Blood Pressure Awareness Day marked at Blyth care home

STAFF and visitors to a Northumberland care home got their vital signs checked as part of Blood Pressure Awareness Day.

Residents at The Oaks Care Home, on Durban Street, Blyth, get their weight, blood pressure and other measurements taken regularly as part of their care.

But staff wanted to use the awareness day to raise the importance of everyone monitoring their health.

Senior care assistant Jessica Maxwell conducted the blood pressure tests on her colleagues and visitors.

Among them was Margaret Sleeman, whose husband William resides at The Oaks. She said: “I was impressed. It was the best it’s ever been.”

Alongside taking blood pressure readings, NHS information on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle was handed out to visitors.

This included foods that help to lower blood pressure, including leafy greens, various berries, oatmeal, and oily fish, all of which are included on the weekly menus for residents at the home.

Ann Mielnik, home manager at The Oaks Care Home, is now planning on hosting regular sessions to encourage others to monitor their health.

She said: “Because of today being a great success, we plan to hold a well person day once a month, not only to take blood pressures but other physical observations as well, including weights.

“We know people can suffer from “white coat syndrome” and get anxious when they get their BP checked, which means that the readings can be exaggerated. Whereas for regular visitors and staff, getting their BP done at The Oaks meant everyone was in a familiar environment and feeling relaxed.

“We want to be proactive within our own little community and bring any problems to the notice of GPs before anything major occurs.”

The next “well person day” will take place at The Oaks Care Home on Wednesday, 9^th October. Anyone is welcome to attend. For further information, contact the home on 01670 354181 or email oaksmanager@hillcare.net.