wellbeing - Radis Home Care

Jul 08

Pony Visit Brings Joy to Residents at Cherry Orchard House

By Radis BLOG

Residents at Cherry Orchard House in Pershore were delighted by an unusual but very welcome visitor – a miniature therapy pony. The four-legged guest brought smiles and laughter to residents living with dementia and limited mobility.

The visit was organised by the care team at Cherry Orchard House, an extra-care housing scheme managed by Radis Community Care in partnership with Rooftop Housing Group. The service provides independent living for older people, with flexible personal care and support available around the clock.

Kimberley Rouse, Service Manager at Cherry Orchard House, said: “The residents loved it. Many were thanking us for arranging it and asking if we can organise more in the future. It brought many residents down who don’t usually come out, and some really came out of their shells. It was a great day.”

Therapy ponies are increasingly recognised for their positive effects on elderly people. The gentle presence of a pony can help reduce feelings of loneliness, improve mood, and stimulate memory recall through sensory engagement.

The visit was made possible thanks to K L Pony Therapy, a specialist provider based in North Yorkshire that brings gentle, trained miniature horses to care homes, schools, and community settings across the country. Their sessions are designed to promote emotional well-being and spark moments of connection through therapeutic interaction.

Katy Smith, Owner of K L Pony Therapy, said: “I felt the visit was very special for the people we met, because of the conversations it sparked, the memories it brought back, and the sense of togetherness. The laughter and smiles just made the visit. We have 12 miniature horses, each with their own personality, and they all bring something special to the visits we do. Any worries or anxiety seem to just fade away. We travel up and down the country to bring the magic of pony therapy.”

This visit was one of many regular and varied activities hosted at Cherry Orchard House. Weekly sessions include bowling, darts, knit and natter groups, art workshops, bingo, and coffee mornings. These events are resident-led and designed to encourage social interaction, combat loneliness, and support emotional well-being.

Cherry Orchard House comprises 52 one- and two-bedroom flats and a bungalow, all refurbished to a high standard. On-site amenities include a café, lounge, guest rooms, and peaceful communal gardens.

This joyful pony visit is just one example of how Radis Community Care brings warmth, independence, and community spirit to those living in its care. To find out more about Cherry Orchard House or the wider services provided by Radis Community Care, please call 0330 100 8150.

Mar 10

The Ultimate Home Safety Checklist for the Elderly and Vulnerable

By Radis BLOG

Whilst winter is coming to an end, many people, especially those that are elderly and vulnerable, will still be spending much of their time indoors and at home. Whether that is because of the cold and wet conditions we regularly experience , or simply because that’s where they feel most comfortable.

Whatever the reason, it’s important for people to ensure their friends, family members or loved ones have a secure and safe home environment – particularly if they live alone.

Our homes are the ultimate safe haven (or should be!), and there are a few things that should be considered to ensure a person’s living space is as safe as possible.

With that in mind, we’ve put together the ultimate home safety checklist for the elderly and vulnerable.

The key is to minimise potential risks around the home, so here are main five things to consider:

Remove any trip hazards
Install alarm system, motion or light sensors
Utilise specialist equipment where necessary
Ensure all fire and smoke alarms are in good working order
Keep necessary items to hand and in easy to reach areas

Reducing any potential risk should be the very first port of call as this can aid the reduction in the number of emergencies and accidents.

Remove any trip hazards

Many people will add rugs and soft furnishings to a home to reduce any feelings of cold and to make the floor much softer in the event of a fall.

However, rugs and mats can often be much more of a trip hazard and aren’t as helpful as we may initially think. Often, rugs will curl up in the corner, can have small lumps and bumps, and if placed on to a more slippery surface, will move out of place – and all of these things contribute to a rug being a trip hazard.

To avoid this, we recommend replacing slippery floors with carpet to provide a softer, more even surface. Alternatively, if having carpets isn’t a possibility, then ensure all rugs and loose mats are securely fixed and are completely flat by using a non-slip rug pad, ensure the edges down or use strong, double sided tape to keep it secure.

Other trip hazards include shoes and other soft furnishings that may have fallen onto the floor, such as pillows and blankets as well as wires, leads and cables. It’s important to ensure that all wires, leads and cables are tidied away, tucked behind furniture and removed if not needed.

It’s also worth considering good lighting, to ensure that all areas, especially hallways and stairs are well-lit so that people can easily see where they’re walking and able to avoid bumps and falls.

Alarm systems and sensors

If you or a loved one suffer from ill-health or vulnerability for whatever reason, it may be time to consider wearing a personal alarm in the event of a fall or accident. Whether you’d prefer to alert a friend, family member or a professional carer, a personal alarm will provide peace of mind for any unexpected emergency whilst still prioritising independent living.

