Swinging back to childhood – the little things in life make a big difference

Posted on by Elisha Lennox
Swinging back to childhood - the little things in life make a big difference

“I used to love playing on the swings when I was a wee lass”

Bertha has enjoyed having a go on the swings since she was little.

Bertha always enjoys getting out and about for a stroll and when Bertha and our team member Kerry came across a play park on their recent walk, it sparked happy memories for Bertha who said she used to love playing on the swings when she was a wee lass.

After a little bit of convincing that you’re never too old for playtime, on Bertha got and with a gentle push she was soon feeling the wind in her hair; her smiles and laughter said it all.

Fresh air and a go on the swings.

The little things in life. They’re just another way we help our residents feel at home.

Little things make a big difference

Swinging back to childhood - the little things in life make a big difference

I love it when they surprise me with The King – the little things in life make a big difference

Posted on by Elisha Lennox
Dancing to Elvis

“I love it when they surprise me with The King!”

Ann has been an Elvis fan ever since she was in bobby socks.

When Ann came to Croxteth Park Care House, our Magic Moments team saw her face light up whenever Elvis came on the radio and her feet begin to tap.

Ann thought her dancing days were over but when Ann came to Croxteth House, our Magic Moments team had other ideas.

They saw that music was the key to Ann’s happiness and made sure that The King was included in playlists and during dancing and exercise sessions held at the home.

And, while jiving to Jailhouse Rock is now a little beyond her, she still can still move happily to Can’t Help Falling in Love.

The little things in life. They’re just another way we help our residents feel at home. 

Little things make a big difference

I love it when they surprise me with The King - the little things in life make a big difference

Popping to the shop – the little things in life make a big difference

Posted on by Elisha Lennox
Popping to the shop - the little things in life make a big difference

“Popping to the shop to browse and for a chat. Just like I used to do.”

Brenda always loved her Friday morning trip to the shops with her daughter Juanita; it was their treasured ‘mum & daughter time’ and became a family tradition.

When Brenda moved into Harrogate Lodge Care Home after a diagnosis of dementia, Juanita missed their cherished Friday mornings together, but was unsure how they would both cope being out and about without the support of the care team.

Amy, the home’s Magic Moments Club Coordinator, proposed the three of them had an outing to local boutique, ‘Rebel and Rose’ and talked to owner Rachel to arrange a good time to pop in.

Brenda and Juanita had a wonderful morning browsing and chatting to staff and customers in the shop and the experience has given them the confidence to plan more trips out together.

A pop to the shops, time with a loved one and a chat with local folk.

The little things in life. They’re just another way we help our residents feel at home.

Little things make a big difference.

Four Seasons

Keeping a Focus on Eyecare As You Age

Posted on by Bethany Matthews

eyecare from Four Seasons and brighterkind

Our eyesight changes as we get older and nearly all of us will need glasses by the time we are 65. In order to continue enjoying life with the best possible vision, it is really important to have the correct prescription.

Better sight can enable a person to look at photos of their loved ones, watch TV, use the internet or simply see their dinner. It can help us to recognise faces, enjoy the view, engage in the world around them, and help to maintain their independence and self-esteem – things that many of us take for granted.

The Benefits of Regular Sight Tests

It’s important to have regular sight tests to ensure that you have the correct prescription to improve eyesight and avoid putting strain on your eyes. Correcting the sight of individuals with poor vision can help them to avoid bumps and significantly reduce their risk of falls, as well as radically improving their quality of life and wellbeing.

As well as general eye health, a sight test can identify and monitor eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and floaters, and even some underlying health conditions like diabetes.

The Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB) estimates that over half of the older residents in care homes have some form of sight loss that can’t be corrected by glasses. This emphasises the importance of sight tests.

Helping Residents to Have the Best Possible Vision

Four Seasons Health Care Group takes residents’ eye health seriously, which is why we have partnered with Connect Eyecare. Connect Eyecare are experienced in mobile eye care for older people and those living with dementia.

Connect Eyecare are on a mission to improve everything about mobile eye care for our residents. They provide an exceptional in-home experience for our residents using state of the art equipment and a dementia-friendly service delivered by the best Optometrists. Just like a visit to the optician’s but in the comfort of your own home. 

The importance of Community Connections

Posted on by Bethany Matthews

How our residents keep connected with their community

Our homes actively contribute and play a key role in their local area. We invite the community in and take residents out for events like coffee mornings and garden parties. It’s important to us that residents continue to be able to socialise not only with their family and friends, but also with members of the local community.  Many residents wish to continue to attend meetings or clubs they loved before they moved into our home.

VIsiting the library
Visiting the local library

Why is it important to feel part of the community?

