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Are Nursing Homes a Safe Place for Seniors?

12/036 Comments

Age in Place: Are nursing homes really a safe place for seniors?

There comes a time when your parents, grandparents or other relatives, and close ones who reach their senior age need special care and professionals that can provide it, due to various medical conditions or just for the specific needs a senior citizen has. Placing your relative in a nursing home can be a difficult decision to make, as many of us are concerned with the quality of life our loved ones will receive and find it hard to put them in the hands of strangers. This decision must be analyzed objectively and ultimately be in the best interest of our senior relatives and the whole family.

nursing homes

Choose a nursing home with a reputation

Safety is most often the primary concern of the family, as there are very unfortunate cases where nursing homes failed to deliver that and were not professional. These cases were addressed and sanctioned, but it’s best to make sure the nursing home you choose is recommended by other people, that the staff communicates openly and the residents are happy. Do your best to visit the relatives you have in a nursing home as often as you can, check on their emotional and physical health and living conditions.

Nursing homes should provide safe living conditions for aging parents

For patients with chronic illnesses, being in a nursing home is much safer than being at home by themselves. Even if you do take the time to visit them regularly and provide basic care…

=> the relative with no medical training and the need to take care of their own lives will find themselves in a very difficult situation. <=

Not having enough time, dealing with overwhelming situations or not identifying underlying problems in time can be very stressful on both the patient and the caregiver. Unless you can provide around-the-clock medical home assistance, a nursing home is your best option.

In a nursing home, your loved one has around-the-clock professional assistance. Providing that it’s not understaffed, a home will make sure the shifts are reasonable for the employees, so that they are rested and able to provide all the care needed. Someone will always be there in the case of a fall or emergency and will know what to do in that situation. More so, in case of an unexpected situation, more members of the staff can intervene, it’s not just one person who takes care of everything.

Caring Nursing HomesProfessional staff personnel

Another advantage of nursing homes in terms of safety is that all good nursing homes are very careful when hiring their staff and perform background checks on them: any disciplinary issue in their past will be taken into consideration when they are evaluated. Also, a lot of nursing homes require their employees to report any misconduct of their colleagues and keep the environment safe and professional.

Think about the well being of your parent, and if they can’t live happily on their own anymore, you should consider safer living environments. It’s not a decision you will make in a day or two, so before making a final decision assess the pros and cons.

Nursing Home Activities

Ultimately, choose a nursing home that is entirely dedicated to taking care of the elders and there are many ways in which it provides more things than you could provide at home. The enclosure is designed to monitor all the people that go in or out and know at all times when a resident is visited. For residents with Alzheimer’s, making sure you know at all times where they are is crucial, as often they might wander off and get into dangerous situations. Good nursing homes have discreet security technology that does not make the environment feel restrictive, but keeps residents safe without alarming or bothering them.

One should also think about the less obvious benefits a senior citizen has when being a resident of a care home.   Trained members of staff not only have the medical knowledge to intervene physically, but can also manage agitated or scared residents and calm them down. Experienced nurses know everything there is to know about patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. They will make sure your parents are in good hands, and that their needs and wants are carefully attended.

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Filed Under: Care Tips, Medical, Nursing Homes Tagged With: Choosing-Nursing-Home, nursing homes, safe nursing homes

What are Biggest Changes for Assisted Living?

05/1512 Comments

What are biggest changes for assisted living in the future?

Our Guest Post today shares some of the changes for Nursing Homes in the future. What will these changes mean for the caregiver or for those who are dependent on assisted living.

The healthcare industry has changed massively in the last few years. And now it appears that changes for assisted living are in the future. Not only has it needed to survive the recent recession, it has also had to accommodate huge advancements in medicine and technology. People are living longer and this means more of a drain on their finances and more demand for care in their home or assisted living. The industry is still advancing, which means significant changes will soon begin to materialize:Assisted-Living-News

The decline of the nursing home

There has been a steady decline in nursing homes over the past five years and this trend is set to continue. People no longer want to see their elderly parents in a nursing facility when they can happily live independently, or in an assisted living style accommodation.

