Health and Wellbeing

Keech Hospice Care

What Can Your Local Hospice Do For You?

Nicola Joseph, Keech Hospice

Nicola Joseph, Palliative Rehabilitation Assistant, Keech Hospice Care, Luton

You might not know it, but your local hospice may offer a range of services you could benefit from for years.

One of the greatest myths that still exists is that a hospice is a place people go to die. Nicola Joseph, Palliative Rehabilitation Assistant from Keech Hospice Care in Luton, sets the record straight on the variety and quality of services hospices actually offer. We think you’ll be surprised!

Keech Hospice Pool Exercise

People can be referred – or even self refer – to a hospice as soon as they receive a life-limiting diagnosis. There are no caveats to how life-limiting the illness or condition is. We have people registered at Keech Hospice Care who could live for decades but they choose to use our services because of the many benefits that brings to their quality of life.

Hospices support people to live as well as possible for as long as possible, and their services are usually completely free. Some of their services may even be accessible for patients’ loved ones as well as the patient themselves.

Keech Hospice holds craft classes

It’s true that at Keech we have in-patient rooms for people who choose to spend their final days or weeks with us, but that’s only a small part of what we do. We also run music and art therapy where patients and their loved ones can relax and enjoy unleashing their creative side. 

We hold exercise classes, helping patients to stay as fit and well as possible, and we offer counselling for patients and loved ones to help them navigate what they’re going through.

Roger Kelly

Holistic therapies are available, including reiki, massage and reflexology. These can help people reduce anxiety, sleep better and control symptoms. We also have a team of occupational therapists who help people maintain their independence for as long as possible. 

This can include sourcing equipment for their home which aids them practically day-to-day, such as specialist beds or even just tools which help people with reduced mobility to continue feeding themselves. And our physiotherapists help patients achieve their goals through tailored exercises and wellbeing guidance. We’re there for as long as people need us too. If someone has lost a loved one, they can access our bereavement services for as long as they like. 

Many new friendships have flourished in our bereavement cafes, where people who have experienced a loss can come together in a safe space just to chat and find comfort in the company of others who have been through a similar thing. Two former members even got married recently, which was lovely!

Keech Hospice Hydrotherapy Pool

We’re lucky at Keech in that we have a hydrotherapy pool. The water temperature is a constant 34°C which can really help with a patient’s rehabilitation and muscle tension. Anyone registered with us is welcome to come and use the pool with their families – it’s not just for in-patients.

A huge part of what we do is visit people out of the hospice. This includes in their home, hospital or care home. We believe everyone has a right to choose where they receive their care and, like many hospices, we do our utmost to deliver this. 

We have an incredible team of staff and volunteers who will even go out to see patients just to spend time with them and have a cup of tea. It’s common for people to feel scared or lonely after a diagnosis, and human connection is a big part of living well.

Keech Hospice Exercise Class

No one who connects with us ever says they did so too soon. In fact, we often hear people say they wish they’d found us sooner. There are no limits to what we will endeavour to achieve for our patients, both those who are residents and those who we visit out in the community. Hospices are truly remarkable organisations.

It may therefore come as a shock to hear that only 30% of hospice funding comes from the government. Most have to source the remaining 70% from fundraising. If it weren’t for the generosity of donors, the wonderful services hospices offer simply wouldn’t exist. Keech – and all hospices throughout the country – will only be able to continue supporting patients when they need us most if people continue to give.

Every hospice has a slightly different range of services, but it’s definitely worth finding out what your local hospice can do for you if you or a loved one receives a diagnosis. They are fantastic places and just picking up the phone to give them a call might be the best thing you ever did!

For more information about Keech Hospice Care visit www.keech.org.uk

Rambler Wellbeing Walks

Take a Walk in the
Park for Wellbeing

Ramblers Association

Taking the first steps to improving health and wellbeing can feel daunting, but walking outdoors in the company of like-minded people is one of the most effective ways to get started. Even a short stroll in your local park can make a drastic difference, and within a few steps you can start feeling the benefits both mentally and physically.

To help encourage people to get active outdoors and start their walking journey, Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are specifically designed for those looking to take the first step towards a healthier and happier lifestyle, including people with dealing with health conditions, accessibility issues or social isolation, whatever their fitness level. As well as helping to improve general wellbeing, walking can play a decisive role in managing specific health conditions, from slowing mental decline for those living with dementia to reducing the likelihood of heart problems.

