Rehabilitation Service - Promoting Independent Living at Home and Frailty Prevention (Salford)

As part of the natural aging process, it is common to have a growing number of health issues.

Gradually you may notice that it takes longer to do household chores, walk to the shops or you may start feeling a bit unsteady or under confident on your feet.

Over time, this can affect your ability to live independently and also your ability to bounce back after an illness or other stressful events. This can be referred to as ‘frailty’.

There are lots of things you can do to help, prevent or manage some of these challenges. You will find some of these things detailed within this leaflet.

If in doubt please seek advice from Health Professionals.

Vision

Even small changes to vision can create an increased risk of falls. It is important that you get your vision checked regularly.

Continence

Bladder and bowel problems effect up to 6 million people and is often something which people suffer in silence with due to fear of embarrassment.

Particularly at nighttime, rushing to the bathroom can create an increased risk of falls. Incontinence can be improved with the support of health professionals.

For more information and advice please contact the Bladder and Bowel service on 0161 206 8692.

Audiology

Do you have problems holding a conversation in a busy environment or a group situation?

Do you struggle to hear the telephone, TV or doorbell at home?

Do you struggle generally with you hearing?

Hearing loss is very common in people aged over 50 or those that have worked in noisy environments.

Speak to your GP if you are suffering with your hearing and they will be able to refer you to Audiology services if appropriate.

Age UK offer a wide range of services from:

• Dementia Day Support and Support Groups
• Social Prescribing
• Walking Sports
• Music Café and Dementia Café
• IT Support
• Online Bereavement Support Group
• Home Cleaning and Shopping Services

For further information visit www.ageuk.org.uk/ salfordandtrafford or call 0161 728 2001

Health Improvement

Health improvement services in Salford provide a wide range of services from:

• Weight Management
• Activity Classes and Healthy Lifestyle Advice
• Social and Special Interest Groups

For further information visit Salford City Council website Call: 0800 952 1000 (option 2) or
email health.improvement@salford.gov.uk

Care on Call

Care on call is a mobile warden service that provides support to people who wish to remain living independently in their own homes.

The core package, available to all customers, is a 24-hour monitoring and emergency response which means that if you call for help, they can immediately send wardens to help you, if needed.

You can also receive a weekly personal visit from one of their wardens, which is available at a slightly higher charge.

Contact Details: 0161 206 0546 and email contact: careoncall@nca.nhs.uk

Exercise Groups

Around 30% of older adults fall annually - postural stability and Step Up exercise classes are aimed at older people who might be at risk of falling.

Postural stability is a 12 week course aiming to improve confidence, maintain independence, and reduce falls and social isolation.

Classes currently run in Eccles, Walkden, Swinton and East Salford, with transport and refreshments provided.

For more information telephone 0161 778 0577 or email: active.lifestyles@scll.co.uk

Footwear

Inappropriate or ill-fitting footwear can impair gait patterns and balance. Ensure that you have supportive footwear that fits well when mobilising both in and outdoors.

Hydration and Diet

There are a number of factors which can influence a reduced oral intake such as immobility, lack of appetite, swallowing or chewing difficulties and acute illness.

Sufficient nutrition in older persons is essential to maintain and improve functional abilities, activity levels, capacity for rehabilitation and quality of life.

Around 10% of independently living older persons suffer with malnutrition. It is important to be mindful of both your oral intake and hydration.

If you are struggling to maintain a sufficient oral intake it is important that you discuss this with a health professional.

Smoking

Rates of disease incidence and mortality linked to smoking steadily increase with age and duration of smoking history. Cessation is the most effective way of altering smoking related disease risks.

Older smokers are shown to be less likely to attempt quitting; however, research has shown that they are more likely to be successful.

If you would like support with reducing or stopping smoking telephone 0800 952 1000.

Alcohol

As we age our bodies take much longer to break down alcohol which means we become more sensitive to its effects.

National guidelines suggest both men and women do not consume more than 14 units a week, however, due to these changes it may mean that safe drinking levels for older persons are lower than this.

Around one third of older people with alcohol problems develop them late in life.

Bereavement, ill-health, immobility, pain, social isolation and depression can all lead to an increased intake of alcohol as its use becomes a part of daily routines.

If you are concerned that you may have a problem with alcohol use, please contact your GP for support.