Make sure you speak up when you’re feeling down

If you’re experiencing anxiety or distress, there’s a Derbyshire helpline you can call that’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Everyone feels sad or worried sometimes. For many older people, though, these feelings can become difficult to manage. They may be compounded by health problems, money worries or the loss of a partner or friend.

If you’re struggling to cope with your feelings and emotions, then why not call the freephone Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service on 0800 028 0077?

This NHS-backed helpline is open round the clock to provide support to people of all ages. The expert advisers can offer help in a range of different ways – whether that’s advising you on your mental health or talking through practical issues that may be causing you concern.

The helpline staff – who work for Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Federation for Mental Health and the charity P3 –speak to hundreds of Derby and Derbyshire residents every month. So why not give the helpline a go? Call the Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline on 0800 028 0077

Learn more at www.derbyshirehelpline.com

Are you Delirium aware?

Take advantage of a special online training course and video

Delirium is a physical condition that causes a person to become easily distracted and more confused than normal.

Delirium can be very distressing for the person and their family. If it is not caught early and treated, it can have serious consequences. There is growing research suggesting a strong link between Delirium episodes and the development of Dementia in older adults.

A special online training course and video has been created for Derbyshire that aims to increase awareness of Delirium, and how to spot it and prevent it.

The training course can be found by typing in this address to your web browser: bit.ly/ delirium-aware

You can also find a link to the training course and watch the video on the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust website. Click on ‘Get involved’ and then ‘Delirium awareness’. The direct link is www.derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk/delirium

And they call it puppy love

There were smiles all round when the residents at Barnfield Care Home in Holmewood, Chesterfield welcomed a very special guest. Staff member Paige, who recently passed the Care Home Assistant Practitioner programme (CHAP), brought her adorable puppy Sage to meet residents and team members. Everyone was giddy with excitement, all taking it in turns to have a cuddle with the bundle of love. It was no surprise that many requests were made for Paige to bring Sage back for another visit. How could Paige refuse after seeing the joyous smiles on residents’ faces. Home manager Tara Morris said, “Having Sage in the home had such a positive effect on our residents, not just because of the happy smiles he brought, but also that animals like Sage have a calming and relaxing effect on people living with dementia. Thanks so much Paige, you made everyone’s day and we are all looking forward to seeing Sage again.”

Barnfield Care Home is open for show rounds and visits, contact us on 01246 855899 or email barnfieldmanager@hillcare.net for more information.