. Set up a group chat with family and friends so that you still feel in the loop and connected. Even when you can’t spend as much time with them as you’d like, you can still join in the conversation.
Take a break
Taking regular breaks to pursue a hobby or a catch up with friends can completely change the way you feel. Maybe you can get a short period of time away each day to take a long soak in a bubble bath or a walk in the fresh air. Or maybe you can take a longer period once or twice a week so you can go for lunch with friends or pursue a hobby you used to enjoy. This will make a world of difference to your mental health. It’s really important to make time for the things you enjoy in life.
Eat healthily and exercise
Our bodies crave the right fuel to keep us running well and we need movement in our lives to keep our mind and body healthy. A healthy, balanced diet with a range of fruit and vegetables each day, along with a brisk walk (or even 10 minutes around the garden) will do wonders for how you feel.
Be kind to yourself
Accept that it’s normal to have good days and bad days. Don’t feel guilty for needing time to yourself or for asking for help. You know you are doing all you can for the one you care about and taking care of yourself is an essential part of that.
Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. Your loved one needs you to be the healthiest version of yourself and as a carer you’re doing an incredible job. You deserve a little pampering. I hope these tips help.
If you feel you could benefit from some additional help at home we love to hear from you. Get in touch and we can have a chat about how we can support you.
If you or a loved one require more support or have an ongoing health condition, you may be apprehensive about taking a holiday. Holidays are important to recharge and to experience new places, or visit family and friends.
If you or a loved one need support in order to take a holiday, then we can provide a qualified carer to travel with you for added peace of mind.
If on the other hand, you are caring for a loved one and need to take a break or travel for work reasons, we can put a temporary carer in place to live in your home while you’re away. This is known as respite care and you can find out more about our live-in respite care here.
If your loved one has specialist needs?
We have a highly trained, complex care team who can offer a professional, compassionate and person-centred care service. Find out more about our live-in complex care service here. If you or your loved one has complex care needs, we can also provide a specialist carer to accompany you on holidays.
Get in touch to find out how we can support you.
What is Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition. This means that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. The number of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK is about 145,000.
It can become increasingly difficult to carry out everyday activities without help. Many people respond well to treatment and only experience mild to moderate disability, whereas the minority may not respond as well and can, in time, become more severely disabled. In such cases additional care may be required. Eximius provides exceptional live-in care for Parkinson’s client, helping them maintain as much independence as possible.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease usually develop gradually and are mild at first. There are many different symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. But the order in which these develop, and their severity is different for everyone. It is unlikely that a person with Parkinson’s disease would experience all or most of these.
The 3 main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease affect physical movement:
- Tremor – shaking, which usually begins in the hand or arm and is more likely to occur when the limb is relaxed and resting
- Slowness of movement (bradykinesia) – physical movements are much slower than normal, which can make everyday tasks difficult and result in a distinctive slow, shuffling walk with very small steps
- Muscle stiffness (rigidity) – stiffness and tension in the muscles, which can make it difficult to move around and make facial expressions, and can result in painful muscle cramps (dystonia)
Due to the changing nature of Parkinson’s, it can often be difficult for families. At Eximius, we work with loved ones to help ensure the correct care plan is produced for a client. The care plan is unique, individualised and facilities the smooth handover of a companion. Evidence has shown that receiving care in the comfort and safety of your own home plays an important role in improving overall health and wellbeing for the client; with benefits being proven to be greater than moving a client into a care home. Eximius provide a personalised approach to ensure our clients receive a high standard of care, companionship, and service. This is thoroughly important in making sure Parkinson clients continue to live a high-quality life, with dignity, control, and choice.
How our companions can help
Personal care
Often individuals with Parkinson’s have reduced mobility and are unable to carry out personal care themselves. Companions are Eximius can help assist clients with personal hygiene. We understand that this can be a sensitive matter and ensure that the client’s dignity is respected whilst helping with personal care.
Help them stay socially active
Our companions can help keep Parkinson’s clients stimulated by ensuring they keep in touch with friends, remain active and attend activities they enjoy and love. This is good for a client’s confidence, mental wellbeing and helps ensure they remain connected to the local community. Companions can also escort clients on daytrips to museums, concerts and on holiday. This helps ensure that our clients experience a quality life that they deserve.
Additionally, companion’s at Eximius can play a vital role in ensuring clients carry out exercise. Evidence suggests that increasing exercise to 2.5 hours per week can be as important as medication in managing Parkinson’s symptoms. Regular exercise will improve strength, balance, posture, and flexibility. It can also help with sleep, tiredness, and the client’s mood and mental health.
Help with domestic tasks
Companions at Eximius are required to keep a client’s house clean. All rooms are regularly cleaned and vacuumed ensuring that the upkeep of the house is kept to a high standard. This can be reassuring to a client’s family knowing that there relative is in a safe and tidy environment.
Help care for the client’s much-loved pet
Companions at Eximius will happily support looking after client’s pets by feeding them and taking them on regular walks.
Eating and drinking
At Eximius companions help with the client’s food shopping and cook healthy well-balanced meals. Meal’s choices can be prepared based on the client’s desires and preferences. This ensures that the client regularly eats/drinks and receives essential vitamins. This is important in remaining healthy and keeping their immune systems strong helpful in fighting illness. Each companion is provided with an Eximius recipe book when going into a placement. The recipe book is filled with tasty healthy meals helpful in ensuring clients receive a range of delicious meals.
Companionship
Individual with Parkinson’s can become frustrated, depressed and there mental wellbeing can deteriorate. Companions at Eximius can provide excellent emotional support and assistance during this difficult period. Our companions are carefully selected by our recruitment manager, ensuring that all companions employed by the company are of an outstanding care standard. Companions are perfectly matched to a client to ensure they share similar interests and hobbies. This enables a client to continue living an interesting and stimulating life.
Safe mobility
An individual’s house often has to be adapted to help ensure safe movement and mobility. Companions at Eximius ensure that a client’s house is the perfect fit for them. They will contact an occupational therapist who will provide expert guidance and advice as to what equipment and adaptations are required. These are then fitted into a client’s house hassle free. Furthermore, collaborative health and social care is essential and people with the condition will often need the expert professional help of a multidisciplinary team. The multidisciplinary team can include a person’s specialist, Parkinson’s nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and speech and language therapist. Companions at Eximius play an important role in ensuring this is organised, appointments are scheduled, and doctors are attended on time. This takes all pressure of the client’s family and enables them to continue living a life knowing there loved one is receiving a high standard of care.
Reasons to choose Eximius
Consistency
We believe in keeping the same carer in place for as long as possible. This means a strong bond can develop between the carer and the client. The carer can understand the clients likes and dislikes and build a level of trust. This is especially important for clients with Parkinsons whose condition may vary from day-to-day. Having the same carer means they will be able to adjust better to their clients needs.
Training and experience
Our carers have years of experience in all sorts of conditions. We would place a carer with experience in with a client with Parkinsons and ensure all training was up to date. They are also supported by our clinical lead and care team with over 60 years experience.
Choosing the correct care is an important decision and our experienced team are here to help every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we are more than happy to help.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. The resulting lack of oxygen to the brain causes damage that affects how the body functions.
There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year. But no two strokes are the same, which means there is no set pattern for recovering from one. It also depends on the type of stroke you have and the stroke services that are available in your area.
