This article outlines how age-related changes increase the risk of diabetes and adverse effects. It examines how to measure frailty and balance treatment to reduce risks and maximise quality of life.
Mark Stevens explains what employers need to do to ensure that those who work outside standard business hours are being treated the same as those who work in regular full-time roles.
This article aims to provide an overview of updated guidance from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence and how staff can best support people with type 2 diabetes living in care homes.
In this article, Sarah Jane Palmer discusses how care staff can help identify the symptoms that cause dizziness and postural hypotension.
Adrian Ashurst discusses the importance of maintaining a safe environment in care settings to help prevent and manage infection outbreaks.
Mark Stevens explains the new changes that will be introduced in January 2027 regarding the dismissal and re-engagement process.
Background/Aims Physical activity has numerous benefits across all age groups and in the older population this can support mobility, cognitive decline, strength and falls prevention. Physical activity programmes can now be offered in a range of digital formats. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a digital-based exercise programme within five care home facilities. Methods A specialist physiotherapist worked with a digital production company and the care homes to create a range of seated and standing exercises in a fun, musically supported way. Data was then taken from the support care workers after gaining feedback on the usefulness, accessibility and format of the programme. Results Overall, the key findings highlighted that the programmes could work. Care home staff said that the programme needs to be engaging, consistent and light-hearted to really be a viable option in these environments. Conclusions Group activities offer support to engage in these digital activities in a fun, supportive environment. Building the right programmes to enable residents to access what suits their needs, with low cost and good accessibility is something that could easily be developed. Further research is recommended to look at outcomes and in greater detail on format. Implications for practice Care homes could use digitally delivered exercise programmes that are specifically created for residents.
Background/Aims One of the aims of the introduction of the Nursing and Midwifery Council Standards for student supervision and assessment was to broaden the scope of practice learning for student nurses, which included social care settings. This multi-methods study aimed to gain an insight into the experiences of practice assessors and supervisors who are supporting students in social care settings in Scotland. Methods Participants completed an online questionnaire and were also invited to take part in an online individual interview to explore their responses in more detail. Four key themes were identified: time constraints; reciprocal learning; promoting the role of the nurse in the social care sector; nurturing and shaping nurses of the future. Results Staff in social care areas enjoyed supporting student nurses in their clinical areas and benefited from reciprocal learning. It also allowed them to showcase nursing in this area. However, they stated that time constraints did affect their ability to perform the role to the best of their ability. Conclusions Colleagues in academia and other areas of nursing have a role to play in ensuring social care nurses feel valued and supported. NHS Education for Scotland's practice learning resources are also integral in helping practice supervisors and assessors feeling prepared for their role. Implications for practice Senior care workers registered with their appropriate professional body can act as practice supervisors. Care home managers should ensure that they allocate protected time for nurses to perform this role.
In this article, Imogen Huxford discusses the increase of inspections by the Care Quality Commission and how care settings can maintain compliance amid changes to the regulations.
Adrian M Ashurst discusses the importance of developing a programme for preventing and treating pressure ulcers in older people.
Mark Stevens explores what taking all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment as stated in the Employment Rights Act means in practice and how employers can respond to meet their legal obligations.
Adam Bernstein discusses what steps care home settings can take to improve their energy efficiency to reduce bills and help the environment.
Adrian Ashurst discusses what role experts by experience can contribute to health and social care settings.
David Dominy discusses the positive impacts of nature on older people's physical and mental health.
Chia Swee Hong discusses how to identify and care for older residents who are experiencing hearing loss.
Adam Bernstein discusses the statutory standpoints and policy positions for both employees and employers.
Adrian M Ashurst discusses the importance of providing excellent customer service to residents, their families and other visitors.
In this article, Sarah Jane Palmer discusses how certain conditions are now being considered to contribute to the risk of dementia, and what the implications are for nursing and residential care staff.
Adam Bernstein discusses the positive impact of employing individuals who are neurodivergent and how best to support them in the workplace.
Alex Wright discusses what residential and care home managers in the UK need to know regarding the replacement of the analogue telephone network with a fully digital network across a fibre-based service.
