Sign in here
Hello NurseWatch Family, Community and New Clients,
Welcome to NurseWatch Healthcare. I hope this finds you and your loved ones safe and in good health. Please take a couple of minutes to read our COVID-19 information announcement.
Our purpose at NurseWatch is to care for people and allow them to be their best. It is that simple, and it is the centre of everything we do. With the recent unsettling times, NurseWatch looks into the future and towards COVID-19 (coronavirus) management and recovery.
NurseWatch wants to help you experience the joy of our holistic health care with a stronger presence on safety and wellbeing. We have taken comprehensive measures to implement guidelines as directed by the Australian Government Department of Health Guidelines.
If you are a new client we respectfully request you to follow our 5 step process:
1. Download the COVid-19 App
The Australian Government has released an app to help in contact tracing people who may have been exposed to COVID-19. The COVIDSafe app helps find close contacts of COVID-19 cases by utilising your smartphone’s Bluetooth capabilities to determine whether you have been in close physical contact with someone who has tested positive to COVID-19. COVIDSafe is completely voluntary.
2. Read and understand the Public Health Order, ‘What you Must Do Under New Coronavirus Rules’, dated 6 July 2020: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Documents/easy-read-pho-directions.pdf
3. If you feel unwell, please click on the symptom checker tool link below and follow the prompts:
• https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker/tool
4. The latest Australian Government Information: As socially responsible citizens, it is important that we keep abreast of the daily updates of each respective state. The link below provides current updates.
5. Referrals: All new clients require a referral from a registered medical practitioner being a general practitioner and/or medical specialist.
*Please note: Unfortunately, as of 18 December 2020 NurseWatch will not be accepting new clients from the Northern Beaches to Mosman Area, Sydney, due to the COVID-19 situation. We will regularly update our service capability as the situation improves.
NURSEWATCH HEALTHCARE RESOURCES
All resources supplied are available in different languages, however, are defaulted to English. Please follow prompts on website to preferred language
To assist you please refer to government links below:
• Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line Phone 1800 171 866 open 8.30 am - 6.00pm weekdays (AEST) free of charge. Supported by COTA, Dementia Australia, National Seniors Australia, OPAN and the Australian Government Department of Health https://www.facebook.com/opanaus/videos/704485933707079/
• General Information: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-resources
• Advice for people who are at greater risk: risk: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-resources
• Understanding COVID-19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtN-goy9VOY&feature=youtu.be
• Understanding the difference between a Pandemic, Epidemic-endemic and an Outbreak: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2020/04/whats-the-difference-between-a-pandemic-an-epidemic-endemic-and-an-outbreak/
• WHO (World Health Organisation) Information: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 & https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
EXISTING CLIENTS:
For our existing clients, your Health Concierge Clinician has been in touch to discuss your personalised healthcare journey through COVID-19, with NurseWatch practice of policy and procedure recommendations guided by the Australian Government.
As each of our client’s healthcare journey is individual, please find below information and resources.
YOUR WELLBEING:
Throughout the COVID-19 recovery phase and beyond, NurseWatch will continue to provide and manage your individual care needs, safety and wellbeing. Your holistic healthcare will continue to be provided through our premium services and LiveitUp® Model of Care.
If you require further information regarding our COVID-19 approach, please refer to Beyond Blue website and ’10 Ways to Look After Yourself’. An excellent resource.
