English Nursing Care Archives

May 28, 2021

Asthma & the elderly

“Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath.” says Director of Nursing at English Nursing Care, Fiona Eccles.

Whilst asthma is often considered a disease of younger people, the high prevalence of asthma in the community indicates that many older people suffer from asthma. Statistics suggest that older people suffer disproportionately from the burden of asthma with the majority of those dying from asthma aged over 55 years. The reasons for this are due to ageing, perceptions of difficulty in breathing and its meaning to older people, difficulties in diagnosis, and the burden of medication and other health conditions which worsen asthmatic symptoms in older age-groups making it a unique and difficult problem to treat for them.

COVID-19 & Asthma

The Coronavirus is a disease that affects the respiratory system, older adults with underlying respiratory illnesses such as Asthma are likely to face a more severe infection as the virus has a negative impact of the lungs. Older adults are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. More than 80% of COVID-19 deaths occur in people over age 65. Having such complications compels organisations such as English Nursing Care Sri Lanka to advocate the need for elderly to take the necessary precautions to prevent infection and urge to receive vaccinations.

There may be some hesitancy to receive vaccination due to the side effects observed. Many would question, ‘Are there vaccine side effects people with asthma should be on the lookout for?’ or ‘Should I stop taking my Asthma medication?

Fiona Eccles shares her experience from the UK; in the crisis management protocol it has been observed that to protect oneself from coronavirus infection and to lower your risk of severe symptoms if one does become infected, it’s important for people with asthma, especially elders to get the COVID-19 vaccine when eligible.

Additionally, it is important that patients continue to take their Asthma medication as specified by their Doctor. The reliever inhaler helps with symptoms like breathlessness, coughing or chest tightness that are caused by asthma. They may not help these symptoms if they’re caused by COVID-19. This is because asthma and COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms, but for a different reason. Your inhaler only works against symptoms caused by asthma. If in doubt, follow the provided asthma action plan and use your reliever to treat chest symptoms. If this isn’t working and you are having difficulty breathing, get medical help straight away.

Breathing Exercises

According to the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Asthmatic patients of older age can manage symptoms better through breathing exercises aimed at improving the strength and endurance of the respiratory muscles.

Breathing during physical movement

The primary goal of this exercise to practise controlled breathing during slow, methodical movement. Elders have an option to walk. For those with physical immobility; slow shoulder rotation is also effective. During this movement, deep inhalations through the nose with the diaphragm expanding, after which exhalation through pursed lips, relaxing the lungs.

The Papworth Method

One of the most common causes of asthma attacks is breathing through the mouth, which is why it is important for seniors with asthma to focus on breathing through the nose. During this exercise, seniors should lie down in bed or sit in a comfortable chair with their spine as straight as possible. They can then take short breaths through the nose while focusing on the movement of the abdomen instead of the chest. The Papworth method is typically not ideal for those who have severe asthma.

Buteyko Breathing

Rapid breathing is another common cause of asthma, and it can lead to an asthma attack when an individual is stressed or engaging in a physical activity. Seniors who carry out Buteyko exercises can learn to reduce their breathing rate. In a relaxed position, seniors need to slowly breathe through the nose, inhale a small amount of oxygen, and keep exhaling until they believe their lungs are empty.

Nevertheless, sanitize, wear a mask and refrain from leaving your home if it is not a necessity to protect those with compromised immune systems. For elders living alone, ensure that plans are made if an emergency arises with emergency numbers highlighted. To ease your mind during such times contact English Nursing Sri Lanka – an expert and reliable home nursing service which pledges to take care of your loved ones in the comfort of their home whilst you are living far away. Visit their website www.englishnursing.com or call +94 11 4500117.

April 16, 2021

To keep pace with the rapid expansion and increasing complexity of elderly home healthcare, training needs of home healthcare nurses must be identified and subsequent training programs implemented. English Nursing Care conducts training sessions on a weekly basis covering a variety of care needs for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) such as diabetes. The World Health Organisation (WHO) record that NCDs are estimated to account for 75% of total deaths in Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, according to the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health “although people are living longer, they live more years suffering from disease and disability, mainly from NCDs; life expectancy at birth in Sri Lanka is 74.9 years but healthy life expectancy at birth is only 67.0 years.” This has a significant impact on quality of life.

