Self care and wellbeing at Birchwood House
‘Self care’ is a buzzword that is frequently used today, especially amongst many millennials. But what does it mean, how does it apply to elderly people – and how do we approach it here at Birchwood House?
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), self care is “what people do for themselves to establish and maintain health, and to prevent and deal with illness.”
Self care is an approach to health, which focuses on the individual playing an active role in your own healthcare and wellbeing. It encourages a range of healthy habits and activities that cover everything from your diet to your social life and can be a mindset, activity, practice or habit that we employ to guard against stress, unhappiness, illness and depression – and it is just as important for teenagers as it is for those over 65!
Whether it’s having a haircut, taking a painkiller for a headache, a walk in the sunshine or eating a piece of fruit, self care can be very simple. It’s about managing those aspects of your own care that help you to feel well and that you can do for yourself.
At Birchwood House we encourage self care and mental wellbeing but of course we understand that for some residents, self care can be challenging to achieve, so there are plenty of ways in which we can help.
We have regular visits from expert professionals who run activities designed to promote mental engagement and wellbeing. We have weekly visits from a hairdresser, a chiropodist who comes in every six weeks and a monthly visit from the local vicar. We also have a visiting GP who comes twice a week and calls in regularly, as well as an optician and dentist who visit as required. We run ‘Music For Health’ sessions once or twice a month and structured reminiscences run by a qualified therapist which encourage the residents to talk about the past, as well as plenty of other activities, including board games and crafts. We also enjoy regular trips to places of interest – the beach at Hastings, Hever Castle, Hadlow College, Teapot Island and garden centres are some of our favourites!
With help and support from our own staff and visiting professionals, our aim is that Birchwood House residents maintain a sense of self care, dignity and independence, which in turn contribute to feelings of wellbeing and happiness.
Other articles you may like
- Why Human Connection is Important for the Elderly Why Human Connection is Important for the Elderly Social connections are an integral part of human life, whether it’sContinue reading “Why Human Connection is Important for the Elderly “
- Sticky Toffee PuddingSticky Toffee Pudding Sticky toffee pudding (or sticky date pudding) is a date-filled dessert and classic English-style pudding, consistingContinue reading “Sticky Toffee Pudding”
- Egg-citing Easter Activities for the Elderly Egg-citing Easter Activities for the Elderly With Easter approaching, now is wonderful time to create lasting memories with yourContinue reading “Egg-citing Easter Activities for the Elderly “
- Easy weeknight recipe for chicken in white wine sauceChicken in white wine wauce This creamy chicken dish is both light yet hearty, making it a great mealContinue reading “Easy weeknight recipe for chicken in white wine sauce”
- 5 Step Banana Pavlova5 Step Banana Pavlova This banoffee-inspired Banana Pavlova is crunchy, soft, and sweet all at once. It’s best describedContinue reading “5 Step Banana Pavlova”
- Why is continence care important for care homesWhy is continence care important for care homes Continence care can become more relevant with age as incontinence isContinue reading “Why is continence care important for care homes”
- The Best Chocolate BrowniesThe Best Chocolate Brownies One of our favourite desserts here at Birchwood House is this deliciously creamy lemon posset.Continue reading “The Best Chocolate Brownies”
- The new Care Quality Commission Assessment FrameworkThe new Care Quality Commission assessment framework The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health andContinue reading “The new Care Quality Commission Assessment Framework”
- Bringing festive joy into our care homeBringing festive joy into our care home As November transitioned into December, the Birchwood House team continued to createContinue reading “Bringing festive joy into our care home”