Keeping Well at Home - Aberfoyle Medical Practice

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Keeping Well at Home - Aberfoyle Medical Practice
Keeping
Well
at Home
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A reminder

Everyone must help stop coronavirus spreading.
This means you need to:
                                                                                                 Like many countries around the
                                                                                                 world, Northern Ireland had
                 Wash your hands with hot
                 water and soap more
                 often for 20 seconds
                                                                    Stay at home as much
                                                                    as possible.
                                                                                                 to lockdown in response to the
                 each time.
                                                                                                 coronavirus pandemic. We have
                                                                                                 listened to advice and stayed at
                 Try and keep a minimum
                                                                                                 home; this helped to reduce the
     2 metres
      (6 feet)                                                      Do not leave home if
                 of two metres (six feet)
                                                                    you or anyone in your
                 apart from others when out
                                                                                                 spread of the virus and it reduced
                                                                    household has symptom.
                 and about.

                                                                    Listen and look out for
                                                                    any changes to these
                                                                                                 the pressure on our NHS, but it
                 Carry tissues with you to
                 catch coughs and sneeze,
                 throw away after.
                                                                    guidelines in the media
                                                                    or https://www.nidirect.     hasn’t been easy.
                                                                    gov.uk/campaigns/
                                                                    coronavirus-covid-19         Staying away from family and friends is hard,      This booklet has some ideas and suggestions
                                                                                                 particularly during times of stress and            to keep us safe and well. It is designed for
                                                                                                 changes to our routine, this booklet has some      people who are less confident on the internet or
                                                                                                 ideas about what we can do for ourselves           perhaps don’t have access to it, and it contains a
                                                                                                 that can help.                                     list of contacts and phone numbers at the back.
                                                                                                 It seems likely that our lives will continue to    If we do have access to the internet, there is a
                    Move with Mary                                                               be affected for some time, with easing and         range of resources available online that can
                                                                                                 tightening of restrictions as necessary to keep    help to support us, adding to the information in
                    Age NI and Lady Mary Peters have launched an exercise programme
                                                                                                 this virus in check. There are ways of staying     this booklet.
                    aimed at keeping older people moving while staying at home. Move with
                                                                                                 in touch, and encouraging each other even
                    Mary is a series of five free online exercise videos for every capability,
                                                                                                 if we can’t visit and this is really important.
                    ranging from seated stretches to strength, balance and aerobic exercises.
                                                                                                 A phone call or a chat in the garden or balcony,
                   “To me, movement is life; it is important to keep active. These               if you have one, can really help prevent us
                    exercises are nice and gentle and will help you feel good. We                                                                                   “Even at this time
                                                                                                 from feeling isolated and alone.
                    have some stretches you can do whilst sitting and moves you                                                                                      community grows,
                    can practice while waiting for the kettle to boil or brushing                                                                                    even by a phone call,
                   your teeth!”                                                                                                                                      life becomes a bit
                    Lady Mary Peters                                                                                                                                 easier and worthwhile.”
                    For more information visit www.ageni.org/movewithmary                                                                                            Elaine
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Mind matters                                                                                        Look after your Wellbeing

Why our mind matters                                                                                There are five simple steps to help keep our minds well and active.
                                                                                                    Try to build these into your daily life–think of them as your ‘five a
                                                                                                    day’ for wellbeing

                                                                                                    		      Connect                                    		       Keep learning
                                                                                                    •	Stay in touch with friends, family, neighbours, •	Learning new things gives us a sense of
                                                                                                       clubs, and your community by phone, text or        achievement, increased confidence and
                                                                                                       video calls.                                       enjoyment. Use this time for some discovery.
Our mind matters and keeping our mind active is important.                                          •	Try and arrange to speak with someone           •	Learn how to use your smart phone or
We all need to think about our mind in the same way that we                                            every day.                                         computer to help you stay connected.
                                                                                                    •	Ask for help with shopping and running          •	Set yourself a goal, learn a new skill, or take
need to think about our bodies, especially in times of change.                                         errands.                                           on a new challenge.
Where possible, try to keep up with normal      There may be times when things change for           •	Take time to chat about how you’re feeling
everyday activities and interests, especially   us, so knowing what to do if something does            with others, it can really help.
keeping in touch with friends, family and       change will help us cope better. It is important                                                       		       Take notice
neighbours. Keeping active with interests       to stay connected and remember others are
and hobbies we enjoy keeps our mind well.       likely feeling similar so sharing and being kind            Be active                                •	Stop, pause and take a moment to be still
                                                                                                                                                        and look around you.
Trying something new can be a great thing       will help. For most of us, these feelings will
                                                                                                    •	Exercise makes us feel good mentally and      •	Let go of what none of us can control right
to do.                                          pass. There are helplines and local organisations
                                                                                                       physically. You can do the exercises in this     now and focus on what you can control.
                                                who are here to listen and support. Have a look
                                                                                                       book safely from your own home.               •	Take  time to focus on activities you enjoy
                                                at the helpful contacts page at the back of this
                                                                                                    •	Keep up with usual everyday activities and       at home.
                                                booklet for more information.
                                                                                                       interests at home. Gardening and housework •	Take note of things that bring you joy and
                                                Finding joy each day can really help, such as          count as exercise.                               share that joy with others.
                                                noticing the things we appreciate like blossom      •	Try a new online class. There are lots of fun
                                                or flowers, a call from a friend or family             videos available free on YouTube for all ages
                                                member, a good cup of tea, completing a                and different levels of ability.              		 Give
                                                word search, baking, taking in some fresh air,      •	Continue accessing treatment and support
                                                watching a sunset.                                     for health conditions from your GP.           •	Do something nice for someone. Smile,
                                                                                                                                                        seeing yourself and your happiness
“I’ve been advising friends and                                                                                                                         linked to others can be very rewarding.
 family not to get hooked on                                                                                                                         •	Check by telephone on neighbours or people
 watching, listening to and reading                                                                                                                     you know who may need some extra help
 too much news. It only encourages                                                                                                                   •	Phone a friend. You could help make
                                                                                                                                                        someone’s day by picking up the phone and
 negative feelings.”                                                                                                                                    saying hello.
Don                                                                                                                                                  •	Volunteer to become a phone befriender
                                                                                                                                                        to others.
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                                       Moving more

