Offices at :-
Five Dock, Sydney
Vincentia, NSW
Kangaroo Valley, NSW
PO Box 18
Vincentia NSW 2540
Free call: 1300 852 998
Landline: (02) 4443-6909
Mobile: 0438 418 053
Fax: (02) 4443-5669
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This page will be updated at regular intervals with relevant articles of interest to elderly people and their carers, so please re-visit this page at least quarterly to check for new articles.
Caring for Seniors at Home
Thousands of elderly people in NSW are cared for in their own homes. For most of us, if we can stay at home, and get all the help we need to be well and happy, it is the best and most satisfying life that we can imagine.
There are a great many organisations that offer help. Home Care Services, run by the State Government helps literally 10's of thousands of people each year, and of course, there are excellent community services and religious organisations such as Anglicare, Centacare and the Uniting Church, all of whom do marvellous work, not to mention the private nursing services.
The State and Federal Governments and the major health providers are shifting the emphasis of their efforts in care and health for the elderly towards care at and in the home. It is only partly because of costs. A great deal of research in many countries is clearly showing that individuals cared for in their own homes live healthier, happier, longer and more productive lives.
Hospitals and nursing homes will always be a necessary part of the care of all of us, including the aged.
The increasing need to cater for individual needs and preferences, in familiar and comfortable surroundings, requires more and more flexible structures and organisations to meet the widely varying individual needs of the members of all of our communities. A simple example is language, as part of culture.
Countrycarers, a small regional private nursing agency that specialises in nursing and care for dementia patients in their own homes are endeavouring to play their part. Although only a small team, various members of their staff between them speak French, German, Polish, Ukrainian, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Cantonese and of course, English. A couple handle Strine and Kiwi.
This is in addition to their special skills in nursing and caring. It doesn't matter what language or culture you come from, we are all Australians, we all get old and we can all help each other. Language is part of that help.
For further details contact Tony Grabrovaz from Countrycarers on 1300 852 998 or use the Contact Us form on this website.
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Obstructive Sleep Apneoa
Almost unheard of 20 years ago, OSA is now recognised as a serious threat to the life and wellbeing of sufferers.
Patients present as continually tired, lacking energy, always needing sleep, dropping off during the day and a good indication is snoring at night.
Research into the causes of the disease are ongoing, but there is now no doubt that the long term lack of oxygen or hypoxia caused by OSA is directly linked to the development of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and related functional problems, and may be involved in stroke and mental health problems. It is a serious issue, that affects a great many people.
Currently the treatment offered to most patients is a CPAP mask and air pump. CPAP is an acronym for Constant Positive Air Pressure, which the machine provides the wearer throughout the night. This prevents the obstructive apnoea from occurring, and keeps oxygen levels in the blood at a correct level.
There are specialist respiratory surgeons and physicians now available, who will arrange for thorough testing and analysis of a potential problem, and recommend a solution.
Some tips on the selection and use of CPAP machines are as follows:
• Fixed pressure machines are usually fairly easy to tolerate, and there is no doubt about their effectiveness.
• A basic CPAP machine is the best place to start, and a humidifier is usually a preferred option to moisten the air.
• Some people simply cannot tolerate CPAP machines and masks. Persist, as OSA will almost certainly be followed by at least hypertension and diabetes.
• Start with a simple nasal mask, and make sure it is comfortable, seals well, and is affordable.
• Your respiratory physician and equipment supplier will help you set the machine up to the correct clinical settings.
• Make a point of regular reviews at least once a year.
• My own equipment has transformed my own life, albeit a little late. I do not leave home or go to sleep without it, even afternoon naps. An increasing number of people report the same results.
Diabetes, Diet and Exercise
Type 2 diabetes develops over several years. It is the most common type. It is essentially a condition of insulin resistance or unresponsiveness. This develops because the insulin receptors in the body's tissues are downgraded or reduced in number. Essentially, this happens as a result of high insulin levels due to diet, genetics, body type and a number of other factors.
Insulin resistance leads to increasing blood sugar levels and eventually diabetes.
The best control of blood sugar levels is achieved by a combination of both diet and exercise, and medication to reduce blood sugar.
An effective diet will reduce the influx of sugar into the system. As this obviously reduces the sugar levels in the blood, it will reduce the requirement for insulin to convert sugar into energy. Over time, this has the effect of improving the response to endogenous insulin, as well as injected insulin.
Exercise reduces blood sugar levels by using the glucose for energy. Exercise also improves insulin responsiveness. Combined diet and exercise materially assist in the control of blood sugar levels.
Poor control of blood sugar always results in some organ damage. This happens because of thickening of the capillary membranes in the body's tissues, resulting in poor micro-circulation. Poor micro circulation results in progressive tissue death. This commonly happens in the kidneys, and also in the extremities such as the hands and feet. This is why many poorly controlled diabetics eventually face amputations of limbs, and chronic ulcers.
Dialysis for the kidneys is also frequent, and can require 5 hours each and every day.
A healthy diet, and moderate exercise combine to substantially contribute to any person's well being and health. Extremes are neither necessary or required - just moderate.
Grannies and Nannies ...
Nursing care at home is only one of the many ways that people can be helped to live better, fuller and happier lives. One other way is a flexible minding service that can assist parents to get time out to do the things they also need to do to maintain their whole lifestyle. Grannies and Nannies is one such service offering this type of respite care.
Countrycarers has available a number of mature ladies who have had the experience of having their own children and families, and who now enjoy helping others through minding their children, adolescents or adult dependants.
The need might be short – an afternoon, or evening, or overnight – or it could be more extensive, over weeks or even months to allow for hospitalization, convalescence, or perhaps a 6 week holiday overseas.
In some cases people need a more or less permanent presence at home to help with a wide range of activities of daily living but which do not require the services of a qualified nurse. Grannies and Nannies operates under the banner of our Countrycompanions service but with the focus on caring for dependants rather than the person.
All of our ladies have Senior First Aid Certificates, and have had Federal Police checks, apart from being very nice people.
Countrycarers always need to assess the possible task to make sure that the right resources are provided to complete the requirements. A written quote is prepared, suggestions made, and prices start at $15.00 per hour.
Ring us on 1300 852 998 to discuss your needs, or use the Contact Us form on this website.
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