WHY WALK?
by Travis Tomulty, Director of Recreation
Walking is the single most functional way to produce body movement. Aside from simply maintaining self independence, consider the many benefits of aerobic exercise like walking:
• Walking loads the skeleton and helps build stronger bones.
• Walking can be done anywhere and the only equipment needed is a pair of walking shoes.
• Walking is one of the easiest and most commonly prescribed initial weight loss methods.
• Walking is often helpful for controlling excess body fat that can lead to more serious health problems.
• Walking is one commonly used method to help regulate blood sugar and insulin needs in diabetics. In many cases reducing either the amount or sometimes even the need for insulin altogether.
• Walking, when performed at moderate or greater intensities, has been proven to help delay the onset of mental diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
• Walking helps prevent frailty.
• Walking is a great way to socialize and exercise at the same time.
AEROBIC EXERCISE
While walking as a form of exercise may be the most common, the easiest, or even the cheapest method to get in good cardiovascular (“heart and lung”) fitness, any type of aerobic exercise will do. If you get bored with walking and want to stay in shape, consider these options:
• Gardening or Yard work;
• Housework;
• Stair Climbing;
• Bicycling;
• Swimming;
• Jump Rope;
• Elliptical and more.
The General Health benefits of aerobic exercise can not be overstated. Consider these additional health benefits when you need that extra motivation to go for a walk or do aerobic exercise:
• Helps prevent most forms of Cardiovascular Heart Disease.
• Decreases the risk of some cancers, including lung and gastrointestinal, among others.
• Lowers blood pressure and resting heart rate.
• Strengthens the heart and lungs. In many cases, walking (or biking) is even the first thing prescribed in an outpatient cardiac rehab program.
• Reduces stress and anxiety.
• Improves the immune system, keeping you from some sickness, and speeding your recovery from other sickness..
• Increases the metabolism to help control weight and blood sugar.
• Helps for fatigue during the day and insomnia at night.
• Strengthens mental and emotional health.
• Helps for cholesterol control, lowering the bad and bettering the ratio.
• It is a great way to socialize and meet people.
• Helps quit smoking.
• Helps prevent frailty and loss of self independence.
• Increases the overall quality of life.
Just Any Old Mosey (or casual walk)?
Remember that for any type of exercise (even housework) to be effective and to count, it must do these things:
• Raise your heart rate or HR. How much is enough?
As a general guideline, the training heart rate ranges for healthy adults depends on age and normal resting heart rate. See quick chart below:
Training Heart Rates (Min to Max)
If your Resting HR is 60 to 80 bpm
Aged 40: 132 160
Aged 60: 120 144
Aged 80: 108 128
bpm is beats per minute
• Be somewhat frequent. Target at least 30 minutes a day three to five days a week. Less is okay at first, but the more the better.
How To Keep With It
• Set a reasonable goal or identify an important reason to begin.
• Be gradual. Exercise will make you stronger and feel better, no need to over do it and risk getting burned out. If you’re feeling out of shape, try shorter bouts like 10 minutes at a time three times in a day, or two fifteen-minute sessions instead of one big one.
• Bring a friend or family member. Make it a social routine.
• Vary your route or do a different type of exercise.
• Make it convenient. Wear more exercise clothes around the house. Many new running or walking shoes are fashionable and well cushioned for a variety of other uses.
• Remember to warm up and cool down. This helps the body adjust easier to exercise. In some cases, warming up actually increases your performance. If you’re walking, start by stretching and a slower walk pace. If you’re cooling down, walk slower and stretch afterwards.
• Exercise can seem moderately uncomfortable but should not be painful. If you feel joint pain or are intolerant of weight bearing activities, try biking or swimming.
• See a physician if you’re feeling severe pain or dizziness, unexpected shortness of breath, extreme fatigue or sickness, chest pain or similar irritabilities, before continuing your exercise.
• Track your progress. Put a special check on the calendar; write it on a reminder pad or sticky note; or maybe put a star on a progress chart you made. The more noticeable the better.