English Nursing Care Sri Lanka works towards improving the quality of life of the elderly living with NCD’s by training Nurses on the most advanced and developed methodologies brought through years of experience internationally and locally. Being responsible for the well-being of your loved ones is pivotal in the service they provide. . For further information on English Nursing Care, visit their website www.englishnursing.com or call +94 11 4500117

April 7, 2021

How to make Avurudu healthier this year?

The Sinhala and Tamil New year is a celebration of harvest, sweet meats, happiness and plentiful blessings for the upcoming year. A time to spend with family and cherish old memories, of course whilst maintaining health guidelines, and share comfort from the knowledge ‘that we got past the challenges from the year that passed.’ It is also a time to indulge in scrumptious traditional sweets; that are either shop bought or made at home; the fun of sharing plates of food with your neighbours and family member that may include kokis, kevum, aluwa, asmi, bananas and creamy delicious kiribath!

However, it is important to monitor ones ‘Avurudu indulgence’ as unhealthy eating and over indulgence during festive seasons have harmful consequences such as reducing the body’s ability fight off infections, most of all worsening the impact of chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure and increase blood sugar levels in the elderly especially.

Medical Nutritionist, Dr Senani Ranaweera says, “Nutrition is an important aspect of our lives. What we ingest, digest, absorb and utilise supports us with a good quality of life. With our fast paced lifestyle we may assume that eating healthy is tough, however good nutrition even during a celebratory time can be achieved”. Thus, Dr Ranaweera shares a few tips on how we can make our Avurudu healthier this year for you and your elderly loved ones

Having guilt-free moments to indulge is important, but how much and how often you treat yourself depends on your overall health especially the elderly. It is important to cut down calories through fat and sugar to prepare for the Avurudu week. Limiting the intake of fried food, fat portion control in your main meals, whilst increasing intake of fruits and non-starch vegetables.

Be mindful the week before and after

Being mindful the week before and after Avurudu can be a useful strategy to manage the impact of the sugar rich, oily food. For example, avoiding your Sunday slice of butter cake this week as you know that you will be diving into another two next week is a useful tactic.

Skip the sugar in your tea.

According to Dr Ranaweera, tea is a good antioxidant for our body, however when consumed with sugar we are introducing more unnecessary calories into our diet. Thus, avoiding your teaspoon full of sugar, at least for the Avurudu season, will help limit the amount of refined sugar intake.

Add some Sri Lankan leafy greens

Inculcating Sri Lankan fresh greens such as Gotu kola, Thebu kol and Karavila, mixed with some onions and lemon – sambol style, can be an interesting taste tantaliser as well as a good form of controlling blood sugar levels with their rich bioactive compounds.

Exercise and hydration!

Maintaining an active lifestyle with some movement is important and beneficial, even for the elderly, to manage health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure along with improving ones overall health. Ensure that the momentum is kept up even during the holiday season to burn off the excess calories. Similarly, hydration is vital for the good function of our organs, including digestion, maintaining blood pressure and delivering oxygen throughout the body.

Making a few healthier and mindful tweaks in our daily routine in preparing for Avurudu will have a positive impact on our bodies in the long-term, where being healthy is paramount. Nevertheless, enjoy this joyful time with your family and friends, make wonderful memories during this short time as life is all about happiness and celebration!

Nutrition for the Elderly at English Nursing Care

At English Nursing Care nutrition is an important aspect of improving the health and quality of life of elderly loved ones. The team work with specialists to observe good nutrition is provided for from groceries, preparation and consumption. English Nursing Sri Lanka is an advocate to celebrate life with positivity, compassion and kindness, by offering holistic services to take care of your loved ones with dignity and love in the comfort of their home. English Nursing guarantees peace of mind for the elderly client as well as family often living far away. For further information on English Nursing Care, visit their website www.englishnursing.com or call +94 11 4500117.

