Wellbeing
Our wellbeing service
ExtraCare’s award-winning wellbeing service supports all residents to be proactive in managing their own health. Our wellbeing service has been recognised as best practice through a number of regional and national awards.
Research
Our research proved that our model of integrated homes, health and care makes a real difference to our residents lives.
Our Wellbeing Advisors
A Wellbeing Advisors overall aim is to promote the health and wellbeing of ExtraCare’s residents, this is achieved by carrying out annual assessments, health promotion sessions and drop-in sessions.
Before moving in you will have a baseline health assessment. Designed to ensure we are aware of all health conditions and can make sure this move is right for you, the baseline assessment gives a thorough overview of physical, mental and cognitive health. Provide us with a copy of your medications, and a medical history summary from your GP and we’ll get started!
Typical baseline assessments include:
- A physical assessment
- Clinical tests
- Questions to discuss any worries
- Cognitive questions
The results help us understand how we can tailor your support or signpost to other services. Your progress is supported through follow-up assessments; wellbeing talks or a referral to our on-site gym as appropriate to your needs.
The Wellbeing Advisors across the locations are allowed to do the following:
- Take, record and monitor blood pressure
- Take random blood sugars (blood sample taken from the finger)
- Take random cholesterol (blood sample taken from the finger)
- Measure height, weight and body mass index
- Take a temperature
- Screen urine samples
- Provide advice re dietary intake
- Provide advice re chronic health conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, asthma and diabetes.
Our staff can also assist with a broad range of health and wellbeing needs, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia, diabetes, falls prevention, support following bereavement, mental health awareness and more.
All of the above are in line with ExtraCare’s policies.
Background & key findings
Prior to the introduction of the wellbeing service we discovered a number of key findings.
A survey at one ExtraCare housing scheme revealed that 75% of those living independently had not accessed their GP within the last year, perceiving ill health, discomfort and disability to be natural consequences of getting older.
Some other key findings:
The pilot wellbeing service in two housing schemes identified 122 previously undetected and untreated conditions amongst a population of 135 people.
Common issues identified include high blood pressure, urinary tract infection and diet.
One ExtraCare village estimates a saving of 500 hospital bed-days per annum as a result of reduced unplanned admissions.
Minimal intervention can significantly improve quality of life: 105 people were identified with hearing loss, of which 48 benefited from almost immediate improvement due to ear syringing and hearing aid repair/adjustment.
Engaged lives project
Our Engaged Lives project was a drive to build greater community and connection amongst the UK’s older population.
Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, the project aimed to build the confidence and capacity of our residents (and the wider community) to lead “Engaged Lives” – lives of immersive and purposeful activity, within a community that people felt they belonged to.
