Retirement Development Prioritises Happiness For Elderly People!

A new retirement development in Failsworth, a town in the Manchester borough of Oldham, is now underway, with the aim being to help older people lead happier, healthier lives, enjoying their retirement years to the fullest.

According to the Oldham Times, retirement property development company McCarthy Stone is behind the vision for the ‘happier, healthier’ project, which will see financial assistance provided to various local community groups to help support people’s wellbeing and ensure they can continue to live independently for as long as possible.

Part of the plans will include a new development on Ashton Road west, which is due to be completed by autumn next year. 

This will feature various low-maintenance, affordable and energy-efficient privately owned apartments for those over the age of 60, complete with all the necessary amenities within very close proximity, as well as beautiful countryside walks and communal shared spaces.

McCarthy Stone is currently looking for residents to take on voluntary advisor roles to help ensure that the new project aligns with community needs and the future residents of the apartments. These advisors will have influence over how funding is distributed, working towards making positive impacts in the community.

Business development manager Declan Fishwick said: “This development is the first of its kind in Oldham so we thought what better way to plan our community activities than to involve members of the public directly, so they can help us by highlighting some of the unsung heroes within the Oldham community where the funding could have the most positive difference to the lives of older people.

“Equally, this could be a fantastic way to build long-term relationships with the causes and groups themselves, which can be very fulfilling and rewarding too.”

There’s a raft of different benefits associated with ageing in place and living independently, everything from boosting your confidence and self-esteem to giving you greater control over your life. 

Making your home accessible and adapting it over time in line with your evolving needs will be key in this regard, so get in touch with us today if you’d like to find out about bathroom adaptations including half height shower doors, bath lifts, shower seats and so on.

Are You Eligible For The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Fund?

The Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) Alternative Fund was initially set up to provide £400 to those households that receive their energy supply indirectly, whether that’s through a site owner, a landlord or some other intermediary.

However, new research from charity Age UK suggests that the initiative hasn’t been as successful as initially hoped, failing to reach almost four out of five eligible households… meaning that over half a million properties have missed out, including more than 250,000 people living in care homes.

Figures show that there are an estimated 883,000 eligible households in the UK that have atypical energy supply arrangements, but only 17 per cent of these (approximately 150,000 households) were awarded the £400 this year.

As a result, the Treasury is set to receive £300 million in unspent funds, but Age UK is now calling on the government to overhaul the scheme and run it again so as to benefit those in need this winter as the cost of living crisis continues to take hold.

The charity is also keen for the money to be paid out automatically wherever possible, rather than people having to put in a claim to gain access to the support. Over the long term, Age Uk wants to see a social tariff introduced to ensure that vulnerable people always receive discounts on energy bills.

Charity director Caroline Abrahams said: “The need for this extra funding certainly hasn’t gone away and that’s why we think the government should try again to get the money out to everyone in line for it, rather than giving it up as a bad job, to the benefit of Treasury coffers but at the expense of older people in need. It’s not too late for ministers to act and we very much hope they will.”

It’s likely that this winter will be as difficult as last year’s, which means that millions of households will struggle if no support is put in place now, with many older people facing serious hardship over the coming months.

 

Are you looking for disability baths at the moment? Get in touch with Practical Bathing today to see how we can help.

Inquiry Launched Into Accessible Housing

A new inquiry entitled Disabled People in the Housing Sector has just been launched by the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee to see what government action can be taken in order to ensure that disabled people are able to find accessible and adaptable housing in England.

The review also plans to examine just how much progress has been made since the findings of the recent accessibility standards consultation were published in July last year.

Committee chair Clive Betts explained that there are now many disabled people living in properties that are neither accessible nor adapted, something that applies to those looking for social housing, who are looking to buy or who are looking in the private rental sector, all of whom are struggling to find suitable housing that meets their specific needs.

He went on to say: “We want to examine what government can do to ensure disabled residents have access to accessible and adaptable housing in England and how far the planning system is helping to deliver suitable homes.

“We’re also keen to explore the role of government, local councils and developers in delivering suitable housing for people with disabilities and what the government can do to support disabled tenants in the private rented sector in England.”

This comes after a recent study carried out by the Foundations Independent Living Trust found that adapted and accessible homes can deliver improvements in mobility and overall wellbeing, as well as other physical benefits, for both older and disabled people.

If properties are made more accessible, it can increase feelings of independence and self-respect, the research revealed, while ensuring that people are able to maintain a sense of purpose and identity.

The Benefits Of Bidet Toilet Seats For Older People

As you get older, you may find that going to the bathroom gets a little trickier and you find it harder to carry out your usual routine, whether that’s down to mobility issues, stiffness, weakness, balance concerns or something else.

Accepting that your needs are going to change with age is half the battle won and the good news is that there are lots of different bathroom adaptations you can make that will ensure you can continue to live independently and with dignity for as long as possible.

One accessibility installation that may be of particular interest is the bidet toilet seat, which allows you to maintain hygiene levels with ease after bowel movements without having to use your hands.

