A care needs assessment is the first step in understanding what support someone may need to manage day to day life. It is a free assessment carried out by your local council to look at a person’s health, wellbeing and ability to cope with everyday tasks. If you or a loved one are struggling, this […]
Category: Elderly care and safety
Helpful insight into staying steady, active and independent, from mobility and nutrition to creating a safer everyday environment.
Emergency Respite Care for the Elderly
When unexpected situations arise, arranging care quickly can feel overwhelming. Emergency respite care for the elderly provides immediate, short term support when a regular carer is unavailable or a sudden change in circumstances means extra help is needed. Whether due to illness, hospital admission or simply burnout, emergency respite care ensures your loved one continues […]
Loneliness in the Elderly
Loneliness in the elderly is a growing concern for many families, especially as loved ones become more isolated over time. As people age, changes such as retirement, loss of loved ones, or reduced mobility can make it harder to stay socially connected. While some people enjoy their own company, ongoing loneliness can have a significant […]
Companionship Helps Reduce Loneliness in Elders
Loneliness and isolation are common issues affecting individuals from all age groups, but especially older adults who may find it more difficult to leave the house, see or talk to loved ones, or join in with their community’s social scene. Loneliness can have a detrimental impact on older adults’ health and even lead to a […]
How to Choose a Companionship Care Provide
As we age, we may require more than just medical care and support. Sometimes, vulnerable adults simply need to see a friendly face throughout the day, spend time outside the house, or have a chat over a nice cup of tea. Companionship care is designed to fill this need and help you remain comfortable, happy […]
What Is Respite Care for The Elderly?
Respite care is designed to relieve pressure on family caregivers and provide them with much-needed rest. A respite carer will take care of any responsibilities required while an individual’s full-time carer takes a break, including personal care, companionship and mobility assistance. Assuming the role of family caregiver is a rewarding one, but it also comes […]
9 Tips for Helping Elderly Loved Ones This Christmas
Christmas can be a joyful time but for many older people it can feel painfully quiet. If you have an elderly relative, neighbour or friend, a quick check in can mean the world and it could be more important than you realise. Age UK research highlighted by Age UK Bolton suggests 1.5 million older people […]
What are the different types of care for the elderly?
Choosing the right care for an elderly loved one can feel daunting, and families often worry about finding a solution that balances independence, comfort, and safety. From live-in care at home, where your loved one can remain in familiar surroundings with one-to-one support, to visiting care and residential settings offering assistance, each option has its […]
Home adaptations for the elderly
11 Home Adaptations for the Elderly As we get older, the house we have always known can start to feel less easy to manage. Simple things like climbing the stairs, getting in and out of the bath, or reaching cupboards in the kitchen may take more effort. Home adaptations for the elderly are practical changes […]
Malnutrition and the elderly
A Guide for Families and Carers By Paul Austin B.Sc.(Hons), MCSP, MIHCMs Table of Contents Understanding Malnutrition Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Seniors Why Malnutrition Occurs in Older Adults The Effects of Malnutrition Signs and Symptoms to Watch For Refeeding and Nutritional Support The Role of Live-In Carers in Combating Malnutrition Impact of Food and Plate […]
Living with dementia: our dementia home safety checklist
A person with dementia may have trouble staying safe in their home due to memory issues, difficulty recognising their environment, trouble identifying risks, mobility problems and more. However, it is possible to make home adaptations in order to help you or your loved one to stay safe and comfortable at home for longer. How to […]
Why are care plans important? – IP Homecare
Care plans are an essential part of how social care works in the UK. Put simply, these documents outline the specific needs and preferences of individuals requiring professional care. This could be for elderly people struggling to live independently, individuals living with disabilities or chronic illnesses who require additional support, or patients who require temporary […]
Elderly Nutrition: How to Keep Elderly Individuals Healthy
Understanding the nutrition needs of elderly individuals is crucial for improving their health and well-being. As we age, our bodies require a balance of nutrients to maintain functionality, yet many seniors face challenges in meeting their nutritional needs for the elderly. Key nutrients often fall short in their diets, affecting everything from muscle strength to […]
How to Build a Positive Carer-Patient Relationship
Building a strong and positive carer-patient relationship is more than just a cornerstone of effective care; it’s a bridge that connects two individuals through mutual respect, understanding, and support. The dynamics of care are ever-evolving; the essence of a patient-carer relationship remains rooted in the principles of empathy, communication, and genuine concern for the well-being […]
5 Reasons Why Holistic Healthcare is Important
Holistic healthcare stands as a beacon of comprehensive wellness, championing an approach that treats the entire person rather than isolating symptoms or conditions. Unlike traditional medical practices, which often focus narrowly on specific ailments, a holistic approach to healthcare encompasses a broad spectrum of care. By integrating physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness, this method […]
When is the Best Time to Discuss Power of Attorney?
