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The 1st February marks the start of a month of activities to highlight and promote the role of Dignity in Care and Dignity Champions.

This year for obvious reasons, it won’t be possible to come together in quite the same way as we have done previously.  However, each week we intend to celebrate and recognise a member of staff.  Someone who has gone the Extra Mile or worked hard to ensure that Dignity is maintained.

Treating people with Dignity & Respect is one of Gardiner’s key values.  We find that it helps to define who we are,  what we believe and the way we treat people.  This key value is linked to behaviours that help our team to deliver exceptional care and support.  We expect all staff to share these values and work to them.

Which behaviours demonstrate Dignity in Care?

• Accepting and respecting people’s individuality
• Protecting and respecting people’s confidential information
• Taking time to listen
• Respecting people’s right to make their own decisions and choices
• Communicating in an open and straightforward way using appropriate language
• Allowing people to maintain their dignity, especially during personal care

A Poem – Going The Extra Mile – Written by Mark Coley – 13.1.2021

Lots of people go to work, and do their very best,
But there are individuals, Who stand out from the rest,
They go above and beyond, They don’t complain,
But give a cheery smile,
When they have done all they can,
They go the extra mile.

Going the extra mile,
Going the extra mile,
For dignity and respect,
Going the extra mile.
Carers, nurses, keyworkers And volunteers too,
Not working because they have to,
But because it’s the right thing to do,
Always showing Dignity and Respect, With a caring hand, and a smile,
When they have worked, As hard as they can,
They then go the extra mile.

Going the extra mile,
Going the extra mile,
For dignity and respect,
Going the extra mile.
Tutors and teachers,
Professionals of all kinds,
Demonstrating Dignity,
To individuals that they find,
Treating others as you would yourself,
Is something that makes me smile,
When they’ve reached the end of the road,
They don’t stop, They carry on to go the extra mile.

Going the extra mile,
Going the extra mile,
For dignity and respect,
Going the extra mile. We need to spread the word, Everywhere we go,
We are all equal, So it’s time to treat them so,
When you feel like you’re dying inside and its hard to carry on
a champion will be there a with smile,
sharing a selfless caring act,
Just simply, going the extra mile.
Going the extra mile,

Going the extra mile,
For Dignity and respect,
Going the extra mile,
For Dignity and Respect,
Going the extra mile.

What is a Dignity Champion?

Do you believe that being treated with dignity is a basic human right, not an optional extra?  If so, sign up to be a Dignity Champion and make the following promise:

Dignity in care 10 point promise

• Show zero-tolerance of all forms of abuse
• Support people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your family
• Treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised service
• Enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of independence, choice and control
• Listen and support people to express their needs and wants
• Respect people’s right to privacy
• Ensure people feel able to complain without fear of retribution
• Engage with family members and carers as care partners
• Assist people to maintain confidence and positive self-esteem
• Act to alleviate people’s loneliness and isolation

Overnight care provides peace of mind and reassurance that you will be looked after whatever happens through the night.  Care isn’t only needed during the day but often at night too.  Your Care Workers will stay with you in your home throughout the night to assist and support you as and when needed.

Gardiner’s team of experienced, loyal and dedicated Care Workers have provided Overnight Care to many, many people in the local area.  This care has allowed those we have helped to continue living at home, retaining levels of independence and dignity that are very hard to match if moving to a care home.  Our Care Workers provide a reassuring presence throughout the night when you feel most vulnerable.  They can be there to support with toilet breaks, moving safely around your home or assistance with medication.

Overnight care can be beneficial to family members also.  Perhaps by providing a break to a family member, giving them the chance to get a good night sleep.  It also provides peace of mind knowing someone will be there to assist during the night as well as to help with getting up in the morning and helping with breakfast.

Sleepover Service or Waking Night?

Overnight care can be either on a sleepover basis or a waking night.  A sleepover service is where your  Care Worker will require a bed and quiet place to sleep.  Your night carer will wake up if they hear any stirring in the house.  They can also be woken up anytime during their shift if help is needed.  Often clients will use a bell or intercom / alarm system to request help.

Waking Overnight Care is for when the client needs attention through the night and cannot be left alone.  The Care Worker can stay awake all night to watch and assist and be there for you.

As you would expect, a waking night is always more expensive than a sleeping service – please click here to view our charges.

