Bluebird Care is delighted to support this year’s National Haemochromatosis Awareness Day which takes place on Thursday 6th June.  Below are full details of the day and where you can find out more. We took part in the official launch photo shoot in Dublin yesterday and are delighted to share some photos with you.

Paul Harrington, Eurovision Winner; Shauna Coyne, Westmeath Rose, Rose of Tralee Finalist 2013; Sandra Murphy, TV3 Midday Panelist, Businesswoman and Apprentice 2011 candidate and Irish and Leinster Rugby player Luke Fitzgerald. Photo by Marc O’Sullivan

Are You Pumping Too Much Iron?

National Haemochromatosis Awareness Day on 6^th June Will Save Lives 

A campaign to reduce the numbers of people dying unnecessarily from Haemochromatosis has been launched. Known as the ‘Celtic Mutation’, Ireland has the highest levels of the condition in the world.

Haemochromatosis is a genetic disorder where the body absorbs excessive iron from the diet and stores it in the body. The IHA is encouraging people who are suffering from symptoms such as chronic fatigue, joint pain, diabetes, irregular heartbeat, enlarged liver and loss of sex drive to visit their GP.

A simple blood test to check your iron status can confirm or rule out iron overload. The accumulated iron affects the liver, heart, pancreas, endocrine glands and joints, leading to impaired function of these organs and eventually to disease and organ failure. As many as one in 83 Irish people are predisposed to iron overload while one in five are carriers of the gene.

Professor Suzanne Norris, Consultant in Hepatology and Gastroenterology at St James’s Hospital says, ”Ill-health from Haemochromatosis and the development of serious complications such as cirrhosis can be prevented by simple treatment. Life expectancy in treated non-cirrhotic patients is normal.

Early diagnosis is therefore critical and Haemochromatosis is an ideal condition to consider for population screening in Ireland.”

A number of famous faces have rowed in behind the campaign. These include Luke Fitzgerald the well-known Irish and Leinster Rugby player, Dr Maurice Manning, Chancellor of NUI, Paul Harrington Eurovision Winner, Tom Doorley well known food critic, Sandra Murphy, Apprentice 2011-candidate, TV3 Midday Panellist and Cork businesswoman who is a carrier of the gene and Shauna Coyne, the recently crowned Miss Westmeath who is a Rose of Tralee finalist. Shauna’s Dad Sean has Haemochromatosis and Shauna is very committed to raising awareness of Haemochromatosis.

National Homecare company Bluebird Care have come on board to support Haemochromatosis Awareness Day by promoting it to their staff and clients in their offices in 23 counties.

There will be information stands in 32 Shopping centres.  The full list of venues taking part in the National Haemochromatosis Awareness Day can be viewed on www. haemochromatosis-ir.com. To get involved or if you have any concerns about the condition you can call the IHA support group on 01-8735911.

List of Local Shopping Centres Where IHA Information Stands Will Be Present on 6th June:

FURTHER INFORMATION

Margaret Mullett

Tel: 087-7657556

Email:  margaretmullet@gmail.com

www.haemochromatosis-ir.com

Pictured at the launch of the Annual Haemochromatosis Awareness Day which takes place on 6th June are (from back left to front) Luke Fitzgerald Irish and Leinster Rugby player; David Beggy, former Meath GAA footballer; Shauna Coyne, recently crowned-Westmeath Rose and Rose of Tralee Finalist 2013; Sandra Murphy, Apprentice 2011-candidate, TV3 Midday Panellist and Cork businesswoman; Margarett Mullett, Irish Haemochromatosis Association; Paul Harrington, Singer Songwriter & Eurovision Winner and Dr Maurice Manning, Chancellor of NUI. Photo by Marc O’Sullivan

This week we share a blog post from Cuisine Genie blogger, Laoise Casey.  The Age Action Big Bake Winner 2012, Laoise has followed her culinary dream since winning the competition last September which was sponsored by Bluebird Care. Since then we have kept an eye on Laoise’s travels as she now develops her career as a chef.

We have to say a big congratulations to our resident food blogger Gary O’Hanlon, Head Chef at Viewmount House Restaurant in Co. Longford who scooped three Irish Restaurant Awards last week. Gary won Best Chef, Best Hotel Restaurant and Best Customer Service in Longford.  He now goes forward to the national finals in June and we wish him the best of luck.