March 25, 2021

To live in safety, with dignity and respect is a basic human right, especially during a time when age takes over and one’s body and mind begins to deteriorate. However, elder abuse is one of the most common and inherently one of the most difficult forms of abuse to detect as it can occur not only physically but mentally, in the form of verbal abuse, threat and most of all neglect.

“Elder abuse is defined as physical, emotional and financial harm inflicted upon an elder including exploitation and the neglect of their welfare by people who are directly responsible for their care.” Richard Gould, Director of English Nursing Care, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is at a high risk as the demographic is shifting to being one of the fastest ageing economies in Asia. The North Colombo Teaching Hospital records 38.5% of their out-patients over the age of 65 years at risk of abuse. The survey highlights 45% reporting verbal abuse and neglect. Whilst 5.6% report physical abuse. Nevertheless, a substantial number of elders refrain from reporting such misconduct due to fear, shame or mental illnesses.

Why is neglect defined as abuse?

Sachini’s lives with her family abroad. Her elderly mother use to visit her quite often and Sachini use to come down frequently to take care of her. Once the pandemic disrupted all means of travel this wasn’t possible anymore. Sachini’s mother was now being taken care of by a home nurse in Colombo.

“During this time my mother had completely changed. She was once a bubbly and outgoing person who loved to dance and live life to her fullest. She had now become bedridden, unable to speak or even recognise me. She had developed pressure ulcers which were not healing and was given heavy medication without my consent.” says Sachini. Due to the neglect and unprofessional service of the carer who refused to give updates of the elderly’s health and only threatened to leave, Sachini’s mother had become severely ill. Unnecessary medication and unexplained billing was abusive to Sachini’s mother physically and financially.

She was desperate to find another way to help her mother, “I had heard about English Nursing Care from a friend, I gave them a call and shared my concerns, this was one of the best decisions I made for my mother and myself too. They took over my mother in their care and had a team of doctors, a nutritionist, the home nurse and the management networking to get my mother back”

Today, Sachini’s mother’s bedsores have recovered well, she is able to walk and has become her social self again with medications reduced gradually. Through such professional care, communication and transparent billing Sachini’s mind is at ease.

The importance of good elder care

Old age requires engaging and comprehensive care. English Nursing Care understands the significance of this responsibility. Thus, ‘Care plans’ are created by our local experienced Nurse Supervisors and then reviewed, discussed and updated with input from our UK nursing support team. Thorough knowledge on medical history, current medication dosage and emergencies is pivotal. Staff update family on the progress of the client every week or as requested. Nurses at English Nursing care are trained to inculcate the latest methodologies in their practise with focus on delivering quality care with empathy. A review process is held every month to warrant the service given to your loved ones.

With neglect and abuse arrives the unfortunate consequences of dejection, anxiety and hopelessness. Care staff play a crucial role. English Nursing Care is an advocate of celebrating life and takes pride in the holistic service they offer with guaranteed peace of mind for the elderly client as well as family often living far away. For further information on English Nursing Care, visit their website www.englishnursing.com or call +94 11 4500117.

March 19, 2021

In celebration of International Women’s Day English Nursing Care rewards the hard work and dedication of the women who ensure your loved ones are safe and secure in the comfort of their homes and in their care. English Nursing Care advocates the leadership of women who are strong while being compassionate, and continue to dedicate their lives to care for the wellbeing of others.

“I’m very proud to say that at English Nursing Care, we provide an excellent opportunity for women to further a career in nursing care; our team predominantly consists of women from senior management roles to our care companions. For many women, they already have experience caring for relatives or children, and we offer the opportunity to take those skills and develop them professionally into a nursing career caring for the elderly. The work done by our nursing and care teams has made an outstanding impact to improving the quality of lives of elders who were once bedridden.” says Richard Gould, Managing Director of English Nursing Care.

The team of English Nursing Care are firm believers that women in leadership roles are ideally suited for a career in nursing, bringing life skills, compassion and patience to the benefit of our clients. For further information on English Nursing Care, visit their website www.englishnursing.com or call +94 11 4500117.