Arranging Overnight Care

Overnight Care can be arranged for any day of the year.  Overnight Care can be requested as a regular ongoing arrangement, or for ad hoc individual nights.  Family members will often request nights duties to provide respite and allow them an undisturbed rest at night.  The minimum duration for any night duty is 10 hours and the duty should start at the latest by 10pm.

If you would like to talk to us about Overnight Care, please do call – Call us on 0118 334 7474

Please click here to read feedback about our service.

If, as a Gardiner’s Staff Member or Service User, you have a question about Coronavirus (COVID-19) in relation to our service, please do contact us by calling 01183347474.

The Thames Valley Health Protection Team covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire.  Their telephone number is 0344 225 3861 (option 1 to 4 depending on area) or for Out of hours advice 0844 967 0083.

If you or a loved one currently has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms you should consider using a pulse oximeter.

An oximeter is a small device which clips on to your finger and measures oxygen saturation in your blood.    Normal oxygen level in the blood is between 95% and 100%.  Using this device 3 times a day and recording your readings can help to guard against silent hypoxia.  Silent hypoxia is where oxygen levels drop dangerously low without you noticing.

People seriously ill with covid have been presenting at hospital with oxygen saturation levels as low as 70-85%.  With oxygen levels so low, the symptoms are harder to treat effectively.

A pulse oximeter cost about £20 and is a potentially life-saving device.  It allows people to monitor their oxygen levels.  Some high-risk Covid patients in the UK ar being given oximeter to use.  The doctor leading the project thinks everyone should consider buying one.  If oxygen levels drop below 92%, people should go to A&E or call 999 for an ambulance.

If you buy an oximeter, make sure is has a CE Kitemark.  Avoid using apps on smartphones since they are not as reliable., which he said were not as reliable.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55733527

Gardiner’s Care Workers will gladly support our clients to purchase an oximeter and also to use it to measure, record and monitor oxygen levels.

Using a pulse oximeter to check you are OK

The oximeter tests how fast your heart is beating and how much oxygen is in your blood.

Knowing these things means doctors can tell if you are getting better or getting more unwell.  This means you can get the treatment you need at the right time.

Wash your hands before and after you use the pulse oximeter.
The oximeter attaches to your finger and doesn’t hurt.
Make sure the finger you are going to use does not have any nail varnish or a false nail on it.

Make sure your hand is warm to the touch. Then rest it on your chest for five minutes.
Switch the pulse oximeter on.
Then attach the clip of the pulse oximeter to the finger next to your thumb, or your middle finger.

Watch the numbers on the pulse oximeter.  When the numbers on the pulse oximeter have stopped changing, write the numbers down.

Write down your readings three times every day at the same time each day.  You should also test yourself if you begin to feel more unwell.

Go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) straight away or call 999 if:

• You can’t finish a short sentence when you are resting because you are breathless.
• Your breathing suddenly gets much worse within an hour.

If the blood oxygen number on the pulse oximeter stays at 92% or less you should seek help.
Tell the person you speak to what the pulse oximeter says your blood oxygen number is.

Vitamin D and Vitamin D supplements help to keep our bones, teeth and muscles healthy.

Where do we get Vitamin D from?

Our bodies create vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors.  From Spring through to the end of Summer, most of us are able to get sufficient vitamin D from sunlight.  However, from October through to early March we tend not to get enough.

Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods such as oily fish (salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel), red meat, liver, egg yolks and fortified spreads or breakfast cereals.

Another source of vitamin D is dietary supplements.  Many people chose to take these supplements, especially during the winter.

Vitamin D deficiency

During the Coronavirus pandemic, the fear is that some people will be spending more time indoors than usual.  As a result,  higher levels of vitamin D deficiency are being observed.

The signs and symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, muscle aches, muscle cramps, mood changes like depression, nausea, cognitive difficulties, and frailty.

The elderly are at higher risk since they tend to spend less time outdoors or avoid sunshine.  Also, as we age, the skin produces less vitamin D.

Muscle weakness and aches can lead to people wanting to spend less time outdoors.  In turn, this can lead to difficulty standing up and climbing stairs.  Falls may be more likely amongst those not getting enough vitamin D.  People with Vitamin D deficiency have softer bones, they are more likely to injure themselves seriously or break bones as a result of falls.

Vitamin D supplements

Vitamin D is a crucial component of healthy ageing.  Taking 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D a day between October and early March will help to keep our bones and muscles healthy.

Some people may benefit from taking supplements year-round if they are frail or housebound and so not often outdoors.  Also if they usually wear clothes that cover up most of your skin, or have dark skin.

