Oak & Olive Care

05/12/2022

It’s getting colder so please check in with those you love the most ❄️💙❄️

The Met Office has issued an amber alert ahead of a spell of 'severe' cold weather with temperatures to plummet below freezing.

12/11/2022

❤️ Whether it’s COVID-19 or something else, elderly people are more vulnerable to infection. The cold weather weakens the immune system and increases the risk of catching a cold or flu. Poor weather can cause hypothermia, breathing problems and cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks.
But, there are lots of ways we can help.

☃️ Make time to visit an elderly neighbour

Visiting may mean being able to spot signs of ill health, and help get the right medical care quickly, too.
Look out for any signs of illness. Do they seem drowsy? Is their home cold, but they don't seem to notice? Have they got a bad cough? These are all signs they may have some kind of of health problem (including complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia) that can be especially risky in winter.

❄️ Keeping warm in the winter

Older people take longer to warm up than younger people, and they tend to lose heat more quickly, too. They tend to be less active, so it's easy for them to get cold without realising.
You can help by:
* Making sure their home is kept at a temperature of at least 18 degrees celcius.
* Provide hot water bottles.
* Check they're in warm, dry clothes.
Be careful to not rub an elderly person's body or use heat pads on their skin because it will open up blood vessels near the skin's surface. They can lose a lot of heat very quickly this way. And, as they become colder, they're more likely to suffer severe hypothermia. Losing body heat quickly can also lead to heart attacks and other health complications.

🌨️ Help with the chores

Quite often, older people are reluctant to ask for help even when things are getting too much. This can lead to them restricting their lifestyle as they might worry about being unable to cope, which could lead to them becoming isolated and depressed.

Something as simple as picking up prescriptions, helping with shopping or putting out the rubbish is enough. Not only will you be doing something practical to make their life easier, but they'll know that someone is looking out for them.

☔️ Also remember a friendly chat can go a long way

Thank you for the advice!

Kelly ❤️

30/10/2022

Halloween can be great fun, especially for kids. And lots of us enjoy seeing local children out trick or treating in their costumes. However, for some people, it can be a worry – especially if they’re home alone and concerned about callers after dark.

While none of us wants to spoil the fun, we also shouldn’t have to feel scared or anxious in our own homes. Here are some simple things we can all do to make sure Halloween remains good fun for everyone.
If you're concerned about staying safe:

🎃 Always put the door chain on and look out of the window or spy hole to see who's there before opening the door.

🎃 Take particular care if there's more than one person on your doorstep.

🎃 Only open the door if you feel safe to do so. If you're in any doubt or don't feel safe, don't – it's fine not to answer the door if you don't want to.

🎃 If you're really worried, invite a friend or relative around and spend the evening together.

If you're out trick or treating:

☠️ Remember that some older people and other members of your community might not want to be disturbed. A good rule of thumb is to look for a pumpkin outside the house – that's a sign the house is happy to receive trick or treaters.

☠️ Be mindful of noise late at night.

☠️ Don't persistently ring someone's doorbell, knock on their door or return to their house later. If they don't answer, it's best to move on.

Have fun!

Kelly 🧡

‘The Queen of Halloween’

02/10/2022

My Nanny and Grandad Metson lived most of their lives on the breadline. With seven children times were always tough but they were both grafters. Always working and always busy to provide for the ones they loved the most. When their children grew up and they retired they still had no wealth. Financial wealth that is. They always had an abundance of love surrounding them wherever they went.

The vase in the picture is the only object I have that belonged to them. There was no inheritance, art or jewellery left. In fact they had nothing worth anything to leave to anyone. And no one cared. There was no arguments over who was having what. No bitterness among the family and no expectations. Just love and incredible memories of two people that expected nothing but gave everything.

My Grandad gave the vase to my Nanny for their wedding anniversary a few years before he died. I will love and treasure it forever as it symbolises all that is good in the world. They lived in a world of kindness.

Treasure the ones you love the most. Look after them well as they have you and remember money means nothing in the end. Your time, company and care is often all that is needed. Make memories that will last a lifetime.

Kelly 💚

25/09/2022

Happy Sunday.

By Katherine Sunday’s are usually the quietest day of our week. I always make an effort to give everyone the day off on Sundays. I try to ensure that everyone has time for self-care and activities that benefit their bodies and minds. Here are some suggestions to help you organise a few Sundays for...

18/09/2022

Times are changing...

The weather is getting damper, the nights are drawing in and the temperature is dropping. Its a sure sign that Autumn is on its way.

08/09/2022

♥️ May she rest in peace ♥️

03/09/2022

Reflections of 2022 from a carer.

We offer a range of services from companion care and support, pet services to support with decluttering and paperwork.

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Oak and Olive

Katherine's thoughts - a weekly blog

27/07/2022

💛Happy Norfolk Day!💛

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