The fact that older people are now more mobile and healthy has also contributed to this shift in housing needs. There are even facilities appearing which cater for those who have memory problems and may be better suited to living in an environment that reflects their memory.

Technology

Technology is advancing quickly and this is emphasized in the arrival of personal care robots. As these devices become more advanced and more affordable they will become a common sight in many older people’s homes. They can provide assistance for all their living requirements allowing them to retain their independence for much longer.

Multi-generational housing

It is becoming increasingly common and accepted that parents will move in with their children. Finances will be pooled to ensure the accommodation is either expanded or a new property is purchased to accommodate everyone comfortably. This allows the parents to maintain their independence whilst having a source of help nearby.

Assisted-Living-Caregivers

New builds

As the world continues to recover from the recession many older people have realized that they wish or need to continue working. Even if they have mobility issues this can be possible provided there is a dedicated increase in the number of properties designed and built with senior citizens in mind. Small, neighborhood type accommodations can house many senior citizens and remain in the town, allowing them to stroll into the shops and continue working if they wish to.

Communal housing

The emphasis on many new builds is to provide a space where any senior citizen can live independently but also have the convenience of amenities on their doorstep. Communal or co-operative housing provides this in the form of large communal gardens, club rooms and even sports facilities. There are also regular shared meals and the opportunity for all residents to have a say in community decisions.

Traditional senior housing

The traditional model of senior housing is continuing but with additional benefits. These are the features that you often find in co-operative housing; this is to ensure that existing tenants remain with them and they are able to attract new ones in what is becoming an increasingly competitive market place. Some of the housing facilities are offering themed properties to make specific genre’s feel at home.

Go green

Environmental issues are relevant to older people as well as the younger generation. New houses are now being built which use solar panels, rain water and eco-friendly lighting. They are generally slightly more expensive than the other options although the running costs may be cheaper in the long term. But then again, before considering moving to an eco-friendly assisted living facility, caregivers should make sure that their aging parent or relative is a good fit in that environment. Many seniors love to stay outside and enjoy nature; but there are those that prefer to stay inside. For them you must look for nursing homes that feature engaging activities to keep them happy and fulfilled.

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Many people simply wish to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. This has led to a dramatic increase in the number of healthcare professionals which are required to offer in home care. The healthcare industry is literally booming and will continue to do so as the number of older people staying alive increases. This can actually be the cheapest option for many seniors who have no significant medical issues. Don’t forget about advanced technology. There are all sorts of gadgets available meant to help caregivers keep an eye on their loved ones from a distance.

Author: Edward Francis and Foresthc.com!

Filed Under: Care Tips, Healthy Aging, Nursing Homes Tagged With: assisted living, Housing for elderly, Nursing Homes closing, Rise in Home Care

Caring for Someone with Cognitive Decline

01/1813 Comments

grandma-sadCaring for a Person with dementia and Cognitive Decline

Caring for a relative who suffers from dementia poses significant challenges for the family. Alzheimer’s and other diseases related to cognitive decline or cognitive decline from simple aging is incurable. That being said, if you decide to become a caregiver for a loved one, you should be prepared to face difficulties along the way.

However, there are ways to make things better and you can start by improving your own communication skills. This will make the relationship with the patient more tolerable.

5 Difficulties you might struggle with along the way, and how to overcome them

1. Dealing with a bad mood
Body language and attitude communicate feelings and thoughts a lot stronger than actual words. It’s normal for patients struggling with dementia to get depressed every now and then.

As their caregiver, you have to be patient with them. Don’t get angry and try not to scream at them or lose your temper. Set up a positive, calm tone of voice and use your gestures to make them feel comfortable. Get their attention and limit noise and other distractions.

2. Communication issues

When caring for a patient with dementia, it’s normal to come across communication issues. At some point, your relative will start forgetting things, and as the condition advances, they may not remember your name and who you are. It’s very important to keep things simple and well-organized. Have pictures, paintings, or favorite possessions on display to make the patient feel safe and comfortable.

