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Here you will find helpful information and articles on a wide range of topics relating to community care, health and home support as well as current sector news and offers.
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Elderly people are prone to increased health risks as we head into the warmer months, so here are some useful tips for staying safe and beating the summer heat….
Anyone can be affected by heat stroke and other heat related illness, but those over the age of 65 is more likely to be effected and need to be particularly careful as the weather heats up. Heat stress happens when the body isn’t able to regulate a healthy temperature and has trouble cooling itself.
Side effects to look for include:
• Mild rashes
• Cramps
• Hot and dry skin
• Rapid heart rate
• Disorientation and confusion
To avoid these types of health issues it is recommended to;
• Stay indoors, with a fan and/or air-conditioning on
• Avoid strenuous activity.
• Wear light clothing and
• Sip on cool drinks throughout the day.
Friends, family and carers can also help by keeping track of weather reports as temperatures of 30 degrees place vulnerable people at higher risk and check on them frequently.
If you have any further questions or queries talk to your GP
If you think to may be suffering from heat related illness you should call a health professional immediately for assistance.
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Would you like to have more information about staying at home as you age? We are putting on a special seminar event at Horsnby RSL on Wednesday the 2nd of March at 10am. Guest speakers will be discussing issues including; financial considerations, wellbeing, and home care support. This event is part of the Seniors Week Festival sponsored by Horsnby Shire Council. For a calendar of events please click here.
If you would like to come along please RSVP to Jodie at 1800 225 474. Spaces are limited so be quick!
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Social isolation refers to the lack of meaningful social relationships and connections. Among elderly persons, it is a significant issue in many communities. Isolation and loneliness among older people can lead to health problems and negatively impact medical systems. Social Integration is the opposite of social isolation and refers to the participation of a person within a broad range of social activities and relationships.
In this blog post social integration will be explained in depth so that the principles can be applied for lonely and isolated older persons in need of social support.
The level of social integration of a person can be examined in both a subjective and objective context with both being equally important. To examine the Objective social integration of a person, one would look at the number of social relationships and activities the person was actively engaged in. To measure the Subjective social integration one would have to find out the extent to which the person felt like they “connected with” or had a sense of “belonging to” others through those relationships and activities. Social integration requires that the person not just participate in activities or relationships, they must also feel connected to others through them.
Strategies to combat isolation through integration must therefore include not just opportunities to participate and meet people, but must focus on building a valued social role for the elderly person so that they feel they are contributing and belong. What is considered a valued social role will vary a little according to culture, but many will be the same. Examples of valued roles can include: volunteer, teacher, team member, employee, mentor, grandparent and friend. Combining activities with a valued social role will be more likely to generate true social integration, and therefore have the most positive outcomes for isolated elderly people.
One example of an excellent program that demonstrates this principle is the University of the Third Age. This ‘university’ is for older people and taught by older people. It offers short courses in almost anything. It gives older people a chance to share their knowledge and skills and meet other people. Valued social roles such as “teacher” and “student” gained through participation engender a sense of belonging while the classes provide great opportunities to meet others.
There are many possible ways that social activities can be combined with valued social roles to assist an elderly person to become more socially integrated; for example one could:
• Provide an opportunity for the elderly person to mentor a younger person in their field.
• Support the elderly person to do volunteer work; perhaps at a school canteen, baking food for homeless or working at a charity thrift shop
• Help the elderly person to join and local club or group that shares one of their interests such as a community choir or knitting circle.
Often elderly people withdraw from social activities and relationships because their health concerns prevent them from driving or being as active as they used to be. Many elderly people do not want to be a “burden” by asking for help,- so it is important to others to offer help and support. Sometimes all it takes to help a person stay connected is a carer to drive them to their activity. Few people realize that home care services are available to help them remain connected. It is important that elderly people and those who care about them find out about what is available in their communities and it is vital that those who develop community social support programs ensure they address the need for valued social roles.
Lifestyle Home Services has experience in providing social support and transport services to elderly people. If you require community home care services in Sydney Australia please call 1800 667 440.
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