                                       Why being active and moving is important

                                       Our everyday activities such as attending        Most of us are able to go outside once per day to
                                       clubs, exercise classes, appointments,           exercise. Going for a daily walk is a great way to
                                       meeting friends and family or volunteering       enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air.
                                       has temporarily changed.
                                                                                        If you are not able to go outside, being by an
                                       Instead our indoor activities such as cooking,   open window or on a doorstep to get some
“Just because I’m older doesn’t mean   eating, getting dressed, reading and             fresh air can feel good too. There are also
 I can’t be a volunteer. From home I   watching television make up much more            exercises we can do in our homes, that will help
 can volunteer to call someone and     of our day. Finding ways of being active         us to carry on doing the things we enjoy.
                                       at home will help us feel better. It will
 have a chat. We probably can help     also help our bodies be better protected
 each other just by talking and I      for fighting infection and illness.
 might even make some new friends
 in the process.”
Gill
                                          Being active every day helps us to:              Being active every day helps to reduce:

                                       • Keep our spirits up.                           • Risk of falls and fractures.
                                       • Get a good night’s sleep.                      •	Risk of heart attack, stroke,
                                                                                           diabetes and some cancers.
                                       • Have a good appetite.
                                                                                        • Risk of weight related issues.
                                       • Stay at a healthy weight.
                                       • Keep your bowels healthy.
                                       • Keeps our muscles and bones strong.
                                       •	Prevent health conditions from
                                          getting worse.
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Quick safety check before exercising                                                                         Moving well
Being active is safe for the majority of people and it has many
benefits for our health and wellbeing. There are some small
steps you can take to reduce the chance of problems occurring.

 ost people can exercise
M                                    Prepare your exercise space       Set the pace, always warm             Any movement is good, particularly if it makes us feel a little bit
without speaking to a doctor         by clearing away unnecessary      up and start exercising at a
first, especially if their medical   clutter.                          level you find easy and build up      warm and makes us breathe a little faster. Small chunks of
condition is under control.                                            gradually.                            movement every day helps increase energy.
However, if you have any             •	Keep something sturdy and
symptoms from a heart,                  solid nearby for support       •	If you experience severe      There are ways we can move well at home:
kidney or metabolic condition           (for example a kitchen work            pain anywhere or dizziness,
                                        surface).                             stop and rest.
you should check with                                                                                        •	Strength and balance exercises that will help to keep
your GP before you start.            •	Have a glass of water ready   •	Remember, it is not unusual          you strong and steady on your feet.
                                         to sip as you exercise.           to feel some aching or
                                     •	Wear well fitting and
                                                                           discomfort if you are moving      •	Aerobic exercise that warm you up and get you
                                                                           body parts that are stiff
                                          supportive shoes, and            and not used to exercise.            breathing slightly harder to help keep you fit and well.
                                           loose clothing.
                                                                       •	It is common to feel a bit        •	Breaking up periods of inactivity, such as sitting or lying
                                     •	If you are exercising on        stiff for a few days after
                                          your own, keep a telephone       exercising in the muscles
                                                                                                                 down throughout the day with movement and activities.
                                           nearby, just in case you        you have used more than
                                           need it.                        usual. This is normal and
                                                                           shows that your body is
                                                                           responding to the increased
                                                                           movement.
                                                                       •	Try not to hold your breath
                                                                           as you exercise, breathe
                                                                           normally throughout.