Apprentice Chef, Laoise Casey pictured with Award Winning Chef Gary O’Hanlon in Viewmount House’s Restaurant Kitchen last weekend

Last week Laoise got a sample of a live kitchen by spending a day with our very own Award-winning Chef Gary O’Hanlon who is our resident food blogger. Below we get a glimpse into that culinary day in Viewmount House in Co. Longford.

Blog post written by Laoise Casey aka, Cuisine Genie:

Bluebird Care Kerry/West Cork hosted a highly successful ‘Safe@Home’ Security Seminar this week in the Grand Hotel, Tralee.

In attendance were:

Sgt Jim Foley, Community Policing

Sean Quinlan, Rathoo Heritage Centre who runs a Community Alert Scheme in North Kerry

Padraig Barrett, BBM Secure

Journalists from Radio Kerry, The Kerryman and Kerry’s Eye.

The event was hosted by Marc deCourcy, Director of Bluebird Care Kerry/West Cork.

Below are photos from the event.

For the second year in a row Age Action organised an abseil down Ireland’s tallest hotel – the Clarion in Limerick. The sun shone, the skies were blue and everyone had a great time. Age Action was one of a dozen national and local charities who used the event to raise funds. Bluebird Care rowed in behind the event to support our charity partner Age Action.

View photos from the event below.

Enjoying the excitement, Grace Morgan just after leaving the roof top.

Ronnie Hurley (81) who was part of the first group of the day to complete the abseil.

Rachel O’Neill gets some last minute tips.

The view from the ground as abseilers came down the Clarion Hotel in Limerick at lunchtime today.

Managing Your Medicines At Home

Do you ever stand in front of your medicine bottles and wonder ‘have I taken them yet’? I know I do and then wonder, should I take them now (just in case) or should I not bother? Funny how when we feel really unwell we remember exactly what our medications are for and religiously take them but as symptoms improve the forgetfulness creeps in.

This is especially problematic when taking medication for chronic diseases and the symptoms are well controlled. However, regular missing of doses will affect how well the drugs work and may result in little or no improvement of symptoms. 

As we age there are other factors which can conspire against resulting in taking our medicines more problematic. Hearing loss, poor vision and memory loss are just a few to mention not least the fact that we may not be able to open bottles due to the arthritis in our hands.

We are also more likely to be taking regular medicines to ease, control or cure ailments. It is not uncommon for older people to be taking four or more different prescribed medicines throughout the day, a lot to remember so how can we ensure we are taking our medicines safely?

Understanding how ageing can cause problems when taking medicines may help.

As we age our livers are less efficient at breaking down medicines and our kidneys are less efficient at secreting them. This is important to remember if you are not sure how many tablets you should be taking and how frequently as the drugs may build up in your body causing problems. Many GP’s prescribe lower doses of medicines to avoid this problem.

Arthritis is a common problem as we age so if you cannot open containers ask your pharmacist not to use child proof caps, let’s face it, the only people who can open them are the children! However, if children are present in your home make sure you then store them safely out of harm’s way. Your pharmacist could also dispense your medication into ‘blister packs’, which are much easier to manage.   

The brain and nervous system become more sensitive to certain medicines so older people are more likely to experience side effects. Again, GP’s will prescribe lower doses and maybe just for a limited period of time.

Swallowing can be a problem for anyone regardless of age but this can increase as we get older due to a reduction in the production of saliva (dry mouth) or due to health problems such as Parkinsons disease. If this is a problem then tell your GP or pharmacist as it may be possible to have them in liquid or soluble forms. Pharmacist Daire Scanlon, Scanlons Pharmacy, Limerick suggests using Medicoat, a product available from pharmacies which coats all medications with an artificial additive promoting easier swallowing so speak to your local pharmacist about this. Regardless of how good your swallow is remember to  always take your tablets in an upright position with plenty of water, at least half a glass as this helps to ensure the tablets do not start dissolving in the oesophagous which can cause irritation and lead to ulceration. 

Poor hearing may result in you not understanding the verbal instructions from your GP or pharmacist and if you also have poor vision then you may not be able to correctly read the label or patient advice leaflet. Let your pharmacist know and they will happily go through them with you again. Large print labels are also an option and can be done very easily. 

If you have memory problems (as we all do from time to time), Alzheimers disease or dementia then you may find managing your medicines difficult and varying from day to day. By having your medicines dispensed into ‘blister packs’ this can help remind you of what you have and haven’t taken. Speak to your pharmacist and they will organise this for you.  