The facility features a wand beneath the toilet bowl that sprays a stream of clean water for cleansing purposes. This means you no longer have to bend or twist your body into awkward positions, which can lead to slips, falls and potential injury if you’re not careful.

Safety aside, you can also enjoy greater levels of hygiene by using a bidet and also potentially reduce the risks of urinary tract infections as a result. You can also protect your increasingly delicate skin since you no longer have to use toilet paper.

It’s important to note that these products differ from traditional freestanding bidets, which you would typically find next to your normal toilet. These devices can simply be attached to your current toilet, so there’s no need to worry about having to renovate your bathroom in order to enjoy the convenience and safety features they bring.

These products can also make it easier for caregivers assisting with toileting and personal hygiene each day, so it’s certainly worth investigating to see if it’s right for you. If you’d like any further help or advice, get in touch with Practical Bathing today.

Call Issued To Join Up Home & Community-Based Elderly Care

Charity Age UK has issued a call to move away from being overly reliant on acute hospital-based care for older people and focus more on prevention and early intervention.

This, the organisation believes, will enable older people to stay fit and healthy while living independently at home, or within a care home setting, something that would be beneficial for them while also reducing pressure on hospitals around the country.

Its State of Health and Care of Older People In England 2023 report has revealed that the health and care system is struggling and often failing to meet the needs of the ageing population. It was found that in 2021/22 there were 4.8 million attendances in A&E by older people, while attendance rates among the over-80s rose by 40 per cent between 2012 and 2021.

Furthermore, in 2019/20, there were 855,000 emergency hospital admissions that could have been avoided if the right care had been provided at the right time.

To address the situation, the charity is keen to see strong government leadership and a drive across the NHS and local authorities to ensure that small health problems are treated earlier before they develop into something bigger that requires urgent clinical support.

The report is calling for a strategic push to reverse the decline of primary and community health services and social care. In addition, it wants to see more community-based services developed and joined up to include healthcare professionals and those in the voluntary sector all working closely together.

And a ‘home first’ principle should be adopted as the foundation of the country’s approach to health and social care in the future.

Age UK chief executive Paul Farmer said: “It’s clear that we need services to reach out to older people much sooner, particularly those living at home, quite often alone, whose health is fragile or declining.

“This would not only be great news for older people, and their families, providing much needed reassurance, it would be cost-effective too. And it would go a long way to relieving the enormous pressure on hospitals as well.”

Charity director Caroline Abrams made further comments, saying one key strategy will be the development of an ambitious social care workforce plan that rewards the contributions of care staff and recognises the valuable work they do.

Enabling people to remain in their homes for as long as possible, retaining their dignity and independence comes with all sorts of benefits, everything from boosting their confidence and self-esteem to improving their quality of life, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness, fostering a sense of empowerment and so on.

One of the best ways to facilitate ageing in place is to make home adaptations that take into account your changing needs. These can range from disability baths and walk-in showers to grab rails, non-slip mats, wider doorways, lower countertops and downstairs bathrooms.

The necessary changes will depend on what your specific requirements are and these may change over time, so maintaining a flexible approach could ensure that you’re able to stay in your home for as long as possible.

6 Top Tips For Ageing In Place

There are all sorts of benefits associated with living independently and ageing in place, staying in your own home as long as you can, ranging from boosting your confidence and self-esteem to giving you greater choice over your own life, enjoying a greater level of control of what happens – all from the comfort of familiar surroundings.

However, it’s important to recognise that your needs may well change as you get older and if you want to continue living at home as you age, you will need to engage in appropriate consideration and planning to ensure that you’re able to retain your independence over the years.

If you are worried about your safety at home and your ability to get around or carry out daily activities, there are a few changes and adaptations you can make that will ensure your home is easier and safer for you to live in.

For example, you could remove any and all area rugs and ensure that all carpeting is properly fixed to the floor so as to reduce the risks of slips, trips and falls. This can also be achieved through the use of non-skin mats and no-slip strips on tiles and wooden floors, or any other surfaces that may get wet, such as those in the kitchen and bathroom.

Another option is to replace the handles on your doors and windows so that you have easy-to-use ergonomic options that take into account changes in manual dexterity and conditions like arthritis.

One of the most dangerous places in the house for older people is, of course, the bathroom and, as such, this may be the best place to focus your attention first. You could consider installing the likes of grab bars in the shower and near the toilet. Other options include the installation of walk in shower baths that can make bathing more accessible.

 

If you’d like to find out more about how to improve bathroom safety and accessibility as you get older, get in touch with Practical Bathing today to see how we can help.

4 Common Age-Related Health Conditions

As we age, there are certain health conditions and illnesses that we’re more likely to develop and it can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the most common of them so you can be aware of the signs and symptoms, seeking medical advice as and when appropriate.

Arthritis, for example, is particularly common among elderly people (although it can affect anyone at any age), characterised by joint pain and inflammation. It can lead to various mobility problems and you may need help with personal care, such as going to the toilet, dressing or washing.