Too much Vitamin D over a long period of time can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and the heart.  Some people have medical conditions that mean they may not be able to safely take as much. If in doubt, consult your doctor.  If your doctor has recommended you take a different amount of vitamin D, you should follow their advice.

You cannot overdose on vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. But always remember to cover up or protect your skin if you’re out in the sun for long periods to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

At present, the Government is providing a free 4-month supply of vitamin D supplements to all adults who are clinically extremely vulnerable to Coronavirus.

Please click here for further information – www.nhs.uk/get-vitamin-d

The team at Gardiner’s will be happy to help you speak with you GP should you think that Vitamin D supplements may benefit your health.

The winter blues are common and affects people of all ages.   This post is all about Caring and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), we hope it will build awareness and provide some help this winter.

Seasonal Affective Disorder affects many people, especially during the winter.The symptoms include:

• persistent low mood
• loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities
• irritability
• feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
• feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day
• sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning
• craving carbohydrates and gaining weight

For some people, these symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day activities.  It is thought that a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain working properly and impacting on certain hormone levels.  For those whose syptoms are so bad that they can’t live a normal life, they should seek advice from their GP.

Caring and Seasonal Affective Disorder

Detailed below are some tips which may help with Caring and Seasonal Affective Disorder including how to help combat it.

Keep active and go outside

Please click here for our contact details if you would like to speak with our team about how we can help you or a loved one combat the winter blues.

The Germ defence website provides personalised advice on how to protect your household from COVID-19 and other viruses.

A project combining expertise from three Universities

The project saw three Universities working together.  The University of Bristol, the University of Bath and the University of Southampton.  Research has shown that those who follow the advice from Germ Defence, are less likely to catch flu.  Also they are less likely to catch other viruses and less likely to pass it on to members of their household.

The Germ defence website has been updated for Covid-19.  The researchers, worked with Public Health England and members of the public.

The advice in this project can help everyone.

There are simple things we can all do that will really reduce the risk of viruses in our home.  Germ Defence includes advice on what to do if someone you live with is especially, vulnerable.  There is also advice on what to do if someone you live with catches Covid-19.  The website helps people to understand what steps they can take in their own homes to help avoid infection.

The advice and tips on the Germ Defence website have been tested.  The creators have made sure the advice is as understandable and useful as possible.  It provides practical advice on things like ventilation and social distancing.

The website takes only take 10 to read through and gives simple steps that really work.

Gardiner’s clients are amongst the most vulnerable to COVID-19.  Our fantastic team have been helping our clients to understand the steps that they can take to keep themselves safe from COVID-19.

With the new variant of Covid-19 spreading through our communities, now more than ever, the safety precautions that we can take to help protect ourselves, our families and our loved ones from Covid-19 are vital.  Whilst the vaccine for many is hopefully only a few weeks away from being received, the lesson and behaviours learned will help protect us all from Coivd-19 and other viruses for years to come.

A Heatwave Level 3 Heatwave warning was issued for our area at 0904 on Thu 25 Jun 2020.  This means that temperatures are likely to rise to levels that increase the risk of ill health among vulnerable adults, particularly the very young and older people and those with long-term health conditions. Met office notice

Caring for someone with dementia in a heatwave.  For many people, warmer weather can cause discomfort, dehydration and distress.  Those with dementia may find it difficult to take the steps we all take to help us cope in the heat.  Here is some advice about caring for someone with dementia in a heatwave, to help make things a little safer and more comfortable.

Caring for someone with dementia in a heatwave.

Dress appropriately

People with dementia might follow wear their usual clothes and forget to dress for the weather.  Leave out (or encourage them to wear) light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres along with a hat for outside.  This can help keep people comfortable and prevent overheating.

Keep the house cool

Check that the central heating isn’t on.  Get a fan and turn it on. Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day on the sunny side of the house.  In the evening, open the windows to let the warm air out and colder air in.

Avoid the midday sun

Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm. When outside, seek out shade. Keep a bottle of sunscreen on you, and make sure it’s reapplied regularly.

Cool off

Encourage to take a cool bath or shower to cool down.  A cloth soaked in ice to dab or place on one’s forehead can really help.

Arrange extra visits

It is a great idea to organise extra care visits during hot weather.  The carer or visitor can check that they have a drink and that everything is ok.

Avoid dehydration

It is  key when caring for someone with dementia in a heatwave, to avoid dehydration.  Memory problems mean someone with dementia can easily forget to drink enough water.  As we age, we sometimes don’t feel thirsty.