• Beyond Blue Telephone: 1800 512 348
NURSEWATCH HEALTHCARE COMMUNITY:
For our LGBTI Community:
• https://www.acon.org.au/what-we-are-here-for/covid19/
Positive Life NSW – Getting practical about COVID-19 and HIV:https://www.positivelife.org.au/latest-news/covid19-resources.html
• Or phone (02) 9206 2000 or 1800 063 060 for confidential counselling
ACON/naphwa/ashm/afao: Making sense of COVID-19 – LGBTIQ and HIV communities:https://www.acon.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/AFAO-NAPWHA-ASHM-Fact-Sheet-COVID-19-9-March-2020_ACON.pdf
For our Trans and gender diverse people:
TransHub – Australia’s first digital information/resource platform for trans and gender diverse people in NSW, their families, and health providers. Created by trans people, for trans people. This is their COVID-19 specific information: https://www.transhub.org.au/covid19
For our Cognitive Impairment Community:
• https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/cognitive-impairment/cognitive-impairment-and-covid-19
Dementia :
Dementia Australia – Coronavirus – tips for people living with dementia: https://www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/files/helpsheets/DA_COVID19_Helpsheet_04_PLWD-v2.pdf
For our Community languages/CALD community:
https://www.sbs.com.au/language/coronavirus
Disability : Disability Information Helpline: 1800 643 787
Council for Intellectual Disability – Easy-read coronavirus information:https://cid.org.au/covid-19/
Australian Department of Health – information for family, carers and health workers supporting people with disability during the COVID-19 pandemic:https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/advice-for-people-at-risk-of-coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-disability
The Growing Space – COVID-19 hub: www.thegrowingspace.com.au/covid19/
For our Carers:
CarerHelp – COVID-19 information and resources for carers: factsheets and infographics with practical information, pointers, and resources. The resources discuss how to care for a person at home and hospital, as well as arranging funerals and managing grief. Pointers on using telehealth to consult with a health professional, and selecting trustworthy online information are also presented:https://www.carerhelp.com.au/tabid/6001/Default.aspx
For our Families:
Health Consumers NSW have developed a guide to support families when visiting their loved one.
Wearing Masks:
Wear a mask if it is hard to maintain 1.5 metres of physical distance from others. Also wear a mask if you have symptoms and are seeking medical advice, or if you are in isolation in the same room as another person.
Video produced by the Australian Department of Health
https://publish.viostream.com/play/bfxgwognhhfmnn
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/face-masks?mc_cid=76d9c3ba0a&mc_eid=%5bUNIQID%5d
Mask Wearing Fact Sheet:
Masks are increasingly being recommended within Australia as well as globally. In some areas they are now mandatory. But it is important to understand why many of us with trauma histories may be triggered when we are asked to wear a mask, or even when we see them. An excellent resource.
https://www.blueknot.org.au/Resources/Fact-Sheets/face-masks-and-complex-trauma
INFORMATION FOR SPECIFIC HEALTH CONDITIONS:
Cancer
Cancer Council NSW – Cancer and COVID-19 hub:https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-support/covid-19/
Bowel Cancer Australia – COVID-19 & Bowel Cancer:https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/media-centre/covid-19-bowel-cancer
American Prostate Cancer Foundation: https://www.pcf.org/covid-19/
Kidney health
Kidney Health Australia – COVID-19 and dialysis, transplants etc:https://kidney.org.au/about-us/news/coronavirus-covid-19
Palliative Care:
COVID-19 Resources for Carers; Information for anyone caring for a person at end of life during COVID-19 pandemic – factsheets:https://www.carerhelp.com.au/tabid/6001/Default.aspx
Heart disease
Australian Heart Foundation – COVID-19 and heart disease, all you need to know:https://campaigns.heartfoundation.org.au/covid-19/
Australian Heart Research Institute – COVID-19 and heart health:www.hri.org.au/health/your-health/lifestyle/covid-19-and-heart-health
Smoking
iCanQuit – COVID-19 and smoking FAQ:www.icanquit.com.au/reasons-to-quit/covid-19-and-tobacco-smoking-faq
IF YOU ARE THINKING OF REMOVING YOUR LOVED ONE FROM THEIR PRESENT HOME IN A RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITY
We are happy to assist. Although we highly recommend you listen to OPAN Older Person's Advocacy Network webinair before making your final decision in consultation with your loved one.
If you would like to review the slides, please click on the link below
https://opan.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/OPAN-C19-W14-Graphics-190820.-HiRespdf.pdf
We understand that COVID-19 has created uncertainty in aged care and that you may think it appropriate to take your loved one out of their aged care home. If you or someone you know needs assistance or is considering this, call OPAN on 1800 700 600.
NURSEWATCH HEALTHCARE CUSTOMER ENQUIRIES:
• NurseWatch Healthcare front, middle and back office staff are working in ways that support social distancing. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/coronavirus-covid-19-information-on-social-distancing.pdf. Due to the change in our working environment, we respectfully request that you are patient with your inquiries. If there is an emergency, please phone 000.
• NurseWatch Healthcare staff are working in ways to keep ourselves, colleagues, community, and clients safe. Our staff are 100% compliant with ISO 9001:2016 regulatory requirements.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on +61448 885 201.
On behalf of our NurseWatch Healthcare family thank you for your support.
Kind regards
Kate Spurway, CEO
YOU'RE ALWAYS WELCOME AT NURSEWATCH HEALTHCARE
Need to book more than once? Not a problem, you can add the same package multiple times.