Ramblers

Research published by the University of Sydney and the University of Southern Denmark in 20211, showed that walking 10,000 steps daily could lower the risk of dementia by 50% and the risk of heart disease and cancer by 30-40%. For those who find 10,000 steps a daunting prospect, a 2023 study from universities in Poland and the US2 found that just 2,300 steps a day, about a 20-minute daily walk, can also reduce the risk of heart disease and have a really positive impact on your health.

Beyond improving physical health, walking can be invaluable for mental health. Each Ramblers Wellbeing Walk is designed to emphasise community, accessibility and inclusivity, meaning each walk also offers the chance for participants to unwind, meet new people and discover nature on their doorstep.

The multitude of benefits associated with walking has led to an increasing number of doctors recommending initiatives such as the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks to their patients, including Dr Jo Maher, a practicing NHS GP and Move More GP working on the Sheffield city physical activity strategy.

Dr. Jo Maher says, “For years I’ve seen women and men come to me at my practice with health problems that I know would improve through exercise. I also understand that people struggle to juggle busy lives and look after themselves at the same time. That’s why I think the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are such a great idea.

“When people are dealing with health issues, or if they feel isolated or anxious, getting outside for a short walk can make a huge difference. Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are a great way to get started with gentle exercise in a safe and fun environment.”

Taking place across England, each Ramblers Wellbeing Walk is free and accessible to all, and walkers can check online that a route is right for them. The shortest walks are just 10 minutes long and range from a slow to steady pace along tried-and-tested paths. Each walk is led by an experienced Ramblers Wellbeing Walks leader along easy to reach routes, with hundreds of walks happening every week so everyone has a walk close them.

Rebecca Birrane, Head of Walking Experience & Regional Engagement for the Ramblers says, “Our goal is to create walking opportunities for all, and through our Wellbeing Walks we’re proud to offer so much more than just stretching your legs.

“Each walk is guided by experienced leaders, so those new or returning to walking can focus on admiring the scenery and chatting with like-minded people. The routes have been chosen to ensure that anyone can take them on, building a love of walking and the outdoors that can unlock some fantastic health and wellbeing benefits for a lifetime.”

Ramblers Association

The Ramblers is Britain’s walking charity. We open the way so everyone can get out and go walking – in towns and cities, through fields and forests, along coastlines or mountaintops. Across Britain, we break down barriers that stand in the way and give more people the opportunity to walk.

The Ramblers acts to protect paths and ensure they are properly registered as public rights of way, working to save thousands of miles of paths that could be lost forever through our Don’t Lose Your Way campaign. All year round, teams of Ramblers volunteers keep paths clear and well-maintained for more people to enjoy. This includes putting up waymarks to help walkers know they’re sticking to the right path. 

Last year the Ramblers volunteers organised 40,000 group walks and our partners organised 30,000 short health-focused walks called Ramblers Wellbeing Walks. These walks helped over 136,000 people experience the pleasures of walking and spend time in green spaces, connecting with nature.

To sign up for the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks visit www.ramblers.org.uk

How to Control Mild Anxiety

How to Control
Mild Anxiety

Dr Sarah Jarvis

Dr Sarah Jarvis Robinson, general practitioner and clinical consultant

Leading health experts, who recognise that the UK is experiencing a ‘perfect storm’ of issues relating to mental health, have offered a range of tools to help prevent mild anxiety from deteriorating into a full anxiety disorder.

Commenting in a new ‘Empowerment in the Epidemic of Anxiety Report’, a panel of community and industry health experts have outlined a range of self-help tools to help manage mild anxiety in a healthy and productive way.

The UK has seen a marked rise in generalised anxiety over the past decade, especially among younger people and women.  Over 8 million people (around 1 in 10) are living with a diagnosable anxiety disorder at any one time, but this may not paint the whole picture; one survey showed that 60% of adults are experiencing at least mild levels of anxiety.

It is perhaps not surprising then that there has also been an increase in the prescribing of most anti-anxiety medications. However, not all symptoms and experiences of anxiety warrant this type of medication. 

Current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines encourage healthcare professionals to rethink prescribing potentially addictive medications, such as benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), for mild anxiety.  But what’s the alternative?

To help prevent anxiety from progressing and improve the quality of people’s lives sooner, the expert panel has developed a ‘mild anxiety toolbox’ – a series of powerful, evidence-based tools, tips and tricks that can be employed into everyday life.