How well you recover and how long it takes is also different for everyone but making sure that you receive care quickly will give you the best possible chance of making a good recovery.
The signs and symptoms of a stroke vary from person to person, but usually begin suddenly. The main stroke symptoms include:
- Face – the face may have dropped on 1 side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped.
- Arms – the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm.
- Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you are saying to them.
How we can help?
At Eximius we believe individuals recovering from a stroke should be cared and supported in a familiar setting surrounded by their loved ones. Our companions can play a vital role in helping clients maintain a positive morale crucial in maintaining good health and wellbeing. Additionally, companions can help clients:
- Do their physiotherapy exercises in between their sessions with the physiotherapist
- Provide emotional support and reassurance that their condition will improve with time
- Help motivate them to reach their long-term goals
- Adapt to any needs they may have, such as speaking slowly if they have communication difficulties
Companions at Eximius caring for stroke clients have recalled several success stories. Many stroke clients have been told by medical professionals of the unlikelihood of mobility being regained, however have been able to recover beyond expectations.
Eximius puts this somewhat down to our extremely hard-working companions who consistently encourage clients to carry out physiotherapy exercises, provide clients with healthy nutritional meals and give companionship.
Furthermore, our companions can help with
Managing and administering medications
All companions at Eximius are fully trained and qualified in the administration of medication. We ensure that companions understand and aware of client’s medication usage before they go into placement. This helps ensure a smooth and accurate handover. Additionally, companions are required to document the administration of medication on a secure care electronic system. This helps companions monitor intake and let a clients family know that their loved one is being looked after. This can be extremely reassuring. Companions will also ensure that repeat prescriptions are made and will collect medication from the pharmacy. This takes all pressure of the client’s family.
Personal care
Often individuals recovering from a stroke have reduced mobility and are unable to carry out personal care themselves. Companions are Eximius can help assist clients with personal hygiene. We understand that this can be a sensitive matter and ensure that the client’s dignity is respected whilst helping with personal care.
Help them stay socially active
Our companions can help keep stroke clients stimulated by ensuring they keep in touch with friends, remain active and attend activities they enjoy and love. This is good for a client’s confidence, mental wellbeing and helps ensure they remain connected to the local community. Companions can also escort clients on daytrips to museums, concerts and on holiday. This helps ensure that our clients experience a quality life that they deserve.
Help with domestic tasks
Companions at Eximius are required to keep a client’s house clean. All rooms are regularly cleaned and vacuumed ensuring that the upkeep of the house is kept to a high standard. This can be reassuring to a client’s family knowing that there relative is in a safe and tidy environment.
Help care for the client’s much-loved pet
Companions at Eximius will happily support looking after client’s pets by feeding them and taking them on regular walks.
Eating and drinking
At Eximius companions help with the client’s food shopping and cook healthy well-balanced meals. Meal’s choices can be prepared based on the client’s desires and preferences. This ensures that the client regularly eats/drinks and receives essential vitamins. This is important in remaining healthy and keeping their immune systems strong helpful in fighting illness. Each companion is provided with an Eximius recipe book when going into a placement. The recipe book is filled with tasty healthy meals helpful in ensuring clients receive a range of delicious meals.
Companionship
Following a stroke an individual can become frustrated and there mental wellbeing can deteriorate. Companions at Eximius can provide excellent emotional support and assistance during this difficult period. Our companions are carefully selected by our recruitment manager, ensuring that all companions employed by the company are of an outstanding care standard. Companions are perfectly matched to a client to ensure they share similar interests and hobbies. This enables a client to continue living an interesting and stimulating life.
Safe mobility
After a stroke, an individual’s house often has to be adapted to help ensure safe movement and mobility. Companions at Eximius ensure that a client’s house is the perfect fit for them. They will contact an occupational therapist who will provide expert guidance and advice as to what equipment and adaptations are required. These are then fitted into a client’s house hassle free
Reasons to choose Eximius
Consistency
We believe in keeping the same carer in place for as long as possible. This means a strong bond can develop between the carer and the client. The carer can understand the clients likes and dislikes, what might trigger them and build a level of trust.
Knowledge and experience
Our clinical lead can liaise with health professionals to ensure the correct rehabilitation programme is in place, and that carers are trained correctly to carry it out with clients.
Flexibility
Because we are a small owner run company, we are able to be very fast and flexible with decision making. We are very involved with all our clients, so as a client’s needs change, we adapt and change with them.
Choosing the correct care is an important decision and our experienced team are here to help every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we are more than happy to help.
What is companionship care?
According to the campaign to End loneliness, loneliness is seen by many as ones of the largest health concerns we face:
- The number of over-50s experiencing loneliness is set to reach two million by 2025/6
- Half a million older people go at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all
- Well over half (59%) of those aged 85 and over and 38% of those aged 75 to 84 live alone
- Two fifths all older people (about 3.9 million) say the television is their main company
Furthermore, according to the campaign to End Loneliness:
- Loneliness is likely to increase risk of death by 26%
- Loneliness, living alone and poor social connections are as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day
- Loneliness is worse for you than obesity
- Loneliness and social isolation are associated with an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke
- Loneliness increases the risk of high blood pressure
- Loneliness with severe depression is associated with early mortality and loneliness is a risk factor for depression in later life
- Loneliness and social isolation put individuals at greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia
As an individual gets older the likelihood of them facing loneliness increases, with them more likely to experience the loss of a life-long spouse/partner, poorer health, and long-term illness. However, despite this an individual can feel lonely at any point during their life. It important that when an individual begins presenting with these emotions, they are supported. In many cases families may live some distance away from there loved ones and it is not possible for them to visit frequently.
This is when Eximius can step in. Eximius can provide companionship care to help ensure loved ones can live well. Individuals can continue living in their own home whilst receiving companionship, care and support from our highly trained and experienced carers. For many it is company that is needed, and enjoyment being brought back into their lives. Eximius can help individuals begin feeling themselves again, feel less isolated/lonely and begin to experience a quality life that they deserve.
How our companions can help
Managing and administering medications
All companions at Eximius are fully trained and qualified in the administration of medication. We ensure that companions understand and aware of client’s medication usage before they go into placement. This helps ensure a smooth and accurate handover. Additionally, companions are required to document the administration of medication on a secure care electronic system. This helps companions monitor intake and let a clients family know that their loved one is being looked after. This can be extremely reassuring. Companions will also ensure that repeat prescriptions are made and will collect medication from the pharmacy. This takes all pressure of the client’s family and ensures optimum health and wellbeing of the client.
Personal care
Companions are Eximius can help assist clients with personal hygiene. We understand that this can be a sensitive matter and ensure that the client’s dignity is respected whilst helping with personal care.
Additionally companions can help with assisted care such as supporting clients with appearance, dressing and grooming.
Help them stay socially active
Our companions can help keep clients stimulated by ensuring they keep in touch with friends, remain active and attend activities they enjoy and love. This is good for a client’s confidence, mental wellbeing and helps ensure they remain connected to the local community. Companions can also escort clients on daytrips to museums, concerts and on holiday. This helps ensure that our clients experience a quality life that they deserve.
Help with domestic tasks
Companions at Eximius are required to keep a client’s house clean. All rooms are regularly cleaned and vacuumed ensuring that the upkeep of the house is kept to a high standard. This can be reassuring to a client’s family knowing that there relative is in a safe and tidy environment.
