Medication administration is a critical component of healthcare and caregiving. Many individuals rely on routine health appointments and precise medication plans to maintain or improve their health.
The process can be worrying for families with loved ones who require such care. You may question whether the correct medication is administered at the right times and in the proper doses.
This is where expertise and support from care staff come into play. Caregivers ensure the well-being of service users and provide invaluable peace of mind to families.
Medication administration in a professional setting involves more than handing out pills at prescribed times. A comprehensive approach to healthcare ensures that each individual receives personalised care tailored to their specific health needs.
Trained healthcare professionals understand the intricacies of various medications, their potential side effects, and how they interact with each other. The process of administering medicine is meticulously organised. One essential tool in this process is the medication record chart, which tracks all medication administered to an individual.
This chart is not merely a record but a cornerstone of effective medication management. It ensures that every dose is logged, along with the time and the person who administered it. This record-keeping ensures the health and safety of the service user and provides a clear and transparent account of care for family members and healthcare providers.
Care staff members are trained to understand the importance of their role, medication management, and its impact on the lives of service users and their families. Their training covers a broad spectrum of knowledge, from the basics of medication administration to more complex aspects such as managing side effects and emergency procedures in case of adverse reactions.
Beyond their technical skills, these professionals are also equipped with soft skills that are just as crucial. Empathy, communication, and attention to detail are essential qualities that ensure individuals feel cared for and respected. Staff members are not only administrators of medication but also support the health and well-being of those in their care.
For families of service users, knowing that your loved one’s medication needs are being met with professionalism and care brings considerable relief. This peace of mind is priceless and allows you to focus more on spending quality time with your loved ones.
The transparency and communication provided by healthcare staff further enhance this sense of security. Many care providers offer regular updates to families about their loved one’s health status and any changes to their medication routine. This open line of communication ensures that families are not left in the dark and are an active part of the care team.
When done correctly and compassionately, medication administration goes beyond the physical aspects of healthcare. It touches on the emotional and mental well-being of the individual and their family.
The role of trained staff in this process is indispensable. Carers provide not only the expertise required but also the care and understanding to alleviate anxiety surrounding medication management.
At Westwood Care, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional and compassionate care. We offer comprehensive training programs to ensure our staff can confidently and professionally administer medicine. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you and your loved one.
If you would like to begin a career in care, where you will receive exceptional training, look at our job vacancies.
As our loved ones age, the need for extra assistance in basic tasks often becomes apparent. Concerns about their safety at night, when you may not be available to provide care, can weigh heavily on your mind. This is where night services offer compassionate care to your relative and provide your family with the peace of mind you all deserve.
Overnight care is a valuable alternative to residential homes, ensuring that your family member receives the care they require from a trained professional while remaining in the comfort of their home.
Overnight care primarily caters to older adults facing difficulties in tasks such as using the toilet independently and changing positions at night. It’s also suitable for individuals with conditions like dementia or those recuperating from a medical procedure.
Waking night services involve the carer being awake throughout the night, even when your loved one is asleep. Their primary responsibility is to provide continuous care, mainly if the individual requires frequent monitoring, assistance with mobility, or medication administration during nighttime hours.
The roles of a waking night carer may encompass the following:
Waking night carers are ideal for people who require constant care, including those with severe disabilities, dementia, or medical conditions necessitating round-the-clock attention.
Sleeping night carers are physically present on-site during the night but are allowed to sleep when your family member is resting. They are typically stationed nearby and have designated sleeping quarters, with the requirement to be available in case of an emergency or if their assistance is needed. A sleeping night carer can be woken to provide care and support to your loved one anytime at night.
Sleeping night care offers the individual and family peace of mind. This option is excellent if the person rarely requires nighttime assistance but would appreciate having someone readily available if the need arises.
With a sleeping night carer on hand, your loved one can sleep soundly, knowing that help is just a call away.
The choice between sleeping night carers and waking night carers hinges on the specific needs of the individual receiving care. If your loved one is relatively independent during the night and only requires intermittent support, sleeping night carers may suffice. However, if they need frequent assistance, monitoring or struggles with conditions that disrupt their sleep, a waking night carer might be the better fit.