Commenting on the ‘toolbox,’ general practitioner and clinical consultant, and expert panellist Dr Sarah Jarvis says, “When it comes to dealing with anxiety, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone’s mental health journey is different, and as such, different techniques will work better for different people.

“It’s important we offer a range of treatment and support options, including talking and complementary therapies, and other non-pharmacological options, such as pharmaceutical-quality lavender oil, to help empower Brits and give them the tools to take back control.”

The ‘mild anxiety toolbox,’ as identified by leading experts:

Self-help therapies

Talking therapies are a mainstay for many mental health concerns, including anxiety. However, not all symptoms are severe enough for formal referrals, and even with a referral, prolonged waiting times can cause symptoms to worsen.  

Several of the methods used in formal talking therapies can be adapted and learned as a form of self-help therapy without the assistance of a professional.  For example, CBT-inspired self-help strategies and techniques such as reframing helpful thoughts, tackling worries and facing fears can be practiced at home.

Complementary therapies and practices

Woman doing yoga

There are a large range of complementary therapies or practices that can be integrated into everyday life to either help ease mild anxiety symptoms or help prevent anxiety altogether. 

Mindfulness can work well alongside yoga and hypnotherapy. Developing an awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours can help to break negative habits and improve self-esteem.

Self-help

Man exercising

Lifestyle changes such as getting more sleep, eating a balanced diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and exercising may go a long way toward easing anxiety. For example, just 30 minutes or more of exercise a day for three to five days a week can significantly improve anxiety symptoms.

Mental health apps and support groups

Woman using app

In the era of smartphones, it’s only natural to turn to screens for help. While apps alone can’t meet all your mental health needs, some may be able to help you relax, de-stress and boost your mood.

A great place to start is the ‘Hub of Hope’ app. This is the UK’s leading mental health support database, which brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health services together in one place.

Some mild anxiety sufferers may also benefit from group discussions. Many organisations offer a range of resources outside of the NHS service provision, for example Anxiety UK, SANE and Mind.

Natural remedies

Many people rely on herbs to help with mild to moderate mental health conditions, such as anxiety, to avoid the unwanted and negative side effects of medications. For example, studies have shown reductions in cortisol levels and anxiety following the use of ashwagandha. 

Lavender oil contains terpenes, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which may have a calming effect on chemical receptors in the brain. In fact, studies have shown that a daily capsule of pharmaceutical-quality lavender oil, found only in Kalms Lavender, is as effective as commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications such as lorazepam and paroxetine.

Dr Annabelle Grimm, panellist and Global Medical Affairs Manager at Schwabe, one of the leading global players in the field of phytomedicines comments, “Research demonstrates that pharmaceutical-quality lavender oil capsules not only reduce both physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety but also have a beneficial effect on health-related quality of life, without causing sedation, and are well tolerated.”

Kalms Lavender

Kalms Lavender One-A-Day capsules are available to buy from Boots and Superdrug as well as supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide. 

You can also purchase the product online at www.kalmsrange.com and at Amazon. RRP is £8.20.

Kent Hospice Bluebell Walk

Heart of Kent Hospice Bluebell Walk

Bluebell Walk

Join the Heart of Kent Hospice on a Bluebell Walk. Enjoy a six-mile charity ‘Bluebell Walk’ in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice on Sunday 5th May 2024.

Tickets are now on sale so please sign up for the annual 2024 ‘Bluebell Walk’ and help Heart of Kent Hospice raise vital funds to meet the cost of providing free, compassionate, end-of-life care to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones.

Last year’s ‘Bluebell Walk’ was enjoyed by 1,226 enthusiastic walkers and the Hospice team hopes even more people will sign up for the 2024 event. Walkers will take a route through the picturesque Kent countryside with the opportunity to enjoy some breath-taking bluebell vistas.

The route starts from Harrietsham Village Hall, Church Rd, Harrietsham, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1AP.

Head of Community Partnership at Heart of Kent Hospice Sarah Bowes explains, “The Bluebell Walk is such a special way to remember loved ones and celebrate the care they received from the Hospice, whilst raising funds to enable us to continue to provide outstanding care to the growing number of local people that need us now and in the future.

“One of our supporters describes her walk perfectly when she said ‘I loved the Bluebell Walk, the sunshine, the peacefulness and the bird song. What a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning, there is no better way to reflect and remember.”

Cold drinks will be available at various stops along the route including at the ‘Field of Remembrance’ where walkers can remember a loved one.

