Caring health centre

Supporting your loved one’s health

While doctors provide the professional expertise in looking after the person you care for, there are many indirect ways to make a positive impact. Helping to create a healthy living environment and lifestyle can make a real difference to the life of the person you care for. Here are some key carer lifestyle factors to consider:

• Medical care: Part of the medical care the person you care for receives will be regular doctor’s appointments. Many carers offer support by acting as a medical advocate, asking questions on behalf of the person cared for. If you have lots of concerns to discuss with a GP it’s advisable to request a double or second appointment. Questions around medications can be answered by a trained pharmacist who can explain side effects, how to store medicines and when’s best to take them. If your loved one has reduced communication, that's when a carer needs to speak up for them and be respected as the advocate for that person.
• Medication safety: Many conditions require regular courses of medication, sometimes several different medicines at a time, making it difficult to follow accurately. Many pharmacies offer Medisure Domicilary Dosage System (DDS) services, a weekly medication handling system designed to ensure medicines are taken at the right time and at the right dose each day. Ask the person you care for if they’d like you to make this arrangement to help simplify things for them.
• Physical activity: Many carers try to encourage the person they care for to stay active. Exercise can improve physical health, strength, sleep and mood, whilst improving mobility and helping to strengthen muscles which can lead to greater flexibility and stability. You might suggest swimming, or a regular walk. Always check first with a GP to determine what exercise would be suitable.
• Mental health: Depression and anxiety can often develop in people who are seriously ill, and even in carers who are struggling to cope with their role. Learn to recognise common symptoms of depression and offer guidance or support if required. Your GP can offer advice on additional services, counselling or medication which can help.
• Good nutrition: Encourage the person you care for to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Help by offering to do the food shopping and choose nutritious foods which are easy to prepare. Alternatively, ask friends and family to prepare healthy meals which can be frozen into portions and re-heated later. Have a regular check in food cupboards and the fridge and throw away food which is out of date.
• Medical ID: Get the person you care for a medical identity bracelet or pendant that includes their name and medical information in case of an emergency. You could also consider signing up for a remote monitoring service, which would alert you, and the emergency services, in the case of an accident.
• Home improvements: If the person you care for has difficulties performing basic daily living tasks, there are many assisted living aids which can help. Independence aids make the home suitable to those with limited dexterity or flexibility helping to relieve stress and provide support and dignity to the people being care for. These usually have to be purchased from your own resources. The range of living aids is increasing all the time. You can buy things like movement-sensitive mattress pads that set off an alarm if, for example, the relative has been out of bed for a long time, to alert a carer if something's not as it should be.
• Overheating: As people age, our bodies struggle to regulate heat accurately. Medications can also interfere with the body’s ability to sense temperature accurately. Keep a close eye on the clothing choices of the person you care for and make sure they do not overheat.
• Safety proofing: When visiting the person you care for in their home look out for potential hazards. Check over living spaces and make sure carpets and tripping hazards such as wires are secured. Replace broken light bulbs and ensure rooms are well lit.