AtPlymouthcare

15/10/2025

🧼🌍 It’s Global Handwashing Day! 🌍🧼

At , we know that something as simple as washing your hands can make a world of difference. Clean hands save lives protecting our clients, our colleagues, and our community from the spread of illness and infection every single day.

👏 Why it matters:

Handwashing with soap reduces the risk of respiratory and diarrhoeal infections

It’s one of the easiest, most effective ways to stay healthy — both in care settings and at home.

It shows respect, care, and responsibility for those around us.

💧 Remember the key moments to wash your hands:

Before and after providing personal care

Before eating or handling food

After using the bathroom or touching potentially contaminated surfaces

After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose

🫧 Every wash counts — whether at work, home, or in the community. Let’s all take a moment today to celebrate the power of clean hands!

14/10/2025

At , we support many clients living with this condition every day. 💙

We wanted to share the helpful link below for those affected, their carers, and anyone who would like to learn how to support the charity that makes a difference.

👉 Click the link to find out more and discover how you can help!

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Get information and support about osteoporosis, fragility fractures and bone health from the UK's leading osteoporosis charity, the ROS.

14/10/2025

🦴💪 It’s Bone and Joint Action Week! 💪🦴

At , we’re joining the global call to raise awareness of bone and joint health — because keeping our bodies strong and mobile is key to living well at every age.

Every step, stretch, and lift matters! Whether it’s supporting those living with arthritis, osteoporosis, or back pain, or helping our clients maintain independence through gentle movement and good posture, we believe in care that supports both mind and body.

👉 Let’s take action together:

Keep moving safely — even small amounts of daily movement make a difference.

Eat well for bone strength — calcium and vitamin D are your best friends!

Listen to your body — seek advice if you experience ongoing joint pain or stiffness.

🩺 Supporting bone and joint health means supporting independence, comfort, and quality of life — values that sit at the heart of what we do every day.

10/10/2025

💚 Your mental health matters.

We all have days when the mountain feels too big to climb and that’s okay.
Take things one step at a time, rest when you need to, and remember that self-care isn’t weakness, it’s strength!!

Be kind to yourself today and every day. The mountain will still be there when you’re ready 💚

This poem is a beautiful way to remember that it's ok to STOP!

10/10/2025

💚 World Mental Health Day — “It’s okay not to be okay.”

Today, we join people around the world in marking World Mental Health Day, a reminder that mental health matters just as much as physical health.

At AtPlymouthCare, we know that caring for others starts with caring for ourselves. Working in care can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be emotionally demanding — that’s why it’s so important to take time to check in on yourself and those around you.

💬 A kind word, a listening ear, or a shared cup of tea can make all the difference.

We encourage our team, our clients, and our wider community to talk openly about mental health and to reach out for support when needed — because no one should face their struggles alone.

🌿 Remember:

It’s okay to take a break.

It’s okay to ask for help.

And it’s okay not to be okay.

Let’s continue to build a culture of kindness, understanding, and support — both within our care teams and for those we look after every day.

💚 AtPlymouthCare — Caring for others, caring f

Call 999 in emergency or use NHS 111, mental health option for non-emergencies

Samaritans
Confidential 24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress or crisis
Call 116 123 (free)

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://giveusashout.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/urgent-support/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

09/10/2025

👁️ World Sight Day — See the Importance of Eye Health

Today is World Sight Day, a global day dedicated to raising awareness about eye health, vision care, and the importance of protecting our sight.

At AtPlymouthCare, we understand how vital good vision is to maintaining independence, safety, and quality of life, especially for the vulnerable adults we support. Many of our clients live with visual impairments or sight loss, and our carers play a key role in helping them live with dignity and confidence every day.

💛 How We Support Individuals with Sight Loss

Person-centred care: We take time to understand each person’s specific needs, routines, and preferences.

Encouraging independence: Supporting with adaptive aids, clear communication, and safe home environments.

Environment awareness: Keeping pathways clear, ensuring good lighting, and avoiding trip hazards.

Respect & patience: Offering guidance, reassurance, and time for individuals to move at their own pace.

Promoting regular eye checks: Encouraging clients to keep up with routine eye tests — a simple step that can prevent avoidable sight loss.

👓 Top Tip: Regular eye tests are not just for those who wear glasses — they’re essential for detecting conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or diabetes-related eye changes early.

Let’s use World Sight Day to remind ourselves and others to look after our vision — because caring for your eyes means caring for your overall health.

❤️ AtPlymouthCare — Seeing the person, not the condition.

Now that you’ve seen this post, take a moment to check your own diary — or the diaries of those you care for — to make sure all sight tests are up to date.

If they’re overdue, don’t wait — book your eye test today! Regular eye checks can make a world of difference to your health and wellbeing.

09/10/2025

Here’s a little reminder to remind you how important it is to drink plenty of fluids — especially during your busy shifts!
Being a carer means you’re always putting others first, but it’s just as important to take a moment for yourself. Staying hydrated keeps your body and mind running smoothly.
💡 Remember:
It only takes a few seconds to have a swig — so don’t ignore your body’s call for fluids!
After all, you wouldn’t jump into your car and head off to work without fuel... your car wouldn’t let you!
⛽ Don’t wait for your body to break down — keep yourself topped up throughout the day!
Drink, drink, drink! 💦
Your body (and your clients) will thank you for it!

09/10/2025

Just another gentle reminder to hydrate - If you are seeing this post, take a drink and give us a like and share :)

09/10/2025

will be here tomorrow from start to finish - We look forward to meeting you all. :)

09/10/2025

🥗 Malnutrition Awareness Week — Supporting the Health & Wellbeing of Vulnerable Adults

Malnutrition Awareness Week reminds us how vital good nutrition and hydration are for maintaining health, independence, and quality of life, particularly for older or vulnerable adults.

Malnutrition is often overlooked, but early recognition and the right support can make a huge difference. As carers, we play a key role in identifying signs, supporting balanced diets, and encouraging healthy eating habits.

💛 How We Can Support Those We Care For

Observe & Report Changes

Notice reduced appetite, difficulty swallowing, sudden weight loss, or clothes becoming loose.

Record and report any changes promptly to your line manager or healthcare professionals.

Encourage Regular Meals & Snacks

Offer small, frequent meals throughout the day.

Respect individual preferences and cultural dietary needs.

Make mealtimes enjoyable — sit together, chat, and avoid rushing.

Promote Hydration

Encourage fluids throughout the day — not just water, but also teas, soups, and juices.

Be mindful of those who may forget to drink or have limited mobility.

Fortify Foods

Use full-fat dairy, butter, or milk powders to add calories and nutrients where needed.

Encourage nourishing snacks such as yoghurt, cheese, or smoothies.

Collaborate with Professionals

Follow any nutrition care plans provided by dietitians or occupational therapists.

Raise concerns quickly — early action can prevent health deterioration.

Respect Dignity and Choice

Always involve the person in decisions about their meals.

Support independence where possible — for example, adaptive cutlery or finger foods if mobility is limited.

🧡 Together, We Can Make a Difference

At AtPlymouthCare, we believe good nutrition is a key part of person-centred care. By taking time to understand each individual’s needs, preferences, and habits, we help them stay healthy, comfortable, and happy.

Remember: A small change — like offering a favourite snack, supporting hydration, or simply taking time to share a meal — can have a big impact.

08/10/2025

🦴 Back Care Awareness Week — Supporting Our Carers & Clients

This week is Back Care Awareness Week (6–11 October), a vital reminder that healthy backs are the foundation of safe, sustainable care.

As care providers, our carers frequently support others through lifting, repositioning, assisting with mobility, and other physical tasks. These actions, when done incorrectly, can lead to serious back injury, long-term pain, and reduced quality of life for both carers and those they support.

💡 How We Support Back Health Every Day

Training & education – We provide regular training on safe manual handling, correct posture, and moving & handling best practices to ensure all carers are confident and competent in their role.

Risk assessments & planning – Each task is carefully evaluated for risk, and safe methods are planned in advance, considering loading, grip, and environment.
Manual handling plans are an essential part of safe care and are created by Occupational Therapists (OTs) for each client. These outline the correct equipment to be used within a client’s property and the safest methods for assisting them.

Use of assistive equipment – Hoists, slide sheets, transfer aids, and other assistive devices are used wherever necessary to reduce physical strain and promote safety for both the carer and the person receiving care.

Encouraging communication & feedback – Carers are encouraged to raise any concerns about unsafe practices, equipment, or environments so that issues can be addressed quickly and effectively.

Promoting self-care & stretch breaks – We encourage staff to take care of their own health through good posture and reporting any early signs of back discomfort.

✅ Safe Manual Handling: Key Principles

Plan ahead – Think through the task: how far is the move, obstacles, path, and whether help or equipment is needed.

Stance & posture – Keep feet stable, bend at knees & hips, not at the waist. Avoid twisting the spine.

Bring the load close – Keep the person or object close to your body while lifting.

Use smooth movement – Don’t jerk, twist, or rush. Move in a controlled manner.

Use aids when available – If a hoist, slide sheet or transfer aid is available, use it. Never rely on brute strength.

Ongoing assessment – Reassess if conditions change (floor wet, space narrow, client moves unexpectedly).

We honour and value our care staff for the dedication and physical effort you put in every day. Your safety matters. Let’s commit this Back Care Awareness Week (and beyond) to protecting your health and supporting safe, high-quality care.

Here are some useful links for anyone suffering with back pain:

Back Care (National Back Pain Association) -
https://backcare.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Hidden Lives (Plymouth) - Support hub for people with hidden disabilities, chronic pain and long-term conditions -
https://www.hiddenlivessupport.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Plymouth Pain Management Support Service - Rowen House Derriford - https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/pain-management/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The Pain Coach (Plymouth & Devon area) - https://www.thepaincoach.co.uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Interview with Health Innovations SouthWest discussing the contribution of pain cafes. https://www.plymouthoctopus.org/belonginplymouth-details?recordId=recwAhrJzVpPHuKDj “you (Julie) have been instrumental in helping me to find the confidence to build a new life around my illness.” Plymouth Cit...