Useful Tips in Staying Safe with your Medicines

Make a list of all your prescribed medicines and those you purchase ‘over the counter’ including vitamin and herbal supplements. Keep it up to date and carry to it with you in your handbag or wallet.

Understand what your medicines are being used for. Ask your GP or local pharmacist if you are unsure or if you’ve forgotten. 

Never swap pharmacies. If you are going away ensure you have your list of medicines with you. If you need to see a GP or pharmacist when away from home then let them see the list so they know what you are currently taking and why.

Have the address of your local pharmacist so that they can be contacted should there be a need for further information about your current medication to ensure safety if being prescribing a new medicine.

If you have missed one or more doses of your medicine do not take them all at once to ‘catch up’. Speak to your pharmacist and they will advise you on how best to manage this. Taking missed doses all at once may result in an accumulation of drugs in your blood stream which is not good!!

Tell your pharmacist or GP if you are having or think you are having ‘side effects’ or if you think the drugs aren’t working. Some side effects settle after the first few day of starting the medication or if not it may be that the ‘side effects’ can be managed without stopping the drug. Also, some drugs take some time to start having an effect or it may be that the dose requires increasing.

Never ever take medicines prescribed for someone else, they may have worked for that person but could have serious consequences for you, and this includes over the counter drugs you will buy in the health food shop or supermarket. Drugs can and do react with other drugs and supplements in a positive or negative way so caution is advised at all times. Get advice from your local pharmacist before purchasing even simple remedies to ensure they are safe to use with your current medicines.

Never crush tablets unless it is indicated on the label. Many tablets are called ‘slow release’ (sr) and these dissolve slowly over a period of time i.e. 24 hours. If you crush them then you may overdose with serious consequences as you have taken the whole dose at one time. Also, some tablets have a special coating to protect your stomach from any irritation and these are known as ‘enteric coated’ (er) so again if you crush them you have taken away that protective coating.

Never change your drug dose or regime without consulting your GP or pharmacist. Drugs are intended to be absorbed into the blood stream in a regular manner so they work effectively and changing the frequency can directly influence how well they work. A classic example is antibiotics, they should be taken at regular intervals and the course completed. If not, then the infection may recur with a vengeance. If you still have symptoms once the course is completed then you need to see your GP again. 

Never tip medicines from one bottle to the next when you have a new prescription. Finish what is in the container and then dispose of the empty packaging. It is all too easy to mix medicines by mistake and also, tablets do go out of date.

Do not stock pile medicines. Return any unused or unwanted medicines to your pharmacist who will dispose of them safely for you.

Conclusion

Medicines are a daily necessity for a lot of us and improve our daily lives, without them life would be a lot harder. Being aware of problems or potential problems means you can now take steps to be safe with your medicines or to plan ahead for when you know you may have problems. If you do have concerns – talk it through with your pharmacist or GP. Now, I’m just wondering – have I taken my medicines or not?

Written by: Lorna Liney, BSc (hons), RGN. National General Manager, Bluebird Care

5^th Edition of Irish Pensioners Handbook Launched

Demand Exceeds Expectations as Extra Print Run Ordered

The 5th Annual Irish Pensioners Handbooks are going “like hot-cakes” with Bluebird Care teams across the country busy distributing extra copies to pharmacies, GP surgeries and post offices.

Eddie O’Toole, Operations Director with Bluebird Care sponsors of this edition and who have commissioned an extensive series of expert articles says, “We are experiencing overwhelming demand for the Handbook which has a new look this year and contains specially commissioned articles from a broad range of contributors.

“We sourced articles from George Hook on Travel, Award winning Chef Gary O’Hanlon on Food for the Soul, Wellesley on Finance, An Garda Síochána on Home Security, Irene Collins on Choosing a Homecare Provider, Professor of GP Practice in Trinity College Dublin, Tom O’Dowd on Living with Chronic Illness and our own General Manager and Registered Nurse Lorna Liney on taking medication.

“The books are free and are a practical guide for older people and carers nationwide.  The handbook also contains a comprehensive directory of agencies and groups nationwide.”

