Category: Advice for Older People

On August 13th we launched our new homecare services at Mallow Primary Care Centre in Cork. Eoin Cadogan, local celebrity and dual county player, joined us and officially launched the new service.

Our homecare nursing managers Mary and Dannielle were both on hand to provide information about homecare services as well as offering free health checks to members of the public. The event also offered members of the public the opportunity to win €2,000 worth of homecare packages courtesy of myhomecareie.wpengine.com.

We are delighted that we now have the opportunity to provide service users in the Mallow Primary Care Centre with a full range of support services and homecare packages.

Here are some more pictures from the launch:

               Prevent Falls & Trips
A fall in an older person can result in broken bones, hospital admission, and other complications arising from admission to hospital, such as pneumonia.
A fall can also result in loss of confidence and loss of mobility. Many falls can be prevented and by making small changes you can lower your chances of falling.

1. Keep Active and Exercise:
Regular physical activity makes you stronger and improves your balance and coordination.
Begin slowly and start with exercises you feel comfortable doing.
Start with walking. You can slowly increase the distance you walk.
Even if you have a chronic illness such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or arthritis, there is a certain level of activity to suit you. Many of these conditions will improve with exercise.

2.  Ask your G.P. to review your medicines:
As you get older, you may need to change the dose of your medicines.
Some medicines or combinations of medicines may make you feel faint or light headed, which could lead to a fall. Always check with your G.P. for advice.

3. Have your vision checked:
Your eyesight changes as you get older. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling. Make sure you get your eyesight checked on a regular basis.

Stairs, Steps and Handrails:
Handrails offering support are best placed at a height where they can be reached, on both sides of stairs.
Fix loose or uneven steps. Replace worn, loose or frayed carpet/rugs if possible. Keep stairs and floor free of clutter and well lit up.
Have a light switch fitted at the top and bottom of the stairs.
In the Bathroom:
Fit grab rails next to your toilet, bath and shower.
Your bathroom should be well lit up.
To avoid the risk of slipping, keep the floor dry.

Kitchen:
Keep items you use often within easy reach.
If you need to reach high shelves, use a steady step stool rather than a chair.
Bedroom:
Place a lamp close to your bed, where it is easy to reach. Make sure there is a light between your bedroom and the bathroom.

Falls are preventable. Also remember if you have a fall, even a minor one, make sure you visit your G.P. for a check-up. If you have fallen already you might be more likely to fall again, so it is important to slow down and use a walking stick, if recommended by your doctor.

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can help:

• Strengthen your bones and muscles
• Improve your mental health and mood
• Improve your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls, if you’re an older adult
• Increase your chances of living longer
• Control your weight
• Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease
• Reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
• Reduce your risk of some cancers

If you’re not sure about becoming active or boosting your level of physical activity because you’re afraid of getting hurt, the good news is that moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking, is generally safe for most people.

Start slowly. Cardiac events, such as a heart attack, are rare during physical activity. But the risk does go up when you suddenly become much more active than usual. For example, you can put yourself at risk if you don’t usually get much physical activity and then all of a sudden do vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. That’s why it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase your level of activity.

If you have a chronic health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease, talk with your doctor to find out if your condition limits, in any way, your ability to be active. Then, work with your doctor to come up with a physical activity plan that matches your abilities. If your condition stops you from meeting the minimum Guidelines, try to do as much as you can. What’s important is that you avoid being inactive. Even 60 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity is good for you.

Improve you Mental Health and Mood

Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning and judgement skills sharp as you age.  It can also reduce your risk of depression and may help you sleep better.  Research has shown that doing aerobic or a mix of aerobic and muscle strengthening activities 3 to 5 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes can give you these mental health benefits.

How does this relate to physical activity? If you’re a physically active middle-aged or older adult, you have a lower risk of functional limitations than people who are inactive

Already have trouble doing some of your everyday activities? Aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities can help improve your ability to do these types of tasks.

Are you an older adult who is at risk for falls? Research shows that doing balance and muscle-strengthening activities each week along with moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking, can help reduce your risk of falling.