For those living with the likes of dementia, a motion sensor or trigger alarm should also be considered, providing an alert for any wandering.

Utilise specialist equipment

Many people put this off, however specialist equipment can enable people to continue to live independently in the comfort of their own home.

From stair lifts, hand rails and a bed raise to walk in showers, commodes, and wet rooms, there are various pieces of specialist equipment that can help people to live safely and comfortably.

Mobility aids should also be available across all areas of the house if required, such as walking sticks.

Ensure all fire and smoke alarms are in good working order

Whilst this should be a priority for everybody regardless of their health condition, having quality fire and smoke alarms installed is even more prevalent for those that are considered vulnerable, particularly if they suffer with any form of memory loss.

For those living with memory loss and conditions such as dementia, it’s important to consider a safer option, as well as ensuring all fire and smoke alarms are in good working order.

As well as this, people should consider switching their gas hobs and appliances to electric in order to minimise the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

We strongly encourage the use of carbon monoxide alarms, to provide extra reassurance and protection against the above, especially during the winter months when the heating is used more frequently.

Keep important items in easy to reach places

Phones, medication, panic alarms and water should all be kept in places that are easy to reach should they need to access them in a hurry.

Being able to contact a family member, care provider or emergency services in the event of an incident is perhaps the most important thing to consider.

This, along with keeping medication, food and water in places that are easy to reach and access helps ensure those that are vulnerable are able to keep hydrated and nourished when alone.

The ultimate checklist for home safety:

Move household items to an easy-to-reach level
Move leads, cables and any trip hazards
Secure any loose rugs and mats, or replace with carpets
Removal of any clutter
Cover sharp edges and furniture in the event of a fall
Wear a personal alarm or panic button
Keep a phone or form of communication to hand
Put all emergency contacts on speed dial
Consider toilet, shower, chair or bed adjustments and mobility aids
Consider the use of handrails or stairlifts
Electric hob and appliances instead of gas
Anti slip mats in the bath, shower as well as by the doors and entrances to the home

Everybody should – and can – live an independent lifestyle in a safe and comfortable environment, a few adjustments might just need to be made beforehand. If you’re unsure where to start, then consider enlisting the help and support of a professional care provider.

For more information or for support on the services available at Radis Community Care, please visit www.radis.co.uk/services.

Feb 06

The importance of talking to combat mental health and loneliness

By Radis BLOG

Time to Talk Day is the UK’s largest mental health conversation, ran by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with Co-op.

Sometimes, a conversation is all it takes. And, this Time to Talk Day, as a leading care provider, the entire team at Radis Community Care continue to encourage the people we support to start a conversation so that they don’t suffer in silence.

In many cases, conversations about mental health can be hard but it doesn’t always have to be that way. We are firm believers in making things interactive and engaging so that conversations happen naturally, authentically and are a little less daunting for all involved.

For some of our residents, they may not have any friends or family members close by, therefore rely on the time and company of our carers.

Just last year, Radis Community Care opened a brand new day centre, providing a safe space for members of the local community, and specifically for those that are vulnerable, lonely or living with the likes of dementia, enabling them to come together and socialise.

Alison Faulkner, activities coordinator at Radis’ John Chapman Day Centre based in Swaffham, Norfolk, explains the importance of connecting with those who need support.

“Talking is crucial, and we’re keen to do all we can to encourage conversations and help the local community to reduce any feelings of isolation and loneliness – they never have to be alone and we are always on hand to help with this.

“Whether people want to come for a cup of tea and a chat, or to get in involved with our weekly activities and make friends, our day centre has something to offer everyone.”

Alison has recently joined the team which is based at the Old Maltings Extra Care Service and offering a friendly and professional service to those aged over 55, the John Chapman Day Centre is a social hub for the local community.

From hosting knit and natter clubs, music and movement classes, quizzes, bingo and a breakfast club, Radis Community Care hosts its fun and engaging activities all year round – to ensure the conversation continues far beyond just one day.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference. So, here’s a checklist provided by Radis Community Care on how to check in with your loved ones and start a conversation about mental health.

1. Check in with them

Ask how they’re doing – how they’re really doing. And if you feel the need, ask twice. Use open-ended questions to get more than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’, and subtly encourage those conversations.

2. Put the kettle on

It might sound cliché, and we know that it doesn’t actually fix anything, but sometimes all people want or need is a cup of a tea, a slice of cake and a bit of company. In this case, it’s about much more than a cup of tea, but what goes with it – the conversation that follows, being put at ease and having that bit of comfort.