Westwood Care and Support Services offers both waking and sleeping night services. Contact our compassionate team today for more information and personalised care options tailored to your family member’s needs. Providing your loved one with the care they deserve during the night can ensure their comfort and safety while offering your family invaluable peace of mind.
As our loved ones age, they often require additional support and care to ensure their safety and well-being. However, for many families, the thought of placing their relatives in a nursing home or assisted living facility can be daunting. Fortunately, home care services offer a compassionate and effective solution for those who wish to receive care in the comfort of their own homes.
At Westwood Care and Support Services, we take pride in our commitment to providing exceptional homecare services to vulnerable individuals. Our goal is to ensure the highest standard of care, offering comprehensive solutions that bring peace of mind not only to our service users but also to their loved ones, friends and neighbours. With a firm dedication to combining professional care with a personalised approach, we strive to create a compassionate and supportive environment for all those we serve.
Professional home care services are designed to assist and support individuals who require help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. Our personal assistants visit the client’s home regularly to provide the necessary care and support required.
One of the main benefits of home care services is that they allow individuals to maintain their independence and dignity while receiving the care they need. In addition, unlike nursing homes and assisted living facilities, home care services allow clients to remain in their own homes, surrounded by familiar faces and comforts.
Another benefit of home care services is that they can provide a level of companionship and socialisation that may be lacking for some individuals. For example, many older adults experience loneliness and isolation, particularly if they can no longer drive or participate in social activities. Home care services can help to alleviate these feelings by providing companionship and socialisation through regular visits and activities.
Home care services can also provide peace of mind for family members who may be worried about the safety and well-being of their elderly loved ones. In addition, trained caregivers can assist with medication management, fall prevention, and other safety-related issues, which can help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
At Westwood Care and Support Services, we tailor our care packages to meet each client’s unique needs and preferences. Whether that be promoting independence or assisting with personal care. We understand the importance of being able to stay in the comfort of your own home, which is why our focus is always on what is important to our service users.
When the time comes, choosing the right home care provider is an important decision. If you are interested in the highest standard of homecare in Hull & East Yorkshire, please call our friendly team on 01482 629506 or use our contact form.
As we age, proper nutrition becomes even more important for maintaining our overall health and well-being. However, for seniors with care needs, ensuring they receive the nutrients they need can be challenging. Here are a few reasons why nutrition is especially important for them and how caregivers can help support their nutritional needs.
One of the most significant reasons why nutrition is vital for senior citizens is that it can help prevent or manage chronic diseases. Many chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, can be significantly impacted by diet. Proper nutrition can help seniors manage these conditions and improve their overall quality of life.
In addition to managing chronic conditions, proper nutrition can help seniors or people with additional care needs maintain their physical strength and function. As we age, our bodies become more prone to muscle loss and weakness, making everyday tasks more challenging. Consuming a diet rich in protein and other nutrients can help people maintain their muscle mass and physical strength.
Our levels of nutrition can also significantly impact our mental health. Poor nutrition has been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing conditions such as dementia. Ensuring seniors receive the nutrients their brains need can help support brain health and prevent cognitive decline.
So, how can caregivers support the nutritional needs of people in their care? One of the most effective ways is by ensuring that seniors have access to a variety of nutritious foods. Make sure that people in your care have access to a varied diet containing vitamins, fibre and protein for a properly balanced diet. This might mean shopping for and preparing meals or helping seniors to shop and cook for themselves. It can also be helpful to encourage our loved ones to eat a variety of foods and to try new foods to ensure that they are receiving a wide range of nutrients.
If someone is struggling to eat enough or cannot prepare their own meals, caregivers may need to provide supplements or assist with feeding. In these cases, it can be helpful to work with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist to determine the best course of action.
The team at Westwood Care and Support Services are on hand to help. Get in touch with our trained team to find out how we can support you and your loved ones.
As children, we dream of independence, growing up, leaving home, getting a job and making decisions for ourselves. All the things that allow us to live the way we want, which many of us take for granted.
As we grow up and gain that independence, sometimes we even wish for a simpler time. However, as we get older, we may find that our ability to undertake everyday tasks can get more complicated. Some people may also develop illnesses or conditions that impede their ability to take on simple jobs or make decisions.