Discussing the prospect of power of attorney (POA) is challenging, but it is a conversation that individuals of any age should engage in. Whether faced with Alzheimer’s, dementia, a terminal illness or a debilitating health condition, understanding the importance of POA and initiating the discussion at the right time is important. This lasting power of […]
How to Deal with Ageing Parents
If you’re the sole carer of an ageing parent, then you’ll know that many challenges come with it. Do you have no time for yourself due to caring for your parent? Are you concerned about your parent’s health, suspecting they require more specialised care? Your mother or father may refuse outside help, but if they […]
How to Choose Live-in Care for a Relative
When you have a relative who cannot take care of all of their own needs, you want to make sure Assessing Your Relative’s Needsthat they get the best possible help. You want to ensure that they are treated with respect and dignity and get the care that is specific to their needs. Fortunately, different levels […]
5 Types of Support Available to Unpaid Carers
Caring for a loved one is selfless but shouldn’t compromise the caregiver’s well-being. Unpaid carers often face physical and mental strain due to the demanding nature of caregiving responsibilities. The constant physical tasks, long hours, and potential lack of breaks contribute to physical exhaustion. The emotional and psychological toll arises from the challenges of witnessing […]
How to Combat Loneliness with Live-In Carers
Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to isolation, especially when health challenges restrict their ability to engage with the outside world. This pervasive loneliness can be emotionally distressing and also poses significant risks to their overall well-being. In this instance, live-in carers become invaluable companions, offering more than just assistance with daily tasks. Their presence goes […]
Activities for the elderly with Covid19
Coronavirus has had a big impact on how we should care for and help the elderly at home. But what happens if an older loved relative has to isolate? What are the activities for the elderly with Covid19 that they can in their own home whilst isolating? During this social isolation period, it is particularly […]
5 Myths About Old Age You Shouldn’t Believe
In society today, stereotypes of old age are rarely positive. Whether it’s helplessness, forgetfulness or loneliness, myths about ageing can have a negative impact on the wellbeing of elderly people – and are oftentimes untrue. While it’s normal to slow down slightly as we get older, ageing shouldn’t have to mean giving up the activities […]
How to Keep Elderly Cool in Hot Weather
As the weather heats up – did you know older people need to be more careful of overheating and heat stroke because their bodies can’t adjust to high temperatures as well as younger people can? Being hydrated is also extremely important for certain medications to work properly. Older people are more vulnerable in the hot […]
Concerned Dad Requires Extra Support at Home?