Your next step is to establish daily routines. Speak as calm as possible, stay calm and use simple words for your loved one to understand. If they misunderstand things, try not to argue with them and keep the tone of your voice down. Even if they don’t remember you, the fact that you’re calm will force their brain into believing everything is ok, and that they’re safe.

elderly-man3. Physical disabilities
Most physical disabilities that happen in patients with dementia occur due to falling injuries or strokes.

The greater the severity of the problem, the tougher it is for the caregiver to look after their loved one. In order to avoid accidents, it’s best to make your home a safer place to live in.

For example, in the bathroom, you can have grab bars installed. You can also place a shower bench and include a rubber carpet too to avoid complicated injuries from falls. Avoid telling your parent that they’re not trying enough or that they could do better. This will only discourage them, and you certainly don’t want that happening because it will affect their mood.

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4. Dealing with boredom
It’s fundamental for a caregiver to understand that a patient struggling with dementia won’t be able to perform all the activities that they once performed. To them, life can get boring and empty, not to mention that depression might kick in as well.

In case of vision loss, they won’t be able to read anymore; and if they lose their mobility abilities, they won’t be able to move. The Caregiver should focus on providing auditory and visual stimulation. Find a way to make them happy and don’t bring to their attention that there’s something they can’t do. If they can’t see well, take them outside anyway to smell the fresh flowers and hear the birds sing.

If they can’t walk, turn to different types of activities such as playing games or reading. Whatever you do, make sure they feel valued and useful. This will keep them happy, entertained and engaged.

5. Confusion and anxiety
Last but not least, we have to emphasize that all patients with dementia struggle with confusion and anxiety. These are enhanced at night, so always make sure that they have the light on when they go to bed.

Furthermore, if they lose track of time or place, the first thing you need to do is remind them who they are and where they are. This will help them “return to reality” a lot faster. Once again, do it on a calm tone and if you notice that they’re saying incorrect things, change the subject. Find a way to build a pleasant dialogue; talk about interesting subjects and put a smile on their faces.

Author: Edward Francis and Foresthc.com!


Filed Under: Care Tips, communication, LATE STAGE, MIDDLE STAGE Tagged With: cognitive decline in aging, cognitive decline symptoms, symptoms of cognitive decline

Fish Aquarium Tanks and Alzheimer’s dementia

12/292 Comments

Home Aquarium Fish Tanks and Alzheimer’s dementia

aquarium-serenityWhen I was much younger with young children of my own, I ran a daycare center for working Moms. One two-year-old little boy was particularly precocious and spent many long minutes in front of our home Aquarium fish tank.

If anything got spilled, broken or turned over– it was usually Jack who got the “time-out” which meant 4 minutes in front of our home fish aquarium.

He wasn’t a naughty boy but slow to talk, and even slower to accept the rules of the house.

Our large fish tank was filled with colorful fish and shells and air bubbles and lots of other activity most of the time. A few minutes in front of the Fish Tank  was little punishment for the small children I babysat, yet it calmed them down and soothed their tears if they were upset.

So recently I was not surprised to learn that a Fish Aquarium can do the same for those with Alzheimer’s dementia.

 Researchers at Purdue University have found that displaying tanks of brightly colored fish may curtail disruptive behaviors and improve eating habits of people with the disease of Alzheimer’s dementia.

Folks with Alzheimer’s react calmly to most house pets such as dogs or cats and now it seems that a fish aquarium can offer the same calming affect for those with Alzheimer’s dementia too.

If you have no time to care for a dog or cat or other pet, yet have  someone with Alzheimer’s in your home, an aquarium with lots of fish and activity may be just what you need.

A fish aquarium is alive with color. Besides the fish, the decorations are colorful and offer a soothing affect as water flows and bubbles float. A beautiful fish tank with many colors and flora is as fascinating for adults as it is for children.

It can bring a sense of peace and quiet. It can calm an angry person to settle down and watch the quiet and peacefulness of life inside the aquarium.

A local nursing home that has a large aquarium for their residents says, “It gives the residents meaning and purpose on a daily basis.”