Whilst the ability to complete jobs or make decisions may have dwindled, the desire to continue to be independent remains. The acceptance that additional help is required is often a hard process. We have striven for so long to obtain that independence that letting go is not easy.
Being involved in your own decision-making plays a huge part in your own mental well-being, and this is the same for anyone whose capacity to do so has depleted. Small things can make a huge difference. If someone needs help preparing food or getting exercise, for example, allow them to choose what they have to eat or what route a walk may take.
When we see a loved one needing help, it can be difficult for us not to take over and do their jobs for them. Often people want to maintain as much independence as possible, so if we take over, no matter how much we think we are helping, this can result in frustration. In this situation, suggest doing the task with them rather than for them if this is achievable. Allow your family member as much input as possible to keep them involved.
It’s not just about physical tasks; giving your loved one independence over decisions in their life is just as important. Wherever it is reasonable, giving your family a say in the choices they make in their lives regarding finances or living situations helps them to feel responsible and respected.
Keeping our minds active is an important step toward our emotional and physical health. At Westwood, we are always on hand to provide help and advice on how to care for your loved ones and help promote independence wherever possible.
It can be difficult to reach the decision when a loved one requires additional care, and it can be a sensitive subject to discuss. However, if you have a family member who is finding it harder and harder to dress themselves or complete essential tasks, then approaching that conversation with sensitivity and tact is paramount.
If you feel that the time has come to seek extra help with your family, please get in touch with our expert team, who can help you navigate the needs of your loved ones with tenderness and care.
How do I know when it is time to find care for a loved one?
New health concerns can arise as we get older, or disabilities can get harder to handle. It is often a challenging time to witness the effects of ageing and disability. We can struggle to know what the best course of action is. At Westwood, many of our carers have dealt with this in our personal and professional lives. They can help assist you during the process and provide insight and advice.
If you have an older family member, it is common for them to hide signs of decline or problems in their health. Seniors will often maintain a strong sense of will and wish to stay independent, aware that showing signs of concern could end them in a hospital or under care. As a result, they will try to mitigate their symptoms. Mitigation is particularly common after an accident or illness. Families only have the best interest at heart for their loved ones. Still, those struggling must receive the care they need should there be any issues or concerns and be sensitive to giving that person the independence they desire.
One way to ensure your loved one does not put themselves in harm’s way and to set their minds at ease is to have a home carer look after them. A carer deals with keeping track of health records, wellbeing, medication, diet, and liquid intake. Sometimes, this basic level of care is needed to prevent trends of deterioration, allowing continued independence and a little relief all around.
Everyday physical things you can look out for:
Here are some mental and behavioural changes you could watch out for:
They may experience difficulties performing some of the below tasks:
They could also be experiencing difficulties with household responsibilities such as:
It is essential to seek help from professionals if you think your loved ones are showing the above signs. Prolonging this can be potentially dangerous and detrimental to their health. Be sure to address these issues with them in a sensitive manner, and hear their fears, concerns, wants and needs.
Westwood provides care solutions to help people with disabilities or senior clients that help maintain independence and live a complete lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any advice or to learn more about our services at 01482 629 506 or [email protected].
Domiciliary care is a type of care that is provided at home by a professional caregiver. It may be provided on an intermittent, regular or live-in basis.
Domiciliary care providers help people with activities of daily living and other medical needs that they cannot do themselves.
There are many reasons why someone would need domiciliary care. For example, they may have a disability or illness that makes it difficult to do daily tasks, live alone, or have enough income to hire help.
A licensed home care provider is a person or agency that provides in-home care for patients who need assistance with their daily living. These providers are responsible for providing the following:
Domiciliary care is a way to help people live independently in their own homes. It is a service offered by local authorities, housing associations and third sector organisations.
The main benefits of domiciliary care are:
Choosing a domiciliary care provider can be difficult, there are many providers out there, and they all offer different levels of care, but it is essential to find the right one for your needs.
To find the best domiciliary care provider for you, you should do some research and ask about people’s experiences with different providers in your area.
You can also look at the Homecare website, which has details and reviews on many home care providers in the UK.