Read the Gardiner’s post on hydration

Ways to help prevent dehydration:

• Leave drink water within easy reach.
• Make drinking easier – make sure the glass or bottle is easy to see and use, perhaps provide a straw.
• Make drinking enjoyable – make it a social occasion, stay and chat.
• Provide reminders to have a drink.
• Give food with high water content.

For more information about water, drinks and your health, please visit the NHS choices website

The Care Workforce App has recently been launched by the Government to help support the adult social care workforce.

The CARE branded app provides access to:

• the latest guidance for protection against COVID-19 and keep themselves well
• learning resources on important areas such as infection control
• offers available to Care Workers, including free car parking and discounts
• practical advice and support for mental wellbeing

Click here to sign up

Recent posts on the Care Workforce App include:

NHS volunteers extend support to all Care Workers

Care Workers can now get help with tasks such as shopping and collecting prescriptions.  This help is available from NHS Volunteer Responders.  Access to this service is designed to help staff working at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hold Still

Hold Still is a photography competition which will document life during lockdown.  Deadline for entry 6pm on Thursday 18th June

Black Lives Matter

We have all been shocked and horrified by the death of George Floyd.  The website highlights two blogs on Black Lives Matter.

Wellbeing Support Helpine

With COVID-19 oi ball our minds, it is natural to be feeling stressed or anxious.  Many of us will be feeling worried or overwhelmed or may have things on our mind that we want to talk through. The Samaritans have a confidential emotional support line…

A Message from the Duke of Cambridge

The Duke of Cambridge personal message to all frontline workers, thanked them for their work during this difficult time.  The recorded message also raised awareness for the initiative which provides mental health and bereavement support to those working on the frontline …

Bereavement and Trauma Support Line

If you need support, there is a team of fully qualified and trained professionals ready to help you at the Bereavement & Trauma Line. This assistance is available in England and is provided by Hospice UK. Specialist counsellors and support workers are available to …

COVID-19 Essential Training

Skills for Care have identified training that remains a priority during the COVID-19 crisis to ensure staff are skilled and competent. Managers can access advice and guidance via the link below:

Advice Line for Registered Managers

Skills for Care have launched an advice line for registered and frontline managers, managing CQC regulated adult social care services through the COVID-19 crisis. This advice line can help managers access the latest information, resources, funding, online learning and …

Our Frontline — Toolkit

‘Our Frontline’ offers round-the-clock one-to-one support, along with a collection of resources, tips and ideas chosen to support care workers and other frontline staff. It can be hard to prioritise your own mental health when you’re caring for others in …

Finding Our Strength in Unusual Times

Text Support Service

SilverCloud

NHS volunteers extend support to frontline …

Discounts for Carers

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Have you heard about jelly drops?  They are a sweet that is designed to make it easy to help people boost their daily water intake.

We think that Jelly Drops are a fantastic idea and a great way to combat dehydration, especially amongst those with dementia.

These fantastic sweets are the brainchild of Lewis Hornby.  His inspiration came following his grandma Pat’s admission to hospital with severe dehydration.  Pat had dementia and Lewis wanted to find a solution that might help to prevent dehydration.

The sweets are presented in an inviting box, similar to a box of chocolates.  They are an easy, low calorie and tasty way to boost water intake.  Jelly drops are 95% water but solid when you eat them, easily breaking apart in the mouth, although if you have swallowing difficulties you should consult a Speech and Language Therapist prior to use

The Jelly Drop water sweets don’t need to be kept in the fridge and have a shelf life of up to 3 months.

Do you want to find out more?  Visit https://jellydrops.shop/

For other great hints and tips for those who receive care at home visit https://gardinersnursing.co.uk/news/

Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it’s not treated, it can get worse and become a serious problem.

Symptoms of dehydration:

• feeling thirsty
• dark yellow and strong-smelling pee
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• feeling tired
• a dry mouth, lips and eyes
• peeing little, and fewer than 4 times a day

Sometimes people you care for do not have a sense of how much they’re drinking.  To help them:

• make sure they drink during mealtimes
• make drinking a social thing, like “having a cup of tea”
• offer them food with a high water content – for example, soups, ice cream or jellies, or fruits like melon

A pharmacist can recommend oral rehydration sachets. These are powders that you mix with water and then drink.

In Hot weather home security can often be overlooked due to the need to keep cool.