• Resistance exercise has been shown to compliment aerobic exercise and is suitable for all ages. Resistance or Weight Training for strength alone, however, does not count as an aerobic exercise.
• If you feel like your exercise is still too intense, walk or aerobically exercise for a longer period as opposed to a more intense speed or effort.
# # #
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Feedback
Here's what residents are saying about St. Francis:
"Everyone has a smile and says, 'Hello, how are you today?' Quite focused on care of residents. Lovely surroundings outside and clean building inside."
"Was not looking forward to spending time in an extended care facility. However, it was the right thing to do and I received great care."
"I don't think I could have been treated so well anywhere else."
"Pleasant, kind and caring staff. Concerned about patients' care and well-being."
"It's like being surrounded by family and friends."
"Everyone cares and lots of smiles. They take time to listen and help as much as they can."
"Staff took the extra time and effort to address my questions or concerns I had."
"A very caring environment. Staff really tries to help you get better so you can return home, if possible."
"I could not find a more caring bunch of people."
"I don't know how the service could have been better."
"The nurses and staff were wonderful."
"Having experienced physical therapy before in many places, I must compliment staff on their attitude plus their excellent program for each patient."
"The nurses went above and beyond to give me the best care."
"Everyone is caring, friendly, smiling, positive, upbeat and efficient. They take the time to answer any questions you might have and will stop in to see you if you need anything, even if your call light isn't on."
"Physical therapy was fun and I do miss everyone."
"If I had wanted a vacation from my retired life, I wouldn't have asked for a better place to be."
"The PT and OT staff were an incredible team and their shared ideas helped to provide me with exceptional therapy."
"Everyone has a smile and says, 'Hello, how are you today?' Quite focused on care of residents. Lovely surroundings outside and clean building inside."
"Was not looking forward to spending time in an extended care facility. However, it was the right thing to do and I received great care."
"I don't think I could have been treated so well anywhere else."
"Pleasant, kind and caring staff. Concerned about patients' care and well-being."
"It's like being surrounded by family and friends."
"Everyone cares and lots of smiles. They take time to listen and help as much as they can."
"Staff took the extra time and effort to address my questions or concerns I had."
"A very caring environment. Staff really tries to help you get better so you can return home, if possible."
"I could not find a more caring bunch of people."
"I don't know how the service could have been better."
"The nurses and staff were wonderful."
"Having experienced physical therapy before in many places, I must compliment staff on their attitude plus their excellent program for each patient."
"The nurses went above and beyond to give me the best care."
"Everyone is caring, friendly, smiling, positive, upbeat and efficient. They take the time to answer any questions you might have and will stop in to see you if you need anything, even if your call light isn't on."
"Physical therapy was fun and I do miss everyone."
"If I had wanted a vacation from my retired life, I wouldn't have asked for a better place to be."
"The PT and OT staff were an incredible team and their shared ideas helped to provide me with exceptional therapy."
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Rx: Friendship
Add More Socialization to Your Healthy Aging Prescription
We humans are "hardwired" to crave and rely on human contact. Unlike, for example, a turtle, which hatches from a buried egg and is on its own from that moment on, people depend on other people for survival.
Brain experts explain this "wiring": early human beings lived in small, interdependent groups. To survive and thrive, individuals needed to be finely attuned to their fellow tribesmen, so the part of our brain that controls communication is very large and developed. Just as humans have a built-in desire for food, water and sleep, we also have a deep need to connect with other people.
Deprived of engagement with others, human beings experience a condition that is damaging and distressing: loneliness. Loneliness can be a debilitating, distressing condition for humans. Consider that prisoners can be controlled with the threat of solitary confinement. And most people can identify with the movie Cast Away where Tom Hanks, marooned on a deserted island, creates a "companion" by drawing a face on a volleyball that has drifted ashore.
Over the last few decades, researchers have been fine-tuning a definitive "prescription" for healthy aging, defining the building blocks that combine to help us maintain the highest possible level of function and quality of life in our later years.