Maintaining or building local connections is incredibly important in helping residents maintain independence and for their mental wellbeing. Just because you move home doesn’t mean you lose connections or the desire to stay connected. This is an important part of our Magic Moments programme and part of getting to know you as an individual.

Whether an individual continues to feel involved in something that has been such an important part of their life for so long, or they have recently moved areas, it remains just as important to surround them with the people, amenities, and events nearby, so they feel at home in and comforted by the world around them.

Visiting Wolverhampton Wanderers
Visiting Wolverhampton Wanderers

The memories and wisdom of elders are invaluable resources, and we should all learn to embrace the value of multiple generations within a community. The world we live in is a rapidly changing place, and who better to share their knowledge or give advice on making the most of our time here than somebody who has experienced so much, especially within the community where you live?

Hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning

Hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning

At Four Seasons Health Care Group we regularly put on trips for our residents, as it’s always important to get some fresh air if you’re able to. Spending time with people never fails to brighten up your day, and revisiting places that hold fond memories can prompt some wonderful conversations. Not only do we go out to visit places, but we also try to have as many people and groups visiting homes as possible, from members of the church to visitors from local schools and the area Women’s Institute.

In September we host Community Coffee Mornings in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and invite our neighbours into our homes for a chat and piece of cake. This helps to raise some money for a great cause and is a brilliant event to help our residents stay connected with their community.

Additionally, many of our team members live locally to our care homes too, which means they may share a common knowledge of people, events and facilities and are able to discuss the goings-on of the community – sometimes it’s enough just hearing an update, other times it provides a lasting bond with one another.

In conclusion, contrary to popular belief, moving into a Four Seasons Health Care Group home can not only help reconnect individuals to their local area with the opportunity to discover and attend events, enjoy group visits and stay ahead of the gossip, it can eradicate loneliness and provide that sense of belonging that can often be lost when you live on your own in later life.

To find out more just search for your local home and pop in for a chat. Who knows, there may be a familiar face waiting to greet you!

Making friends as you get older

Posted on by Bethany Matthews

Is making friends possible as you get older?

Friendship is a bond that can be formed gradually or in an instant. We may not always see our friends as much as we would like, but we know they are there for us through thick and thin and your relationship will feel the same as soon as you see them.

When we are working and have busy family lives, these positives can also be a barrier to forming new friendships or feeling like socialising. However once these responsibilities have lessoned, it can pave the way for new friendships. We find that many of our residents naturally find others who they enjoy chatting with, socialising with and in some cases they establish joyful longer term friendships.

What do friends mean to our residents and why they are so important?

Having a friend is important throughout life and especially so in later years, when mobility is limited and there isn’t the same opportunities to ‘go out’ with friends. When we think about the best moments of our lives, rarely do we recount a time involving no one but ourselves. Our desire to socialise never goes away and supporting that need is crucial to enjoying a long and happy life.

Friends of our residents are always welcome to come and spend quality time with an old pal. A care home setting can eliminate other stresses such as grocery shopping, preparing meals or cleaning and you can enjoy a proper catch-up over a brew. It is also the perfect place to create new friendships and rekindle a love of socialising.

At Four Seasons Health Care Group, we understand the importance of friendships in helping our residents feel a sense of belonging and being connected. Our activities programme, mealtimes and communal rooms provide plenty of opportunity for our residents to get together, socialise and enjoy each other’s company from which new friendships may blossom.  

Coming for a short stay can be the start of something special and mean that you make contacts and new friends during your stay.

The risk of sepsis in older age

Posted on by Bethany Matthews

Throughout September, Four Seasons Health Care Group are recognising Sepsis Awareness Month; building on our knowledge and supporting our residents, families and visitors to be better informed about the risks. By raising awareness and actively promoting prevention, we can help protect the well-being of our older loved ones and ensure they enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life.

As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, making us more vulnerable to various health challenges. One such threat is sepsis, a severe medical condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection triggers a chain reaction, leading to widespread inflammation throughout the body. This condition can be life threatening, especially for older people due to weakened immune systems and age-related health issues. It is crucial that the teams in our homes are well informed about the risks of sepsis, how to spot the signs and how to prevent it to help protect our residents and ensure a high standard of care in our homes.