3. Read between the lines

Some people aren’t big talkers, so look out for some other signs that they may be struggling. Are they quieter than usual, do they seem withdrawn or distant? Look out for physical symptoms, too. This can include lack of appetite, insomnia and restlessness.

4. Offer reassurance

Not everybody will want to talk – but in these instances, it is perhaps even more important to offer reassurance. Let them know you’re there for them, leave a leaflet for them to read through, and reassure them that they aren’t alone.

5. Listen

When somebody opens up to you, or begins to start those important conversations about mental health and loneliness, ensure that you really listen. And importantly, take the time to react appropriately.

At Radis, we believe it is crucial for the people we support to feel relaxed, comfortable and at home with our carers. And by getting involved in our various activities, this allows people to switch off and this is when the conversations can really start.

Many of our clients utilise our services to combat loneliness, and often, when you think of a carer, you think of them taking care of a person’s physical health. But quite often, carers are a lifeline to those battling with mental health issues and loneliness, too.

For support or further information on Time to Talk Day, visit: https://timetotalkday.co.uk/.

For more information on Radis Community Care and the services on offer, please visit: www.radis.co.uk.

Oct 01

A person in a white t-shirt holds a green apple in one hand, giving a thumbs-up gesture with the other hand.

National Cholesterol Awareness Month

By Radis BLOG

October is National Cholesterol Awareness month, and with almost half of UK adults living with elevated cholesterol levels, it’s important for people to be aware of the dangers of high cholesterol.

This month is also home to World Stroke Day, and as a key risk factor that can contribute to the cause of a stroke, what better time to raise awareness about cholesterol than now?

What is cholesterol?

First things first, what is cholesterol? To put it simply, cholesterol is a type of fat that is made in the liver, and is found in some foods, too. It circulates in your blood and performs various important functions, including supporting the body’s production of Vitamin D.

Whilst everybody needs cholesterol in their bodies, having too much can clog up and narrow arteries and lead to further health issues, such as heart disease and strokes.

What does cholesterol do?

Whilst many people think of the negative complications that come with having high cholesterol, it is often forgotten that cholesterol actually plays an important role in how our bodies, brain, nerves and skin work.

There are three main jobs of cholesterol: it’s used to make vitamin D, keeping bones, teeth and muscles healthy, as well as bile, which helps to digest fats. Finally, it makes up a part of the outer layer of all your cells.

There are two types of cholesterol, LDL and HDL.

LDL cholesterol is known as the bad cholesterol as it can clog up arteries and lead to further health problems, and although we all need a little LDL cholesterol in our blood, too much of it is a problem.

HDL cholesterol is the positive cholesterol that helps prevent disease by carrying cholesterol back to your liver by being broken down.

What causes high cholesterol?

There are a number of things that can contribute to high cholesterol, but the good news is, that some of these are entirely preventable.

A diet that is high in saturated fats, such as dairy, cakes, fatty meats and processed foods can all lead to high cholesterol.

As well as low activity and not being active enough, there are various genetic and medical conditions that can also be the cause of high cholesterol.

The menopause can also cause an increase in cholesterol levels, meaning that you also have an increased risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. The menopause can cause many changes in a woman’s body, and many new symptoms arise, meaning it’s important to get checked regularly by a GP or health provider as and when things change or new symptoms develop.

Unfortunately, high cholesterol doesn’t typically cause any symptoms unless it is severe, meaning the only way to find out is from a blood test.

However, symptoms of high cholesterol may include:

Sore hands or feet and a tingling sensation
Chest pain, headaches and fatigue
Lumps, fatty deposits and memory issues

High cholesterol can cause headaches, and other symptoms that are common in various other conditions. With this in mind, it’s important to keep a note of how regular you are experiencing these symptoms and if they are appearing much more than normal.

How to prevent high cholesterol

As previously mentioned, high cholesterol can be prevented in many cases – or at the very least, positive lifestyle changes can contribute to lowering cholesterol to a much safer level.

Leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle is the key factor when it comes to reducing cholesterol levels.

Firstly, it is advised to reduce your intake of fatty and processed foods and ensure your high cholesterol diet is well-rounded and filled with foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, wholegrain and whole wheat carbohydrates as well as oily fish.

Increasing the amount of exercise is also a great way to lower cholesterol levels. Whether it’s walking, swimming or cycling, the key is to find a way of exercising that you enjoy and that you will maintain.

If you smoke, drink alcohol or larger amounts of caffeine, this can lead to an increase in cholesterol levels, so reducing these elements of your lifestyle is a great way to keep it a more balanced level.