Here are some top Hot weather home security tips from the Thames Valley Police about how to help protect your home against burglary in warm weather:

• Fit window opening restrictors to all easily accessible windows – this will allow ventilation while restricting access.
• Close and lock all windows and doors, even if just out in the garden.
• Remove window and door keys from the locks, store out of reach and away from your letterbox.
• Keep valuables out of sight, along with any visible signs including charging cables.
• Hide the keys to your vehicle, and if you have a keyless entry, store the fob in a RFID pouch to block the signal.

For more guidance on how to protect your home, read the  the Thames Valley Police website and read their Home Security Guide

Did you know:

• Burglars tend to avoid homes with security systems.
• Most burglaries take place between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• The majority of break-ins are committed by burglars who live nearby.
• Most criminals can burglarize a home in less than ten minutes.
• Almost 30% of burglars enter a home through an unlocked door or window.
• An astonishing 34% of burglars enter through the front door.
• Burglars usually go to the master bedroom first.
• Someone is home during nearly three out of every ten burglaries.

Home Security post from Gardiner’s

It is really important not to underestimate the importance of good hydration for those receiving care at home.

How much water should we drink each day?

The amount you should drink each day depends on several factors including climate, physical activity and diet.  The UK Food Standards Agency recommends that “in a moderate climate, such as the UK, we need to drink at least 6 -8 cups or glasses of water (or other fluid) to prevent dehydration.”

To maintain good hydration for those receiving care at home, it is important to meet the 6-8 glasses of water per day target.

How can we identify dehydration?

You can monitor hydration levels by observing urine colour.  Urine should be clear or pale colour.  Observing lighter coloured urine throughout the day is an indicator a person is drinking enough and is well hydrated.

As we age we become more at risk of dehydration

Elderly people can often be physically frail with reduced mobility & activity.  This makes it harder not only to get a drink but also to go to the toilet.  Some people may decline drinking sufficient volumes of water in order to avoid need to go to the toilet later.

Those with poor memory or other mental issues may needed prompting to drink a sufficient amount.

As we grow older our feelings of thirst reduce.  As a result we drink less which can lead to dehydration.

Our kidneys don’t work as well as we grow older.  We also may develop any of number of medical problems (or / and take medication) which make it very important to stay well hydrated.

Dehydration is dangerous.

Dehydration causes dizziness which can lead to falls.  It can cause tiredness, lethargy, confusion and constipation.  The kidneys don’t produce urine so well increasing the risk of urinary tract infections.

How can you promote good hydration for those receiving care at home?

• Encourage those who you provide care for to drink a little more.
• When you visit, offer a drink when you arrive.
• Encourage sips during your visit.
• Leave them a drink for later.
• Find out what the person you are caring for likes to drink.
• Sometimes it can help to be aware of and record how much they are drinking.
• Let those that you care know that by having another glass of water they are helping to keep themselves well.
• Encourage drinking water even when people don’t feel thirsty; by the time you feel thirsty your body has lost between 2 and 5 cups of water.
• Suggest starting the day with a cup of hot water with a good squeeze of fresh lemon.
• Discourage caffeine and alcohol, drink water.  Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics and cause the body to lose water.  You could also suggest a glass of water with coffee and tea?
• Throughout the day make water constantly available, keep a bottle of water within reach.
• Perhaps create a daily schedule; drink a glass after breakfast, one before lunch etc.
• Suggest to people to keep a drinks diary which will help to raise awareness about how much they are drinking.

Some great reason to stay well hydrated

• Concentration – When you are dehydrated your attention and concentration can decrease by 13% and short term memory by 7%.  Stay well hydrated helps to improve your concentration.
• Are you really hungry? – People often confuse mild feelings of thirst with mild hunger.   Drinking water can help manage weight by curbing the appetite and it is calorie free.  Also eating more fruit and vegetables can help because they are good for you and are 80-90% water.
• Active today?  – Drinking water before, during and after any physical activity will help keep your heart rate and body temperature lower.
• Hot? – In hot temperatures your body loses more water.  Drink additional water each day to compensate for this loss.
• Look great! – Dehydrated skin looks older. Drink lots to keep your skin looking younger and vibrant.

Perhaps Gardiner’s can help?  A daily visit from our care workers may be all that is need to help encourage your loved want to drink more.  Equally the reassurance of knowing that someone is coming to help assist to use the bathroom or change pads can give those with mobility issues the confidence to maintain good levels of fluid intake.

For more information about water, drinks and your health, please visit the NHS choices website