You have probably read a lot about the vital role of physical activity, about "brain care" and making lifestyle choices that support memory health, and about personal safety, including medication management and fall prevention.
But recently, increased attention is being focused on the importance of socializing and maintaining human relationships throughout life. Experts on aging have long suspected that socialization improves physical and emotional well-being, increases mental alertness and encourages a more active lifestyle. New research studies confirm these benefits and more, pinpointing the mechanisms behind the protective properties of human interaction that lessen the risk of Alzheimer's disease, promote heart health, improve symptoms of depression and minimize the effects of stress.
For many years, research focused on the "practical" view of socialization. As they grew older, people with more developed social connections could get a ride to the doctor, find someone to lend a hand with physical care, go out to dinner with companions, walk around the park with a social group. And this is indeed an important part of the picture. But we now know that this isn't the whole story of why social engagement is so important.
Science Says: 8 Good Reasons to Be Socially Engaged
Recent studies confirm that socialization can have a positive impact in these areas:
1. Immune System
A 2007 UCLA study demonstrated that loneliness decreases the efficiency of the human immune system. The study's author, Dr. Steven Cole, says, "The biological impact of social isolation reaches down into some of our most basic internal processes—the activity of our genes." Several other studies also confirm that people with strong social connections exhibit stronger immunity against disease.
2. Blood Pressure
University of Chicago researchers released a study in 2006 showing that loneliness is linked to high blood pressure. Stress seems to be a key element of this connection. Author John Cacioppo points out that lonely individuals are less likely to approach stressful situations with "active coping and attempting to problem solve," which leads to a hypertension-promoting passive reaction. For humans, discussing one's problems with someone else is an instant stress buster.
3. Brain Health and Memory
A 2009 study from the American Academy of Neurology examining stress and dementia confirms that people who are socially active may be less likely to develop cognitive impairment. And a 2008 Harvard School of Public Health study showed that an active social life slows memory loss. In another University of Chicago study, MRI scans confirmed the negative impact of loneliness on brain health. It is important to note that in these studies, the researchers were careful to rule out "reverse causation"—the possibility that study participants were less social because they had memory loss, and not the opposite.
4. Physical Activity
Physical activity is frequently called the number one ingredient for healthy aging…and numerous studies demonstrate that social connections lead to increased exercise. For people of any age, it can quickly grow boring to go for a walk alone day after day! And many gym members confirm that they would prefer waiting in line for the treadmill to work out in the company of a group of like minded people, rather than exercise at home. According to the International Council on Active Aging, for many seniors, one of the main predictors of maintaining one's fitness program over time is the good old "buddy system." So keep yourself motivated, and surround yourself with other people who will support your fitness goals.
5. Depression
Depression is one of the most common challenges of growing older. One of the most important and powerful ways to fight depression is to interact and engage with others. A 2009 report from the American Sociological Association examined the connection between depression and feelings of loneliness, finding that the two are intertwined. Untreated, depression can cause a senior to withdraw from social engagement…but spending more time with others can help "jump start" recovery.
6. Pain
Unfortunately, physical pain from conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis also becomes more common as we grow older. Chronic pain can have a major negative impact on quality of life. A Harvard Medical School study describes the cycle: "Pain slows recovery from depression, depression makes pain harder to treat…depression leads to isolation and isolation leads to further depression." Maintaining social connection with others can be an important tool in decreasing the impact of pain. And people who are coping with chronic pain also report the positive effects of participating in support groups with others who are dealing with the same challenges.
7. Nutrition
Gerontologists have long known that social isolation is a big risk factor for malnutrition. A 2009 study of hospitalized seniors from the Universite de Montreal found "a clear correlation between food intake and social interaction." Seniors who live alone often say that it is "just too much trouble" to fix a nutritious meal for one, and they may skip meals or get in the habit of snacking on junk food. This can lead to a serious weight loss—or, in some cases, to obesity, when a lonely person turns to food for companionship.