In the cases where high cholesterol is caused due to other health, medical or genetic conditions, then your GP or health care provide may advise medication to help lower your cholesterol levels.

Where to get a cholesterol test

If you believe you are at an increased risk of living with high cholesterol, then it is best to speak with your GP, care provider or care worker and ask for a blood test.

If you are already at risk of increased cholesterol due to your lifestyle or health conditions, then your health care provider should offer regular blood tests.

For example, if you are overweight, have high blood pressure or diabetes or if you have been previously diagnosed with a heart-related health condition, have a family history of heart disease, have a close family member with cholesterol-related issues, then your GP or care provider should recommend a blood test.

For more information on Radis and the support on offer, please visit: www.radis.co.uk.

Sep 23

The Importance of Good Eye Health

By Radis BLOG

National Eye Health Week aims to promote the importance of good eye health, encouraging people to get regular eye tests.

We have five senses, and it’s imperative that we take care of them, however, many people don’t know exactly how to look after their eyes and sight.

Around two million people in the UK are currently living with sight loss, and half of these cases could have been avoided.

There are a number of ways that people can take better care of their eye health, that will in turn, help to prevent potential sight loss in the future.

Regular eye tests

First things first, it’s important to visit your opticians regularly. An eye test will look at the overall health and condition of your eyes, but can also check for signs of high blood pressure.

As well as this, an eye test can detect other problems such as glaucoma and diabetes, which, when spotted early enough, can be treated to prevent damage and protect vision. However, if the likes of glaucoma go undetected and the correct treatment isn’t carried out, this can cause irreversible sight loss.

Regular eye tests also ensure that you are wearing the correct prescription and at the right times. People’s eye sight can change, so it’s important to make sure that the prescription changes, too.

What’s more – if you need to wear glasses or contact lenses, then make sure you do!

Don’t smoke

Smoking can double the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, which is the UK’s leading cause of sight loss. It can also contribute to people developing cataracts, glaucoma and dry eye syndrome – so it’s important for people to quit smoking in order to protect their eye health as much as possible.

Sunglasses

It’s a good idea to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from both UV rays and glare from the sun – another way to keep your eyes in tip top condition!

If you wear prescription glasses on a day to day basis, it’s a good idea to get a pair of sunglasses that also have your prescription in them to ensure that your eyes are getting the best protection possible.

Eat healthy and stay hydrated

This may not seem entirely relevant, however eating healthy and remaining hydrated can help reduce your risk of eye disease.

Omega-3 fats, foods that are low in saturated fats, green leafy vegetables and a variety of colourful foods are key to eating a healthy, balanced and well-rounded diet.

Take a break

Whether it’s from your computer, the television, a crossword or a jigsaw puzzle, it’s important to give your eyes a break.

Using your eye muscles can cause tiredness, but can also be very straining – causing headaches and maybe even migraines.

With this in mind, taking regular breaks from any activity that requires longer periods of concentration is really important.

Eye health as we age

Many people, particularly as they age are worried about the potential of losing their sight so National Eye Health Week is a great way to raise awareness, and encourage people from a younger age to be mindful of their eye health.

If you receive care or support in any way, then your care worker can help you make the appointment and attend with you.

Sep 04

How to spot signs of sepsis

By Radis BLOG

It’s Sepsis Awareness Month, and as sepsis is known as an often-silent yet life threatening condition, it’s important to raise awareness of its signs and symptoms so that people know how to act and when.

With approximately 48,000 sepsis related deaths each year, it’s time to get this number down and do what we can to increase the country’s knowledge of sepsis.

Rachel Peake, Wellbeing Nurse at Radis Community Care shares the warning signs of signings and her top tips on how to act if you think you or a loved one may have sepsis.

But first things first, don’t panic. When identified early, sepsis is often treatable, so it’s important to act fast if you or a loved one begins displaying any potential signs of sepsis.

Secondly, you know your body and you know if something doesn’t feel quite right and if you’re not happy, then you can ask for a second opinion.

What is sepsis?

A serious complication of an infection, sepsis can be life-threatening. If not treated in time, sepsis can also lead to a variety of other health implications, including septic shock, organ failure, kidney injury, cardiac arrest, as well as causing the nervous system to be affected.

Sepsis can be caused due to a number of things. If a person’s immune system is particularly low, this can lead to an infection spreading further than the infection site – which in some cases, when blood flow is interrupted, this can lead to sepsis.

Symptoms of sepsis

The most common sources of infection that lead to sepsis are typically, tummy, pelvis, urinary tract and lungs. However there are cases where the infection and site of infection cannot be identified.

Sepsis is often diagnosed by testing a person’s temperature, heart rate, blood and breathing rate as well as urine or stool samples, wound culture and respiratory secretion testing.