Common Symptoms

One of the most concerning aspects of sepsis, especially in older age, is its silent nature. Symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for other common ailments, such as the flu or urinary tract infections. Older adults may not exhibit the classic signs of sepsis, such as high fever and elevated heart rate, making early detection challenging. Here are some signs:

    1. Altered Mental State: Confusion, disorientation, or extreme lethargy can be early indicators of sepsis in older individuals.
    2. Rapid Breathing or Shortness of Breath: Difficulty in breathing or rapid, shallow breaths may suggest sepsis-related respiratory distress.
    3. Low Blood Pressure: A drop in blood pressure is a critical sign of sepsis, leading to decreased blood flow to vital organs.
    4. Fever or Hypothermia: Older people may not always develop a high fever, but a lower-than-normal body temperature can also be a warning sign.
    5. Decreased Urine Output: A sudden decrease in urine output may signal kidney dysfunction, a common complication of sepsis.

Helping to prevent sepsis

While sepsis can be life threatening, there are steps older people and those that care for them can take to reduce the risk:

  1. Ensure recommended vaccinations are taken, such as the flu and pneumonia vaccines, which can help prevent infections that may lead to sepsis.
  2. Pay close attention to wound care, including any post-operative wounds, bedsores, or injuries and treat any signs of infection.
  3. Practicing good hygiene, including regular handwashing, can help prevent infections that may trigger sepsis.
  4. Seek prompt medical attention for any infections, no matter how minor they may seem. Early treatment can prevent the progression to sepsis.
  5. Ensure that older adults are taking their prescribed medications correctly and discuss any side effects or concerns with healthcare providers.
  6. Take care of gums and teeth by following a good oral health care routine as one of the most common ways someone can develop sepsis is through oral infection.

Oral Healthcare in Older People

As we age, our oral health can deteriorate due to a variety of factors, such as reduced saliva production, chronic medical conditions, and medication side effects. However, by following proper oral care we can significantly improve our overall health and quality of life.

Here are some key considerations for maintaining oral health in older individuals:

  • Routine dental visits are essential for identifying and addressing oral health issues early. Older adults should see their dentist at least twice a year for examinations and cleanings.
  • Many medications can cause a dry mouth, which increases the risk of oral health problems. Regularly reviewing medications and care plans helps to identify and manage any issues.
  • Older people who still have their own teeth should continue to brush well at least twice a day and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque. Using a soft-bristle toothbrush can be gentler on ageing gums.
  • And lastly, a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and vitamin D, supports healthy teeth and gums.

Signs of Infection

  • Pain and Swelling: Persistent pain or swelling in the mouth or gums could indicate an infection.
  • Bleeding Gums: Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing, may be a sign of gum disease or infection.
  • Bad Breath: Chronic bad breath (halitosis) can be a sign of an underlying oral health issue.
  • Ulcers or Sores: Sores, white patches, or ulcers that do not heal within two weeks should be examined by a dentist.

Preventing Gum Issues Related to Dentures

  • Ensure that dentures fit well and do not cause friction or pressure on the gums. Regular adjustments may be necessary.
  • Rinse the mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Visit the dentist regularly to monitor the fit of the dentures and address any issues promptly.
  • Remove dentures after eating and rinse them thoroughly to remove food particles.
  • Gently brush dentures with a soft-bristle brush and denture cleaner or mild soap. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive.
  • Soak dentures overnight in a denture-cleaning solution to help remove stains and bacteria.
  •  Be careful when handling dentures to prevent damage. Place a towel in the sink to avoid breakage if dropped.

Dentures and Living with Dementia

  • Caring for someone with dementia can present unique challenges when it comes to oral hygiene and denture maintenance. Here are some key ways to encourage denture use:
  • Create a daily routine for oral care and denture use. Consistency can help individuals with dementia feel more comfortable.
  • Use clear, step-by-step instructions and demonstrations to guide them in placing and removing dentures.
  • Offer praise and positive reinforcement when they wear their dentures correctly.
  • Keep an eye on the condition of their dentures and offer assistance with cleaning and maintenance as needed.

TEAth Parties for World Sepsis Day September 13th

To help build awareness around good oral hygiene, all our care homes will be holding a TEAth Party for World Sepsis Day on 13th September for residents, families and visitors. Attendees will all be enjoying cake and drinks before being gifted toothbrushes for a teeth cleaning activity and discussion around the importance of good oral care.

Pet Therapy

Posted on by Bethany Matthews

At Four Seasons Health Care Group, we’re more than just a care home group. We’re a community woven together by the shared goal of making life for our residents’ lives as happy and fulfilling as possible. One way we’re achieving this is through the delivery of Pet Therapy as part of our Magic Moments activities programme.

Our homes organise visits from specialist pet therapy organisations such as ZooLab and Pets as Therapy as well as visits from other pet therapy animals such as alpacas and ponies. Bringing smiles to residents throughout the home.