Help care for the client’s much-loved pet
Companions at Eximius will happily support looking after client’s pets by feeding them and taking them on regular walks.
Eating and drinking
At Eximius companions help with the client’s food shopping and cook healthy well-balanced meals. Meal’s choices can be prepared based on the client’s desires and preferences. This ensures that the client regularly eats/drinks and receives essential vitamins. This is important in remaining healthy and keeping their immune systems strong helpful in fighting illness. Each companion is provided with an Eximius recipe book when going into a placement. The recipe book is filled with tasty healthy meals helpful in ensuring clients receive a range of delicious meals.
Companionship
Companions at Eximius can provide excellent emotional support and assistance. Our companions are carefully selected by our recruitment manager, ensuring that all companions employed by the company are of an outstanding care standard. Companions are perfectly matched to a client to ensure they share similar interests and hobbies. This enables a client to continue living an interesting and stimulating life.
Eximius like to keep companions in a placement for as long as possible to enable the client and companion to develop a relationship. A dedicated companion can spend time getting to know the client and how they wish to live their life. They offer one-to-one consistent company that cannot be achieved with other types of care. Having a stable carer is extremely important in them being able to pick up and notice behavioural changes in the client. Having a companion notice alterations in the client mood is important. Additionally, keeping a companion in a placement for a while helps maintain structure. Maintaining a structured environment is essential for providing care to someone. The structure will minimize potential issues by providing the individual a consistent, dependable way of life.
Reasons to choose Eximius
Matching of carers
When we meet a client and their family we learn all about a persons like and dislikes, their past and their hobbies. This enables us to get a carer who shares as many interests as possible. They can then go for drives, play scrabble, watch pointless and all the things that having a companion can bring.
Consistency
We believe in keeping the same carer in place for as long as possible. This means a strong bond can develop between the carer and the client. The carer can understand the clients likes and dislikes, what might trigger them and build a level of trust.
Choosing the correct care is an important decision and our experienced team are here to help every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we are more than happy to help.
During these times of uncertainty, Eximius Support offer an alternative to the care home system.
Learn more about us and how our approach to live in care is different to what you think, directly from our founder Kate Hetzel.
Contact Eximius today and see how we can help make a difference. Call us on 01494 424222 or 07434 901547, email us at info@eximiussupport.uk, or fill out the form here, and one of the team will get back to you promptly!
Rapidly progressive dementias (RPDs) are dementias that progress very quickly. Typically, progression occurs over the course of weeks to months, but sometimes up to two to three years. RPDs are rare and often difficult to diagnose. However, early and accurate diagnosis is very important because many causes of RPDs can be treated.
Some forms of RPD are treatable. If the diagnosis is made quickly, early symptoms may be reversed. Sadly, for some, there is no cure.
So diagnosing and treating RPD early is key. Here you will learn what the symptoms, causes and treatment of RPD are.
Causes of rapidly progressive dementia
There are many conditions that can cause RPD.
Some possible causes include:
- Autoimmune diseases (when the body’s immune system is activated to fight against its own cells)
- Unusual presentations of more common neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disease)
- Infections
- Impaired blood flow to or in the brain
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Cancer
- Hormonal disturbances
- Metabolic disorders
- Toxicity from prescribed medications
- Recurrent seizures
Progression of rapidly progressive dementia
The symptoms and progression of RPD vary between individuals and the underlying cause. Affected people will usually develop problems with their memory, communication and thought processes. They may also develop personality, behavioural and mood changes. Symptoms related to movement may develop due to brain cell injury as the condition worsens.
Many causes of RPD are often treatable and reversible if diagnosed quickly. For some other RPDs, there are no cures, and the progression of symptoms is inevitable, although there may be some treatment to help relieve specific symptoms. Sadly, patients with non-curable forms of RPD may die within months or a few years from onset.
Diagnosing rapidly progressive dementia
RPD can be very difficult to diagnose. But diagnosing it accurately and quickly is essential in order to treat and protect from further brain cell damage. Seeing a specialist doctor can help identify possible causes by looking at the progression, recent exposures such as toxins or recent travel. A detailed history, as well as an analysis of symptoms, will be taken. Various tests can be carried out as well as brain imaging and scans. Cancers, infections, toxins and autoimmune conditions could all cause a fast decline in mental function, as well as the more common neurodegenerative causes of dementia such as Alzheimer’s, strokes and Parkinson’s disease.
Treating rapidly progressive dementia
Treating RPD will depend on the root cause of the condition. For example, if cancer or a hormone imbalance is causing the symptoms of dementia, treatment of the condition may improve symptoms. Sadly, for many people no cure is available. For these people, the emphasis is on treating the symptoms to keep them comfortable and improve their quality of life as much as possible.
How to care for someone with rapidly progressive dementia
As with any form of dementia, ensuring the person’s physical and emotional needs are taken care of. While they are able, keep them involved and let them make their own decisions and choices about what happens in their day-to-day life.
Due to the nature of RPD, it’s important to discuss end-of-life care with them so they have the opportunity to make decisions now about their future.
Caring for someone with RPD can be physically and emotionally challenging, so it’s important to ask for help and take care of yourself too.
Eximius can provide exceptional live-in support for your loved one. Having the day-to-day caring tasks looked after by one of our caring and compassionate companions, leaves you to spend quality time with your loved one.
Please get in touch if you’d like to learn more.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the coating that protects your nerves (myelin) is damaged. More than 130,000 people in the UK have MS with individuals most likely to find out they have the condition in their thirties, forties, and fifties. But the first signs of MS often start years earlier. Many people notice their first symptoms years before they get their diagnosis. MS affects almost three times as many women as men.
MS has many symptoms, but not everyone will experience all of them. Some of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
- Eye problems
- Numbness or tingling feelings (sometimes a bit like pins and needles)
- Fatigue
- Difficulty walking
- Problems controlling the bladder
- Muscle stiffness and spasms
- Problems with thinking, learning and planning
- Problems with balance and co-ordination
MS symptoms can come and go and change over time depending on the type of MS the client has. They can be mild, or more severe. However, throughout a client’s journey with MS, it is important they feel supported and maintain as much independence as possible. Eximius can play a crucial role in ensuring this happens. Eximius provide high quality personalised care to help clients receive the benefits of being cared for within their own home compared to residential or care home settings.
These benefits include improved wellbeing and overall health, maintaining existing routines and remaining connected with loved ones. Although there is no cure for MS, it is essential to adopt positive lifestyle habits to help slow the speed of the disease progression. Companions at Eximius work around the clock to ensure clients are satisfied, maintain healthy lifestyle habits, and ensure clients experience a quality of life they deserve.
How our companions can help
Personal care
Often individuals with MS have reduced mobility and are unable to carry out personal care themselves. Companions are Eximius can help assist clients with personal hygiene. We understand that this can be a sensitive matter and ensure that the client’s dignity is respected whilst helping with personal care.
Help them stay socially active
Our companions can help keep MS clients stimulated by ensuring they keep in touch with friends, remain active and attend activities they enjoy and love. This is good for a client’s confidence, mental wellbeing and helps ensure they remain connected to the local community. Companions can also escort clients on daytrips to museums, concerts and on holiday. This helps ensure that our clients experience a quality life that they deserve.
Additionally, companion’s at Eximius can play a vital role in ensuring clients carry out exercise. Regular, moderate exercise is now known to be an important part of maintaining good health and wellbeing for people with MS. There is evidence that it can help with many MS symptoms, and with general quality of life.
