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
- Maintaining positivity for residents and homecare clientsWell-being first for staff, residents & clients. We’re delighted to kick off a new initiative to show the smilingContinue reading “Maintaining positivity for residents and homecare clients”
- Brightening up the afternoon for one lucky winnerAfternoon tea winner announced, courtesy of Birchwood chef Anne Jones We wanted to do something to brighten up someone’sContinue reading “Brightening up the afternoon for one lucky winner”
- An unprecedented year in the life of a care homeReflections on an unprecedented year in the life of a care home Owner of Birchwood House and Care Services,Continue reading “An unprecedented year in the life of a care home”
- Harvest Hoedown extravaganzaBirchwood House hosts Harvest Hoedown extravaganza Birchwood House enjoyed a socially-distanced harvest festival in its grounds on Wednesday 9thContinue reading “Harvest Hoedown extravaganza”
- Take care of your mental health during lockdownTake care of your mental health during lockdown The lockdown that has been imposed by the Covid-19 outbreak hasContinue reading “Take care of your mental health during lockdown”
- The difference between a care home and a retirement villageThe difference between a care home and a retirement village As many enter the later stages of their life,Continue reading “The difference between a care home and a retirement village”
- An Introduction to Helen Geer – Manager of Birchwood HouseAn Introduction to Helen Geer – Manager of Birchwood House I have worked in care for 20 years andContinue reading “An Introduction to Helen Geer – Manager of Birchwood House”
- Looking after the elderly in summerLooking after the elderly in summer Although summer is only just upon us and we are probably yet toContinue reading “Looking after the elderly in summer”
- Looking after our care home residents during CoronavirusLooking after our care home residents during Coronavirus The current Covid-19 Pandemic has caused an enormous disruption to everyContinue reading “Looking after our care home residents during Coronavirus”