For almost everyone
exercise is safer than
not moving!
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Warm up exercises

Our muscles, bones and joints like to be moved. Lack of movement
is bad for our bodies. Just like a car, the body needs to be moved
regularly or it will get stiff and rusty.                                                             The ‘seated march’                              Shoulder circles
                                                                                                      Warms muscles and                               Warms muscles and
These exercises will help us stay strong and        The ‘warm up’                                     prepares for movement.                          prepares for movement.
active. Aim to do these regularly throughout the
week, maybe splitting them up and doing them        Make sure that the chair you use is sturdy and
a few at a time during the day, after breakfast     stable, so it doesn’t move around when you’re
or before lunch, whilst boiling the kettle or       getting in and out of it. Wear comfortable        What to do                                      What to do
speaking on the telephone.                          clothes and supportive footwear.                  •	Sit tall at the front of the chair.         • Stand (or sit) tall with arms at your sides.
It’s always good to ‘warm up’ your muscles          Always begin with a warm up to prepare for        •	Hold the sides of the chair.                •	Lift both shoulders up to ears,
and joints and to ‘cool down’ after any exercise.   the main exercises. There are four warm           •	March with control.                           draw them back then press them down.
                                                    up exercises. Complete them all if doing the      •	Build to a rhythm that feels comfortable.   •	Repeat slowly five times and feel the shoulder
                                                    exercises in one session.                         •	Continue for 1-2 minutes.                       joints loosen.

                                                    If spreading the exercises over the day, do the
                                                    seated march first to warm up. You can also do
                                                    these warm up moves throughout the day to
                                                    help mobilise the joints for a length of time.

                                                                                                      Ankle loosener                                  Spine twists
                                                                                                      Loosens ankles, improves heel to                Loosens spine, helps looking over
                                                                                                      toe walking action, keeps us stable.            shoulders, turning in bed.

                                                                                                      What to do                                      What to do
“I used to go to a class every                                                                        •	Sit tall at the front of the chair.          •	Sit very tall with feet hip width apart.
 week but now I’m doing my                                                                            •	Hold the sides of the chair.                 •	Place your right hand on left knee and hold
                                                                                                      •	Place the heel of one foot on the floor         the chair back with the left hand.
 exercises at home they really                                                                           then lift it and put the toes down on the    •	Twist the upper body and head slowly to
 help me to keep mobile and it                                                                           same spot.                                      the right, back to the middle, and round to
 helps me to think about how to                                                                       • Repeat five times on each leg.                   the left.
 structure my day!”                                                                                                                                   • Repeat four more times slowly each way.
Christine
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                                                                                                                                                                           “These days I think it’s
Main exercises – seated                                                                                                                                                     good for me to watch the
                                                                                                                                                                            amount of alcohol I’m
                                                                                                                                                                            drinking and also have
                                                                                                                                                                            days without.”
                                                                                                                                                                           Don
Make sure that the chair you use is sturdy and stable, so it
doesn’t move around when you’re getting in and out
of it. Wear comfortable clothes and supportive footwear.

Wrist strengthener                                  Arm swings                                          Pelvic floor strengthener                         Front knee strengthener
Improves grip strength,                             Helps with stamina and endurance.                   Helps reduce ‘leaking’ when coughing              Strengthens the knee for walking
helps opening jars.                                                                                     and laughing.                                     and bending.

What to do                                          What to do                                          What to do                                        What to do
•	Fold or roll a hand or tea towel into a          •	Sit tall away from the chair back.               •	Tighten the muscles as if you were trying to   •	Sit back in the chair, back supported and
   tube shape.                                      • Place both feet flat on the floor below knees.      stop passing urine and wind at the same time      feet under knees.
•	Sit tall then squeeze the towel tightly          •	Bend elbows and swing arms from                     and hold.                                      •	Brush one foot across the floor then lift
   with both hands, hold for a slow count of five      the shoulder.                                    •	Try to hold for 10 seconds.                       the ankle slowly and straighten (do not lock)
   then release.                                    • Build to a rhythm that is comfortable.            •	Rest for four seconds, then repeat.               the knee.
• Repeat this exercise 6-8 times.                   • Continue for 30 seconds.                          •	Perform this 10 times.                         • Lower the foot with control.
                                                                                                                                                          •	Aim to lift for a slow count of three and lower
More challenging option                             More challenging option                             Avoid                                                for a slow count of five each time.
Squeeze then twist your towel before holding        Increase pace and time to 1-2 minutes.              •	Squeezing legs together.                       • Repeat 10 times on one leg then swap legs.
for 10 seconds.                                                                                         •	Tightening buttocks.
                                                                                                        •	Holding breath.                                More challenging option
                                                                                                                                                          Sit away from the back of the chair so more of
                                                                                                        More challenging option                           your leg is off the chair when you lift. Keep the
                                                                                                        10 quick contractions by drawing up the           back strong while you lift the leg.
                                                                                                        pelvic floor.
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                                                                                                                                                                         “Drinking a glass of water
Main exercises – standing                                                                                                                                                 before meals and a balanced
                                                                                                                                                                          diet are vital ingredients in
                                                                                                                                                                          keeping our body and mind
                                                                                                                                                                          well while staying at home.”
                                                                                                                                                                          Bhim & Yogesh
Make sure that you are near a sturdy and stable worktop, and
that any chairs used will not move during the sit to stand exercise.
Wear comfortable clothes and supportive footwear.