Moderate exercise has been shown to improve strength, mobility and bowel and bladder function for people with mild to moderate MS. Exercise is also helpful in helping maintain a healthy weight. This reduces your chances of acquiring co-morbidities, and can also reduce the impact of some MS symptoms, such as pain and fatigue. Exercise activities include swimming, arm cycling, sailing and boating, bowling, golf and Archery. Eximius companions can drive, provide company and organise exercise classes for clients.
Help with domestic tasks
Companions at Eximius are required to keep a client’s house clean. All rooms are regularly cleaned and vacuumed ensuring that the upkeep of the house is kept to a high standard. This can be reassuring to a client’s family knowing that there relative is in a safe and tidy environment.
Help care for the client’s much-loved pet
Companions at Eximius will happily support looking after client’s pets by feeding them and taking them on regular walks.
Eating and drinking
At Eximius companions help with the client’s food shopping and cook healthy well-balanced meals. Meal’s choices can be prepared based on the client’s desires and preferences. This ensures that the client regularly eats/drinks and receives essential vitamins. This is important in remaining healthy and keeping their immune systems strong helpful in fighting illness. MS is an autoimmune disease and therefore having a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key in preventing other health complications such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Each companion is provided with an Eximius recipe book when going into a placement. The recipe book is filled with tasty healthy meals helpful in ensuring clients receive a range of delicious meals.
Major claims have been made regarding curing or significantly alleviating MS through specific diets such as the swank diet, palaeolithic diet and the Mediterranean diet. Some people are very passionate supporters of a specific diet, but none of these diets have been shown to work for everyone who tries them. If a client wants to try one of these diets, Eximius companions can assist with this.
Companionship
Individual with MS can become frustrated, depressed and there mental wellbeing can deteriorate. Companions at Eximius can provide excellent emotional support and assistance during this difficult period. Our companions are carefully selected by our recruitment manager, ensuring that all companions employed by the company are of an outstanding care standard. Companions are perfectly matched to a client to ensure they share similar interests and hobbies. This enables a client to continue living an interesting and stimulating life.
Safe mobility
An individual’s house often has to be adapted to help ensure safe movement and mobility. Companions at Eximius ensure that a client’s house is the perfect fit for them. They will contact an occupational therapist who will provide expert guidance and advice as to what equipment and adaptations are required. These are then fitted into a client’s house hassle free.
Furthermore, collaborative health and social care is essential and people with the condition will often need the expert professional help of a multidisciplinary team. The multidisciplinary team can include a person’s specialist, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist.
Eximius play an important role in ensuring this is organised, appointments are scheduled, and doctors are attended on time. This takes all pressure of the client’s family and enables them to continue living a life knowing there loved one is receiving a high standard of care.
Managing and administering medications
All companions at Eximius are fully trained and qualified in the administration of medication. We ensure that companions understand and aware of client’s medication usage before they go into placement. This helps ensure a smooth and accurate handover. Additionally, companions are required to document the administration of medication on a secure care electronic system. This helps companions monitor intake and let a clients family know that their loved one is being looked after. This can be extremely reassuring. Companions will also ensure that repeat prescriptions are made and will collect medication from the pharmacy. This takes all pressure of the client’s family.
Reasons to choose Eximius
Consistency
We believe in keeping the same carer in place for as long as possible. This means a strong bond can develop between the carer and the client. The carer can understand the clients likes and dislikes and build a level of trust. This is especially important for clients with MS whose condition may vary from day-to-day. Having the same carer means they will be able to adjust better to their clients needs.
Training and experience
Our carers have years of experience in all sorts of conditions. We would place a carer with experience in with a client with MS and ensure all training was up to date. They are also supported by our clinical lead and care team with over 60 years experience.
Choosing the correct care is an important decision and our experienced team are here to help every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we are more than happy to help.
Caring for a sick or elderly loved one can be such a rewarding experience. But it can also be very difficult, especially if you, as the carer, have little support yourself.
In this scenario, you may find you have been caring full time with no break for a long time. You may be juggling caring with another paid job, possibly with regularly broken sleep.
The combination of stress and pressures from the responsibility of caring, along with the lack of time for your own life can lead to feelings and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Carer depression is more common than you may think
- Carers who care for a loved one with a mental health problem have a significantly higher risk of experiencing their own issues with mental health.
- 71% of carers have poor physical or mental health.
- A study found 84% of carers feel more stressed, 78% feel more anxious and 55% reported that they suffered from depression because of their caring role.
Common causes of carer depression
These are some of the common issues that, over time, can lead to symptoms of carer depression.
- Stress – As the main carer you may find you worry constantly about your loved one, their health and their future. This stress can build over time and can lead to you experiencing mental health difficulties.
- Anxiety – If you find you have a lot of anxiety on a day-to-day basis, this too can build up over time and become overwhelming.
- Loss of self – Caring for someone full time often means you have little or no time to care for yourself. You lose friendships and hobbies, leaving you feeling lonely and unfulfilled. Very often your own health and wellbeing are forgotten as you constantly put your loved one first.
- Money worries – Maybe you lost an income when your loved one became ill or maybe you lost your income in order to become a full-time carer. You may have extra costs now relating to medical needs or regular travel to appointments.
- Lack of sleep – A lack of sleep can adversely affect your mental and physical health over time.
- Resentment and Guilt – Although you want to care for your loved one, it’s completely normal to feel some resentment if, in doing so, you’ve lost your own joy in life. Then you may feel guilty for feeling that way and so the cycle continues.
What are the symptoms of carer depression?
Depression has many symptoms, so it’s all about spotting them early. Carers UK advises to consider seeking help from a doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis:
- Feeling hopeless, irritable, anxious, worried, or tearful
- Feeling unable to cope with everyday things that you would not have thought twice about in the past
- Losing your appetite, losing weight, or having trouble sleeping
- In extreme cases, you might even think about harming yourself or other people
- Depression can build up gradually, so you may not realise how much it is affecting you
Due to the stressful nature of their lives, carers can be more prone to depression. If you are unsure, the NHS has a helpful self-assessment tool you could try: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/clinical-depression/overview/
What can you do to help?
If you’re feeling overworked and overwhelmed, then seeking support is the first thing to do. This can be physical support with the tasks involved in caring for your loved one. Or it could be emotional support for you. People can’t help if they don’t know you are struggling.
Take time out if you can. Ask friends or family if they can take over for some short breaks throughout the week, or maybe for a longer period weekly. You could use this time to take a bath, rekindle an old hobby or have lunch with friends.
If you know your mood is very low, talk to a doctor. There are many ways to support your mental well-being and prevent worsening symptoms that may, ultimately, leave you unable to care for your loved one at all.
How can Eximius help?
It can be a very positive and rewarding experience to know you are helping someone else, but that doesn’t make it easy or stress-free.
At Eximius, we can provide a range of care to suit all requirements. Whether you would like us to take over all the care, provide a little day-to-day support or simply provide a little respite care a few times a year, we can help.
If you feel you could benefit from some additional help at home, we love to hear from you. Get in touch and we can have a chat about how we can support you.
What is brain injury?
Brain injury takes many forms and has many causes and levels of severity.