8. Relationships
It may seem paradoxical, but socialization with a large number of people has been shown to have a positive impact on our primary relationships. A 2009 article in the AARP Bulletin points out that "even though Americans are closer to their spouses than ever before, that kind of intimacy can work against us if we allow ourselves to 'cocoon' within the relationship." Married couples who become too insular tend to expect their partner to meet all their emotional needs. In the same way, too much reliance on the parent/child bond can also be stressful for both, even when parents and children are the kind who describe each other as "best friends." Studies show that seniors who socialize not only with family members but also with their peers have better emotional, intellectual and physical health.
Meeting the Socialization Challenges in Our Later Years
Even though social engagement is just as—if not more—important for our well-being as we age, our social networks may diminish. We retire from work, our children grow up and move away, and we may face the loss of our spouse or partner. Changes in our health status can lead to decreased energy, communication or mobility challenges, and reduced transportation options. This potentially leads to one of the "downward spirals" we have previously examined in the Aging in Stride E-News: in this case, physical decline decreases opportunities for socialization, and the resulting loneliness and depression contribute to physical decline…which in turn makes it even more challenging to get out of the house and be with other people.
So, it is worth it to make the effort, make a plan, to add more socialization to your life! One of the gifts of being older is that you have more time to spend developing relationships and doing the things that bring you pleasure. Make a list of the activities you currently enjoy, as well as interests you've always wanted to pursue. Do you like to play cards, do needlework, or arrange flowers? Are you a birdwatcher or a fly fisherman or a bowler? Do you enjoy cooking, or art, or going to the theater? Have you always wanted to learn to ballroom dance, to quilt, to do woodworking, carpentry, or remodeling projects?
To help translate your interests into activities with other people, check into the opportunities offered by your local senior center, community colleges, parks and recreation department, church, synagogue or other faith community, and your friends, neighbors and acquaintances.
And as you think about creating a life that is full of meaningful interaction with other people, consider the possibility of becoming a volunteer. The need has never been greater in all communities, and volunteering is a great way to meet new friends. Many worthy organizations—schools, hospitals, museums, social service agencies—rely upon volunteers. Fortunately, many retirees are answering the call, serving their communities, sharing their gifts, and helping others. (See the March 2009 issue of the Aging in Stride E-News for many more ideas!)
Think also about where you would like to live for the rest of your life. Does your current living situation allow you to get "out and about" and have contact with others? Would a senior living community be a good choice as you plan for the future?
Yes, as we grow older, it takes a little more effort and more planning to stay fully engaged with life, but the rewards are great. Of course, this is an individual thing—some of us are born social butterflies and others need our "alone time" more than do others. But for most people, socialization is as important as physical activity—and when it comes to social skills, "use it or lose it" applies.
By Joyce Remy, Editor, and Dennis Kenny, Co-Author, Aging in Stride–Plan Ahead, Stay Connected, Keep Moving. Copyright 2009. Reprinted with permission from Aging in Stride eNews – subscribe free at www.AgingInStride.org
We humans are "hardwired" to crave and rely on human contact. Unlike, for example, a turtle, which hatches from a buried egg and is on its own from that moment on, people depend on other people for survival.
Brain experts explain this "wiring": early human beings lived in small, interdependent groups. To survive and thrive, individuals needed to be finely attuned to their fellow tribesmen, so the part of our brain that controls communication is very large and developed. Just as humans have a built-in desire for food, water and sleep, we also have a deep need to connect with other people.
Deprived of engagement with others, human beings experience a condition that is damaging and distressing: loneliness. Loneliness can be a debilitating, distressing condition for humans. Consider that prisoners can be controlled with the threat of solitary confinement. And most people can identify with the movie Cast Away where Tom Hanks, marooned on a deserted island, creates a "companion" by drawing a face on a volleyball that has drifted ashore.
Over the last few decades, researchers have been fine-tuning a definitive "prescription" for healthy aging, defining the building blocks that combine to help us maintain the highest possible level of function and quality of life in our later years.
