Harvest Healthcare

Equipped to care

Archives for April 2017

Pressure Ulcers – What are they?

Pressure Ulcers (Sores) develop from sustained pressure on the skin, when individual sit in a chair or lay in bed for a lengthy period. The ulcers are most common for elderly people suffering from poor health, as they are less mobile so are less likely to change position on a regular basis. Skin and tissue become damaged by the constant pressure, eventually wearing away and revealing the bone.

For individuals with less fatty tissue or cushioning around the bone, the ulcers will develop in areas such as the heels, elbows or buttocks area (bony areas). Pressure ulcers also develop if the body has poor circulation, the lack of blood being pumped around the body reduces the nutrients for the skin and increases the chance of ulcer formation.

Damage beneath the skin can begin in as little as two hours of sustained pressure. There are four stages for a pressure ulcer, each stage gradually becomes worse and more of a threat to the individual’s health if left untreated.

Pressure ulcers can be prevented by individuals being kept active, or have assistance in moving every so often. To reduce pressure on the common areas, foam cushions and mattresses can both prevent and treat pressure ulcers, contributing to the good health of patients.

Weight is distributed when the correct pressure relieving mattresses and cushions are used, preventing the skin from breaking. Some mattresses, such as the Kinetic Air have castellated foam tops, which allows the mattress foam to breath therefore preventing the patient from overheating and developing sweat moisture is also a contributor to pressure ulcers.

Pressure Ulcers have a huge impact upon a patient’s life, and need proper care to ensure they do not further decline. The range of products at Harvest Healthcare contribute to the correct treatment necessary for ulcers and provides patients with increased levels of comfort.

Please call and speak to a member of the team, to ensure your patients and loved ones are using the correct pressure relieving products.

Strength & Balance – The Missing Link?

When we are young, we are constantly told how exercise is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and grow up to be strong men and women. But as we become older, life gets in the way and we often forget to continue to exercise. This isn’t good enough. Exercise, strength, and balance are crucial factors in reducing the risk of falling as we become older, and assisting us to live independently as we become older.

41% of over 70s don’t realise how important good strength and balance is to reduce falls, according to new research commissioned by the Centre for Ageing Better. Each year, around 30% of people aged 65 and over will have a fall, which can result in serious injury.

The research carried out by the Centre for Ageing Better, shows just how many of us don’t know what activities are better for improving our strength and balance. Louise Ansari, Director of Communications and Programme Director for Physical Activity at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “It is a sad state of affairs that there are over 250,000 emergency admissions of older people to hospital for falls every year, when so many falls and fractures could be prevented by simple exercises that improve people’s strength and balance.”

Would patients within your Care Home benefit from exercise classes or activities to improve strength and balance? Even if patients are at a lower risk of falling than others, it is still important for them to be included and have a go. Soft yoga classes could be made available once a week, or dance classes something simple to re-awaken the muscles, whilst still enjoying their time. For something tailored for those who like to be outdoors, a game of Bowls at the local park, or gardening on the ground of the home can also get movement flowing.

Something is better than nothing, it is better to gradually build up just 10 minutes at a time before more can be done.

Professor Kevin Fenton, Public Health England National Director for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Falls can pose a very serious health issue for older people and often lead to a loss of confidence and independence.”

Harvest Healthcare supply, Fall Protection Equipment, which can assist patients at a higher risk of falling. Accompanying the Vigilant Falls Reduction System, along with a twice weekly exercise regime could have the desired effect of reducing the number of falls within your Care Home, or even in Sheltered Housing.

April: Stress Awareness Month

This event has been held every April since 1992. Health care professionals and health promotion experts join forces across the country to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for stress.

Everybody feels stressed from time to time, and for some individuals, stress is a real problem. Stress can lead to a number of major health problems ranging from anxiety to serious heart attacks. It is easy to see why it is so important to keep stress levels down.

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The Social Care industry is one area where stress levels are high, for both patient and carer. It is both mentally and physically challenging, as carers are leant upon so heavily to ensure their patient is safe and well looked after even after the working day has finished.

It is important for carers to take a break occasionally, and not become overworked and over-stressed because carers are responsible for more than just themselves.

Focusing on the here and now can assist in providing an escape from what was or what could have been, by just enjoying the moment. All carers should make time for themselves outside work, this will help to control emotions and wellbeing. Some carers work very long hours, which is why it is important to take the designated time for a break, and not go overboard with overtime.

Communication is key. It can be difficult to understand how deep a person’s stress goes, but by speaking to your manager, a friend or a colleague, tension can be released. Carers, talk to an individual who understands your work load and the pressure you are faced with this will pave the way for more effective communication and a possible solution.

Managers feel stress too but they can influence how they and their team feel. Appreciation goes a long way, and it is important to let carers know they are appreciated not only by their patients, but by their management too. One to ones can be effective for both parties, removing negative thoughts and producing a positive plan of action for the future.

Take a look at your working environment, is there something which can change to reduce the amount of stress upon you and your colleagues? Maybe more teamwork is required, increased activities with patients, or even a regular staff meeting to find out how one another is getting along.

Stress affects everyone, but how we deal with it is most important. Don’t suffer, speak.