Any brain injury that has occurred since birth is known as an acquired brain injury (ABI). Other common forms of brain injury include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – commonly occurs due to road traffic collisions, falls, assaults, etc. TBIs are generally categorised into minor, moderate and severe injuries.
- Stroke – occurs when either the blood supply in the brain is blocked by a blood clot (ischaemic stroke) or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts (haemorrhagic stroke) causing a bleed on the brain (haemorrhage).
- Encephalitis – inflammation of the brain caused by either a viral infection or through the immune system attacking the brain in error.
- Meningitis – inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain (meninges) caused by bacterial or viral infections.
Hypoxic/anoxic injury – caused by lack of oxygen to the brain and can happen as a result of a heart attack, near drowning, carbon monoxide poisoning, etc. - Brain tumour – an abnormal growth of cells in the brain.
- Hydrocephalus – a build up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. This often occurs in babies as a result of birth defects or infection and can also occur in adults due to traumatic brain injury, stroke, brain tumour, or, on rare occasions, spontaneously, with no known cause.
There were 348,453 UK admissions to hospital with acquired brain injury in 2016-17. That is 531 admissions per 100,000 of the population. Men are 1.5 times more likely than women to be admitted for head injury. In 2016-17, there were 132,199 admissions for stroke. That is an increase of 10% since 2005-6 and equates to one every four minutes.
How long and how arduous the road to recovery is for brain injured individuals varies from case to case. Receiving the correct care throughout this journey is crucial. Evidence has shown that the type of care selected plays an important role in seeing benefits in wellbeing and health, with live-in care showing the greatest benefits.
Eximius provides outstanding live-in care to help ensure that injured individuals maintain as much independence, control, and a high-quality life. It can be a worrying and difficult time for a family after a loved one experiences a brain injury. However, at Eximius we make this time a little easier by providing a personalised and flexible approach to ensure a loved one is cared for correctly. Companions at Eximius go above and beyond to ensure clients and families are satisfied.
How our companions can help:
Managing and administering medications
Medications may be used to manage some of the effects of a brain injury. Medication to limit secondary damage may also need to be administered. All companions at Eximius are fully trained and qualified in the administration of medication. We ensure that companions understand and aware of client’s medication usage before they go into placement. This helps ensure a smooth and accurate handover. Additionally, companions are required to document the administration of medication on a secure care electronic system. This helps companions monitor intake and let a clients family know that their loved one is being looked after. This can be extremely reassuring. Companions will also ensure that repeat prescriptions are made and will collect medication from the pharmacy. This takes all pressure of the client’s family.
Personal care
Often individuals with a brain injury have reduced mobility and are unable to carry out personal care themselves. Companions are Eximius can help assist clients with personal hygiene. We understand that this can be a sensitive matter and ensure that the client’s dignity is respected whilst helping with personal care.
Help them stay socially active
Our companions can help keep brain injury clients stimulated by ensuring they keep in touch with friends, remain active and attend activities they enjoy and love. This is good for a client’s confidence, mental wellbeing and helps ensure they remain connected to the local community. Companions can also escort clients on daytrips to museums, concerts and on holiday. This helps ensure that our clients experience a quality life that they deserve.
Additionally, companion’s at Eximius can play a vital role in ensuring clients carry out exercise and rehabilitation. Activity is the best way to keep a client’s body healthy, improve mental health and to avoid complications. Research has demonstrated the benefits of activity in maintaining health and function as well as recovery.
Most people who have had a significant brain injury will require rehabilitation. They may need to relearn basic skills, such as walking or talking. Companion’s can ensure that daily rehabilitation takes place.
Help with domestic tasks
Companions at Eximius are required to keep a client’s house clean. All rooms are regularly cleaned and vacuumed ensuring that the upkeep of the house is kept to a high standard. This can be reassuring to a client’s family knowing that there relative is in a safe and tidy environment.
Help care for the client’s much loved pet
Companions at Eximius will happily support looking after client’s pets by feeding them and taking them on regular walks.
Eating and drinking
At Eximius companions help with the client’s food shopping and cook healthy well-balanced meals. Meal’s choices can be prepared based on the client’s desires and preferences. This ensures that the client regularly eats/drinks and receives essential vitamins. This is important in remaining healthy and keeping their immune systems strong helpful in fighting illness. Each companion is provided with an Eximius recipe book when going into a placement. The recipe book is filled with tasty healthy meals helpful in ensuring clients receive a range of delicious meals.
Companionship
Individual with a brain injury can become frustrated, depressed and there mental wellbeing can deteriorate. Companions at Eximius can provide excellent emotional support and assistance during this difficult period. Our companions are carefully selected by our recruitment manager, ensuring that all companions employed by the company are of an outstanding care standard. Companions are perfectly matched to a client to ensure they share similar interests and hobbies. This enables a client to continue living an interesting and stimulating life.
Safe mobility
Eximius like to keep companions in a placement for as long as possible to enable the client and companion to develop a relationship. This is extremely important in the companion picking up and noticing behavioural changes in the client. Seizures can develop after a brain injury and occur several months, or even years after the injury occurred. Having a companion that notices alterations in the client mood is important. Additionally, keeping a companion in a placement for a while helps maintain structure. Maintaining a structured environment is essential for providing care to someone who’s suffered a brain injury. The structure will minimize potential issues by providing the individual a consistent, dependable way of life.
An individual’s house often has to be adapted to help ensure safe movement and mobility. Companions at Eximius ensure that a client’s house is the perfect fit for them. They will contact an occupational therapist who will provide expert guidance and advice as to what equipment and adaptations are required. These are then fitted into a client’s house hassle free. Furthermore, collaborative health and social care is often essential and people with a brain injury will often need the expert professional help of a multidisciplinary team. The multidisciplinary team can include a person’s specialist, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist. Eximius play an important role in ensuring this is organised, appointments are scheduled, and doctors are attended on time. This takes all pressure of the client’s family and enables them to continue living a life knowing there loved one is receiving a high standard of care.
Reasons to choose Eximius
Consistency
We believe in keeping the same carer in place for as long as possible. This means a strong bond can develop between the carer and the client. The carer can understand the clients likes and dislikes, what might trigger them and build a level of trust. This is especially important with brain injury where communication is critical. Having the same carer in place means they get to know a client’s traits and build knowledge of methods of communication and their meaning.
Knowledge and experience
We have cared for many clients with brain injury and with their case managers and health professional teams. We understand the needs and particular challenges. All our carers are trained in the specific skills to care for our clients and liaise with our clinical lead for support.
Flexibility and creativity
Because we are a small owner run company, we are able to be very fast and flexible with decision making. We can be creative around solutions for particular situations and less rigid in our approach. This has meant in the past that where other companies have struggled with housing or family dynamics, we are able to come up with innovative solutions.
Choosing the correct care is an important decision and our experienced team are here to help every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we are more than happy to help.
A decreased appetite is common among the older generation. Taste buds decrease with age and retirement often brings about more sedentary routines. This results in hunger signals becoming reduced so there’s less desire for food.
It is essential for your elderly loved ones to eat nutritious meals. They need to be getting enough calories in order to maintain a healthy and stable weight. Eating the right food allows the body to perform at its best, fight ageing, fight disease and boost immunity. It also promotes health and wellness by giving us all the vitamins and minerals needed to function effectively.
Here we will offer some tips on how to encourage your elderly loved ones to eat if they have no appetite. Sometimes simple changes can make a big difference.