Sit to stand                                      Heel raises                                       Toe raises                                           Marching to improve huff and puff
If repeated regularly and slowly                  Helps strengthen muscles at the front             Helps strengthen the muscles that                    Helps maintain bone density at the hip
will improve lower limb strength                  of the foot and the and calf muscles,             lift the toe up, important for when                  and spine.
and stability.                                    improves balance.                                 stepping and for balance.

What to do                                        What to do                                        What to do                                           What to do
•	Sit tall near the front of the chair.          •	Stand tall holding a sturdy table, chair or    •	Stand tall holding a sturdy table, the sink, or   •	Stand to the side of the chair holding on with
• Place feet slightly behind knees.                  even the sink!                                    with your back to a wall                             one hand.
• Lean slightly forwards.                         •	Raise heels taking your weight over the big    •	Raise toes taking weight back onto heels and      • Stand tall.
•	Stand up (using hands on the chair for            toe and second toe, hold for a second.            without sticking bottom out.                      • March on the spot swinging the free arm.
   support if needed. Progress to no hands        •	Lower heels to the floor with control.         • Hold for a second.                                 • Keep marching for 30 seconds.
   over time).                                    • Repeat 10 times.                                • Lower toes to the floor with control.              • Turn slowly around then repeat using the
• Step back until legs touch the chair, then                                                       • Repeat 10 times.                                      other arm.
   stand tall, bend knees and slowly lower        More challenging option                                                                                • Repeat three times.
   bottom back into the chair.                    Repeat the exercise, doing it slowly and hold     More challenging option
• Repeat 10 times.                                for a second or so just before putting the heel   Repeat the exercise, doing it slowly and             More challenging option
                                                  down again.                                       hold for a second or so just before put the          If balance is good then bring in both arms and
More challenging option                                                                             toe down again.                                      march with more effort.
Try doing the exercise extra slow and hover for
a few seconds just before finally sitting.
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Main exercises – standing                                                                                                                        Aerobic exercises

Make sure that you are near a sturdy and stable worktop, and that                                                                                Any activity that warms you
any chairs used will not move during the sit to stand exercise in                                                                                up and gets you breathing
particular. Wear comfortable clothes and supportive footwear.                                                                                    slightly harder such as:

                                                                                                                                                            Dancing.

                                                                                                                                                            Going up and down stairs.

Leg swings                                          Wall press-ups                                   One leg stands
Helps improve strength on the straight leg,         Helps improve upper body strength,               Helps improve walking stability.            Breaking up sitting
improves balance and stability.                     helps maintain bone density at the wrist.

                                                                                                                                                 Activities you can do to break up
What to do                                          What to do                                       What to do                                  periods of inactivity such as:
•	Stand to the side of the chair holding on with   •	Stand at arms length from wall.               •	Stand close to support surface and
   one hand.                                        •	Place hands on the wall at chest height,         hold on.
• Stand tall.                                          fingers upwards.                              •	Balance on one leg, keeping the                     Cleaning (dusting, polishing,
• Swing the leg furthest away from the chair       •	Keeping back straight and tummy tight, bend      supporting leg straight but knee soft.              making the bed, washing up).
   forwards and back with control.                     elbows lowering body with control towards     •	Stand tall and look ahead
• Perform 10 swings.                                   the wall.                                     •	Hold for 10 seconds.
• Turn slowly to repeat on other leg.               •	Press back to the start position.             •	Repeat with the other leg.
                                                    •	Repeat eight times.                                                                                  Gardening (if you have one
More challenging option                                                                              More challenging option                                or planting bulbs, herbs or
Raise the knee up higher to the front and make      More challenging option                          Try to use the support surface less                    houseplants indoors).
the movement slower.                                Perform the movement more slowly or start        and hold the position for longer,
                                                    further away from the wall.                      up to 30 seconds.