The handbook can be viewed online and downloaded from http://bluebirdcare.ie/the-irish-pensioners-handbook-2013/

You can also pick up your hard copy from your local Bluebird Care office or call Bluebird Care Headquarters on 0818 227 052 or email eddieotoole@bluebirdcare.ie

Watch the promo video for the Irish Pensioners Handbook here: BBC-Ad-Clip-[1] – Broadband

IRON  OVERLOAD  

When too much of a good thing is a bad thing!

Bluebird Care is supporting National Haemochromatosis Awareness Day which takes place on Thursday 6th June and is organised by the Irish Haemochromotosis Society. 

Founder of the organisation Margaret Mullett is now appealing to members of the public to give on hour on the 6th June to raise awareness of the condition which is life threatening, but needn’t be.  They will host awareness stands in shopping centres right across the country.

If you want to help please contact either Kate, kategeog@gmail.com, or Margaret margaretmmullett@gmail.com. Alternatively leave a message on the voicemail 01/8735911 and someone will get back to you.  They will put you in contact with the person who is organising the stand in your local shopping centre.

What is Haemochromatosis?

We’ve all heard about iron deficiency and anaemia, but it is also possible to have too much iron in your system because of a genetic condition called Haemochromatosis.  You may not have heard about it, you may not know that you have it and you will probably have difficulty pronouncing the word but it could do serious damage if not diagnosed in time.  It is more common in Ireland than in any other country in the world and is known as the Celtic Mutation.  Twenty thousand people have been diagnosed and treated in Ireland in the last five years. There are still thousands out there who have yet to be diagnosed. It could be you!.

Haemochromatosis is a genetic disorder where the body absorbs excessive iron from the diet and this iron is stored in the body.  The accumulated iron affects the liver, heart, pancreas, endocrine glands and joints. This excessive iron burden leads to impaired function of these organs and eventually to disease and organ failure.

What are the symptoms?

Iron builds up slowly so the symptoms may not appear until the age of  30 to 40 years. These symptoms include

• Chronic fatigue
• Impotence
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Liver disorders
• Cardiomyopathy
• Skin pigmentation

In the past people suffering from chronic fatigue were sometimes prescribed iron supplements, whereas in reality they were suffering from extreme tiredness because of an excess of iron.

When diagnosed early, Haemochromatosis responds well to the recommended treatment. This is known as venesection or phlebotomy and involves the removal of a unit of blood. If treated in time the person will have a normal life expectancy.

In the majority of cases the underlying cause of Haemochromatosis is the inheritance of a mutated or faulty gene which stops the body from correctly regulating iron.  It is estimated that one in 86 Irish people are predisposed to iron overload.

A simple blood test to check your iron status can confirm or rule out iron overload. If both the ferritin and the transferrin saturation are raised then a genetic test is also done.

The website of the Irish Haemochromatosis Association is www.haemochromatosis-ir.com and the Voice Mail is (01) 8735911

Q Mark for 10 Bluebird Care Office 

By 2021 Ireland will have 800,000 people over the age of 65. With a growing population and increasing demands on health care, Bluebird Care says it sees the home care sector growing rapidly. However, they say quality certified care must be a minimum requirement to ensure the sector adds value to the health system while adding years to those being cared for.

Irene Collins of Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA) says, “Just as you would check the credentials of any new person who comes into your home, it is vital that you check the accreditation of your homecare provider.”

She was speaking at the recent presentation of five further Q Mark Certifications to Bluebird Care.

The Q Mark has been developed as an industry-recognised standard for the home care sector and with 10 offices awarded the Q Mark to date the remaining eight Bluebird Care offices are currently going through the process.

“We expect Bluebird Care to be the very first franchised home care company in Ireland to achieve the Q Mark in all offices.  That is why the National Q Mark is delighted to recommend Bluebird Care, who have chosen to enter into the rigorous Q Mark programme of standards rather than simply work to the lower standards that often exist in this currently unregulated area of health care,” says Irene Collins.

Eddie O’Toole, Operations Director with Bluebird Care says, “We’ve had our origins in the UK where home care is largely privatised but equally highly regulated. Operating in Ireland since 2007 we have led out on the standardisation of care using a combination of our own quality processes but also adopting those laid down by EIQA.

“To date 10 of our 18 offices have been award the Q Mark of Quality with the remaining eight currently going through the process.  As outlined by Irene Collins, Managing Director of EIQA, we are likely to be the first franchised home care company in Ireland to have all our offices quality certified.  Meanwhile, our Galway office has also achieved the ISO 9001:2008 standard demonstrating an underlying ethos of excellence.”

