Tel: 01257 367 404 | or email
mark.booker@independentlivinglancashire.co.uk

Home Care Providers In Chorley & Leyland
The leading provider of bespoke private care

Tel: 01257 367 404 | or email
mark.booker@independentlivinglancashire.co.uk

Home Care Providers In Chorley & Leyland
The leading provider of bespoke private care

Rosemere Cancer Foundation

A few weeks ago, Shaw Hill Golf Club in Chorley ran a tribute night in aid of the Rosemere Cancer Foundation. The bill was shared by comedian Iain Mack and Nicole Parkinson, who performed as ‘Cilla Black’.  This was followed by a delicious supper, with proceeds from the tickets going to the charity.

Rosemere Cancer Foundation, along with St Catherines Hospice, are both well-known local cancer charities operating in the Chorley, Leyland and Preston area.  Rosemere provides world class treatment throughout Lancashire using their funding to buy equipment, find new ways to treat cancer, fund research projects to increase our understanding of cancer and to ensure staff dealing with the illness receives first class training.

In 2015, Rosemere raised £336,483 with the funds being spent on projects such as a hospital quiet room to discuss patient issues in private and a Lancashire research project which looks at the impact of a change of diet on cancer patients.  Funding comes from events like the Shaw Hill Tribute Night, Garden Parties, Bike Rides, Wine Testing and collections at supermarkets.

Mark Booker, owner of Independent Living, commented, “In the Chorley and Leyland area, we take a number of customers to the Rosemere Centre at the Royal Preston Hospital and you can see the great work they do with the number of people whose lives have been affected by cancer.  I would urge people to support this charity, and the great thing about it is many of the fund raising events are fun – you can have a good time whilst making a contribution.  As a member of Leyland Rotary Club, many of our events such as the annual Leyland Festival in June donate some of the proceeds to the charity.”

More information about Rosemere can be found on their website www.rosemere.org.uk or by emailing info@rosemere.org.uk.

By |2016-08-01T13:16:23+00:00August 1, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on Rosemere Cancer Foundation
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Singing For Wellbeing

A new group for the over 50’s has been created at St Laurence’s Church Café, Chorley to promote group singing amongst older people. They have received a number of grants, such as from Chorley Astley Rotary Club, and through Chorley Council’s, “Small Community Fund” to help set up and provide musical instruments.

The group provides social, emotional, and cognitive benefits for participants.  Not only can people sing, but a grant has been received to purchase a drum kit.  It’s a great opportunity to get out and meet new people for a few hours.

Independent Living owner, Mark Booker, commented, “Singing is known to help raise people’s spirits and for people with memory loss issues such as dementia, it is a great way to involve them, making them feel better, and quite often it brings back positive memories.  Organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society have similar activities such as ‘Singing for the Brain’ and it is a growing area of therapy.  Whilst people may experience short term memory loss, they can often recall things from their more distant past and that includes the words to songs!  As we get older our health can often limit us from participating in active sports which are made for us to feel physically and emotionally better so group singing is a positive solution”.

Mark also commented

“As a home care company, we see a lot of people spending time alone and want those who are well enough to get out and about more and meet people.  As a member of the Rotary Club, I am also proud that money is being donated to local causes, especially older members of our community.”

The group is run by Ali Maze and Janet Wright and they can be contacted on 01257 276178, or more can be found on facebook www.facebook.com/lifelongsongchorley

By |2016-07-14T15:41:36+00:00July 14, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on Singing For Wellbeing
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The Expanding Role Of Care Companies

If asked to describe the role of a care company like Independent Living, most people will think of tasks such as:

  • Helping someone wash or shower
  • Assisting with household tasks such as the washing up
  • Making meals in and around local communities like Chorley, Leyland and Standish.

Whilst this is still the case, we are seeing a rising demand for more “social” and “companionship” services.

Our society is changing, we are an aging population, more of us live alone, older people may have a large disposable income, and our families are often dispersed around the country.  In addition, when someone reaches their 70’s, they often give up driving.  All this can lead to spending more time at home, social isolation, difficulty getting to appointments and this in turn can affect a person’ health and wellbeing.

This is leading to a demand for a new range of services from home care companies – companionship, transport and travel.  We are taking more people out and about in the Chorley or Leyland area – it may be a visit to Heskin Hall or, if in Standish, to Golden Days Garden Centre.  Many people in rural areas cannot rely on a bus service, people feel uncomfortable using taxis and family members or friends may not be available in the daytime when these services are most needed.

Independent Living owner, Mark Booker, states, “The role of a care company is changing, many of our customers have retired from busy jobs but they still have general good health, the desire and financial means to get out and about. We have had to adjust our offer and all our care staff have fully insured vehicles so we can take people out and about.  I believe the next change could be to take people further afield, certainly throughout the UK but I think increasingly abroad. We will have to ensure our carers have passports!”