We tailor our care packages around each individual’s needs, promoting independence or assisting with personal care. Our assistants understand the importance of being able to stay in your own home, which is why our focus is always on what’s significant to our service users.
Contact us today by calling on 01482 629 506 or email us at [email protected].
Home care, also known as domiciliary care, is when a carer travels to your home to help. This is a common practice often organised through local councils or private agencies. Home care is excellent for people who want to remain in their own homes but need a little bit of help doping day to day tasks; you could be disabled, elderly or managing an illness.
Domiciliary care workers are all trained and have a DBS check to ensure everyone’s maximum safety. In addition, there are official bodies that regulate and monitor home care agencies to provide excellent legal practice. These regulators visit agencies to conduct in-depth assessments, and all findings and reports can be found online so that patrons can choose the best agency for them.
Home care agencies will do their best to match clients with an appropriate care worker in that area, based on location, availability, and personality. As you will be spending much time together, it is essential that you are dealing with someone you get along with and even have similar interests in. Daily care visits can typically last for 30 minutes to an hour but can occur several times. Alternatively, your care worker could stay for more extended periods that allow for more help such as daily tasks, housework, meal preparation and going outside together or running errands. This type of care allows for a deeper bond between client and care worker, and carers can find it easier to provide a more personalised and enjoyable experience with their client.
If home care sounds like the right step for you, you will need to decide which type is best for you, as there are several styles to choose from depending on your needs.
Personal Care
Personal Care is the daily support on tasks that some may find more difficult due to getting older or dealing with an illness or disability. This can include shaving, using the bathroom, getting dressed, washed or general hygiene. In addition, care workers can use installed sliders and hoists to help those with limited mobility. However, it is up to each individual to how they want their care carried out. All personal care is carried out with secretion and respect to uphold their client’s dignity.
Companionship Care
This is ideal for older people who may be lonely or at risk of becoming lonely due to their environment or situation. They may be healthy enough to live independently and without the support and do not wish to move to a care home or retirement village to meet new people but do want regular communication to stay mentally well and happy.
Dementia Care
With approximately 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia, it is understandable that the disease comes in many forms and requires many different care methods. Specially trained care workers help maintain a routine and social balance, assisting in personal and household tasks and supporting their clients to maintain as independent a life as possible.
Respite Care
A respite care home is a service offered to provide a break for people who care full time for a loved one or family member. Another type is for those leaving the hospital who need extra help while they recover, which can apply to people of all ages.
Live-in Care
Care workers will live in their client’s homes to provide care, support, and companionship. This is a perfect option for those who need daily care and friendship, but they also have extra space in the home.
If you are unsure which type of care is best for you, feel free to contact us at Westwood Care and Support Services 01482 629 506.
Deciding to get home care is a big step in anybody’s life, but after making this important decision, you will soon feel the benefits of the extra care, support, and independence.
There are numerous different reasons why someone may seek home care support. For example, they may be disabled, elderly, or have mental health difficulties or medical needs, significantly impacting someone’s quality of life.
After your care needs assessment has been completed, decided on your budget and are ready to take the next step, a home care team or agency will organise with you what the best times of day would be for you to have support and any changes to your home that might be required to help carers look after you more effectively.
Care workers are diligent about keeping your home secure and will often use key safes, a small safe attached to the outside of your house, secured by a pin. A copy of your house key will be kept in the safe so that care workers can access it to enter your home, without the dangers of carrying around lots of different keys and risk losing them.
Care workers can show you how to better layout your home to facilitate your home care and will keep written notes around so that anyone who visits can pick up where they left off quickly. These notes are assigned a dedicated area, and these must not be moved so that your visiting care worker and management can easily find them. However, you can decide where this designated spot is. You can also expect a care worker to keep medicine in a locked medicine box and a place for standard equipment such as hoists and the medicine box.
There are many different types of care to choose from; you may realise you have many other people coming to your home throughout the day. This can be strange and sometimes difficult to get used to. However, a busy household can also be enjoyable and even help socialisation and motivation.
