Living Well patients at the Hospice learn about maintaining independence

An important part of Living Well is taking control where you can.

Patients visiting the Living Well Service recently, picked up some useful tips in a ‘Maintaining Independence’ session led by Nurse, Anne-Marie Lydon and visitor Moira Hegerty (pictured in main photo).

Anne-Marie started by stressing the importance of keeping moving where possible for a balanced life. She said to avoid sitting too long as this can harm your balance, body strength and mobility, which in turn can make falls more likely.

Tips to reduce the risk of falls

To build confidence, Anne-Marie shared some strategies to reduce the risk of falls. These included fall-proofing your home. Areas to consider are:

• Good lighting

Never walk around in the dark. LED lights are both efficient and cost saving, so choose these if you can.

• Living Areas

Avoid trailing cables, for example from lamps. Use cable tidies.

Use non slip underlay under rugs

• Kitchen and bathrooms

Put things in reachable levels

Install grab rails

• Garden

Install grab rails.

Avoid steps.

• Pets

Put bells or bright coloured collars on your pets, so you know where they are.

• Stairs

Never store things on the stairs.

Consider moving downstairs.

One patient said he swapped his living room for his bedroom on the ground floor, when the stairs became too difficult for him.

• Clothing

Make sure nothing is trailing

• Feet

Take care of your feet

Make sure your shoes are fitted correctly and replace slippers before they are worn out.

Avoid walking with just socks or tights

Avoid shuffling when walking

• Food and drink

Avoid caffeinated drinks

Avoid multiple medications

Avoid alcohol

• Eyes

Get your eyesight and glasses regularly checked

Alarm Services

Planning ahead in case of a fall was another subject discussed. Visitor, Moira explained:

“I’ve always had bad knees which led to mobility issues. When my husband died nine years ago, I knew I needed support in case I fell. I researched different alarms and decided on one called Telecare 24.”

Moira shared more about her chosen alarm but it is good to remember there are lots of different alarm services on the market. She added:

“I pay £200 a year for the alarm and service. If I fall anywhere in the UK, I will be linked to a person at their call handling service, by pressing a button on the pendant. They will then speak to me and summon help if I need it.

 I have a pendant which I wear around my neck, but I am aware that you can’t have a pendant if you have a pace maker. The watch is another option.

 I don’t wear it at night when I am asleep but I am in the routine of putting it on as soon as I wake up. It takes three hours to fully charge and sits on a pad, so I put it on there when I am sitting down.”

Key Safes

Key safes, which are located outside the home, are another consideration if you are at risk of falling or needing support and can’t get to the door. Moria added that she has written her key safe code to the alarm company details, so that if she falls the ambulance service and/or up to four people she has nominated to support can get to her safely.

Incase of a fall

Anne-Marie suggested some sensible precautionary measures people can put in place in case of a fall. These included placing cushions, blankets and a bottle of water in a handy place in the home.

She also shared some advice about what to do if you do fall:

• Lay still for a minute to see if you have injured yourself anywhere.
• See if you can get on to all fours, or bottom shuffle to summon help.

Whilst you wait for help:

• Stay warm
• Keep moving where you can.
• Keep up your fluids.

Home Security

One patient mentioned security in the home and the Bobby Scheme was discussed. They offer advice, information and guidance to increase confidence whilst living in your own home. More information can be found on their website https://thebobbyscheme.org/ or by telephoning 01480 413311.

Further Information

A useful leaflet called ‘Get up and go’ was shared at the session and can be downloaded online here: https://www.csp.org.uk/publications/get-go-guide-staying-steady-english-version

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If you would like to know more about the Living Well Service please visit arhc.org.uk/livingwell