By |2016-06-28T11:07:35+00:00June 28, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on The Expanding Role Of Care Companies
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10 Years Later – NHS Bed Blocking Remains A Concern Due To A Lack Of Community Care

It is reported in the national press that we have a “bed-blocking crisis” in the NHS which leaves pensioners stranded in hospital.  The issue shows no sign of abating and on current forecasts, will last at least another 5 years. Over the last 2 years the position has worsened and this has led to a committee of MPs branding the situation a “disgrace” with no progress having been made since the issue was looked at back in 2003.

Over the last 2 years, bed-blocking has risen by 33%. Jon Rouse, the director of social care, local government and care partnerships, told the committee of MPs that across the county there were “unacceptable variations of performance”.  Delays in coming out of hospital have increased over the last two years in 6 out of 10 authority areas.  Jon Rouse said, “The reasons for bed-blocking appear to be divided between the NHS not getting people ready for hospital discharge, and social care not being in place to support someone at home”.

Independent Living Owner, Mark Booker, commented, “Time and time again as a care provider we are told someone is coming home from Chorley hospital, only for it to be postponed.  The main reason seems to be that those responsible for ensuring that the correct medical and social care is in place at a person’s home haven’t, for whatever reason, sorted it out.  This means a person will be taking a valuable hospital bed when they would prefer to be cared for at their home.  As a care company this situation is very difficult to deal with because we can spend hours arranging home care only to find out at the last minute they are not coming home, and with no clear future date it is hard to plan.  The waste of resources due to a lack of planning and partnership working must be immense”.

By |2016-06-22T09:42:42+00:00June 22, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on 10 Years Later – NHS Bed Blocking Remains A Concern Due To A Lack Of Community Care
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Am I At Risk From Osteoporosis And Fractures?

The National Osteoporosis Society is currently raising awareness about osteoporosis.  This is when the bone structure becomes thinner which then results in a “broken bone” (fracture).  This can occur throughout the body however wrists, hips and the spine are the most commonly affected areas.

There are a number of factors contributing to the disease, these include:

  • Genetics
  • Age – as we get older our bones can become more fragile
  • Gender – the condition is more common in women due to having smaller bones and hormonal imbalances
  • Smoking/Alcohol and Diet – like most conditions these have an impact
  • A lack of Vitamin D and Calcium
  • Other Illnesses – this includes, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s Disease
  • Medication – such as cancer and diabetic drugs, raises the risk.

Older people are particularly at risk because they are more likely to have a fall which could result in breaking bones.

The Osteoporosis Society advises us to make a change towards a healthy lifestyle, talk through with a GP any medications and whether alternatives are available if they are likely to have a negative impact on osteoporosis.  If necessary, it is advisable to have a bone density scan and if you are at risk of osteoporosis, consider the appropriate drug treatment.

Independent Living Owner, Mark Booker, commented “We support this campaign because it particularly affects older people who we support.  In comparison with cancer, memory loss, strokes and Parkinsons we hear little about osteoporosis but older people are particularly vulnerable.  They are more likely to have weaker bones and more prone to having a fall and therefore could experience a fracture.  A wrist fracture may mean that a person would not be able to dress themselves or make a meal which is a serious problem when you live alone or if your partner is in their 80s.”

To find out more please contact the National Osteoporosis Society 01761 471771 or visit www.nos.org.uk

By |2016-06-01T16:31:58+00:00June 1, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on Am I At Risk From Osteoporosis And Fractures?
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Better Support for Stroke Survivors

New figures this week show that more than 46% of stroke survivors in the North West felt abandoned when they left hospital.  The level of support can vary and the main concern is a lack of consistency.  42% of people leaving hospital after a stroke did not have a care plan and again 46% stated they were not contacted by a health professional when they went home.  Worryingly, 32% did not have a 6 month review of either their medical or social care needs.

Jon Barrick, the Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, said, “Major strides have been made in the way strokes are treated in hospital but this is not continuing when a person then goes home”.  The Stroke Association is launching a new campaign called “A New Era for Stroke” which asks the Government to develop a ten year strategy from 2017 when the current one finishes.  Mr Barrick continued, “Survivors often have to wait months for the vital support to rebuild their lives, and sadly this can be too late for some people”.

Independent Living owner, Mark Booker, commented, “The Department of Health states that 78% of people who experience a stroke are seen by a stroke physician within 24 hours, 7 days a week and this is to be welcomed.  Clearly they are getting first class treatment in hospital.  The problem seems to be when someone goes home they are then dependent on several different outreach teams, this can include: occupation health, physiotherapy, falls prevention, district nurses and social care. To progress and make a full recovery, patients need to complete special exercises to regain their mobility and speech and this cuts across several teams.  As a (non-medical) care organisation, we work alongside several separate NHS teams the patient is relying on but when trying to coordinating their services we can see it is difficult”.

By |2016-05-24T08:47:31+00:00May 24, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on Better Support for Stroke Survivors
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The leading provider of bespoke private care

Independent Living Lancashire,
225 Eaves Lane,
Chorley,
PR6 0AG,
Registered number: 07649543

01257 367404

mark.booker@independentlivinglancashire.co.uk

Leyland Office
Oak House
317 Golden Lane
Leyland
PR25 2YJ

01772 439 102

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