Once you complete the booking form simply click add Multi Care and add as many packages as you require at different or sequential times.
Today is World Diabetes Day and November is Diabetes Awareness Month. All around the world, people are celebrating World Diabetes Day on November 14 and at the same time, they’re raising awareness about this condition and what can be done to manage it.
As you age, you have more chance of becoming diabetic. Middle-aged and older adults who might need aged care are at the highest risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Another high risk factor is the presence of diabetes in any of your family. If you’re concerned, simply ask your doctor about it and you can do the tests to find out if you have it.
Diabetes is no walk in the park but it can be managed. As they say at Diabetes Australia – Let’s face it – diabetes can be tough. It is like a job you can’t quit. There are no days off. Not even Christmas.
The great thing is there’s a whole community out there which can support you and help you manage this condition. Take a look around the Diabetes Australia site and you’ll find all the information you need.
If you know you have diabetes and you’d like some help with your diet, you can book in for a chat with our Nutritionist, Wendy Middleton here.
Exactly what is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism and it occurs when the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin or if the cells of the body become resistant to insulin. If you become insulin resistant, the blood glucose cannot get into the cells, which can then lead to serious complications. Diabetes is characterised by poor glucose control and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, renal disease and other health complications.
If you have diabetes you usually have symptoms such as increased urination, increased thirst and increased hunger. The condition is diagnosed via blood tests which check and measure your glucose and insulin levels and glycated haemoglobin.
There are two types of diabetes – Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes – so we need to look at how to manage these separately.
Managing Type 1 diabetes
If you have Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin which is vital for converting glucose into energy. Type 1 diabetes is a life threatening condition which needs to be closely managed with daily care including:
• Insulin replacement via insulin injections or use of an insulin pump.
• Monitoring of blood glucose levels regularly each day.
• Keeping to a strict healthy diet and eating plan.
• Exercising regularly.
Managing Type 2 diabetes
If you have Type 2 diabetes, your pancreas is still working but not as well as it should be. Because of this your body is building insulin resistance and won’t be able to convert glucose into energy which will leave too much glucose in the blood. Type 2 diabetes can often be managed by a healthy diet, regular exercise and monitoring your blood glucose levels because:
• A healthy diet will help to keep your blood glucose levels at the right level.
• Regular exercise will help the insulin work more effectively, lowering your blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Regular blood glucose monitoring tests will show whether these changes to your lifestyle are helping to manage blood glucose levels or whether you need to do more.
At times, a healthy diet and exercise are not enough to keep a person’s blood glucose levels down. Because Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition, often a person’s insulin will become more resistant and the pancreas less effective at converting glucose into energy. So to help the pancreas achieve this effectively, people with Type 2 diabetes are often prescribed tablets to manage their blood glucose levels.
Eventually, some people may find they need to start taking insulin to manage blood glucose levels. This is when your body is no longer producing enough insulin of its own.
What should your diet consist of?
Your diet should consist of mostly fresh fruit, vegetables and fibre, combined with a portion of lean protein at each meal. The best fibre you can eat include oat bran, nuts, psyllium seed husks, chia seeds, flaxseeds, pears, apples and vegetables. These foods slow down digestion and absorption, preventing rapid glycaemic rises. At least 35 grams of fibre per day is recommended.
Foods high in glycaemic index such as processed and refined foods, foods high in sugar (in any form), alcohol, caffeine and soft drinks (especially diet forms) should be avoided.
Legumes, onions and garlic are particularly useful and should be included regularly.
Why is exercise important?
Studies have shown that if those with diabetes exercise regularly they can avoid most diabetic medications and reverse their blood sugar fluctuations. In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine,the risk of diabetes was reduced by 58 per cent in the intervention group. The reduction in the incidence of diabetes was directly associated with changes in lifestyle enabling authors to conclude that Type 2 diabetes can be prevented. All types of Exercise physiology including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy would also be helpful.
And Magnesium?
Magnesium deficiency, which is often seen with a Western diet, has been found to be related to poor glycaemic control and impairment of insulin secretion. Insulin resistance in return can interfere with the uptake of Magnesium by the cells, thus creating a vicious circle.
It’s recommended that those with diabetes eat foods high in Magnesium including leafy, green vegetables, wholegrains and nuts. Supplements should also be taken as this has been seen to improve the condition for many people.