For anyone who has packed a picnic there will be a special picnic stop along the way with hot or cold drinks available.

All ages are welcome to take part in the Bluebell Walk but buggies and wheelchairs are not recommended due to uneven terrain and some stiles. Dogs on leads are welcome but please note that larger dogs may find it difficult to cross some of the stiles and may therefore need to be carried over. Heart of Kent Hospice dog bandanas are available to purchase when booking online.

Bookings can now be made through the Hospice website by clicking on www.hokh.org

Prices are £15 for adults, £10 a child, £40 a family (2 adults and 2 children).

New for this year is Shaun the Sheep’s Family Walk! Take a 1 mile stroll through the countryside, whilst looking out for Shaun and his friends along the way! (Please note, there are no bluebells on the 1 mile walk). £10 for adults, £5 for a child and £25 for a family.

Walkers will set off in 30 minutes waves which can be selected when booking. Waves run from 8.00am until 10.00am.

For questions about the Bluebell Walk please contact the fundraising team at Heart of Kent Hospice on email at events@hokh.co.uk 

Or call 01622 790195.

To find out about Heart of Kent Hospice visit www.hokh.org

Me Time Pamper Box

Wellbeing Me Time Pamper Box

EMS Wellbeing Set

Indulge in a sanctuary of self-care with the Me Time Pamper Box from the EMS Wellbeing Store. This carefully curated collection designed to rejuvenate your senses, nourish your spirit, and guide you towards moments of pure serenity.

Contents of the box include a Gratitude Notebook, Cherry Lip Balm, Pink Clay Face Mask, Rose Quartz Face Roller, Heart Chakra Bath & Body Oil, and Heart Chakra Pulse Point Roll On.

The Me Time Pamper Box is a celebration of self-nurturing and personal discovery. It goes beyond mere products. It’s an invitation to prioritise self-love and embrace moments of tranquility. Elevate your wellbeing, honour your journey, and cherish these moments of relaxation. 

For more information visit the website at www.emswellbeingstore.co.uk

Fostering A Child at 60

Fostering Over
the Age of 60

Barney and Rajainder

Barney and Rajainder

Did you know that you can become a foster carer over the age of 60? The UK’s largest family-owned foster agency, Swiis Foster Care recently found that 72% of those over 55 were unsure whether they could.

The study also found a noteworthy 44% of Brits would consider changing careers. Yet surprisingly, 72% have not considered or are unsure whether fostering is a beneficial career choice. 

Swiis are now committed to showcasing fostering as a professional paid career that is fulfilling and rewarding, and for many has proven to be the right work life balance for them, their families, and personal circumstances. 

For over 60s, fostering can provide a fulfilling career move for those considering semi-retirement, or even unretirement, especially those wanting to contribute and make a difference to society. 

Some of the main benefits of choosing fostering as a paid career choice can be summarised as follows:  

A strong sense of emotional fulfilment that comes from positively influencing a child’s life. 

Financial compensation. Contrary to popular belief fostering pays well and Income from fostering is tax-free. 

Professional development is assured via an in-depth training programme of both mandatory and specialist courses.  

24/7 professional support is provided to all foster carers.

One such person who chose to become a foster carer in later life is Barney and his partner Rajainder.

Barney and Rajainder

Barney and Rajainder met in 1989, while they were both training to be nurses in London. In 1995, the two moved back to Barney’s home city of Newcastle in order to care for Barney’s mother. 

In 1997, Barney began social worker training and began working between local authorities and the NHS in various care roles, spending the last seven years of his career as a therapist.

Barney explains, “Early social work experiences had given me insight into the experiences of children and young people accommodated and how complex the needs of some individuals were and, the care required; I did not think I could contemplate fostering and full-time work which I wasn’t ready to terminate or, to make changes in our lives given the commitment which fostering requires.”

“It was in 2019, age 66 that Barney decided to retire from his work in community mental health, while Rajainder, remained in full-time work as Barney looked forward to fully retiring in November of that year.

But, in July, while the two were on holiday the conversation about fostering came up once again. Barney adds, “Having revisited the thought of fostering, it was like a light switch being turned on and I knew straight away it was now something I could do and utilise the skills I had acquired through work and, most importantly, life.  

“We agreed that I would be the main carer whilst Rajainder continued his nursing and the same day, the phone call was made to start the process.”

