NCIC’s community teams will be out and about over the festive season visiting patients in their own homes and providing care.
Our teams who are on the ground every day, help with a range of functions and are urging people to look out for their neighbours, especially if they are elderly, lonely or have recently been in hospital.
Angie Reynolds, NCIC’s Deputy General Manager for Community Services, said: “If you have an elderly neighbour then get to know them. If you see them out and about or in the garden go over and introduce yourself. Being available but not intrusive is the key and things like popping a Christmas card with your phone number on it if they need help. If you are cooking or baking maybe make a little extra and take it round. Invite them to yours if you feel comfortable with that and listen to their stories – they are often fascinating. If the weather is extremely cold outside and slippy and you are going to the shops anyway you could ask them if they need anything.”
Angie also explains that sometimes there can be signs you can look out for that may indicate something is wrong or they need some help.
“If your neighbour hasn’t opened their curtains or if they appear to be in the dark and no one is visiting then it’s a good idea to check in on them. Also for example if they have dog and you notice that they don’t seem to be walking the dog – maybe see if they want you to take the dog out for a short walk.”
Angie added that the cost in the rise of living means that people often choose to live in a chilly environment to keep the cost down and wrap themselves in blankets but this could be a trip hazard for an elderly person. She said:
“We see lots of trip hazards like rugs on the floor that are not secured down – antislip mats under them are so helpful. Ensuring people have shoes/slippers that are easy to get on and fit correctly - falls risks! Also we ask that people consider clutter being removed to reduce falls risk.
“Often we will see a lot of out of date food that are in people’s fridges and cupboards that just have not been used. Often it’s because the expiry dates are difficult to read so for relatives and carers to keep an eye on this is helpful to help make sure no one gets sick from eating them.
“For some people the thought of even making a hot drink for themselves can be a chore – so popping ingredients in a cup so all they have to do is pop hot water and milk in can make it more achievable or making up a flask that is not too heavy for them.”
The full community team of nurses, therapists, care workers and support workers work every day of the year. They support patients to stay as independent as possible but friends neighbours and relatives can also play an important role in making sure someone is safe.
Other advice from our community team includes:
- If paths are slippy pop some grit down for them or clear the pathway.
- Make sure they have access to a telephone that has shortcuts to key peoples numbers stored in them – maybe offer to help set it up.
- Check to see if they have they got adequate lighting or if they need any bulbs changed
- Microwave meals that are easy to make and transport to a table and a choice of ones that they look forward to and enjoy
- Emergency contact numbers written down clearly
- Consider lights that can be controlled by timers
- Consider use of Alexa devices and radios maybe showing them what to do.
- Ensure regular' visit think maybe a rota of visitors so doesn't all fall to one person
Useful tips for someone coming home from hospital
- Make sure the home is warm with a few essentials in the fridge and cupboard.
- If there is post then to gather it up for them to look at when they feel up to it and not left on the floor where they may struggle to get it.
- People may feel a bit disorientated as could have been waiting all day for transport – check they’ve got their medication and have had something to eat and drink.
- If people are coming in to support them make sure that arrangements have been made on how they will get into the property
- Ensure they have access to a telephone or a way to get help and that they know how to use it
- Flasks of warm drink and sandwiches in the fridge or snacks left
- Emergency contact numbers written down clearly
If you are worried
- Check in on your neighbours
- See if they have a family member you can contact
- Help them contact 111 or their GP or their pharmacy
- If you feel that you need urgent emergency assistance call 999
Angie said: “We don’t have to be big brother to our neighbours but just a caring watchful eye.”