                                                                                                                                                            Stretch or stand during TV
                                                                                                                                                            advert breaks or after each
                                                                                                                                                            chapter of your book.
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Cool down                                                                                                                                    Fire Safety in
                                                                                                                                             your home
Finish by marching at a relaxed pace for 1-2 minutes. Then try to                                                                            The Northern Ireland Fire and
perform all of the following stretches. They will help with posture,                                                                         Rescue Service is keen to
walking and stability.                                                                                                                       reassure the public that
                                                                                                                                             although it cannot deliver
                                                                                                                                             community safety programmes
                                                                                                                                             ‘face-to-face’ that fire
                                                                                                                                             safety advice is still
                                                                                                                                             available to everyone
                                                                                                                                             via specialist Prevention and
                                                                                                                                             Protection Teams.
                                                                                                                                             By phoning 028 9266 4221 and providing
                                                                                                                                             your details you will be contacted discuss
                                                                                                                                             your queries and circumstances and fire
Back of thigh stretch                            Chest stretch                                    Calf stretch                               safety advice will then be provided to you over
Helps with putting on shoes                      Help improve posture, makes                      Helps ensure toes are lifted when          the telephone.
and socks, lengthens stride                      reaching backwards easier.                       walking and for getting shoes and
when walking.                                                                                     socks on easier.
                                                                                                                                             Follow the STOP Fire Message
                                                                                                                                             S	
                                                                                                                                               Have a Smoke alarm on every floor
                                                                                                                                               of your home.
What to do                                       What to do                                       What to do
•	Sit at the very front of the chair.           •	Sit tall away from the back of the chair.     •	Sit forwards in the chair and hold      T Test your smoke alarms weekly.
•	Straighten one leg placing the heel on        •	Reach behind with both arms and grasp the        the sides.
                                                                                                                                             O B
                                                                                                                                                e aware of the Obvious dangers in
   the floor.                                       chair back.                                   •	Straighten one leg placing the heel
                                                                                                                                               your home.
•	Place both hands on the other leg then sit    •	Press your chest upwards and forwards until      on the floor.
   really tall.                                     you feel the stretch across your chest.       • Pull your toes up towards the ceiling.   P Plan your escape route, should a fire occur.
•	Lean forwards with a straight back and feel   • Hold for 10-20 seconds.                        • Feel the stretch in the calf.
   the stretch in the back of the thigh.                                                          • Hold for 10-20 seconds.
• Hold for 10-20 seconds.                                                                         • Repeat on the other leg.
• Relax and repeat on the other leg.
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Preventing accidents in your home                                                        Staying safe from scammers

More accidents happen in the home than anywhere else, so we are                          Criminals are always on the lookout to exploit people of all ages.
encouraging everyone to be mindful of the dangers in and around                          Many of us have rational fears regarding Covid-19 and these fears
the home.                                                                                are used by dishonest people to scam us of money.
Like a lot of people across the world today you will be spending                         There are lots of ways people might try to take money from us,
a lot more time at home and in your gardens (if you have one)                            for those who have an internet account and use emails this is a
so it is important that you avoid scenarios that could lead to                           common way people may try and con us.
an accident.

By following these tips, you can prevent the   	Test smoke alarms and carbon
most common types of injury.                     monoxide detectors; Have fuel
                                                 burning devices checked regularly by
Here are some top tips:                          an expert; Have chimneys and flues
                                                 swept at least once a year.
	
 Secure any loose fitting rugs to avoid
 trips and falls.                              	If carrying out any DIY, avoid falls
                                                 from height by checking a ladder’s
                                                                                         Examples of common                               Here are five ways to
                                                 condition before use.                   Covid-19 scams:                                  spot scam emails:
	Keep stairs clear from clutter
  and well lit.                                	Stop and disconnect all electrical      So far the PSNI are already aware of; Pension    1. 	The email asks you to confirm
                                                 appliances and tools before repairing   scams, Free Covid-19 testing, free supermarket        personal information.
	Be mindful of dangers associated               or cleaning them; only use tools/       vouchers, tax rebate scams, DVLA refunds,        2. 	The web and email addresses do not look
  with hot appliances or with hot                materials/products in accordance        fake competitions, investment scams, doorstep         genuine or are from unusual addresses.
  liquids to prevent burns and scalds            with their instructions.                scams e.g. Collecting groceries or cleaning      3. 	It’s poorly written, e.g. there are spelling
  and try not to carry hot liquids                                                       services, fake fines for leaving your house,          mistakes or grammatical errors.
  further than necessary.                               Drink responsibly.               free money from the Government, charity          4. 	There’s a suspicious attachment which you
                                                                                         scams, and websites selling fake Personal             must not open.
	Be careful with sharp objects such                                                     Protective Equipment.                            5. 	The message creates a sense of urgency or
  as knives when preparing food or                                                                                                             makes you think you will benefit by clicking.
  cooking.                                              Mop up spills immediately.       Your bank or the police will NEVER ask you to
                                                                                         transfer money or move it to a safe account.     Old ways of tricking people are still being used,
	Have a touch lamp beside your bed                                                                                                       so we need to be careful of unknown visitors. If
  and turn on your hall light when                                                                                                        you are concerned with anyone calling to your
  getting up during the night.                                                                                                            door or by phone, seek help from an official
                                                                                                                                          source such as the PSNI or a registered charity.
	Don’t overload electrical sockets and                                                  If you think you have fallen for a scam,
                                                                                                                                          You can phone Quick Check on the police non-
  remove trailing leads from plugs.                                                      contact your bank immediately and
                                                                                                                                          emergency telephone number 101. The call
                                                                                         report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123
                                                                                                                                          will be answered personally and promptly by a
                                                                                         2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk.
                                                                                                                                          trained operator, they can check if your caller is
                                                                                                                                          really from the organisation they claim.
22                                                                                                                                                                                                          23