Where to start
It can be difficult to encourage elderly people to eat when they don’t feel like it. We worry about them and worry they’re not getting the nutrition they need.
First, rule out any serious health problems, dental problems or medication side effects by getting them checked by a doctor and dentist. Once you are reassured that a health problem isn’t causing their loss of appetite, you can confidently start experimenting with different ways to entice them. There are various ways to increase and stimulate someone’s appetite – but it can be a challenge. Try not to be discouraged and try these ideas.
11 tips to increase and stimulate appetite in your elderly loved one
- Create a routine for meals – having regular mealtimes as well as similar food at the same mealtime can help. Expecting certain foods at certain times of day, such as porridge at 8am, can help an elderly person feel ready for that meal.
- Make eating a social event. Eating with others makes it enjoyable and can distract from the lack of appetite. In addition, eating with company, who are also eating, makes it more likely that more food will be eaten.
- Make a nice atmosphere for the meal, so it’s a pleasurable experience. Maybe some music and candles in the evening. Or breakfast outdoors in the sun with the birds singing on a summer morning.
- Give choice and control wherever possible. Sometimes actually choosing whether to eat can be one of their last few remaining acts of independence.
- Is dry mouth causing a problem? Certain medical conditions or medications can cause dry mouth. If this has been ruled out, consider if dehydration is a factor or eliminating tobacco and caffeine.
- Offer finger foods. They can be nutritious, easy to cook and easy to eat (no table required), as well as making little mess and requiring almost no cleanup.
- Encourage snacks whenever hunger strikes. There’s no need to try and preserve appetite until the next mealtime – it may have passed by then. For some people, little and often can be better than larger meals less often.
- Offer high-calorie food such as nuts, avocado, olive oil as a dressing and full-fat dairy. This helps to ensure that the most calories possible are consumed, even in small meals.
- Consider drinkable meals, especially in cases where appetite is very reduced. Smoothies can be packed with all sorts of nutritious ingredients including fruit vegetables, carbohydrates, and fats.
- ! A little tipple or two has been known to increase appetite so providing there are no health concerns, give it a try.
- Keep a food diary. This allows you to keep a record of what they like and dislike, as well as what times they ate the most. Then you can replicate it!
The most important thing is to be patient. Keep experimenting and don’t get discouraged.
If you or a loved one are facing the challenges of Parkinson’s, you know how essential it is to find effective ways to manage the condition and improve overall well-being.
That’s where High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) comes in – a game-changing exercise approach that can potentially bring hope to those living with Parkinson’s.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder that can affect movement, balance, and coordination. Daily activities that once seemed effortless may become more challenging over time. While current management strategies are helpful, we’re here to explore how HIIT can be a valuable addition to the toolkit for managing Parkinson’s.
What is HIIT?
Now you might be wondering, “What exactly is this HIIT thing?” High-Intensity Interval Training is a form of exercise that combines short bursts of intense activity with brief periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise. It’s a powerful workout technique that has gained popularity for its effectiveness in improving overall health.
The Power of Dopamine and Its Connection to Parkinson’s and HIIT
One of the key players in Parkinson’s disease is dopamine – a vital neurotransmitter responsible for coordinating movement and regulating emotions. In individuals with Parkinson’s, there is a gradual decline in dopamine production due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.
Here’s where the connection to HIIT becomes particularly intriguing. Research has indicated that high-intensity exercise, like HIIT, can stimulate dopamine release in the brain. This surge of dopamine may help compensate for the deficiency caused by Parkinson’s, temporarily improving motor function and reducing symptoms.
Benefits of HIIT for People with Parkinson’s
Engaging in HIIT regularly may promote the creation of new dopamine receptors in the brain, enhancing dopamine sensitivity and improving the brain’s ability to use the available dopamine more efficiently. As a result, individuals with Parkinson’s may experience temporary relief from motor symptoms and potentially see long-term benefits through consistent HIIT practice.
Enhancing Motor Skills and Coordination
Studies have shown that HIIT can positively impact gait and balance, which are often affected by Parkinson’s disease. HIIT exercises can help improve fine and gross motor skills, making it easier to perform day-to-day activities with greater confidence.
Boosting Cognitive Function
HIIT may stimulate neuroplasticity in individuals with Parkinson’s. This means that the brain’s ability to reorganise and adapt might be enhanced through HIIT, potentially leading to improvements in cognitive function.
Reducing Rigidity and Bradykinesia
Many individuals with Parkinson’s experience stiffness and slowness of movement. Research suggests that HIIT could be a promising way to address these symptoms, offering a potential alternative to traditional exercise approaches.
Managing Depression and Anxiety
HIIT can do more than just work up a sweat; it also helps release those feel-good endorphins that can lift your spirits and alleviate stress. For those with Parkinson’s, this could be a valuable tool in managing the mental health challenges that may arise.
Enhancing Overall Quality of Life
The ultimate goal is to improve the overall quality of life for those with Parkinson’s. HIIT has the potential to promote independence, self-confidence, and a greater sense of well-being.
Safety Considerations
As with any exercise routine, it’s essential to prioritise safety. If you’re considering starting HIIT, consult your healthcare professional to ensure it suits your needs. Additionally, always listen to your body and know when to take a break or modify the exercises
Take a look at the short video. The “King of HIIT”, Joe Wicks, speaks to Neuro-physiologist Milly Khan from Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital to talk about the benefits her patients are seeing from exercise and specifically HIIT.
Incorporating HIIT into Daily Life
Now that we’ve piqued your interest, you might wonder how to start with HIIT. Developing a personalised routine is vital; setting realistic goals and tracking your progress is crucial. Remember, every journey is unique, so find the exercises that suit you best and enjoy the process!
Ready to jump in and try a HIIT workout designed for individuals with Parkinson’s? Here is a 20 Minute HIIT Workout for Parkinson’s with Joe Wicks.
Understanding how a spinal cord injury (SCI) affects both our clients and their wider support network of friends and family helps us to provide the best care possible. It can also provide useful insight and guidance for people who are navigating their way with an SCI, for themselves or a loved one.
A spinal cord injury (SCI) can happen in the blink of an eye but have life-changing consequences.
Alongside the obvious physical effects of an SCI, the hidden impact on emotional and mental health requires equal care and attention.
It’s important that the right care is provided to help clients return to the highest level of function and independence possible, whilst improving their overall quality of life – physically, emotionally, and socially.
Emotional responses
There’s no right or wrong way to feel when your life is impacted by an SCI, whether the injury is your own or that of a loved one. No two injuries, experiences, circumstances, and reactions are the same. But what is completely normal is to experience constantly changing emotions.
It’s also important to recognise that many feelings are transient and the way you view and deal with the injury will evolve over time.
- You might experience shock and feel numb or disbelief upon learning of an SCI.
- You might feel anger and question why it happened to you and your family.
- You might feel sadness and mourn the loss of the life you previously had and the future life you had planned.
- You might feel overwhelmed and helpless due to the enormity of the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the SCI.
- You might feel stressed by the volume of information, decisions and responsibilities required.
- You might feel lost and unworthy and unsure of new roles within the family.
- Your own inexperience and external social attitudes to disability might cause you anxiety and apprehension around the future and how you and your loved ones will cope.
- You might feel frustrated by the pace or prognosis of your rehabilitation.
- You might have days where you feel both optimism and despair.
