Welcome to the Lifestyle Home Services blog page.
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.
The blog is updated regularly so please check back often.
If you are looking for information or advice on a particular topic and can't find it please email us - blog@lifestylehomeservices.com.au and we will answer your queries on the blog.
6
It is mandatory to have a smoke alarm in every household where people sleep. Statistics shows that a person is twice as likely to die in a fire at home where a fire alarm is not installed, however the risk factor if they are unable to hear a standard alarm. Although the Deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing are in need of special fire alarm those with flashing lights and vibrating under-pillow pads to supplement the sound of the alarms can rise to as much as $450 more than a standard alarm
Therefore, the NSW Government has invested $2 million for the scheme, which aims to give people who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing the same protections as smoke alarms do for others. This lifesaving program will see 3500 high-tech smoke alarms go to people in our community who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing,” Commissioner Mullins said. “For those eligible, fire-fighters from your local fire station can come out and help install them.”
“The subsidy gives deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing people in NSW the right to make the same choices as everyone else about their home fire safety.”
Applications for the subsidy can be made to the Deaf Society of NSW, which provides information and services to people who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing and their families. For information and application forms visit this website:
www.deafsocietynsw.org.au/smokealarms
(Source) View Media Release
Share this article:
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.
Share this article:
The POOPs Program, or Pets of Older Persons, provides socially isolated seniors from NSW with basic pet care services in times of crises.
POOPs was first established by the Aged Care Assessment Team at Auburn’s St. Joseph’s Hospital in 2003, with the aim of helping seniors live in their own home with their pets for as long as possible.
POOPs now runs in conjunction with the RSPCA and also helps palliative care patients of any age, who are socially isolated, with their services.
Clients must pay for the veterinary, grooming and boarding fees at the time of service, however they will receive a discount on all services and payment plans can be arranged on a case by case basis.
POOPs services include;
- Temporary foster care and/or emergency boarding of the pet should the owner require medical assistance.
- Help with veterinary treatment at the RSPCA Sydney Vet Hospital.
- Pet grooming and home visits.
For more information about POOPs, email poops@rspcansw.org.au or phone: (02) 9782 4408.
Share this article:
It is now even easier to access information about aged care in Australia with the introduction of National info Line!
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre in Dubbo
The new Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre number is 1800 200 422
This number replaces all of the old numbers for the centres although the old numbers will still work until their deactivation at some point in the future.
Mark Butler, the minister for Mental Health and Aged, says that the new number will “act as the new single point of entry for people seeking information and access to aged care services”.
With the Australian population set to go through a period of demographic ageing, this is timely news indeed. Already 1.2 million older Australians rely on some form of care and with population ageing we can expect this number to significantly increase.
In addition to the new info line, the federal government has also made improvements to the aged care website to make it easier to navigate.
This reform is just one step in the direction of a consistent, national and integrated system of aged care. It is hoped that such a single point of entry will take some of the confusion out of the aged care system.
Share this article:
Challenging Arthritis is a new self management program developed by Arthritis NSW to assist you in managing your arthritis and improving your health. Challenging Arthritis helps you to make informed choices about your treatment and includes practical easy tips that can be incorporated into daily life to improve your health and quality of life. The program is suitable for people of all ages and can be completed at your own pace. Challenging Arthritis consists of 8 modules covering topics like: healthy eating, managing pain, exercise, relaxation and working with health professions. The program consists of a workbook and for those that have access to the internet it can also be completed by logging onto the Arthritis NSW website, Health Educators are available by telephone to provide additional support.
For further information contact Arthritis NSW on 1800 332 131 or refer to their website www.arthritisnsw.org.au
Share this article:
The Australian Investments and Securities Commission (ASIC) has launched a new website to help people make good financial decisions; www.moneysmart.gov.au
The Website provides “free independent and unbiased information, tools and motivation”.
If you log on to the site you will notice that it is jam packed with information. There are sections on; managing money, borrowing money, retirement & superannuation, Investing and scams. There are numerous calculators to help you figure out everything from how long it will take you to pay off your home or credit card to how much money you could receive upon retirement by changing your superannuation payments. This could help you budget for potential future home care needs. There is also a section of quizzes where you can test your knowledge on a range of financial topics.
The site has information for major life events; such as having a baby, losing a job, getting married and … etc. You can also find specific information for young people and over 55s. There’s something for everyone so, go on and have a look!
Share this article:
The latest smart phones can now assist carers in new ways. Phone applications, or “Apps” are programs that run on smart phones – such as the Iphone, Blackberry or Android. Now there are apps that have been designed especially for carers. So far these are mainly to assist carers to track the medical requirements of the care recipient. For example, the “Personal Care Giver” app allows you to schedule and track the medications of up to 3 people. Some of these apps are free and others require payment. It’s worth researching what an app can and can’t do for you before you download it.
For a comprehensive review of some of the current care-giver apps on the market – read here These are American based apps but may still have relevancy here in Australia.
Question for your comments: What do you think an ideal App for carers would be able to do?
Share this article:
Back to top© 2010 Lifestyle Home Services