You have probably read a lot about the vital role of physical activity, about "brain care" and making lifestyle choices that support memory health, and about personal safety, including medication management and fall prevention.
But recently, increased attention is being focused on the importance of socializing and maintaining human relationships throughout life. Experts on aging have long suspected that socialization improves physical and emotional well-being, increases mental alertness and encourages a more active lifestyle. New research studies confirm these benefits and more, pinpointing the mechanisms behind the protective properties of human interaction that lessen the risk of Alzheimer's disease, promote heart health, improve symptoms of depression and minimize the effects of stress.
For many years, research focused on the "practical" view of socialization. As they grew older, people with more developed social connections could get a ride to the doctor, find someone to lend a hand with physical care, go out to dinner with companions, walk around the park with a social group. And this is indeed an important part of the picture. But we now know that this isn't the whole story of why social engagement is so important.
Science Says: 8 Good Reasons to Be Socially Engaged
Recent studies confirm that socialization can have a positive impact in these areas:
1. Immune System
A 2007 UCLA study demonstrated that loneliness decreases the efficiency of the human immune system. The study's author, Dr. Steven Cole, says, "The biological impact of social isolation reaches down into some of our most basic internal processes—the activity of our genes." Several other studies also confirm that people with strong social connections exhibit stronger immunity against disease.
2. Blood Pressure
University of Chicago researchers released a study in 2006 showing that loneliness is linked to high blood pressure. Stress seems to be a key element of this connection. Author John Cacioppo points out that lonely individuals are less likely to approach stressful situations with "active coping and attempting to problem solve," which leads to a hypertension-promoting passive reaction. For humans, discussing one's problems with someone else is an instant stress buster.
3. Brain Health and Memory
A 2009 study from the American Academy of Neurology examining stress and dementia confirms that people who are socially active may be less likely to develop cognitive impairment. And a 2008 Harvard School of Public Health study showed that an active social life slows memory loss. In another University of Chicago study, MRI scans confirmed the negative impact of loneliness on brain health. It is important to note that in these studies, the researchers were careful to rule out "reverse causation"—the possibility that study participants were less social because they had memory loss, and not the opposite.
4. Physical Activity
Physical activity is frequently called the number one ingredient for healthy aging…and numerous studies demonstrate that social connections lead to increased exercise. For people of any age, it can quickly grow boring to go for a walk alone day after day! And many gym members confirm that they would prefer waiting in line for the treadmill to work out in the company of a group of like minded people, rather than exercise at home. According to the International Council on Active Aging, for many seniors, one of the main predictors of maintaining one's fitness program over time is the good old "buddy system." So keep yourself motivated, and surround yourself with other people who will support your fitness goals.
5. Depression
Depression is one of the most common challenges of growing older. One of the most important and powerful ways to fight depression is to interact and engage with others. A 2009 report from the American Sociological Association examined the connection between depression and feelings of loneliness, finding that the two are intertwined. Untreated, depression can cause a senior to withdraw from social engagement…but spending more time with others can help "jump start" recovery.
6. Pain
Unfortunately, physical pain from conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis also becomes more common as we grow older. Chronic pain can have a major negative impact on quality of life. A Harvard Medical School study describes the cycle: "Pain slows recovery from depression, depression makes pain harder to treat…depression leads to isolation and isolation leads to further depression." Maintaining social connection with others can be an important tool in decreasing the impact of pain. And people who are coping with chronic pain also report the positive effects of participating in support groups with others who are dealing with the same challenges.
7. Nutrition
Gerontologists have long known that social isolation is a big risk factor for malnutrition. A 2009 study of hospitalized seniors from the Universite de Montreal found "a clear correlation between food intake and social interaction." Seniors who live alone often say that it is "just too much trouble" to fix a nutritious meal for one, and they may skip meals or get in the habit of snacking on junk food. This can lead to a serious weight loss—or, in some cases, to obesity, when a lonely person turns to food for companionship.