Does dad need extra support and care at home? Did you know after each father’s day and bank holiday, homecare services across the country see a sharp rise in call numbers? In 2020, families became even more distant than ever before. Due to COVID – 19 and continual lockdowns we left larger amounts of time […]
Winter tips for the Elderly
Each winter, one older person dies every 7 minutes from the cold. As a leading care in the home agency we understand the biggest problem for many of our elderly customers is not managing to stay warm enough in their homes. When the temperature drops, older people run a higher risk of health problems and injuries related […]
Creating a Dementia Friendly Home: 7 Essential Tips
Creating a Dementia Friendly Home for individuals living with Dementia. The design and layout of their home can significantly impact their daily life. Making simple changes around the house can create a dementia-friendly home, a substantial difference to ensuring safety and independence. In this guide, we’ll provide you with seven top tips to create a […]
Elderly Care After Hospital Discharge
If your loved one is due to be released from hospital, you may be wondering what follow-up care after hospital discharge involves. It’s important to make sure that the right support is in place after discharge from hospital, not only so that the transition from hospital to full-time care is as smooth as possible, but […]
What is Independence for Older People
What Is Independence for Older People and Why Does It Matter? Independence is often something we take for granted – until we reach an older age. The challenges that arise as part of the aging process mean that elderly people often worry about losing the independence they’re used to. But what is independence for older […]
Home Adaptions for Elderly People
As we get older, it can begin to feel a little harder than usual to comfortably move around our own homes. Home adaptations for elderly people make it easier and safer to carry out everyday tasks, with some of the smallest changes making the biggest differences. From widening doorways to grab rails for stairs, we’ve […]
Social Activities for the Elderly: Staying Active Over 65
We’re constantly being told that staying active is the key to maintaining good health – and it’s never too late to start. From cancer to heart and circulatory diseases, physical activity can help prevent and improve a range of health conditions, meaning that keeping active in old age is crucial to remaining healthy and independent. […]
Customer Satisfaction Survey 2019
98.4% of customers are satisfied with care from IP Live in Care In order to ensure we are continually delivering the highest level of quality care. We ask all our customers to complete a customer satisfaction survey so that we can identify any areas for improvement. Thank you to all our customers who completed the […]
How to avoid doorstep scams
According to AGE UK, 85% of the victims of doorstep scams are aged 65 over. Doorstep scammers ofter target older people and they usually have the gift of the gab and will try to befriend your loved one with a convincing story. Doorstep scams can be very distressing especially for older people and the impact […]
Preventing Dementia wandering: Top 10 tips
Have you noticed that your loved one has started wandering around aimlessly during the day and night? If you’re wondering if there’s a link between Dementia and wandering the Alzheimer’s Association tells us that 60% of people who live with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease will wander about. If you’re a family member supporting your loved […]
Are you a member of the sandwich generation?
Do you care for elderly parents and children? If you’re feeling the pressure of looking after your children and your elderly parents, you’re not alone. Did you know, around 2.4 million people are part of what’s known as the “sandwich generation”. A generation of people in their 30s or 40s who now care for their […]
40% rise in elderly residents being evicted from their care home
A new report warns that care home closures have risen by almost 40 per cent in a year amid a growing crisis in social care. The audit by the Association of Directors of Social Services reveals thousands of elderly residents, have experienced recent closures threatening the health of the elderly. Figures show 148 care homes […]
How Can Technology Help Improve Your Home Care?
We live in a world where a plethora of information is available at our fingertips. With the rapid development of technology and its integration into everyday life, it’s no surprise to see that it is widely debated within society. From the accusation that technology has killed the art of the pub conversation, to the argument […]
IP Homecare Staff Help Find Missing Person
Last week, Senior Carer Hayley O’Neale at IP Homecare, Chelmsford was surprised to come across an extremely confused and distressed elderly woman called Betty, whilst on her way to work. Concerned for Betty’s welfare, Hayley’s caring instincts kicked in and she made the decision to take Betty into the IP Homecare office. Hayley said: “When […]
Hampshire Council to use Amazon to support the elderly
The local authority is trialling new software that could transform the way we care for our elderly population. With the social care crisis looming ever closer, local councils and authorities in the UK are turning to more out-of-the-box solutions to ensure the elderly population are well-looked-after. Hampshire County Council are pioneering the use of technology […]
How Do We Solve the Elderly Care Crisis?
With societies across the globe buckling under the cost of care for the elderly, what can be done to ensure future generations are provided with the support they deserve? Many have claimed that the elderly care system in the United Kingdom is heading for collapse. With inadequate funding from the government for the social reforms […]
Care Homes Can Be Lonely Places
Why Live In Care Is A Great Alternative Elderly people can find care homes lonely and isolating, and often thrive with a live in carer back in their own property. Caring for an elderly relative can be a real challenge, and when their needs increase, a care home can seem like the only remaining option. […]
Reduce Risk of Falls with Home Based Exercises
Improve your strength and balance to stay steady on your feet An article in the British Medical Journal found that a programme of home-based exercise can help prevent falls in the elderly. As we grow older, many of us become more prone to trips and falls, with around a third of people over 65 suffering […]
Gardens Are Good For Mental Health – Spring Into Action
The Many Benefits of Gardening Gardening can really help to boost mental health. So it’s vital that as many older people as possible are able to get outside. Spring is finally here, and it’s wonderful to see blossoms on the trees and daffodils springing up out of the ground. There’s no better feeling than spending […]