6 Ways to Improve your Quality of Life in North Leeds, Otley and Horsforth
Published: 21/05/2024
As humans, we share a common desire for a good quality of life. Whilst you can’t control areas of your life, discover what changes you can make to improve your day-to-day.
We recognise that everyone measures quality of life differently. Beyond creating personalised care plans for every Client, we’re keen to support every member of our North Leeds and Otley community to improve their quality of life.
You can apply our tips either on your own or with the help of a local Right at Home Carer based in the North Leeds, Otley or Horsforth area.
What does good quality of life mean?
The definition of a good quality of life is subjective - it can change depending on your unique circumstances. However, there are some universal factors that influence all of us in one way or another.
What affects quality of life in North Leeds, Otley and Horsforth?
Excluding societal factors such as access to healthcare or education, here is a list of some of the factors that impact our Clients’ quality of life:
- Physical and mental health
- Relationships and a sense of belonging in the community
- Physiological needs (water and food)
- Access to hobbies
- Contribution to society
- Financial security
Tips to improve quality of life for you and your loved ones in North Leeds, Otley and Horsforth
1. Follow a healthy lifestyle
Sleeping, healthy eating and exercise habits can provide considerable benefits for your wellbeing.
Did you know that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of chronic diseases by up to 30%? Specifically, in Leeds, initiatives like those by Leeds Older People's Forum, emphasise that when moderate exercise is incorporated into daily routines this significantly enhances both mobility and independence for older residents. This statistic is supported by the NHS and Public Health England reports.
We understand that pain, reduced mobility and certain physical conditions can make it challenging to engage in physical activity. However, there are plenty of local opportunities in the Leeds North, Horsforth, Yeadon and Rawdon areas for all access requirements.
Consider joining a local group or activity such as:
- AVSED if you live in Yeadon, Rawdon or Guiseley
- MHA Horsforth if you live in Horsforth
- OPAL if you live in Cookridge, Holt Park, Tinshill, Ireland Wood, Adel or Bramhope (LS16 above the Ring Road).
Take a look at our guides to healthy eating and keeping active for additional information.
Our Carers in Guiseley, Yeadon, Rawdon and North Leeds can also support with healthy eating and help you to access physical activity.
2. Reduce stress
Prolonged stress has known negative effects on our physical and mental health. Find ways to reduce and handle stress in your daily life. Some recommended coping mechanisms for stress include reading, listening to music, meditation, light exercise, and doing the things you enjoy.
Many of our Clients in Cookridge and Bramhope enjoy chair based exercise or Tai Chi at OPAL at the Welcome In Community Centre in LS16, as a way to relieve stress.
If you care for a loved one and start to feel stressed, consider seeking support from our respite care services. Reducing your own stress levels can indirectly improve the quality of life for you and your loved ones.
3. Make time for friendships
Social contact is another crucial of your quality of life. Making connections with other humans is a huge part of our lives as social beings.
The digital age has brought new ways to stay connected with your loved ones, but we can’t underestimate the importance of physical presence.
Plan to see your loved ones in real life at least once a month. Or seek new connections from attending local activities such as Guiseley Senior Citizen’s Coffee mornings or the Monday and Friday lunch club at OPAL near Cookridge, LS16.
Learn more about companionship care and our person centred approach and how we aim to combat loneliness. Or speak to our Right at Home team in Horsforth, North Leeds about us offering companionship and support.
4. Try out hobbies in the North Leeds, Otley and Horsforth community
Doing things that you enjoy releases dopamine, the feel-good chemical in our brains.
Finding enjoyable hobbies and making time for them has improved many of our Clients’ quality of life in Horsforth, Guiseley, Yeadon and Rawdon. If you’re not sure where to start, consider joining a local neighbourhood network such as AVSED, OPAL or MHA and joining in one of their activities in Rawdon, Horsforth or Cookridge, such as table tennis, craft or a wellbeing walk.
Joy, Pat and Kim | Guiseley"Today is Thank You Day, so I just want to thank everyone at Guiseley Memories for their friendship, kindness and support. It is a wonderful group to be part of. Love to all xx..... Here here, totally agree the best day of the week for us, thank you for being our friends xxx..... I want to echo that sentiment - You are all wonderful, thank you everybody"
5. Get involved in the North Leeds community
Community involvement has a host of benefits, one of which is a better quality of life. Joining Horsforth, Rawdon, Otley or Cookridge community groups can increase feelings of belonging. What’s more, you’ll make positive changes in the wider community, for people across North Leeds.
Read more about how to get involved in your local community in and explore local opportunities in the Leeds Directory.
6. Spend time outside
Increasing how much time you spend outdoors and amongst nature is a low-cost yet effective way to improve your quality of life. Time in nature has proven benefits for our mental wellbeing in particular.
We recommend:
- Walking Football with MAECare at Bodington Football Hub or Alwoodley Primary School
- Swimming with MAECare indoors or outdoors at David Lloyd
- Wellbeing Walks with Aireborough Together, covering Yeadon, Rawdon and Guiseley
- Wellbeing Walks from The Welcome In and OPAL
How can our care services in North Leeds, Otley and Horsforth help improve quality of life?
Improving our Clients’ quality of life is one of our main goals. Improving our Client’s quality of life is at the heart of everything we do. Our Carers in North Leeds are experienced in caring for Clients with various needs. We treat everyone with compassion and respect and believe that personalised care plans are vitally important for a good quality of life.
Whether you seek Companionship & Support, require assistance with Personal Care or need a more specialised care solution, we can help.
Find out what our Clients in North Leeds, Otley and Horsforth have said about our care:
Peter M | Son of Client in North Leeds"My 99-year-old dad needed support after injuries to both arms. We chose Right at Home as their pitch placed greater emphasis on the emotional side of being cared for than others. Two one-hour visits per day covered all his needs from dressing and personal care to meal preparation and laundry. He quickly got to know his carers personally and cannot speak highly enough about their support and assistance. The carers encouraged my dad with his physiotherapy exercises and regaining his independence in terms of washing, dressing and preparing his food. After a few weeks we dropped down to one visit per day and then later 3 visits per week. At all times there has been clear communication between the family and Right at Home so that all arrangements worked out smoothly. We won't hesitate to use this company again."
Improving Carers’ quality of life in North Leeds, Otley, Guiseley and Horsforth
Many primary Carers may find it difficult to take a break. However, ensuring effective relaxation is crucial for a good quality of life and your wellbeing. That’s why our Carer teams in North Leeds, Otley and Horsforth also provide trusted Respite Care to provide relief for primary CareGivers.
Contact our friendly team in Horsforth, North Leeds to discuss your care needs and to find out how we can help improve your quality of life.
Visit our Information Hub for more advice on living well.
