Tag Archives: assisted living facilities
Understanding The Instrumental Activities Of Daily Living
Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are the abilities and skills that are necessary to do some of the daily tasks associated with independent living. These activities may not be essential for the basic functioning of a person. However, they are contemplated as important to evaluate the self-sufficiency of a person together with their quality of life. An evaluation of the capability of a person to manage the instrumental activities of daily living is used as a factor to understand whether a person can safely continue to live in their house without any outside help. Typically there are eight key focus areas for IADl and includes: ability to use a phone, running household tasks and shopping management of finances dressing and laundry housekeeping meal preparation transportation management of medication Functioning Of Instrumental Activities Of Daily Living There are various scales used to measure the ability of a person to do the instrumental activities of daily living. These include the Katz ADL scale, Lawton IADL scale, Older American Resources, And Services ADL/IADL scale, and the Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale. Some questionnaires are used by caregivers, family members, and health care professionals to measure the competence of a person with these skills. These are oftentimes used in assessments to find out if seniors can safely live at home independently. Alternatively, these are used to find out the level of services necessary to enable a senior to continue living in their home. These assessments will allow for objective considerations regarding […]
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Coping With Personality Changes in Seniors
Managing the day to day responsibilities and challenges of senior caregiving can be hard enough. Add to it the unexpected changes in the mental health and behavior of seniors that can happen due to old age or diseases. It can be stressful for a person to deal with and many caregivers in assisted living facilities deal with such situations daily. The changes in the behavior of the senior and their actions due to the change might make you feel hurt or angry. However, you need to stay calm. It is also not uncommon for a caregiver to be on the receiving end of a senior’s anger even after all they do as to address the person’s needs. When a person is unable to recognize someone or something, it can lead to a change in behavior. Anger, withdrawal, or suspicion in seniors can often signal unmanaged pain, out of control urinary tract infection, dementia-related problems, or medication interactions and side effects. The older a person gets, the more likely they are to lose control, memory, independence, mobility, and even a sense of belonging. There is no wonder a person would feel hopelessness, frustration, grief, and fear when they experience these losses and they will lash it out on the person who they see the most, which will usually be the caregiver in a senior living facility. Tips To Cope With Behavior Changes In Seniors The suggestions shared below can help you find a way to cope with the behavior and personality […]
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How Assisted Living Homes Prevent Medication Mistakes by Seniors
Following a proper medication schedule is vital for maintaining health in seniors, but it can be challenging for them at times. This is especially the case for those who have to take multiple types of medicine every day. It is reported that more than 770,000 seniors end up in a hospital emergency room because of medication mistakes. That is why assisted living homes pay special attention to medication management and ensure the right administration of prescription drugs for their elderly residents. Common Instances of Medication Mistakes by Seniors and How Assisted Living Helps to Avoid Them Most of the prescription medications for seniors are time-sensitive, such as those prescribed for diabetes and heart disease. If a senior patient misses a dose or takes too many doses at once, then the results can be very dangerous. Caregivers at assisted living facilities maintain an adequate medication schedule for each of their senior residents with the names of the prescription drugs, right dosages, and administration time. This way, they can help seniors to take the medicines adhering to the right dosage and intervals. Many seniors with chronic health conditions also have swallowing problems, which makes it difficult for them to take their medication as per the recommended schedule and dosage. This can be a serious concern for elderly individuals living alone as it increases the risks of choking and other issues. When in an assisted living setting, seniors are guided by professional caregivers to take their recommended doses without experiencing any complications. Caregivers […]
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FAQs on Medicare/Medicaid and Assisted Living Facilities
Healthcare costs are often the prime concern for families looking for senior living options. On average, assisted living facilities can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 per month or even more depending upon the location, the services included, and the amenities offered by the assisted living community. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your options and know how you can finance the senior care services for your elderly parent or grandparent. Below are some of the frequently asked questions about Medicare and Medicaid in regards to their coverage offered for senior care and assisted living. Does Medicare Pay for Assisted Living Costs? Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part C do not provide any cover for assisted living or retirement home costs. Instead, they only pay for the expenses associated with medical care for seniors, which may include a short-term stay in a skilled nursing home or a rehabilitation facility. Medicare can also be used to cover the costs of in-home care if the senior is recovering from an illness or injury and needs specialized healthcare supervision from a home health nurse or therapist. However, Medicare does not pay for any kind of long-term care, be it in an assisted living community or a nursing care center. Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living Facilities? Medicaid is a type of health insurance that is designed to serve low-income families and individuals with only a few assets. So seniors can qualify for Medicaid coverage only if they meet certain criteria […]