I remember my own Mom could sit and watch the fish for hours, usually laughing and smiling and talking to them.

If you have someone in your home with Alzheimer’s dementia who suffers from agitation and is difficult to calm, try adding a Fish aquarium to your home with a comfortable chair nearby.

My mom loved the fish aquarium and could watch it for hours, tapping the side and talking to the fish inside. It is an excellent way to end mood swings for the person with dementia.

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Aquariums come in all sizes. Extra large tanks, such as this one, which can be recessed into the wall and makes a stunning presentation for the gorgeous fish that are available nowadays.

Yet a moderate size fish tank is just as satisfying for the person with Alzheimer’s dementia.

The attraction is the fish and all the activity happening in the tank.

Yet a moderate size fish tank is just as satisfying for the person with Alzheimer’s dementia. Their fascination is with the fish and activity inside the tank.

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Filed Under: Activities, Care Tips, LATE STAGE Tagged With: Aquarium soothes Alzheimer's, Fish Tanks and Aquariums, Home Aquarium Tanks

How to get Relief from Sundowners Syndrome

09/218 Comments

 Sundowners Syndrome and Sleep

 sleep-good

When my Mom had Alzheimer’s, Sundowners Syndrome could make bedtime a nightmare.

Late evening was a dreaded time for my Mom. Some evenings she would fall asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. But, more often than not she would begin to cry only hours before bed time.

A gentle weeping at first would turn into a very sad, groan then escalate to a loud sobbing wail that filled the house.

It didn’t happen every night, but it happened often enough to ask the doctor if there was something wrong and what on earth could I do.

Some antidepressants cause anxiety and irritation and keep them awake rather than help them to sleep. Mom seldom took more than a mild antidepressant at night as we hoped for a sound and restful sleep.

Despite all our efforts, several nights a week Sundowners Syndrome haunted Mom. Her wailing cry was unnerving. It almost sounded like someone in horrific emotional pain. If you’ve ever heard a mother weep from the death of a child, that is exactly how my Mom sounded on many nights. She wouldn’t walk or flail, but sit on the side of the bed and weep into the darkness.

Mom took a light medication to help her sleep, but remained alert during the day. Most often, she had really good days, it was only the evening hours that brought nightmares while she was wide awake.

A few things I did find to help during those Sundowners Syndrome Nights:

  • Keep the last meal of the day fairly early, usually before 5 pm
  • Take an afternoon walk, so Mom would be ready to settle down
  • No naps during the day, as that prevented sleep at night
  • For an hour or so before bed time, Mom would wind down from her daily activity
  • She’d be drowsy and perfectly happy to go to bed with a little warm milk

Sometimes these small activities would do the trick and she’d sleep soundly

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Though no one really knows for sure what causes it, Sundowners is common among those with dementia

Some behaviors during Sundowners include: shouting, wandering, expressing fear, sadness, crying and anxiety.

Since the cause of Sundowners is unknown, many think it might have something to do with the body’s natural cycle or Circadian Rhythms (natural sleep/wake cycle.) The longer they’ve had dementia, the deeper is their confusion.  It seems to occur as they begin to sleep more and stay awake less.

A few other recommendations I’ve learned since my Mom passed away 7 years ago are:

  1. Shadows seem to bring them a lot of fear, so try for a well lit atmosphere as much as possible
  2. Make sure they get lots of exercise during the day, so sleep-time comes more naturally
  3. Keep caffeinated beverages or foods to a minimum as they too can keep them awake
  4. Playing soft music also helps them to stay asleep and if they need to get up for bathroom time in the middle of the night, be certain the bathroom is well-lit
  5. Touch-base with their doctor. Let them know about the issue and ask for suggestions, perhaps a light sedative– or check on the medications they are already taking, could one of them be keeping them awake?

All the best to those caring for someone with Sundowners Syndrome. If you find something that helps or would like to share something you’ve learned, comment below. We’d love to hear from you.


Filed Under: Care Tips, LATE STAGE, MIDDLE STAGE Tagged With: Relief from Sundowner's Syndrome, Sundowners and Sleep, Sundowners Syndrome

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