Easing the Pressure

Before coming to stay with us, many of our residents had a cherished pet companion back at home that they miss dearly. Some of our homes will support residents to bring a beloved pet with them, just ask the Home Manager if this is something you wish to explore. If this isn’t possible,  that’s where pet therapy and specialist therapy animal visits to the home comes in, bringing a bit of that comfort and companionship right into the heart of our care homes and onto our resident’s laps.

“The animals bring back such happy memories for our residents and being able to hold them and feed them is really special.”

Pet therapy is more than just a feel-good initiative though and specialist providers ‘Pets as Therapy’  state that interacting with pets can significantly enhance mental health and overall wellbeing. “Interacting with a PAT pet can lead to an increased connection with carers and family. It brings a fresh spark of energy and joy, especially for those living with dementia. The simple truth is, pets make us happier.” – Pets as Therapy

Are you wondering how all this happens? Well, the magic is in the pet-human interaction. The simple act of petting or spending time with these animals triggers the release of serotonin and dopamine in our brains. These ‘happy hormones’ contribute to an uplifted mood and a sense of well-being.

Keeping Active

Our Pet Therapy sessions also serve as a fun, gentle form of exercise. As an addition to the Magic Moments activities, they help to keep our residents moving and their joints… shall we say, ‘grooving’; an enjoyable way to maintain physical health and engagement.

A Boost to the Brain

Then there’s the cognitive boost that comes with pet interaction. Engaging with our furry friends stimulates cognitive functions and memory. This can be especially significant for residents experiencing memory loss or cognitive decline, like those with dementia. A purr or a wagging tail can trigger cherished memories, bringing a comforting sense of familiarity and grounding.

Starting the Conversation

Pet therapy also creates a safe space for our residents to practice their communication skills. It’s a judgment-free zone where conversations are sparked naturally, fostering a sense of community, and strengthening bonds among residents.

A Friend and Companion

One aspect of pet therapy that tugs at our heartstrings is the companionship it offers. Our furry friends become loyal companions, alleviating feelings of loneliness and isolation. They offer a connection to the world, a sense of unconditional love that makes our residents feel more anchored and less lonely.

Purpose and Responsibility

And let’s not forget the sense of purpose and responsibility that comes from caring for these animals, even if briefly. It’s a chance for our residents to feel needed, fostering a glow of fulfilment and happiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pet therapy is a truly magical part of our Magic Moments activities programme that significantly enhances life at Four Seasons and brighterkind care homes. From countering loneliness to improving physical health and mental functions, our cuddly companions bring an abundance of joy, warmth, and laughter into our hearts and homes.

Baking

Posted on by Bethany Matthews

In the lead-up to National Biscuit Day, our Four Seasons Health Care Group homes have put their aprons on and pulled out the baking trays. The smell of home baking is filling our homes and our residents are enjoying a variety of tasty cookies and biscuits.

In older age loss of appetite is common, which can make mealtimes a struggle, however baking can help stimulate the senses, making eating enjoyable again. For example, the sound of the blender, the feel of the dough and the smell of the bakes in the oven can all act as positive stimulants for individuals and unlock happy memories.

Here at Four Seasons Health Care Group, we run regular baking sessions as part of our Magic Moments activities programme. It can be a relaxing time and a great way for our residents to practice their culinary skills and benefit from the great social occasion. The delightful smells and satisfaction of baking a sweet treat is hugely rewarding and helps create a happy and comforting experience.

Top Tips: The benefits of companionship

Posted on by Bethany Matthews

Our need to have companionship goes back to the dawn of the human race. As long as we’ve roamed the earth, we’ve done so in groups, and communication – in many forms – has been fundamental to our feeling of belonging and being connected. It’s no wonder that we feel lonely when we are without someone to talk to or to just be with on a regular basis.

Meeting the need for companionship is an important part of staying healthy and happy because loneliness can have a profound impact on mental health. So much so that it’s been described as an epidemic, as more than a quarter of UK households now contain only one person. Many of those are elderly people whose partners have passed away. So, what can we do to be aware of the effects of loneliness and find ways to provide and enjoy companionship?

At Four Seasons and brighterkind, we offer a wide range of opportunities for our residents to get together, socialise and enjoy each other’s company. Whether you reside in one of our homes, live on your own, or can offer companionship to an elderly family member, you can follow these tips to help stay happy and healthy.

TRAIN YOUR BRAIN
Keeping your brain active is just as important as keeping your body active. If you didn’t move off the sofa for a week, you would find yourself stiff and much slower than when you first sat down. Your brain is much the same and needs exercise to stay healthy and to support good memory. Talking to someone for just 10 minutes is proven to improve memory.