Keeping nourished                                                                                     What to do if you fall

What we eat and drink is really important for our health. It keeps                                    If you do have a fall, lie still for a minute, try to stay calm and check
our immune system strong and resilient as well as enabling us to                                      yourself for injuries. Even if you are unhurt, make sure that you
have the energy to do the things we enjoy.                                                            tell a healthcare professional, family member or carer that you
                                                                                                      have fallen.
Here are some top tips:                          	Keeping your kitchen cupboard
                                                   and freezer stocked – keep                         If you know you can’t get up, or feel pain in        Try to keep warm by covering yourself with
	Enjoy your food – why not try                    some simple, tasty foods and                       your hip or back, then try to call for help by       whatever is close by and try and keep
  some new foods or go back to old                 long-lasting foods, such as                        using your phone or pendant or by banging on         moving your limbs and roll from side to side
  favourites? Dig out some old and                 dried milk powder, tinned soup,                    radiators or walls.                                  if you are able to. If an emergency and need
  new recipes to try.                              rice pudding.                                                                                           urgent medial help contact 999 and if you are
	Have plenty of variety in                      	Make meal preparation                                                                                   unable to talk dial 55.
  your diet – to help you get all the              easy – ideal for when you need                                                        2.                                 3.
                                                                                                      1.
  nutrients you need and maintain                  something quick and simple,
  a healthy weight.                                for example, ready meals,
                                                   snacks, finger food and meal
	Keep an eye on yourself – if you
                                                   delivery services.
  think you are eating less than
  usual or don’t have much appetite 	Stay well hydrated – we need
  keep track of your weight or check  about 6-8 cups/glasses of fluid
  if your clothes, jewellery or belts for example, tea, coffee, water, low                            Roll onto your side, and then      Use your arms to push             Crawl towards a very stable
  are looser than usual.              fat milk, or sugar free drinks.                                 push up onto your elbows.          yourself onto your hands          piece of furniture (a sturdy
                                                                                                                                         and knees.                        chair or bed) and hold onto it
	If you have a poor appetite                    	If you drink alcohol – it is                                                                                            for support.
	– have you been losing weight                    recommended to not have more
  without trying or have a low                     than 14 units (one unit is a half                  4.                                 5.                                 6.
  body weight? You should try to                   pint or a small glass of wine) a
  increase the amount of energy                    week. Try to spread this out and
  and protein you get each day. You                have alcohol free days. Alcohol
  may find it useful to:                           does dehydrate you, so if you can,
                                                   have water, juice or a soft drink
          • Eat little and often.
                                                   in between.
          •	Use full-fat food and drinks
              (for example, full-fat milk,                       itamin D – It’s important to
                                                                V                                     Slide or raise the foot of your    Lean forwards and push            Turn around and sit down.
              yoghurts, cheese).                                consider taking a 10 micrograms       stronger leg forwards so it’s      up using your arms and            Sit for a minute or two and
          •	Eat more protein such as meat,
                                                    VITAMIN D

                                                    10µg        (mcg) supplement of vitamin D         flat on the floor.                 front leg, slowly rising to a     catch your breath.
              fish, eggs, pulses or nuts.                       during this time of the coronavirus                                      standing position.
           •	It may help to speak to your GP.                  as many of us are spending
                                                                more time indoors. Vitamin D
                                                                helps keep our bones, teeth                           Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health at any time.
	Think about how you will get                                                                                        Coronavirus is a respiratory disease and smokers are more at risk of severe
                                                                and muscles healthy. For more
  your shopping – ask a neighbour                                                                                     illness. This means that it is more important than ever to stop smoking and
                                                                information speak to your GP or
  or family member and check out                                                                                      protect others around you from secondhand smoke. There are lots of ways to do
                                                                pharmacist.
  your local food delivery options.                                                                                   this, for more information, call 0300 123 1044.
                                                                
24                                                                                                                                                                                                         25