All of these are natural and normal and to be expected as you navigate your way.
Shifting roles and identities
The loss of physical independence and reliance on others can be one of the biggest adjustments to make with an SCI. Learning the physical limitations of what you can do independently whilst also getting used to someone else helping with your physical and personal care, can be emotionally and physically draining. This doesn’t happen overnight.
Inevitably, roles and identities within relationships and families shift following an SCI. The role of the individual with the SCI may be more passive than previously, with a different perceived contribution to family life and significant dependence on others. Their role at work, as a parent, as a spouse, invariably changes – and both they and others must adjust.
Some everyday activities that were taken for granted before the injury, must be re-thought and adapted for all members of the household.
For spouses, especially if they are providing care, the loss or barriers to physical intimacy are challenging to adjust to. Becoming a caregiver to a spouse changes the dynamics of the relationship.
How to move forward
Acknowledging both the negative and positive feelings is an essential part of understanding and living with an SCI. If negative feelings persist, it’s vital to reach out and seek help from a professional to find ways to cope, feel stronger and avoid sadness developing into depression.
It takes time to process the multi-faceted impact of an SCI: to understand the vast amount of medical knowledge shared; to make multiple decisions on the household’s new lifestyle, routines, roles, and responsibilities; to trust and build relationships with professionals involved in medical, physical, and emotional care; and to come to terms with the new day to day realities of living with an SCI.
Learning new approaches to the multiple aspects of everyday life to make things easier and more manageable for the entire household, can, ultimately make life more enjoyable and even bring a family closer together.
Reaching out and engaging relevant and experienced professionals can be vital when navigating an SCI. Whether your home needs adapting structurally or with specific equipment, or you need specialised care at certain times of the day or with certain tasks, or you just need someone to talk to, seeking external help can make a positive difference.
In the longer term, reintegration to work, family life, the community and socialising are essential and can be achieved by reclaiming or redefining roles. Old responsibilities may be lost, but new ones can be given which are appropriate and achievable. Engaging in meaningful activities is crucial to living an enjoyable and purposeful life.
Life might look and feel vastly different than it did previously but with time, and the right care and encouragement, life can be fulfilling once again. Relationships can strengthen and deepen, loved ones and life itself can feel more appreciated, and new careers or directions can flourish.
We understand the multiple challenges when caring for someone with a spinal cord injury. With the right care, our clients with SCIs continue to stay in their own home, and lead fulfilling, active, and independent lives.
If you or a loved-one would like to understand more about our bespoke spinal cord injury care or any of our services such as respite care, day or night live-in care, please get in contact, we’d love to help.
What is a spinal injury?
A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord. It’s an extremely serious type of physical trauma that’s likely to have a lasting and significant impact on most aspects of daily life.
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves and other tissue that the vertebrae of the spine contains and protects. The vertebrae are the bones stacked on top of each other that make up the spine.
The spine contains many nerves, and extends from the brain’s base down the back, ending close to the buttocks. The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages from the brain to all parts of the body. It also sends messages from the body to the brain.
If the spinal cord sustains an injury, some or all of these impulses may not be able to “get through.” The result is a complete or total loss of sensation and mobility below the injury. A spinal cord injury closer to the neck will typically cause paralysis throughout a larger part of the body than one in the lower back area.
There are approximately 2,500 new cases of Spinal Cord Injury from trauma in the UK each year and the number of people living with a spinal injury in the UK is approximately 50,000.
what is spinal injury live-in care?
Live-in care for individuals with spinal injuries offers support in enhancing daily life, restoring independence, and managing daily activities. This care is typically provided by an experienced agency or specialised provider knowledgeable in spinal injury care.
Spinal cord injuries of any kind may result in one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
- Loss of movement
- Loss or altered sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold and touch
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Exaggerated reflex activities or spasms
- Changes in sexual function, sexual sensitivity and fertility
- Pain or an intense stinging sensation caused by damage to the nerve fibres in your spinal cord
- Difficulty breathing, coughing or clearing secretions from your lungs
- In many cases after a spinal cord injury, individuals will require support and should be provided with choice about the type of care they receive whether that is in a care home, residential or live-in care.
In many cases individuals are unaware of live-in care. Receiving compassionate care in the safety and familiarity of your own home following a spinal cord injury has far reaching benefits, in terms of improving wellbeing, overall health and quality of life.
At Eximius we can help by providing highly trained companions to ensure clients can continue living in their own home, surrounded by loved ones.
We take a flexible and personalised approach to care helping ensure clients retain choice, control in life, and maintain as much independence as possible. Companions at Eximius go above and beyond to ensure clients and families are satisfied.
How our companions can help
Managing and administering medications
Medications may be used to manage some of the effects of spinal cord injury. These include medications to control pain and muscle spasticity, as well as medications that can improve bladder control, bowel control and sexual functioning.
All companions at Eximius are fully trained and qualified in the administration of medication. We ensure that companions understand and are aware of the client’s medication usage before they go into placement. This helps ensure a smooth and accurate handover.
Additionally, companions are required to document the administration of medication on a secure care electronic system. This helps companions monitor intake and let a client’s family know that their loved one is being looked after.
This can be extremely reassuring. Companions will also ensure that repeat prescriptions are made and will collect medication from the pharmacy. This takes all pressure off the client’s family.
Personal care
Often individuals with a spinal cord injury have reduced mobility and are unable to carry out personal care themselves. Companions at Eximius can help assist clients with personal hygiene. We understand that this can be a sensitive matter and ensure that the client’s dignity is respected whilst helping with personal care.
Help them stay socially active
Our companions can help keep spinal injury clients stimulated by ensuring they keep in touch with friends, remain active and attend activities they enjoy and love. This is good for a client’s confidence, mental wellbeing and helps ensure they remain connected to the local community. Companions can also escort clients on daytrips to museums, concerts and on holiday. This helps ensure that our clients experience a quality life that they deserve.
Additionally, companion’s at Eximius can play a vital role in ensuring clients carry out exercise. Activity is the best way to keep a client’s body healthy, improve mental health and to avoid complications.
Research has demonstrated the benefits of activity in maintaining health and function as well as recovery. Companions at Eximius can help clients perform a range of motion exercises to help keep joints supple and assist with bowel, bladder, and skin care.
Movement of the legs and trunk keep the bowels moving and the urine in the bladder stirred, thereby reducing the client’s chances of infection. Moving the body by performing pressure releases, keeps small blood vessels from collapsing or clotting.
Help with domestic tasks
Companions at Eximius are required to keep a client’s house clean. All rooms are regularly cleaned and vacuumed ensuring that the upkeep of the house is kept to a high standard. This can be reassuring to a client’s family knowing that their relative is in a safe and tidy environment.
Help care for the client’s much-loved pet
Companions at Eximius will happily support looking after client’s pets by feeding them and taking them on regular walks.
Eating and drinking
At Eximius companions help with the client’s food shopping and cook healthy well-balanced meals. Meal choices can be prepared based on the client’s desires and preferences. This ensures that the client regularly eats/drinks and receives essential vitamins. This is important in remaining healthy and keeping their immune systems strong, which is helpful in fighting illness. Each companion is provided with an Eximius recipe book when going into a placement. The recipe book is filled with tasty healthy meals, which help ensure clients receive a range of delicious meals.