Not only will that conversation boost your mood, it will also have longer lasting benefits to combat the worrying effects of loneliness found by various studies, including being 26% more likely to develop dementia and a 105% increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment. All the more reason to pick up the phone and enjoy a natter.

TAKE AN INTEREST

Companionship can be provided through the simple act of taking an interest in someone. As we grow up, move away and start our own families, it’s far too easy to forget to take an interest in the lives of our ageing parents or neighbours. At the same time, their social circle is also declining as is their mobility and all of this can lead to feelings of isolation and a sense of a loss of purpose.

The simple act of checking in on an elderly family member or neighbour, or inviting them in for tea are impactful ways to make someone feel noticed and acknowledged. Better yet, arrange a visit to somewhere like a garden centre or a café so that you can both enjoy companionship in interesting surroundings.

ASK FOR HELP
Companionship is great for many things; conversation and reminiscing in particular, but a companion can also lend a helpful hand. Whether it’s grocery shopping, preparing meals, helping with cleaning or the odd job around the house – sometimes that’s what friends are for. There’s no need to be shy about asking for help or offering it.

Having a friend is important throughout life. When we think about the best moments of our lives, rarely do we recount a time involving no one but ourselves. Our desire to socialise never goes away and supporting that need is crucial to enjoying a long and happy life.

The benefits of music

Posted on by Tessa Matthews

Music is a creative outlet that has the power to bring people together and improve health and wellbeing. If you have worked in the care sector you may have already noticed the amazing benefits of listening to music.

Resident enjoying playing music with team membersTo celebrate World Music Day, we are going to take a closer look at the benefits of music in everyday life and particularly for those living with dementia.

Music is accessible to everyone at every age and studies have found that music even has a valuable role in the quality of life and reduction of loneliness. It provides a sense of companionship, which can have positive effects on your mood and self-esteem. It can stimulate happy emotions and memories – almost everyone will always remember the song played as the first dance at their wedding.

Music and Dementia

Musical outlets provide a non-medical approach to helping manage and contain symptoms of dementia. The flexibility of music allows different levels of participation and offers a personal experience for listeners as songs can bring back memories and be interactive even as cognitive functions deteriorate.

Beckie Morley, the founder of Musical Moments, BA Hons in Music with a specialism in community music and dementia and PGCE in Early Music Education, said: “Music is particularly beneficial for those living with dementia; the ‘musical memory’ is the strongest memory retained by the human brain so it makes a lot of sense to use music as often as possible.”

At Four Seasons Health Care Group, we understand the importance of music in helping our resident’s health and well-being, especially those living with dementia. Therefore, we have carefully designed our activities programme to encourage interaction and communication using music. Residents can take part in group sing-along sessions, dance lessons or relax in the communal room with light music in the background to help encourage positive memories.

We have also patterned with DanceSing to bring live music sessions to our homes through live stream. This allows our residents to enjoy interacting with others around them whilst also encouraging light exercise of the mind and body.

This World Music Day put on your favourite song and have a boogie – after all, it’s good for your health!

Life in our Care Homes this December

Posted on by Tessa Matthews

Our Magic Moments activities programme is jam-packed with things to do and learn, places to visit, live entertainment and exercise and relaxation sessions; it’s all about the joy of having fun together.

Whether we’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a cuppa and a chat, we welcome family, friends and members of our community to come along and join us.

We hope you enjoy this selection of pictures showing just some of the activities and events we’ve enjoyed recently…

Four Seasons Health Care Group is one of the UK’s largest independent health care providers with care homes across the UK providing long-term and respite residential, nursing and dementia care for older people. Find a care home near you.

Hungerford Care Home, Hungerford, celebrating Christmas

Hungerford Care Home had a visit from some elves on Elf Day! They distributed chocolate treats for everyone to enjoy.

Bishopsmead Lodge, Bristol, organised a Christmas present appeal

To give thanks to our wonderful local community for being so supportive over the last few years, we organised a present appeal here at Bishopsmead Lodge Care Home and took the gifts to our local food bank so every child receives a gift this Christmas.

Kingston Care Home visited our local Christmas market and had a wander around the stalls, then enjoyed a hot chocolate.

Maple Lodge Care Home, Sunderland, celebrate Christmas

Here at Maple Lodge Care Home we baked Christmas cupcakes and everyone dressed in elf outfits in celebration of Elf Day!

Lansdowne Care Home, Cricklewood, took part in a Christmas singalong

Lansdowne Care Home had a Christmas singalong, with residents, family members and our team all joining in.

Warrior Park Care Home, Hartlepool, Christmas shopping

Warrior Park Care Home Resident Gwen enjoyed a trip to the local shopping centre to see the Christmas tree and do a spot of Christmas shopping.