Managing your energy supplies

Electricity                                                                                            Oil                                                 Switching Supplier
If you use a pay as you go or pre-payment meter There are two types of care register for               If you rely on domestic home heating oil and         Switching supplier can save you money on
for gas or electricity and are worried about      vulnerable electricity customers.                    have the finances, you may wish to take              your energy bills. You can speak to your supplier
being able to top this up, speak to your supplier                                                      advantage of the current low prices and get          about changing tariff or switch to a different
about options available.                          It is important to let your supplier know if you     your tank filled.                                    supplier. In Northern Ireland there are five
                                                  are in a vulnerable situation including being of                                                          electricity suppliers and two gas suppliers. The
This might include:                               pensionable age or having a disability or            The Northern Ireland Oil Federation has assured Consumer Council in Northern Ireland offers
                                                  medical condition. You can join the customer         customers that oil deliveries are continuing as      free independent advice on switching 0800 121
• Nominating someone to top up your meter         care register with your supplier and this will       normal and companies have removed the need 6022 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm). Please
   for you.                                       give you additional support such as password         to interact with the driver. If you have a shielding note that as energy suppliers are reporting high
• Having additional credit added to your meter.   security  or information in different formats.       letter and need the delivery through the house,      volumes of calls you may find it quicker to try
•	Having your prepayment meter changed to a You can sign up by contacting your supplier               please let your oil supplier know in advance.        online options first if this is possible.
    credit meter.                                 using the number on your bill or prepayment
                                                  card.
If you have a standard credit meter and are
worried about affordability or are in energy      If you rely on electricity for essential equipment
debt then speak to your supplier about options    like a stair lift or oxygen, you should also
available like:                                   join  the NIE Medical Customer care service.
                                                  This will give you priority contact and
•	Changing your bill payment plan                reassurance if there is a power cut. To sign up,
                                                  contact NIE Networks on 03457 643643.
                                                                                                       Energy Efficiency and                               Accessing Benefits
•	Reducing how much you pay or asking for
    longer to pay off debts.                                                                           Saving Money                                        Make sure that you claim all the benefits
                                                                                                       It is important that you use the energy you need    that you are entitled to.
If you are using a credit meter, you won’t be
disconnected during the crisis.                                                                        to keep warm, safe and healthy at home.
                                                                                                       Making small changes in how you use this can        You can ring the free government ‘Make the Call’
                                                                                                       often reduce your bill. This might include,         service 0800 232 1271 or Age NI advice
                                                                                                                                                           service on 0808 808 7575 for a full benefit
                                                                                                       •	Using a thermostat to control your heating.      entitlement check.
                                                   Gas                                                 •	Washing clothes at 30°c.
                                                   Gas Pre Paid Meter (PPM) customers can              •	Switch to LED lightbulbs.
                                                   also contact the Northern Ireland Coronavirus       •	Don’t leave appliances on standby.
                                                   community helpline on 0808 802 0020 if they
                                                                                                       You can get more saving tips from the NI Energy
                                                   are unable to get out and do not have anyone to
                                                                                                       Advice service 0800 111 4455. You can also visit
                                                   top up their card. Gas customers can also join a
                                                                                                       www.nea.org.uk.
                                                   customer care register by phoning the number
                                                   on their gas bill, or their PPM card.
26                                                                                                                                                                                                                           27

Helpful numbers and contacts                                                                                         Western area contact numbers