8. Relationships
It may seem paradoxical, but socialization with a large number of people has been shown to have a positive impact on our primary relationships. A 2009 article in the AARP Bulletin points out that "even though Americans are closer to their spouses than ever before, that kind of intimacy can work against us if we allow ourselves to 'cocoon' within the relationship." Married couples who become too insular tend to expect their partner to meet all their emotional needs. In the same way, too much reliance on the parent/child bond can also be stressful for both, even when parents and children are the kind who describe each other as "best friends." Studies show that seniors who socialize not only with family members but also with their peers have better emotional, intellectual and physical health.
Meeting the Socialization Challenges in Our Later Years
Even though social engagement is just as—if not more—important for our well-being as we age, our social networks may diminish. We retire from work, our children grow up and move away, and we may face the loss of our spouse or partner. Changes in our health status can lead to decreased energy, communication or mobility challenges, and reduced transportation options. This potentially leads to one of the "downward spirals" we have previously examined in the Aging in Stride E-News: in this case, physical decline decreases opportunities for socialization, and the resulting loneliness and depression contribute to physical decline…which in turn makes it even more challenging to get out of the house and be with other people.
So, it is worth it to make the effort, make a plan, to add more socialization to your life! One of the gifts of being older is that you have more time to spend developing relationships and doing the things that bring you pleasure. Make a list of the activities you currently enjoy, as well as interests you've always wanted to pursue. Do you like to play cards, do needlework, or arrange flowers? Are you a birdwatcher or a fly fisherman or a bowler? Do you enjoy cooking, or art, or going to the theater? Have you always wanted to learn to ballroom dance, to quilt, to do woodworking, carpentry, or remodeling projects?
To help translate your interests into activities with other people, check into the opportunities offered by your local senior center, community colleges, parks and recreation department, church, synagogue or other faith community, and your friends, neighbors and acquaintances.
And as you think about creating a life that is full of meaningful interaction with other people, consider the possibility of becoming a volunteer. The need has never been greater in all communities, and volunteering is a great way to meet new friends. Many worthy organizations—schools, hospitals, museums, social service agencies—rely upon volunteers. Fortunately, many retirees are answering the call, serving their communities, sharing their gifts, and helping others. (See the March 2009 issue of the Aging in Stride E-News for many more ideas!)
Think also about where you would like to live for the rest of your life. Does your current living situation allow you to get "out and about" and have contact with others? Would a senior living community be a good choice as you plan for the future?
Yes, as we grow older, it takes a little more effort and more planning to stay fully engaged with life, but the rewards are great. Of course, this is an individual thing—some of us are born social butterflies and others need our "alone time" more than do others. But for most people, socialization is as important as physical activity—and when it comes to social skills, "use it or lose it" applies.
By Joyce Remy, Editor, and Dennis Kenny, Co-Author, Aging in Stride–Plan Ahead, Stay Connected, Keep Moving. Copyright 2009. Reprinted with permission from Aging in Stride eNews – subscribe free at www.AgingInStride.org
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Long-term care 101
A Consumer's Guide to Nursing Facilities
Assessing Your Needs
By planning ahead you can find the quality of care and quality of life that you desire in a nursing facility for yourself or your loved one.
Today's nursing facilities (often referred to as nursing homes, extended care services, or health care centers) serve the young and old alike, both those who expect to recover fully as well as those in need of extended long term care services. The goal of care in a nursing facility is to help individuals meet their daily physical, social, medical, and psychological needs and to return home whenever possible.
Whether you're thinking about a nursing facility for a relative, a friend, or yourself, this guide will help you make the best selection.
Services
Four basic types of services are offered by nursing facilities:
Medical Care
Residents in nursing facilities are under the care of physicians, who visit regularly and are responsible for the residents' overall plan of care. Physicians certify the need for nursing care and may serve as a resource for information about long term care facilities in the community. When individuals enter the facility, physicians write orders for necessary medication and play a role in the development of the residents' care plan, including restorative and rehabilitative procedures, special diets, and treatments. