Andway Returns to the Care Show 2023

The Care Show is making its return, and we're coming back with a bang. 

Next month, the Andway team will be back in Birmingham for the Care Show 2023 alongside fellow care professionals to explore the latest and greatest in the industry.

With the launch of our brand new Profiling Bed, the chance to meet our experienced sales team and plenty of prizes to be won, this year is bound to be our best Care Show yet!

Get Ready to Win Big

This year, be prepared to win big with our Spin-to-Win competition. We're offering exclusive prizes that will be up for grabs throughout the event, and participating couldn't be easier. Just make your way over to stand B60 and scan your details – that's all it takes to be in with a chance to win.

Looking for Advice? 

Although we’re always available over the phone to address your queries, sometimes there’s nothing better than an in-person chat to put your mind at ease. That’s why we’re offering 1-1 meetings with our most experienced team members at this year’s Care Show. 

Our experts, Luke, Lydia and Annie will be available to provide personalised insights and guidance on all aspects of care home servicing, ranging from essential LOLER requirements to up-to-date care home regulations. 

If you’d like to book a 1-1 meeting with a member of our sales team, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can easily book your meeting by sending an email to lydia@andwayhealthcare.org.uk, annie@andwayhealthcare.org.uk or luke@andwayhealthcare.org.uk.

Indulge in Exclusive Comfort 

We’re so excited to introduce our brand-new Profiling Bed, exclusively available at this year’s Care Show. Specially designed for all care environments, this bed has everything you need to ensure a comfortable, safe night’s sleep for your residents. 

Alongside our new Profiling Bed, we’ll also be showcasing our Pressure Relieving mattress range. Intricately designed for optimal comfort, there is no better way to spend the night! 

Invaluable Insights on Incontinence

Interested in ways to better support your residents? We’re thrilled to be hosting live demonstrations and offering valuable information on incontinence, all in collaboration with our exclusive supplier partner and proud member of the Hartmann group, Molicare.

Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and solutions that enhance the quality of care for your residents. So, don't miss out on this opportunity to engage with continence care experts and discover how the Molicare incontinence range can benefit your care home.

Meet Our Comforting Therapy Pups

But wait, there's even more to look forward to. This year’s Care Show is going to be packed with excitement, and it doesn't stop at exclusive prizes and products. We're delighted to announce that Therapy Dogs Nationwide (TDN) will be joining us on our stand, providing love, comfort and cuddles to every visitor. 

Known to improve communication and the general health of care home residents, these generous therapy dogs will demonstrate firsthand how they can provide invaluable support to your community.

Come and Visit Us 

So, what are you waiting for? Come and visit us on stand B60 at the Care Show on October 11th and 12th - you won't want to miss us! 

From therapy dogs to exclusive prizes, our stand will be the perfect place to learn all about the latest industry developments and care home enhancements. For more information about the Care Show 2023 and to register your place, visit their website here. 

The Importance of Nutrition in the Elderly 

Good nutrition is important for everyone no matter your age. Not only can a good diet boost your energy levels, but it can also help control your weight and mental health, which is especially important as we age. 

Nutritional problems in the elderly can cause several health complications, including a weakened immune system, lowered energy levels, and other chronic health issues. By making small changes to diet, such as incorporating more fruit and healthy fats into everyday meals, the risk of health implications can be reduced. 

Nutritional Concerns

When considering nutritional implications for the elderly, there are three main areas of concern that should be regularly monitored. 

Weight 

Both weight loss and weight gain frequently effect elderly people. It is important to keep an eye on their fluctuating weight to ensure they remain at a healthy level.

As people age, their metabolisms and energy levels decrease meaning that they have an increased risk of obesity. Alternatively, limited access to food and reduced appetites can lead to dramatic weight loss along with plummeting energy levels. 

Taste 

Elderly people can have problems recognising salty and bitter tastes, making it more common to oversalt food. Not only can this lead to an increased salt intake placing more strain on their hearts, but it can also cause a rise in blood pressure. 

Dehydration 

With the body being less able to conserve water and less attuned to thirst signals, elderly people are more likely to suffer from dehydration. This is a serious issue within older generations, with dehydration causing severe health implications. Encouraging a healthy water intake can help to reduce the risk of severe dehydration.

Avoid Cholesterol and Fat 

Cholesterol is important for keeping the cells in our bodies healthy. However, if cholesterol levels get too high, your blood vessels can become blocked, increasing chances of heart problems or strokes. 

High cholesterol can be caused by eating fatty foods, not exercising enough, and being overweight.  

What Foods Can Help Keep a Balanced Diet? 

There are many different foods which can nutritionally benefit the elderly. While fruits and vegetables are a staple food group for maintaining weight and energy levels, it is also important to incorporate healthy fats and proteins. 

Protein

Foods such as fish, lean meats, poultry, and eggs are all great sources of protein. Not only can these foods help to maintain your overall health, but they are also great for repairing the body after injury. 

Carbohydrates 

Potatoes, bread, rice, and other carbohydrates provide the body with energy and nutrients, which are essential for the body as we age. 

Fluids 

Fluids are equally as important as other food groups. Water is vital for keeping our bodies healthy and energised. Age UK recommends that the elderly should “aim for 6-8 glasses of fluid a day”. However, this does not have to be solely water; milk, tea, and soups count too. 

How Can Andway Help?

Here at Andway, we understand how important it is to maintain a healthy, balanced diet, especially as we grow older. 

Whether you are looking for catering supplies or weighing equipment, we have a range of supplies to help keep your patients healthy. For more information, contact a member of our team today!

Being a carer comes with many responsibilities; and with that, your top priority must be the well-being of your patients.

Urinary incontinence can significantly impact a person’s confidence and mental health. With issues including embarrassment and involuntary stress, it’s up to the caregiver to ensure their patient gets the help they need.

What Is Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence, also known as an overactive bladder, can affect anyone. The condition is more common in older people, particularly women, and it’s estimated that 1 in 2 of us will be diagnosed with a urological issue at some stage in our lives. 

The first signs of incontinence can include problems passing urine, both before and after the urge to go to the toilet. While incontinence is not an inevitable part of ageing, it can be managed and even prevented with effective treatments.

What Are the Two Main Types of Incontinence?

While many people experience occasional incontinence, others may have more frequent occurrences. However, there are two significant forms of incontinence to be aware of:

Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is when a person’s bladder leaks when it is put under sudden, extra pressure. Sudden stress can be caused when coughing or when lifting heavy objects.

Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence can often cause a person to have the sudden and intense need to urinate with no control over it. This form of incontinence can be caused by conditions such as infections or neurological disorders.

How Can a Carer Help with Incontinence?

There are many causes for incontinence, but a continence service assessment can help to establish a plan for both the carer and the patient. The information collected during this assessment includes the patient’s medical history, how often the patient passes urine and the details of their diet and fluid intake.

Carers will also help to treat or manage incontinence depending on the type and cause of the person’s incontinence. They can also help with bladder and toilet training.

Changes to a person’s toilet situation can also be implemented, with aids such as a raised toilet or wall-mounted grab bar, providing support for patients who are particularly unsteady on their feet. It is also important to pay attention to a patient’s toilet patterns, considering how often they urinate to help the carer and doctor assess the severity of the situation.

When to Get Professional Help

If incontinence is causing significant disruption to a patient’s everyday lifestyle and is beginning to affect their mental health, it could be time to see a professional.

By visiting a GP or a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, both the carer and patient can begin to discuss the next steps. A GP will usually ask for a urine sample, which will help to check for problems such as blood in the urine. GPs will also commonly refer the patient to a specialist for extra testing including an ultrasound or urodynamic testing.

How Can Andway Help?

Here at Andway, we offer a range of practical solutions to help manage incontinence. From protective undergarments to PU mattress protectors, our product range includes almost everything you will need to keep incontinence under control.

If you would like more advice on incontinence, contact a member of our team today!

Promoting Dignity in Care: Everything You Need to Know

Fundamentally, we all want to be treated with respect and dignity. It is essential that people being looked after feel understood and supported, and have an active role in their own care.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) define dignity and respect as “making sure that people have privacy when they need and want it, treating them as equals and providing any support they might need to be autonomous, independent and involved in their local community.”

Dignity can be sustained within care by recognising a person’s strengths, ambitions and abilities, whilst working with them as an equal to ensure they are living a fulfilled life.

What Does Dignity in Care Involve?

Communication is crucial in creating an equal and respectful relationship. It is important to talk to patients in plain English, do not overcomplicate or patronise; some people may need more time to understand what you’re saying.

Try to consider ways of effectively communicating with people who have learning disabilities, sensory impairments or neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Ensuring that the patient feels informed and confident in their care plan can help make them feel more comfortable and in control of their life.

Choice is another major factor in ensuring that patients have autonomy over their own life. Patients should feel empowered and ready to make an informed choice based on the information and advice that you provide. Information should not be manipulated or moulded, but instead portrayed in a way that is easy to understand and digest.

What Are the FREDA principles?

The FREDA principles were created to help care professionals understand and use the core values of dignity in care. The acronym stands for:

•          Fairness
•          Respect
•          Equality
•          Dignity
•          Autonomy

It is vital to remember these 5 human rights when treating an individual to ensure they remain happy and comfortable in care.

Ways to Promote Dignity in Care

Dignity in Care can be enacted through very basic acts that mean a lot. Below are some simple way to ensure your patients feel they are treated fairly.

Privacy

If your patient is asking for more privacy, it is important to listen and make that change. Be sure to always respect their personal space and possessions too.

Choice

Always involve the patient in any decisions that are to be made. This does not always relate to important healthcare issues. Many of us create our identity through how we dress, so allowing the patient to choose their clothing is one way to promote dignity.

Hygiene

Older people may need more support to maintain standards of hygiene that they are used to. This includes showering, oral hygiene, haircare and continence needs. Be sure to listen and respect the patients’ requests. For example, a female may not want to be washed by a male carer.

How Can Andway Help?

At Andway, we provide a range of products and services to help with your healthcare needs. Our service can assist you in creating personalised treatment plans, facilitating independence and supporting each patients’ needs.

For more advice, contact us now.

The 21^st of September is World Alzheimer’s Day, concluding a month-long international campaign to raise awareness surrounding the disease. The illness is the most common cause of dementia. Currently, there are 900,000 people living with dementia. By 2025, it has been projected that this statistic will rise to over 1,000,000 people, and 1.6 million by 2040.

Latest research has revealed that changes in the brain which led to Alzheimer’s start between 15 and 20 years before any symptoms present themselves. Current scientific focus is on finding ways to recognise and diagnose these changes as early as possible.

Alzheimer’s Research UK has devised a list of tips for a healthier brain, in order to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease:

-          Sticking to recommended limits when drinking alcohol

-          No smoking

-          Keeping high blood pressure under control

-          Maintaining a healthy weight

-          Ensuring cholesterol is kept at a healthy level

-          Having an active lifestyle and eating a balanced diet

Getting Support After a Diagnosis

After receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, some people may experience feelings of low mood, worry, or embarrassment. A sense of shame and anger may also be felt.

Sometimes the disease is only detected in its later stages. As a result, this can affect how an individual responds upon hearing the news, due to the way that dementia can change someone’s brain, behaviour, and personality.

There are many ways that people can support themselves after a diagnosis. The Alzheimer’s Society has produced a helpful publication full of statistics, helplines, and treatments. The booklet is an excellent place to start if you want to find out more in-depth information.

With the right support, a person with dementia can reduce the likelihood of experiencing negative emotions that surface as the disease progresses. Maintaining social engagements and connections can reduce feelings of isolation. Talking about their feelings may discourage a person from bottling up their feelings, and inevitably feeling worse.

A sense of normality is also vital for those living with Alzheimer’s disease. Keeping up with activities and hobbies that they enjoyed previously can help to achieve this. An option of joining another social group or trying new things may also encourage fulfilment and keep the individual mentally stimulated.

Support For Friends and Family

When an individual is diagnosed with dementia, it can also have a significant emotional impact on their family and friends. Although many people experience feelings of relief, others may start to grieve for the life they were expecting to have with their family or friend.

Caring for a person with dementia can be incredibly difficult, especially as the disease progresses, but with the right tools and support, both individuals can cope better.

Deeper knowledge of the disease can help individuals understand what will happen in the future, helping with preparations in advance. This can be achieved through support groups. Sharing experiences with people who are going through the similar experiences may provide companionship during an incredibly isolating time.

Participating in activities and hobbies that the person has interest in can encourage independence and allow you to maintain a strong relationship free of distress and anger. Focusing on tasks that they are still able to do may also boost self-confidence.

Andway can provide personalised services that can aid with the challenges that those with Alzheimer’s disease experience. Memory boxes containing recognisable items can contribute towards feelings of reassurance, lessening feelings of fear and panic.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Andway can help. Get in touch here for support and assistance.

Everyone’s needs are different, especially when it involves caring for an individual’s health. Growing pressures on healthcare services in the UK are causing healthcare professionals to lose sight of the patient they are treating, placing too much focus on their condition or illness.

With the right tools, you can realign your practices, and support people in a way that caters to their specific needs.

What is Person-Centred Care?

Person-centred care involves healthcare workers focusing on certain needs of the individual they are caring for. Co-produced care between professionals and patients ensures their preferences are catered to and helps the individual to feel supported.

Recognising that everyone’s needs are different is essential to this approach. Considering the persons values, circumstances, and lifestyle puts them at the centre of all decisions, and consequently, ensures they feel acknowledged, a sense of equality, and that they are receiving the best care.

Establishing a caring relationship between a patient and carer shows that their relationship is just as important as the help that they receive. Flexibility in services, one-to-one discussions and overall partnership shows that their care is person-centred. It is about “doing things with people, rather than ‘to’ them.”

Why is Person-Centred Care So Important?

Ensuring individuals are at the centre of their treatment results in high quality healthcare, which is important for both the individual and the professional.

Sustaining compassion and dignity illustrates to the patients that healthcare providers see past their condition, and therefore stronger relationships can be built.

Upholding these standards of person-centred care can motivate people to stick to their treatment plans – improving their independence and healthcare journey.

One essential by-product of person-centred care is the opportunity it creates to alleviate the strain placed on healthcare providers in the UK. Patient awareness may work to decrease the unnecessary use of emergency services or unrequired occupancy of vital space in hospitals.

How Can Person-Centred Care Be Delivered?

As a result of how varied person-centred care can be, there are many different approaches in how it is delivered. Some of these include:

•          Emotional support
•          The involvement of family and friends
•          Respecting and understanding people’s values
•          Putting individuals at the centre of all care and decisions
•          Treating people with compassion and dignity
•          Continuous and consistent services
•          Providing communication and information
•          Personalised treatment

Ensuring You Have the Right Facilities

Understanding the ins and outs of person-centred care is the first step in ensuring you can deliver treatment effectively and efficiently. Next step? Making sure you have the correct equipment and facilities in place.

At Andway, we provide a range of products, services, and maintenance to help you keep healthcare in hand. Our reliable and responsive service can assist you in supplying personalised treatment plans, facilitating independence, and supporting each patients’ individual needs.

Still in need of advice? Please get in contact.

Regardless of our age, we all strive for independence and enjoy the range of benefits that come with it. From helping to improve physical and mental health, to boosting confidence and self-esteem, independence gives us a sense of purpose and a better overall quality of life.

It is essential that older people are supported to remain as healthy and independent as possible for as long as possible and receive the highest quality of care when they need it.

While ageing can make independent living more challenging, there are various ways we can support individuals living in care homes to maintain independence in their old age.

Creating Safe and Accessible Living Spaces for Seniors

Senior living has evolved in recent years. Advancements in physical environments, services and technology have transformed the care homes of the past into attractive, comfortable and enjoyable living spaces for senior residents.

By introducing some of the following solutions, independent living can be achievable to many:

•       Medical Alert Systems

Medical alert systems are commonly used in care home and hospital settings to ensure residents’ needs are monitored. Having a medical alert system in place enables seniors to continue living independently, safe in the knowledge that an emergency dispatch, nurse or caregiver can be called for with just the touch of a button.

•       Care Home Modifications

Simple modifications can help seniors living in care homes to maintain a safer and more independent life by minimising the risk of falling and serious injury. Examples of minor modifications include grab rails and toilet aids, which enable various needs, hygiene and otherwise, to be fulfilled independently, and ramps/stairlifts, which are especially useful for seniors living with conditions affecting mobility, such as Parkinson’s, osteoporosis or arthritis.

•       Independent Living Aids

Independent living aids help seniors to remain self-reliant by taking care of simple daily activities. From teapot tippers to tap turners, there are a huge range of independent living products on the market that are designed to assist individuals with strength or mobility issues and boost confidence in the process.

Planning For Safety

Maintaining a safe environment is not only paramount to preventing injury but also to ensuring independence for seniors whose cognitive abilities may be impaired.

Care homes should be equipped with all the necessary fire safety equipment, including specialist smoke alarms, which are especially important for individuals with hearing or visual difficulties, and carbon monoxide detectors. Staff should also be trained specifically in fire safety practises for vulnerable residents.

Working With You to Ensure Independence for Seniors

At Andway Healthcare, we specialise in the provision of products and services designed to facilitate independence in care home environments. Our products are easily applied to a variety of care settings, helping your staff to provide the highest quality of care and the fastest possible response in the event of an emergency.

For expert advice regarding our product range, or to arrange a full site visit, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The 16 to 22 May 2022 marks Dementia Awareness Week in the UK. Organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, it is the largest and longest running campaign by the charity and aims to encourage greater awareness of the condition. The focus this year is on diagnosis, with a range of ways to get involved.

Part of the purpose of the campaign is to dispel the many myths surrounding dementia, such as the symptoms being normal to aging. It is a progressive disease that damages the nerve cells within the brain, affecting memory, communication, and concentration, as well as personality and emotions.

For care homes, providing the right support for residents with dementia is crucial. While many of the initial symptoms are similar between patients, the condition can progress in varying ways, making individualised care provision even more important. One of the main considerations is environment.

Caring for Dementia Residents

Living with dementia requires making changes to everyday life, from washing and eating to hobbies and socialising. Care homes can support dementia residents by introducing small adjustments to interior living spaces, particularly those used most regularly such as the bedroom and bathroom.

Perception can often become confused, turning otherwise ordinary features into sources of concern – for example, having lights that are too bright or dim can be unsettling, or storing items away where they are easily forgotten. Working to an individual’s needs is important when making modifications.

Creating Dementia-Friendly Interiors

The safety of care home residents is always a primary concern, but for people with dementia, there are often extra requirements to help minimise risk. Additions such as non-slip vinyl flooring, fold-away mirrors, and soft surface furnishings can be included in rooms to prevent accident and injury.

Visibility should also be a key point to reduce confusion for dementia residents. Furniture should have a clear function and be well spaced around a room. Contrasting colours can help identify pieces from the walls and floors, while open or clear-fronted wardrobes and cupboards can also be helpful.

Aesthetics are also important for both practicality and wellbeing. Traditional styles and subtle shades of the ‘dementia colours’ – red, blue and green – can help with both spatial awareness and memory. Less is more as it can help reduce the confusion caused by clutter and create a more calming space.

Care Home Furniture Solutions

At Andway Healthcare, we specialise in providing a wide range of products and services suitable for care homes, including dementia-friendly options. One recent addition is our Contour dementia range of bedroom furniture, which has been designed with resident safety, visibility, and reliability in mind.

The Contour set features a double wardrobe, a three-drawer chest, and a three-drawer bedside unit. With handle-free easy opening, dementia residents can quickly and easily see what is inside, while the traditional style aids with memory and recognition. Every piece has rounded corners for safety and the bedside cabinet can be locked for security. Get in touch with our team to find out more.

As a market leading supplier of care home solutions, Andway Healthcare has a commitment to its clients and has responded to recent requests promptly.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic many care homes are experiencing shortages of products or requiring new lines not previously ordered. Andway Healthcare, a family business, based in Yorkshire but supplying nationally, quickly recognised the challenges and supported their clients to source quality products at fair prices.

As demand increased for PPE products across various industries, supply chains became saturated. The team at Andway Healthcare created a plan to ensure their clients received the best possible service.

Prioritising existing care home clients over new enquiries, Andway Healthcare has adapted its operation to ensure a fair system. By utilising its established supply chains, and implementing quantity restrictions, clients have remained able to order products required for their operations. 

Andrew Ledgeway, Chairman said: “At Andway Healthcare, our first priority is to protect our care home clients. Despite receiving enquiries from various sectors, we took the decision to create a system that worked for our clients first. It is essential products are sourced from reputable suppliers and are fit for purpose, and we have been working closely to supply our clients. Our commitment to clients has been core to our values since we established the business over 18 years ago and they know they can trust us to deliver; allowing them to continue the amazing work they are doing in caring for our elderly.”

Andway Healthcare has a history of excellent service and prides itself on going the extra mile to support its clients with a comprehensive range of nursing and hygiene consumables and equipment.

Kathy Clayton from Waterside Lodge Care Home said: “Andway Healthcare has done a fantastic job in procuring PPE for our business. The communication has been extremely helpful with regular updates to keep us informed as to when we can expect to receive our orders. Their outstanding effort during this challenging time has supported us in our operation.”

The business is operational during the pandemic and providing products and services throughout the UK. Engineers are still on emergency call out for any urgent equipment repairs within care homes whilst the purchasing team are sourcing reliable products allowing the logistics team to deliver much needed items throughout the UK. The sales and customer service teams are offering help and advice on product choices and the finance team are working with clients to spread any increased expenditure costs. 

Luke Jarrett, procurement and compliance manager at Valorum Care Group added: “The team at Andway Healthcare have been amazing in their response to our current needs. In addition to the products we usually purchase, Andway Healthcare have sourced and supplied items we have historically ordered from another supplier; who has unfortunately closed their business during the crisis. Jay and the team have provided us with next day delivery on essential items and where they haven’t stocked a particular product, have actively sourced these from their network.”

Quick implementation of the new processes has meant minimal disruption to operations and the team at Andway Healthcare and their clients have responded well in the circumstances.

Andway Incontinence Fitting and Product Assessments and Training Service

Andway have sourced and developed a comprehensive range of adult care products, including incontinence pants, pads, bed pads and adult nappies/diapers and pull-ups, to guarantee dignity and protection for those with light, medium or heavy incontinence.

It is vitally important our customers can completely rely on our products to offer the best performance, comfort and fit.

With discretion, protection and skin comfort all of equal importance, using high quality materials and forward-thinking design has ensured we have the right incontinence solutions that respond to all these needs.

Andway Incontinence Fitting and Product Assessments

We all share the same objective - to ensure your resident's are in the correct pad.

Understanding how to correctly fit products is key and is the most common cause of wet beds or wet clothes.  Avoiding or reducing such incidents will dramatically reduce your costs and improve skin condition and comfort for the user.

Andway are proud to offer, in conjunction with our incontinence partner Ontex, an onsite incontinence training and assessment service.

Our Nurse Advisors will carry out training sessions to both Nurses and Carers and covers topics including pad selection, absorbencies, layers of a pad, wetness indicators, when to change a pad, skin care, appropriate use of bed protection sheets, inappropriateness of double padding and proper storage.

We can also supply Incontinence Assessment Documentation that care homes can then use to complete their own assessments of the resident’s needs.

Attendance certificates are provided and online learning is also available.

Troubleshooting: managing incontinence can be complex and will impact your care home costs, from additional laundry to falls and illness, troubleshooting to find solutions to concerns and problems will have a very positive impact on care and costs. Whatever your issue, our team will help with a bespoke solution.

To discuss your incontinence challenges or find out more about our incontinence training please call Grace Harding on 01423 331000

The Ontex Difference – our incontinence partner of choice

Ontex use innovation, smart thinking and technology to offer best-value products but never compromise on quality or service, offering maximum protection and comfort for the user.

They own 2 of the most respected leading brands within the healthcare sector, Lille and ID.

If you would like to learn more about Nurse Incontinence Assessments and Training or our full range of incontinence products call Grace Harding today on 01423 331000