Action on Elder Abuse                                      Diabetes Helpline                                         GP Out-of-Hours Service –                                     Derry City & Strabane District
Call 080 8808 8141                                         Tel: 028 9536 0600                                        Western Urgent Care                                           Council
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm                               7 days a week, including bank holidays,                   (Limavady/L’Derry/Strabane/Omagh/                             Tel: 028 7125 3253
If you are an older person and concerned about, or
                                                           9am to 3pm                                                Enniskillen)                                                  Email: info@derrystrabane.com
affected by abuse, you can ring this dedicated helpline.   Has been launched in response to #COVID19 for people
                                                           living with diabetes in Northern Ireland.                 Monday to Friday 6pm to 8.30am and                            www.derrystrabane.com
Age NI Advice Service                                                                                                24 hours weekends and bank holidays                           www.facebook.com/derrycityandstrabane-
and ‘Check in and chat’                                    Digital Help                                              Tel: 028 7186 5195                                            districtcouncil
                                                                                                                     Attendance at GP Out-of-Hours centres is by
                                                                                                                                                                                   www.twitter.com/dcsdcouncil
phone service                                              Text the word DIGITALHELP
                                                                                                                     appointment only so please phone in advance.
Freephone: 0808 808 7575
                                                           (all one word) to 67300 with a brief                                                                                    Fermanagh & Omagh District
                                                           description of what help you require                      Make the Call Service
Email: info@ageni.org                                                                                                                                                              Council
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm including                      Provided by Go ON NI and BITC to give Digital advice to
                                                           those who require some guidance.                          Tel: 0800 232 1271                                            Tel: 0300 303 1777
Bank Holidays                                                                                                        Email: makethecall@dfcni.gov.uk                               Textphone: 028 8225 6216
Provides advice, information and benefit checks.           Mental Health/Emotional                                   Contact to make sure you’re getting all the benefits,         Email: info@fermanaghomagh.com
Anyone over 60 in Northern Ireland can also register
free of charge, to receive a regular telephone call.       Support                                                   services and supports you’re entitled to.
                                                                                                                     Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.                            www.fermanaghomagh.com
                                                           Lifeline   0808 808 8000                                                                                                www.facebook.com/fermanaghomagh
Alzheimer’s Society Dementia                               Samaritans 116 123                                                                                                      www.twitter.com/fermanaghomagh
Connect support line                                       CRUSE      0808 808 1677                                  Council Home Safety Services
                                                                                                                                                                                   ALLY Foyle (Active Living in
0333 150 3456                                              Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm (excluding                 To help prevent accidents, local councils offer a free
                                                                                                                     assessment visit and equipment (subject to availability) to   Later Years)
www.alzheimers.org.uk                                      bank holidays) extended hours on Tuesday,                 the homes of those over 65 years or who are vulnerable.
                                                           Wednesday and Thursday evenings until 8pm.                                                                              Tel: 028 7126 5098 or 07419 987095
Open every day and includes the online forum for
carers Talking Point.
                                                                                                                     Contact your local council’s Home Safety Officer to           Email: info@allyfoyle.com
                                                           For immediate 24 hour support contact Lifeline or         avail of this service.
                                                           Samaritans 116 123. CRUSE helpline for those                                                                            www.facebook.com/activelivinginlateryears
Carers NI Helpline                                         bereaved and self-isolating/bereaved by the virus call
                                                                                                                     Causeway Coast & Glens                                        www.twitter.com/ally_foyle
                                                           0808 808 1677.
Tel: 028 9043 9843                                                                                                   Borough Council                                               Causeway Older Active
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm                             Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue                                                                                          Strategic Team (COAST)
Email: advice@carersni.org                                                                                           Tel: 028 7034 7034
                                                           Service (NIFRS)                                           Email:                                                        Tel: 028 77767860 or 07517 076815
Provides a range of general and specialist advice
services for carers, including advice on benefits,         Anyone who is concerned for their own or                  environmentalhealth@causewaycoastandg-                        Email: coast.manager@yahoo.co.uk
community care and carer support.                          someone else’s home fire safety contact                   lens.gov.uk
                                                                                                                                                                                   www.facebook.com/coastnetwork
                                                           Tel: 028 9266 4221                                        www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/
COVID-19 Community Helpline                                                                                                                                                        www.twitter.com/COASTnetwork
                                                           They cannot deliver “face to face” fire safety advice,    www.facebook.com/CausewayCoastandG-
– Regional number                                          but can provide advice over the phone via specialist      lensCouncil                                                   South West Age Partnership
                                                           Prevention and Protection Teams.                          www.twitter.com/CausewayCouncil
Tel: 0808 802 0020                                                                                                                                                                 (SWAP)
Email: covid19@adviceni.net                                NHS 111                                                                                                                 Tel: 028 82 251824 or 07955 787456
9am to 5pm, seven days a week
                                                           If you have symptoms of Covid-19 you can ring NHS 111                                                                   Email: aforbes@southwestagepartnership.
Local to Northern Ireland, and is managed by Advice NI.    for information or advice and they will help you decide                                                                 co.uk.
                                                           if you need to contact your GP.                                                                                         www.facebook.com/swapnetwork/
                                                                                                                                                                                   www.twitter.com/PartnershipSw
Keeping Well at Home

The Healthy Ageing Research Group, linked to the Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing, based at the University of
Manchester have created this booklet in close collaboration with: Greater Manchester Ageing Hub, Greater Manchester Older People’s
Network, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Age UK Salford, Greater Manchester Nutrition and Hydration, Greater Manchester
Health and Social Care Partnership and GreaterSport in partnership with GM Moving. With special thanks to Jason Bergen, Later Life
Training, the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, and the Centre for Ageing Better, Age-friendly Belfast, Age-friendly Network
NI, Public Health Agency for Northern Ireland, Age NI and the Frailty Network.

Designed by Think Design Manchester
You take responsibility for your own exercise programme. The authors and advisers of the exercises in this programme accept no liability. All content is provided for general information only, and should
not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own GP or any other health care professional. Health care professionals using these exercises do so at their own risk. Whilst these exercises
have been used in research trials and many thousands of older people do similar exercises from other home exercise booklets, the authors do not know you, your medical conditions or physical fitness
and cannot give advice tailored to you, your medical condition or physical function. The authors cannot guarantee the safety or effectiveness of this program of exercises for you. Any noticeable changes
in health, pain, mobility or falls should prompt a visit to your GP. This booklet should not be treated as a substitute for medical advice of your doctor.

Keeping Well at Home Dv.01-HSCNI 16 September 2020

                    Visit ageni.org/movewithmary to join in.

                                                            in association with
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