Known for being difficult to detect, the symptoms often go unnoticed or people wouldn’t think of them being related to sepsis. However, the warning signs to look out for are:

Chills, fever or cold and flu-like symptoms
Confusion and slurred speech
Dizziness
A rash that doesn’t fade when you roll a glass over it
Difficulty breathing or any unusual changes to breathing
Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
Feeling sleepier and more lethargic than normal
In children and babies, a weak or high-pitched cry that isn’t normal for them as well as lack of interest in food, normal activities and a change in the way they respond
Swelling or pain around a wound
Vomiting and difficulty keeping food / fluids down
A general feeling that something isn’t right and feeling unwell
Going to the toilet less frequently than normal

What to do if you suspect sepsis

With sepsis, it is important not to panic, but to act fast. If something doesn’t feel quite right or you suspect you or a loved may have sepsis, or are showing signs of sepsis, then head straight to A&E or call 999.

Anybody can get sepsis, however there are a few groups of people who may be more likely to get an infection. This includes babies under one years old, people with diabetes or over the age of 75, as well as anybody with a weakened immune system, genetic disorders or those that have recently had surgery or given birth.

If any of the above resonates with you or a loved one, then it’s important to let the medical team know this as soon as possible.

Is sepsis preventable?

Sepsis isn’t necessarily a preventable condition, and it can’t be spread from one person to another.

However, to prevent infections that may lead to sepsis, it is advised to keep up to date with any vaccines, thoroughly clean any wounds, wash hands regularly and ensure you take antibiotics correctly.

At Radis, we’re keen to raise awareness of sepsis this Sepsis Awareness Month, and for further information, please visit: https://sepsistrust.org/.

Sep 03

Know Your Numbers Week – Blood Pressure Awareness Week

By Radis BLOG

The month of September is home to Know Your Numbers! Week, the UK’s largest awareness week for blood pressure.

This year’s theme is ‘You Have the Power’, and the aim is to educate people on the importance of knowing their blood pressure numbers and how to check this in the comfort of their very own home.

And with one in three adults in the UK living with high blood pressure, it’s clear that this is an issue that needs tackling head on.

But the first step doesn’t have to be taken in a GP surgery or in a medical setting, it can be at home.

Life can be stressful, and leading care provider, Radis Community Care’s Wellbeing Nurse, Rachel Peake explains why it’s important to regularly check your blood pressure and how to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.

A healthy blood pressure reading is considered to be between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80mmHg, with a high blood pressure reading considered to be 135/85 or higher if taken at home. Of course, this will vary depending on age and any health conditions.

1. Prevention

In the UK, high blood pressure is the third biggest risk factor for all disease, and so prevention is crucial.

Many people assume they need to visit a GP or health professional to have their blood pressure checked, however it can be done just as accurately in the comfort of your very own home.

Don’t wait to reach a certain age or to see if you have a particular health condition – prevention is key and this should begin at home and at any age.

Home monitoring is a reliable and inexpensive way to keep track of your blood pressure.

When not treated (or prevented), high blood pressure can increase a person’s risk of developing more serious conditions such as heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and heart failure.

2. Symptomless

Typically, high blood pressure displays no symptoms, meaning it can’t be detected without being physically checked.

However, there are a few symptoms that a person with high blood pressure may experience. These include:

Headaches
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Blurred vision
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Lack of concentration
Stroke-like symptoms
Acting out of character
Feeling unwell

These symptoms are very similar to many other health conditions, therefore it isn’t very obvious when a person is experiencing bouts of high blood pressure. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms and to get your blood pressure checked if you feel any of the above.

3. Things to avoid

As well as trying to live and lead a health and active lifestyle, it’s important to avoid the following.

Eating too much salt and fat
Excessively or regularly consuming alcohol
Drinking drinks with too much caffeine
Smoking

Eating a well-balanced diet with regular exercise are two key things to help prevent high blood pressure. However, some people can do all of the right things and still end up living with high blood pressure.

What to do if you have high blood pressure

First of all, don’t panic! High blood pressure can be treated, and can even be temporary in some cases.

Stressful events or circumstances can cause high blood pressure for short periods of time, however for whatever reason you are experiencing high blood pressure readings at home, then you must consult your GP. Some pharmacists are also able to check your blood pressure if you’re feeling concerned.

The GP will take your blood pressure reading and talk you through the next steps.

High blood pressure can be treated with medication or some small, simple lifestyle changes.

However, it is important to check your blood pressure on a regular basis and get to know your normal.

For more information on Radis Community Care and the services on offer, please visit: www.radis.co.uk.