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Different Types of Memory Care Therapies at Assisted Living Facilities
Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease experience extreme difficulties to interact with their surroundings. This is not only due to their cognitive impairment but also as a result of the changes related to their senses and perception. Such seniors may feel distressed and uncomfortable when in an unfamiliar situation and even become distracted in visually stimulating environments or due to high sounds or noise. That is why assisted living facilities offer all-inclusive care services to seniors with or dementia. Assisted living senior care communities focus on creating an environment that is safe and promotes independence in dementia or Alzheimer’s patients. This helps to boost their quality of life and alleviates stress. Although there are dedicated memory care facilities that differ from assisted living communities, the latter follows a comprehensive approach to help seniors with any condition. Below are some of the unique therapies employed by assisted living facilities to help seniors with memory-related conditions. Aromatherapy Aromatherapy refers to a holistic healing treatment approach that involves using plant extracts and aromatic essential oils to promote the overall health of the body and mind. It is seen to benefit physical and emotional health in seniors, which helps them to relax and reduces the likelihood of difficult behaviors. Aromatherapy can also help to improve mood, reduce anxiety, lower agitation, and promote sleep in seniors with dementia. Light Therapy Light therapy, which is also known as phototherapy in some cases, has lately emerged as a promising treatment for dementia patients. It helps to stimulate […]
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Different Types of Rooms in Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living is one of the most popular senior care options these days. However, not many people know that there are many types of rooms in assisted living facilities, which can cater to the specific needs of residents. Below is a quick look at the different types of rooms commonly found in an assisted living community. Private Apartments Most of the seniors moving to assisted living facilities prefer living in their own unit while having access to specialized care and assistance round-the-clock. A private apartment in an assisted living community will have a living quarter and a private bathroom, while some also have a small cooking area. The layout and design may differ from community to community, and it can be furnished or unfurnished. In any case, private apartments allow seniors to live as independently as possible with the needed assistance for bathing, meals, medication, etc. Condominiums Many assisted living communities offer high-end options to their residents these days. These units feel more like a luxury condominium than a private apartment, which helps to make the move easy and comfortable for some seniors. The condo-like setting allows seniors to get better privacy for receiving the necessary care services, which can be scheduled per the preferences of the resident. A condo-style room in an assisted living facility will be larger than an apartment and will include fancier fixtures and furnishings. While these are more expensive, condominiums offer the highest level of independence and privacy. Private Rooms Some assisted living facilities offer […]
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Tips to Manage Holiday Loneliness in Seniors
Holidays can amplify feelings of loneliness and isolation in seniors. Although staying in assisted living facilities can offer great opportunities to remain socially active and enjoy the holidays with new friends, it often sparks memories in seniors when the holiday season arrives. Remembering the days when they spent quality time with loved ones can make seniors feel depressed and alone. Therefore, it is essential to help them feel happy and contented during the holidays. Below are a few tips that will help you to manage holiday melancholy with your senior family members. Get a Holiday Gift A special gift for your elder parent or grandparent living in an assisted care facility can be a wonderful reminder that they are loved. It can be as simple as a Christmas cake, a music player loaded with their favorite songs, or an iPad to help them stay connected with you when you are away. If your elderly family member is living in a far-away assisted living community and you cannot visit them in person, make use of technology to communicate with them. If possible, a casual visit to the assisted living community during the holidays will be the best way to lift their mood. That way, you can help them decorate their room and make them feel special. Follow the Holiday Traditions If a senior visited religious services regularly before moving to a senior care facility, it can invoke a deep sense of loss to them during the holidays. So if possible, take […]
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