With your chosen care worker, you may receive a rota each week to show when your carer will be coming by, so you don’t need to worry about privacy. You can arrange for a copy of this to be sent to a family member or loved one involved in your care. Most of the time, your weekly rota will remain very similar, but it can be subject to change when people are on holiday or off sick. You should always be notified if a new care worker who hasn’t worked with you before is coming by, and they will have a badge or ID card so that you can check they are the right person.
Home care teams are organised and tidy; they are designed to fit around your life, regardless of the type of support you are receiving. Many people will have housework as part of their regular cooking and cleaning support. Whether this is part of your plan, home workers will always tidy up after themselves, adhering to health and safety measures and ensuring a safe, hygienic home for you. When given proper home care, the opportunities are extensive and provide much-needed independence and improvement to many people’s quality of life.
Our mission is to support people who are either elderly, vulnerable, or simply require a helping hand around the home. Our professional support workers regularly visit individuals who don’t want to move into a residential home yet need some assistance with daily tasks, making it the perfect balance between independence and dedicated support.
How does homecare work?
Homecare is a highly flexible service that’s designed around the service user. One of our homecare specialists will visit you in your own home to an agreed schedule, which could be once a week, every day or anywhere in between.
Whilst at your home, the support worker will carry out any chores that need doing, as well as help you with appointments, social visits and anything else that helps you to live an organised, independent and happy life.
Homecare in Hull and East Yorkshire
The friendly and hardworking support workers at Westwood Care Group visit elderly and vulnerable people based in Hull, Beverley and all around East Yorkshire. Providing the highest standard of homecare services, they’re available to visit as often as required and can even provide night sits, which involves the care worker sleeping at your property so that they can be woken up if care and support are required at any time during the night or early hours.
This flexibility makes homecare an exceptional service that’s very popular with people across the region, as it can be adapted to the service user’s exact preferences and changing needs.
Food preparation and domestic chores
Everyday tasks can become a real struggle for people who are elderly or vulnerable. We believe that everyone should be given the ability to live in a clean, fresh and tidy home, which is why our support workers can carry out all kinds of household duties during their visits.
Domestic tasks can include polishing, vacuuming, washing the pots, cleaning the bathroom and kitchen, doing laundry, and many other types of cleaning duties. On top of this, our homecare workers can prepare delicious and nutritious meals that suit the service user’s dietary requirements and personal taste.
Medication and hospital visits
If you need to take daily medication, your fully trained homecare worker is here to ensure that you never miss a dosage. They’re also more than happy to manage your appointments with the GP, hospital, dentist and any other healthcare specialist, as well as transport and accompany you each time.
This service means that you will always take your medication on time and that a health or wellness appointment is never forgotten about or missed.
Social inclusion and fun activities
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Are you a keen football or rugby fan? Maybe you love visiting a social club or taking in local arts and culture. Perhaps you simply enjoy feeding the ducks in the park, with the occasional trip to the seaside when the weather allows?
Whatever you like to do, your homecare support worker can organise a wide range of activities and days out to suit your preferences, hobbies and physical ability. Whether it’s an afternoon at the bingo, a matinee at the theatre or cream tea with friends, simply let us know and we’ll make sure your social calendar remains rich and vibrant.
Find out more about homecare
If you’re interested in top-quality yet affordable homecare services in Hull and East Yorkshire, please call our helpful team on 01482 629506 or use our contact form.
At Westwood Care and Support Services we deliver professional and personal care services in Hull which can achieve positive outcomes for each individual. Our service is highly personal with the support we deliver.
Our home services include food preparations, Personal Care, Social Activities, Night Sits, and Medication Administration.
Food Preparation
On a day to day basis our personal assistants either take care of or aid with the preparation of food. With this help our service users are benefiting from a freshly prepared meal that is cooked in the comfort of their own home. Our personal assistants are highly trained professionals at to provide for any dietary needs.
Personal Care
We provide a list of personal care services to our clients, our workers help with bathing and personal hygiene, along with dressing and undressing. They include the management of alternative feeding methods. The personal assistants also support the service users with communication needs.
Social Activities
Our personal assistants will help with people of all ages by accessing activities, day trips. Some of the activities include bingo, bowling, cinema and craft groups. Sometimes individuals find it hard to get out, so Westwood provide day trips to ensure the service user get out and about.