February 16, 2021

ENC intensifies PPE and overall health and safety standards as elderly people’s immune system might overreact when battling Covid-19

Adults – over the age of 60, are at a greater risk of serious illness when contracting COVID-19; as explained by an infectious diseases fellow at Stanford University in California. Cells begin an aging process called “inflamm-aging,” during which cells become locked in a state of inflammation. There is then a difference in cell quantity and how they react to triggers around age 50. This may prevent older adults from controlling the virus initially because of an overly aggressive inflammatory response to the system. Therefore, the prevention of COVID-19 protocol which involves social distancing and hygiene measures is more stringent in the presence of elderly patients. Does this compromise the care that home nurses could provide to the elderly?

The changes

The pandemic has compelled the world into taking extra effort to practise basic hygiene such as washing hands with soap and water. We are told right from childhood to always wash our hands after playing, before eating, after using the toilet, and as often as possible. However, the world had seemed to overlook the importance of it until COVID-19. It is not only for people working in laboratories or hospitals, it is for everybody; children at school, adults at work and home nurses who dedicate their days caring for the elderly, hygiene is important.

Similarly, COVID-19 lockdowns brought testing times. Mental Health, physical fitness confined to homes, limited social interaction and even simple tasks such as purchasing groceries and paying bills became challenging. Elders and home nurses who are living in isolation and facing these life alterations found these circumstances very difficult.

How did Home Nurses at English Nursing do it?

Step 01 – When a nurse arrives at the elderly’s house, they sanitize their hands and shoes and then enter.

Step 02 – They go straight for a shower, after which they put on the new set of untouched uniform, socks and shoes, during this time they do not come in contact with the elder.

Step 03 – A fresh set of gloves, mask and apron are put on. They are now ready to begin their care.

Health experts have constantly reminded that the simple practice of taking a shower/hand washing with soap and clean water is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A protocol followed by nurses at English Nursing before any task is performed.

Similarly, the task of purchasing daily groceries was also diligently taken up by the home nurses, with strict hygiene protocols involved.

“Once we arrive back at the patients home the sanitisation process is stringent, first we sanitise all items. We are to have zero contact with the patient until all grocery items were put way. We then shower, change and put on a new set of gloves, apron and mask to begin our tasks, during this time an emergency method of communication is always kept with the elderly to keep in contact with us” says Chathurika, a home nurse at English Nursing Care.

Emotional support

Nursing is not only about the physical care that is provided, the current times took a mental toll on most elders as their children could not visit them, those living in Sri Lanka and abroad. Loneliness, frustration and anxiety was on the rise. Nurses play a vital role to provide emotional support to the patient. Talking to them, discussing what they are feeling like helps a lot. A gentle smile, constant assurance that circumstances will improve and reminiscing their childhood and young days relieve them from the negative thoughts. Nurses need to understand what the elderly need without them saying it. Eldercare is not only for physical care and medication, but for companionship and compassion.

Nurses and Care staff play a crucial role in fostering better lives for elders. To become a home nurse or for further information regarding English Nursing Care contact us on +94763165079 or visit their website www.englishnursing.com

January 25, 2021

English Nursing Care, has recently upped their frequency of team training programmes to update their nursing teams and care givers on the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other elder care requirements. With the surge in the number of active Covid-19 cases in the country, English Nursing Care are in the strong belief that having a team of well-qualified, effective and reliable nurses will give their customers peace of mind. Identifying the shortage of such healthcare workers; English Nursing Care encourages regular training of nurses, and updating systems and management of care of customers. On recruitment nurses are trained and on the successful conclusion of the training, nurses are employed.

English Nursing Care is a Sri Lankan home nursing care service, bringing 35 years of Nursing experience from UK and embedding best practises in the Sri Lankan community since 2017. The team of nurses’ work closely with your loved ones to manage their health, medication, mobility and be their companion when you are far away. For further information on English Nursing Care visit their website www.englishnursing.com or call +94 11 4500117.

December 30, 2020

Celebrating Christmas this year has had many challenges; nevertheless, the team at English Nursing Sri Lanka advocates the need for compassion and kindness more than ever. Sharing the season’s spirit by making special home visits to their clients, home Nurses and care companions with gifts and a gentle reassurance that they appreciate all their effort, for making the year a positive one.