For the past four years, Barney and Rajainder have undertaken numerous emergency and respite fostering placements for Swiis Foster Care, and the couple have in total taken 33 foster children into their home, providing each with much-needed care and stability. 

Their first placement, siblings aged six and nine (brother and sister), arrived five days before Christmas.

In Barney’s words, chaos ensued as they were not used to a calm, caring, consistent environment in which age-appropriate independent living skills were taught.  Following a twelve-month stay with us, they moved to a long-term placement with self-esteem, confidence, and self-identity they had not known.  

When it comes to foster care, there is no one-size-fits-all placement. As a potential foster carer, this is perhaps one of the most important things you’d need to be aware of.

Barney recommends, “I would advise prospective foster carers to consider children’s and young people’s presentations, not as challenges, as they are often referred to, but rather consider their background and history and respond appropriately; the positive effect that comes about with time and consistency can be amazing and gratifying.”

Fostering a child

It is also important to recognise, that as foster carers, you are not alone, as Swiis’ research also showed that a major concern for potential foster carers, was feeling apprehensive about following through with the process, which Barney explains, need not be a concern.

“We have received nothing but respect and support from all professionals involved and to see the growth in confidence and self-respect of a young person is very gratifying. As in any relationship, supporting and communicating with each other is crucial and I am thankful to have received both from Rajainder.”

Barney’s final words of wisdom for those considering a career in foster care are,  “GO FOR IT.”

To find out more about a career in fostering visit www.swiisfostercare.com

* Picture of child is posed by a model.

Alzheimer’s Case Story

Miriam Margolyes Talks about her late father’s Alzheimer’s

Miriam Margolyes with her parents

Miriam Margolyes with her parents

“Life is sweeter shared” stresses Miriam Margolyes, and in this honest and heartbreaking article, she discusses love, commitment, and her father’s Alzheimer’s.

TV personality Miriam Margolyes OBE has opened up about her late father Joseph’s battle with dementia in support of Alzheimer’s Society.

Miriam shared details of her father’s experience to highlight a series of adverts featuring couples affected by dementia who have vowed to stay together in ‘sickness and in health’. 

An emotional TV ad, narrated by actor Colin Firth, shows how dementia can change the dynamics of a relationship.

She says, “For richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health … we make those vows full of strength and power and happiness and desire.

“But the years take their toll. Things change. Health, when it leaves you, impacts a relationship completely.”

Miriam with her mother outside the house

Miriam with her mother

Speaking emotionally, Miriam shared the memory of when her father began showing symptoms of dementia.

“When my father developed his symptoms in his early 90s, I had a feeling that something was wrong, but I tried to push it away.

“It was only when neighbours phoned me and said Daddy was on their doorstep saying that they were in his house, that I realised he couldn’t be left on his own anymore and that Alzheimer’s.

“I didn’t know what it was then – but the illness that had taken hold of him had a vice like grip, and my father was no longer the man I knew. It was utterly devastating.

Miriam's parents

Miriam’s parents

“Every now and again I had glimpses of the Daddy who had looked after me and had been my support and my rock. But very little; he became more and more of a shell and a husk.

“It wasn’t fair because he was a good, kind, loving man and he just seemed to disappear in front of my eyes. I couldn’t deal with it – I didn’t know what to do or who to ask.”

Discussing the effects of dementia on a relationship, Miriam adds, “Unfortunately as you get older and when illness strikes, the whole basis of your relationship changes. Dependency changes, expectation changes, capacity changes.

Miriam with her late father

Miriam with her late father

“The person that you fell in love with and longed to be with when you began your love affair, then at the end of your lives, there is a stark realisation that things have changed utterly and forever.

“I have been with my partner for 54 years and I hope we will be until we are both corpses!” Miriam adds.

“I think it is just joyous to know someone that well, to trust someone that much and to know that you are loved. Life is sweeter shared.”

Kate Lee, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society says, “We’re so grateful to supporters like Miriam for sharing their personal stories about dementia to raise awareness of this devastating condition.

“One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia and it’s the UK’s biggest killer. Through our Ultimate Vow campaign, we want everyone to know that Alzheimer’s Society is here to provide help and hope. But we can’t do it without support. 

“Please donate today at alzheimers.org.uk so we can reach even more people affected by dementia.”

A third of us will develop dementia in our lifetimes. Alzheimer’s Society vows to help end the devastation caused by dementia. 

Visit alzheimers.org.uk for more information or to donate.

To view the TV advert click here