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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National Diabetes Awareness Week 12th – 18th June

Around 3.5 million people in the UK have some form of diabetes, and more worryingly, 550,000 have the disease but do not know about it.  National Diabetes Week is being promoted by Diabetes UK is all about raising the profile of a condition which affects a wide range of people.

The Diabetes Myth Buster! (Source: Diabetes UK)

  • Type 2 diabetes is a mild form of the condition – all forms of diabetes are serious and it requires careful control
  • People cannot have sugar – this is not the case, but people with diabetes must have a balanced diet
  • ‘Diabetic Food’ should be eaten – these are not recommended by Diabetes UK as they are tend to be expensive and it is better to have a general balanced diet
  • People with diabetes go blind – if you control your condition and have a healthy lifestyle the risk can fall rapidly
  • It is not safe to drive – if the condition is properly controlled there is no reason why someone cannot drive although it should be declared to the DVLA
  • People with diabetes cannot play sport – this is untrue, people should exercise and athletes such as Steve Redgrave (Olympic Gold Winner) who have the condition, demonstrates this
  • People with diabetes get more colds – this is untrue, but someone with the illness may take a little longer to get over medical conditions
  • People with diabetes cannot cut their own toe nails – if you are healthy and mobile there is nothing stopping you carrying out this task
  • Flight Socks cannot be worn – these items carry a warning but if you are generally healthy there is no reason why they cannot be used
  • It is hard to get travel insurance – you must tell your insurer of any medical condition but deals are available, and this includes policies through Diabetes UK.

Independent Living Owner, Mark Booker, commented “Several of our customers have diabetes and we are committed to raising its profile.  It’s a condition which, if controlled, will not stop someone living a full and active life.  However, many of our customers are elderly, live alone and may also have conditions such as memory loss or Parkinson’s which can of course make the control of diabetes harder.  We pride ourselves on helping our clients control the condition and ensure that they get the best care”.

By |2016-06-14T13:03:01+00:00June 14, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on National Diabetes Awareness Week 12th – 18th June
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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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Dementia Issues Rising Up the Agenda

15th May to 22nd May 2016 marks “Dementia Awareness Week”.  On a positive note, research into preventing or at least slowing the progression of the disease is now seeing major breakthroughs.  The Daily Express recently highlighted that current research suggests proteins can be seen in a brain scan 15 years before someone develops the disease, therefore it is envisaged that drugs can be developed that either stop or delay the build up of these proteins and thus reduce the number of people getting dementia, or reducing its severity.

Current estimates suggest 1 million Britons will have the disease by 2025.  Doctor Simon Ridley, of Alzheimer’s Research, said, “Picking up the signs early is a key goal because any treatments will be more effective if taken before too much damage has taken place”.

A further concern is that people with dementia are being discharged from hospital without adequate support being put in place before they go home.  People with dementia may recover physically in hospital and may be clinically able to go home, for example after a fall, but this should not happen without social care needs being assessed.

Independent Living owner, Mark Booker, commented, “We are now living longer but we in the care profession are seeing far more people with dementia so medical advancements are great news.  I think society demands that we take research into heart disease or cancer seriously because it can affect people of all ages but we have, perhaps for too long, just accepted conditions such as dementia or Parkinson’s as an inevitable consequence of old age.  It is therefore very positive that these breakthroughs are taking place”.

Impact Of Dementia

Mark continues regarding the impact of dementia saying, “People who have not had a loved one with dementia perhaps assume it is someone simply being a bit forgetful.  However, a person’s personality can completely change, their behaviour can become very challenging, and their actions can put themselves and others at risk.

In our experience, dementia is most cruel for families because their loved ones personality can completely change, they may not recognise important people in their lives and these changes may take place over several years.  We are also concerned that hospitals may address physical conditions but someone with dementia living at home will require social care and this should be put in place before they are discharged.”

By |2016-05-17T14:02:22+00:00May 17, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on Dementia Issues Rising Up the Agenda
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NHS Care for Terminally Ill Patients Outside Hours is Failing

The Telegraph newspaper reports hospitals are failing to provide quality end of life, round the clock care for people who are terminally ill.  A coalition of doctors and charities compiled figures that shows just 1 in 10 NHS hospitals offer expert care for people who are dying on a 24/7 basis.  The Royal College of Physicians, Marie Curie and the Association of Palliative Medicine have said that far more needs to be done to provide comfort, support and pain relief.

The audit of 142 NHS trusts found just 11% managed to provide specialist palliative support, around the clock which experts highlight is unacceptable.  The NHS needs to invest more in expert care to help those who are end of life.  It is said there are nowhere near enough palliative care doctors and nurses, we have just one palliative care consultant and five palliative care nurses per 1,000 beds.  Baroness Finlay states we should impose a legal duty on health commissioners to provide specialist palliative care seven days a week.  Like other health services palliative care is often subject to a “postcode lottery”.

It is estimated 50,000 people each year have poor care in the last 3 months of their lives.  In terms of researching better ways to help terminally ill people, just 0.1% of the health research budget is spent in this area.

Independent Living Owner, Mark Booker, commented, “Locally, some great support is available to help people at this difficult time, in particular the work done by St Catherines Hospice at Lostock Hall, both on site and outreach at a person’s home.  A key problem is that helping a terminally ill person often requires and range of services from different organisations and it is the coordination of services which is the most difficult aspect”.

By |2016-05-12T13:46:06+00:00May 12, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on NHS Care for Terminally Ill Patients Outside Hours is Failing
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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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