November 16, 2020

English Nursing Care a Sri Lankan home nursing care service is advocating this year’s campaign for World Diabetes Day as per the World Health Organisation (WHO): ‘Nurses Make the Difference’, by recognising the impactful work nurses perform and investing in further training and education their team of home nurses.

The aim is to recognise nurses and the crucial role they play in supporting people living with diabetes. While doctors may create a diabetic care plan, it usually falls to nurses to provide care and to educate patients about managing diabetes. Diabetes is a complex disease that requires nurses to stay up-to-date on the latest approaches to managing the condition. This includes providing diabetic wound care; this care is important because diabetes slows the healing of wounds, especially on the feet. Nurses know that diabetic patients are at higher risk for problems such as infections, disturbed sensory perception and nutritional imbalances. Nurses can identify these problems early and provide the needed care. As the number of people with diabetes continues to rise across the world, the role of nurses and other health professional support staff becomes critical.

With over 50 years of experience in community care, the team of nurses at English Nursing Care will work closely with your loved ones to manage their diabetes. For further information on English Nursing Care visit their website www.englishnursing.com or call +94 11 4500117.

August 13, 2020

English Nursing Care (ENC), a total solution in home nursing and elderly care, expands its service offerings with the introduction of a brand-new service called ‘Managed Maid.’ The service was developed with the objective of teaching domestic help the specialised skills of looking after the elderly and those that need special care. The ‘Managed Maid’ service would develop the skills of domestic help with expert training and management, to better serve those in need, with the comfort of a familiar face. This innovative service is a unique combination of technical training together with follow up assessments and support in the customers own home.

Ensuring that your elderly loved ones are looked after and cared for can be a challenge, English Nursing’s ‘Managed Maid’ service entails an operational training program that involves a team from English Nursing Care coming to your home and carrying out a detailed understanding of the situation in the care space, thereafter they would create a bespoke training programme for your domestic help. The training programme will be delivered and monitored by a qualified nurse taking into account your needs. The bespoke training programme will allow the patient’s needs to be met in their own home – whether for long term care or rehabilitation after a hospital stay.

Speaking of this innovative service, Ivanka Fonseka – General Manager, English Nursing Care said, “We are always looking at ways to improve the lives of the elderly and that is why we do understand that sometimes when you get used to someone in your home, it is difficult to adjust to a new person being brought in. This service allows you to provide quality eldercare to a patient at home whilst minimising disruption to their existing routine. Our service of upskilling a domestic helper to provide good quality eldercare provides real support to the family. Our expert staff always remain available when required.”

English Nursing Care in Colombo is a supervised home nursing service which allows quality care within the comfort of an individual’s home. Bringing in expertise from the UK, English Nursing aims to develop Sri Lanka’s community nursing and care sector by setting elevated standards in quality and compassionate nursing care in the country.

Attesting the efficiency of Managed Maid Eldercare, a family member of one of English Nursing’s existing patients stated, “We needed more specialised care than our home help could provide after my father returned from hospital.. His pressure sores have now cleared due to the supervision of English Nursing Care. The spot checks and a regular report from English Nursing Care keeps me updated on the care that my father is receiving – granting me a great peace of mind.”

With over 50 years of experience in community care, English Nursing is developing new ways of delivering eldercare to the customers home. The UK management Team of English Nursing Care works closely with an excellent Sri Lankan team – providing them with management oversight, nursing supervision and training skills to maximize existing patient care. For further information on English Nursing Care, visit their website www.englishnursing.com or call +94 11 4500117.

COVID-19 & Asthma

The growing importance of training for Nurses taking care of patients with NCDs

How to make Avurudu healthier this year?

Neglect in elder care; a form of abuse

Women in leadership bring outstanding changes in lives of the elderly

English Nursing Care redefines home nursing during COVID-19

Covid-19 surge prompts regular PPE training at English Nursing Care

English Nursing Care celebrate the season with compassion

English Nursing Care focusing on ‘Nurses Make the Difference’ on World Diabetes Day 2020

‘Managed Maid’ by English Nursing Care to up-skill your domestic help to provide eldercare