Good eye health and the need for regular eye tests is vital, especially as you age. National Eye Health Week takes place from 20 to 26 September to remind and reinforce the need to stay eye healthy.
At Birchwood House we have a local, family-run business called Eye Concern that visits our care home in Speldhurst, Kent, to carry out regular eye tests. Based in Southborough, the company is contracted by the NHS to provide eye tests at home or wherever it is convenient for those patients for whom getting to a high street optician might prove difficult.
Sean Godley from Eye Concern explains: “We visit a wide range of patients from the elderly to the young, from those suffering from dementia to those with severe physical disabilities. As part of this we have undertaken specialised training to enable us to understand the nature and demands of a wide variety of conditions.
“We very much bring the service to the patient and our equipment is very compact and portable and can be set up in the smallest of spaces.”
All tests are conducted by qualified Optometrists who have a considerable amount of high street and domiciliary practice behind them, leading to a high standard of clinical care.
After every eye test Eye Concern always contact the resident’s family or their representative to discuss our result and provide them with the options available.
Birchwood House Deputy Manager Claire Tye added: “We work closely with Eye Concern to ensure that all our residents are offered regular eye tests and suitable glasses so they can join in with all the activities.”
You can find out more about National Eye Health Week here:
http://www.visionmatters.org.uk/.
You can contact Eye Concern on 01892 517312.
Click here to read our post on how to look after the elderly during the summer months.
Other articles you may like
- Chicken Caesar Salad
Chef John’s salads are always a hit, so here’s another variation on a timeless classic. Chicken caesar salad uses little ingredients to create maximum flavour, and the dish is easily customisable to whatever you fancy. We’ve taken inspo from BBC Good Food for this one. You can also boost this dish with extra veg, like cucumber, carrot, radishes and tomatoes. In this heat, veg with high water content (such as lettuce) is also great for staying hydrated. - What are the different roles in a care home?
At Birchwood, everyone plays their part. We take so much pride and care in the work that we do, and knowing we can make a difference in our residents’ lives makes all the difference. We genuinely care about our residents, and the connections we make is what makes us so special. We make sure every resident can enjoy their time here, and feel cared for every day with loving, qualified staff. And because our team is nothing short of exceptional, we thought it’s time to introduce everyone! Here, we want to spotlight all the different roles in our care home, and just how each person supports our residents’ wellbeing. - How can we support adults with neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is increasingly talked about in care, especially when it comes to meeting emotional needs. And whilst it’s so good to see this happening, sometimes older adults are left out of the conversation. Focus tends to be on children, particularly for school support and early diagnosis. - Pistachio and Honey Crème Brûlée
The Pistachio and Honey Crème Brûlé offers a sumptuous take on a timeless dessert, balancing comfort with sophistication. Hidden beneath its signature, shimmering caramel crust is a silky custard, enriched with the warm, floral sweetness of golden honey. - Prawn and chorizo pasta
This prawn and chorizo pasta offers a perfect mix of sweet and smoky flavour. The prawn brings a lighter, more delicate touch, whilst the chorizo gives the dish a richness. Plus, the fat from the chorizo is great for creating the sauce base! This one is from BBC Food and it’s super easy to prep and make, mixing lots of flavours in a way that feels warm and comfortable. Perfect for spring! - Care reviews: how your voice makes a difference
High-quality care is so much more than meeting basic needs. We want our residents to feel safe, valued, and fully supported in their day to day lives. That’s why feedback is so important. Having a voice is empowering, and we aim to ensure that all residents and their families feel comfortable advocating for their needs. We know that each resident has a unique care journey, and we’re always looking to hear about their individual experiences. This means hearing the good, the bad, and the ugly! We’re always looking for ways to improve, and our commitment to honest reviews keeps us at the top of our game. But why are reviews so important? And as a resident or family member, how can your voice make a difference? - How reminiscence supports wellbeing in later life
As we age, our memories become threads that connect us to who we are, where we’ve been, and the people we love. Even as routines, health, or mobility change, memories can provide comfort, stability, and joy. The act of reminiscing (even simply talking about past experiences) is something most of us do naturally, without thinking of it as a ‘therapy’. At our Kent care home, we see every day how powerful those shared stories can be. - Apple tarte tatin
Apple tarte tatin is a true delight! This dessert mixes caramelised sweetness with tangy apple undertones. The flaky texture of the pastry is another winner, giving the tarte a buttery, flakey base. We took inspiration from Oliver Rowe, and served ours with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whilst the tarte was still warm. And it’s not just apples! Other fruit like pears and prunes also works great for this pudding. Here’s how to make it yourself: - Gluten free chocolate cakes
Gluten free chocolate cakes There’s nothing better than chocolate for a sweet treat, and these gluten free chocolate cakesContinue reading “Gluten free chocolate cakes”