Hearing loss is another very common condition in those over the age of 50, affecting around 40 per cent of people in the UK. If you are experiencing hearing loss, there are assistive devices out there that can help you at home, everything from telephone amplifiers to flashing and vibrating doorbells and alarms.

Osteoporosis is something else to be aware of, often referred to as the silent disease, as you may have it without even knowing it. It’s a progressive condition that leads to more fragile bones as you age, bones that are then more likely to break easily. The bones in your hips, wrists and spine are especially vulnerable.

Risk factors for osteoporosis include being over 50, gender (with the condition more common in women because of oestrogen loss during menopause), low body weight, other conditions like Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis and an unhealthy lifestyle.

And it’s not just physical conditions that you might like to be more aware of… supporting your mental and emotional health is important as you get older, as well.

Figures show that half of all adults over the age of 55 have experienced common mental health conditions, with triggers including ill health, the death of loved ones and financial worries. Isolation and loneliness can also have a big impact on mental health.

Remember that feeling down isn’t just a natural part of getting older and shouldn’t be accepted as such. It’s an indication that you’re not feeling as well as you should be, so it’s important to seek help and support if necessary.

 

Looking for easy access baths at the moment? Get in touch with Practical Bathing today to see how we can help.

How Do Walk In Baths Work?

As we get older, our needs are likely to change and we may find that we’re less mobile and less physically capable than we once were. This can be distressing and it can make life difficult, but the good news is that there is a lot you can do to help mitigate your changing circumstances and help you adapt, regardless of what takes place over time.

One common issue that people above a certain age often experience is difficulty getting in and out of the bathtub. It can be challenging and awkward to clamber in and it can be even harder to find the physical strength to lift yourself out of it once you’ve finished bathing.

This is where walk in baths really come into their own. These are excellent utilities to consider installing at home, featuring watertight doors that allow you to get into the bath without having to step in over the side. Once you’ve finished your bath, you simply drain the water and you can get out easily and safely.

There are different options available so you’ll be able to tailor your bath to suit your home and your specific needs. For example, you could go for a full-length tub, or a sit-up bath, or choose between a front or side-opening door, or an inward or outward-opening door.

Perhaps the most important aspect of these baths is the seal and it’s essential that you choose a top-quality product, or you may find the bath leaks and your bathroom floor gets wet, increasing your risk of slips and falls.

With Practical Bathing products, you can rest assured that all our baths have been carefully selected, tested and quality controlled. All our baths, lifts and showers are made in the UK and come with full warranties, so all your bases are covered.

Heat Health Alert In Place Until June 19th

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced that the heat health alert it issued at the start of June has been extended until June 19th, with all parts of England now under a yellow alert for this period of time.

This means that potential impacts could include increased risk to health for those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions, as well as increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: “In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it’s important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.

“Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.”

Keeping cool in a heatwave is a must for us all, but especially for people above a certain age. High temperatures can be very dangerous for your health, so it’s important to take steps to protect yourself wherever possible.

Avoid spending too much time outside or exercising between 11:00 and 15:00, as this is the hottest part of the day – and do your best to find shade wherever you can if you are outside. Carry a bottle of water with you when you go out, wear a hat and wear lightweight and light-coloured clothes to help you stay cool.

At home, keeping the windows closed and the blinds down can help regulate interior temperatures. You may also find that it’s more effective to take a cool bath or shower, or use a damp cloth on the back of your neck, instead of using a fan.

With just a few small steps, you should be able to enjoy the summer sun without too much worry. But if you do think you might struggle in the heat, always tell someone and ask them to check on you.

 

Looking for disabled baths at the moment? Get in touch with Practical Bathing today to see how we can help.

6 Top Tips For Ageing In Place

There are all sorts of benefits associated with living independently and ageing in place, staying in your own home as long as you can, ranging from boosting your confidence and self-esteem to giving you greater choice over your own life, enjoying a greater level of control of what happens – all from the comfort of familiar surroundings.

However, it’s important to recognise that your needs may well change as you get older and if you want to continue living at home as you age, you will need to engage in appropriate consideration and planning to ensure that you’re able to retain your independence over the years.

If you are worried about your safety at home and your ability to get around or carry out daily activities, there are a few changes and adaptations you can make that will ensure your home is easier and safer for you to live in.

For example, you could remove any and all area rugs and ensure that all carpeting is properly fixed to the floor so as to reduce the risks of slips, trips and falls. This can also be achieved through the use of non-skin mats and no-slip strips on tiles and wooden floors, or any other surfaces that may get wet, such as those in the kitchen and bathroom.

Another option is to replace the handles on your doors and windows so that you have easy-to-use ergonomic options that take into account changes in manual dexterity and conditions like arthritis.

One of the most dangerous places in the house for older people is, of course, the bathroom and, as such, this may be the best place to focus your attention first. You could consider installing the likes of grab bars in the shower and near the toilet. Other options include the installation of walk in shower baths that can make bathing more accessible.

If you’d like to find out more about how to improve bathroom safety and accessibility as you get older, get in touch with Practical Bathing today to see how we can help.