Companionship
Individuals with a spinal cord injury can become frustrated, depressed and their mental wellbeing can deteriorate. Companions at Eximius can provide excellent emotional support and assistance during this difficult period. Our companions are carefully selected by our recruitment manager, ensuring that all companions employed by the company are of an outstanding care standard. Companions are perfectly matched to a client to ensure they share similar interests and hobbies. This enables a client to continue living an interesting and stimulating life.
Safe mobility
An individual’s house often has to be adapted to help ensure safe movement and mobility. Companions at Eximius ensure that a client’s house is the perfect fit for them. They will contact an occupational therapist who will provide expert guidance and advice on what equipment and adaptations are required. These are then fitted into a client’s house, hassle free.
Furthermore, collaborative health and social care is essential and people with a spinal cord condition will often need the expert professional help of a multidisciplinary team. The multidisciplinary team can include a person’s specialist, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist.
Eximius play an important role in ensuring this is organised, appointments are scheduled, and doctors are attended on time. This takes all the pressure away from the client’s family and enables them to continue living a life, knowing their loved one is receiving a high standard of care.
Reasons to choose Eximius
Experience
Eximius have specialised in clients with spinal injuries since we started. We understand not only the physical concerns but also the emotional impact from a spinal injury. We have a team of carers who have extensive experience in this area and are able to support our clients and their needs. We also have a clinical lead and connections with The Spinal Injury Association (SIA) for specific requirements.
Training
Our carers are trained in all aspects of care for spinal injuries, including bowel management, AD, respiratory care and tissue viability. We use external trainers from Stoke Mandeville hospital and have our own bespoke internal training.
Consistency
We like to ensure the same carers are assigned to a client and always aim to have one primary carer. This helps to build trust and knowledge of a client’s needs.
Choosing the right care is an important decision and our experienced team are here to help every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to get in touch, we are more than happy to help.
It can be overwhelming trying to understand, let alone decide between, the different care options available for you or your loved one. Every family has its own unique set of circumstances, concerns, and resources behind its journey to locate the right type of care. We recognise it can be challenging when making your choice.
We hope our comprehensive list of the pros and cons of Domiciliary Care versus Residential Care versus Live-in Care can help you make the right decision for you.
Domiciliary Care
Domiciliary care can also be known as hourly care and is for an agreed, fixed number of hours a day or week. A carer will visit you or your loved one in their own home and assist with meals, cleaning, shopping, and company within those set hours.
Advantages of domiciliary care
- Domiciliary care can enable you or your loved one to maintain some independence whilst staying within your own home.
- Remaining in familiar surroundings can provide stability and a sense of normalcy.
- It can be a flexible solution – with the type and frequency of care given able to be increased or decreased as needed.
- Domiciliary care is more widely known and can be more affordable than other care options as you pay only for your essential care needs.
Disadvantages of domiciliary care
- Domiciliary care can suffer from a lack of consistency or higher turnover of care workers which can be unsettling for those in receipt of the care. It is harder to cope with or build up trust with different people coming and going.
- Care is only on hand at the agreed times which can cause concerns of vulnerability and safety if help is unexpectedly needed outside of these hours.
- The type of care available can be limited and less suitable for more complicated health conditions.
Residential care
Residential care is usually for older people who may need support with day-to-day tasks such as washing or dressing but don’t require more specialist nursing care or dementia support.
Advantages of residential care
- Residential care can offer companionship as residents are living with people often of a similar age, and in similar circumstances.
- There can be a range of organised activities available designed to stimulate the mind and the body such as light exercise, quizzes, arts and crafts, etc.
- Trained and qualified personal and medical care staff are on duty round the clock.
- Residents will have a room to call their own which can be made to feel like home, with personalised touches.
- There is no need for you or your loved one to have to worry about grocery shopping, paying bills, gardening, or the general upkeep of a property.
Disadvantages of residential care
- The loss of independence and control can be hard to adjust to. Everyday occurrences that require support must be timetabled with staff availability and the needs of the other residents considered. This can mean a schedule for what time you get up and go to bed to what and when you eat.
- There can be restrictions on accessing the world outside of the residential home, which will be dependent upon staff and facilities required to support any planned excursions.
- Although residential care homes are staffed 24/7, the ratios of carers to residents and staff shift patterns can mean help is not always immediately available.
- Despite living in a community with lots of people, the absence of family and friends can result in loneliness.
- Feelings of displacement and rejection can be experienced in those who are no longer living in their own homes.
- The location of a residential home can result in visits from family and friends being less spontaneous and more restricted.
Residential care homes are typically the most expensive care option.
Live-in care
Live-in care provides support for day-to-day life by professional carers, or companions, who live with client’s allowing them to remain in their own homes. Personal, medical, and domestic needs are taken care of and this can comprise of live-in day care, live-in night care, live-in clinical care and live-in respite care.
Advantages of live-in care
- A bespoke care plan can be created and individually tailored around the personal, medical, and domestic needs of you or your loved one.
- Live-in care enables independence and safety for longer in the comfort of home, surrounded by familiar, personal belongings and memories. This can have an incredibly positive impact on general health and wellbeing.
- Live-in care can be built around an existing routine; making sure the favourite television programme isn’t missed, the regular catch ups with children or grandchildren can go ahead or the weekly trip to the Post Office still takes place. Clients can enjoy their own outside space, keep loved pets with them, and hobbies and interests can continue to be pursued.
- Visits with friends, family and connections with the local community can continue uninterrupted and unscheduled.
- Live-in care provides consistency in the care workers who are coming into the home. The same handful of familiar faces supporting you or your loved one, who learn the likes and dislikes, can quickly build into a trusting and reliable relationship, as well as companionship.
- Because the care is within the home, there is peace of mind that help is always immediately at hand, 24/7.
- It can be a particularly good and affordable option for couples, where maybe one or both need help, enabling them to stay together for longer, within their own home.
- Live-in care can be a cost effective and safe alternative to other types of care.
Disadvantages of live-in care
- Homes need to be able to accommodate the space and facilities needed for a care worker, which will depend upon the type of live-in care being used. For example, a private bedroom may be required, with clean bedding and towels and internet access.
- Living with a stranger can be challenging for some to begin with. At Eximius, we carefully select a carer or companion who has the experience, training, and personality to match the needs of our clients. One huge advantage our clients enjoy, is they get to know their carer or companion well, rather than having to cope with different people coming and going. Their carer or companion becomes an integral part of their life and a close family friend. This is particularly relevant when our clients require assistance with personal care. Having a companion that you know and trust to help in this sensitive situation is important.
- There can be anxiety when a trusted and familiar care worker goes on holiday or is unwell and unable to work. At Eximius, when your Live-In Care Worker is due to go on a break, a second Care Worker will be introduced. A number of Eximius carer profiles are sent over to the client before handover takes place. Profiles are carefully matched to the client to ensure they share similar interests and hobbies. This process helps ensure that breaks are covered correctly, a client is satisfied and a smooth handover occurs. If a new carer is being introduced, then we will aim to send a supervisor as well for a smooth handover and to make sure nothing is missed.
Next steps
Whatever you decide, it’s essential to do your research and work with a care provider with a proven track record of delivering exceptional services geared to each individual client. Every family has a unique set of circumstances and resources driving their journey to find the right care provision and it’s important all your questions and concerns are addressed.
Get in touch. We can help
If you or a loved-one would like to understand more about the different care options available, please contact us for further information. We’d love to help.