Night Sits
At Westwood we provide both waking night and sleeping night services to make sure the person is always receiving care when they need it most. Our waking night service will provide a personal assistant who is on duty throughout the night. The sleeping night service is one of our personal assistants sleeping at the property and can be woken when needed.
Medication Administration
The personal assistants can provide the administration of medication for people who can no longer manage the job themselves. With a Medication Record Chart our personal assistants can ensure the right medication is given at the right time and place.
For more information on our tailored care services in and around Hull check out our website.
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If you or your loved one has dementia, daily tasks can suddenly cause practical issues. No one wants to have to rely on other people to do the simple things for them and having dementia may make people feel vulnerable so here are our tips for caring for someone with the illness.
Make them feel assured whilst keeping their independence
Helping someone with dementia to feel secure in their own home is helped by creating a routine and a relaxed environment. Offering support to someone with dementia is critical but ensure that you do not take control or undermine what they do, it is important that they feel useful. Memory aids such as photographs on cupboards can be useful and may help them to remain independent for longer. Home care professionals can be on hand to help with any domestic tasks from shopping to cleaning. It is our job to make your loved one’s life at home as comfortable as possible.
Keeping up with hobbies
Hobbies are very important to those suffering with dementia. If they like cooking, help them to make a meal. Go out and get some fresh air for some exercise or let them look after a pet. Whatever their interests, these things can trigger memories and bring a real sense of joy. We offer a range of social inclusion activities and day trips to help people to get out and about.
Also, if the person you are caring for was once very sociable it is important to keep up regular visits from family and friends, try to keep it to one or two people at a time so as not to overwhelm them.
Maintain good health and nutrition
It is always important that an individual has a healthy, balanced diet and exercises to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is no less important when an individual suffers from dementia.
People with dementia often don’t recognise foods, forget what they like or refuse food which creates added difficulty to those caring for them. Try to involve the person you care for in preparing food and ensure that you stay calm. If you grow even more concerned, then you should consult a GP.
Sleep Well
Dementia is known to cause restless sleep and these problems will get worse as the illness progresses. Medication can cause tiredness during the day and so ruin sleep during the evening which often leads to the prescription of sleeping pills. It is best to avoid alcohol and caffeine at night and stick to regular routine and bedtimes. Night sit care is always available with experts available to stay with your loved one throughout the night or to call in when needed, even in the early hours.
Self-Care
The final thing you should remember when taking care of someone with dementia is that you must look after yourself too. Support is on hand in the form of respite care and home care workers like us are only a phone call away. You cannot be expected to care for others 24/7 which is where our services come in.
For more information about how our home care professionals can help care for your loved one call 01482 629506 or email [email protected].
Westwood Care & Support provide a range of tailored care packages for individuals in and around East Yorkshire. Some of the services provided by us include bespoke personal care services, night care services, shopping and domestic duties.
There are many benefits to using our home care services. For many elderly people, living in their own home provides a feeling of comfort and contentment, it can improve confidence and a sense of personal well-being.
If you’re a carer for somebody, then you will know it’s nearly impossible to balance your own life and provide the right care that is required when dealing with an elderly relative. We know it can be stressful and exhausting trying to deal with every situation that arises. That’s why our professional personal assistants dedicate their time and full attention to the person who needs it when they need it the most.
One of the major advantages of home care is that it allows your relative to continue to be part of the family. Being part of the community is also extremely important for most people. Interacting with family, friends and neighbours can provide a feeling of independence, which helps people to feel safe, secure and remain in their daily routine.
For any relative who has been in a hospital, our emergency home solutions and services allow them time to recover in the comfort of their own home. Research suggests that elderly people returning from hospital heal a lot quicker in their own surroundings.
Our care services are designed to achieve positive outcomes for people and that’s why our personal assistants commit to delivering bespoke care, ensuring the person is always at the centre of everything they do.
The ability to stay living at home also means that your family member does not have to part with their beloved pet. Having a pet companion can ease loneliness, reduce heart disease and anxiety, so it’s vital that people are not removed from the people and things they love.
If you know someone who finds it difficult to complete everyday tasks on their own, then contact Westwood Care & Support on 01482 629 506, who will talk you through the range of services available.
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