The Q Mark framework for Home Care providers is comprised of five principal elements:

1. Leadership Commitment:
This means that the homecare provider who carries the Q Mark has an entire management team that believe in providing the highest standard of quality care to you.

2. Engaged Employees:
Everyone who works for a Q Mark certified homecare service believes in delivering the best standard of care, whilst respecting your privacy and treating you with dignity.

3. Excellent Business Systems and Processes: 100% of a Q Mark certified homecare service’s support systems; processes and procedures are monitored for best practice, 100% of the time.

4. Customer Experience:
The Q Mark puts you first. That’s why your experience is paramount, and your quality of life and care is always the priority.

5. Positive Results:
Every Q Mark certified homecare provider continuously strives to do better in their quest to improve on best practice and provide a higher quality of life for each and every person they care for.

Bluebird Care Kerry/West Cork will host the next ‘Safe at Home’ Security Seminar in conjunction with An Garda Síochána on Thursday 2nd May at 3:00pm in the Grand Hotel, Denny Street, Tralee.

Organised in response to a growing fear among older people and communities about security at home, the events are free and open to the public.  The event will hear from the local Crime Prevention Officer, Sgt Jim Foley who will outline the key steps to take to keep your home secure against intruders. He will also offer advice to people living on their own.

Padraig Barrett from BBM Secure will demonstrate security products and devices which can help keep undesirables out and /or alert you to possible intruders.

Marc deCourcy, Director of Bluebird Care Kerry/West Cork says, “There has been a 60% increase in calls to Senior Line – a freephone line for older people – worried about security at home.  And this is also reflected in our own network as we hear anecdotal evidence from the thousands of older people that we work with on a daily basis.  We are inviting members of local communities, neighbourhood watch schemes, residents associations and other interested groups along.”

Marc says, “There is a responsibility on all of us to take a ‘community approach’ in terms of being aware of older people living around us. “This security seminar is aimed at all members of the community who have an interest in security whether for a neighbour or for themselves. We will have our local Crime Prevention Officer in attendance and a local security consultant offering valuable information on how to guard against burglaries.”

For more information contact Marc deCourcy, Bluebird Care Kerry/West Cork on  (066) 710 4015 or email marcdecourcy@bluebirdcare.ie.

Over the next 12 months a total of 18 seminars will take place in 18 counties around the country attended by local Community Policing members of An Garda Síochána, security consultants and community representatives.

There was cross party support this week for the 5th Annual Irish Pensioners Handbook which was presented to members of Limerick City Council.

Pictured left to right are Cllr. Kieran O’Hanlon(FF), Cllr. Pat Kennedy (FG), Cllr. Kathleen Leddin (INDP), Daragh Mc Glynn Bluebird Care, Maurice Quinlivan (SF), Tom Short (Lab.)

General Manager of Bluebird Care Limerick, Daragh McGlynn presented Councillors with their copy along with copies for their respective clinics.

“The handbooks are free and are of great value to carers and older people. With over 200 pages of expert advice on health, wealth, travel, support and a real focus this year on active ageing. Bluebird Care has also commissioned a series of expert articles which are proving popular.

The Handbook has been distributed nationwide to nursing homes, GP surgeries, pharmacies, citizen’s information and active retirement groups and throughout the Bluebird Care network comprising 18 offices in 23 counties.

And it seems that the demand in Limerick is reflected nationwide. Daragh McGlynn says, “We are experiencing overwhelming demand for the Handbook so much so we have ordered another print run.”

The Handbook contains articles from George Hook on Travel, Award winning Chef Gary O’Hanlon on Food for the Soul, Wellesley on Finance, An Garda Síochána on Home Security, Irene Collins of EIQA on Choosing a Homecare Provider, Professor of GP Practice in Trinity College Dublin, Tom O’Dowd on Living with Chronic Illness and Bluebird Care Ireland General Manager and Registered Nurse Lorna Liney on taking medication.

The Handbook also contains a comprehensive county-by-county directory of hospitals, local authorities, support groups, charities and state agencies.

The Handbook can be viewed online and downloaded from http://bluebirdcare.ie/the-irish-pensioners-handbook-2013/

You can also pick up your hard copy from your local Bluebird Care office or call Bluebird Care Limerick on 061-481 208 or email limerick@bluebirdcare.ie.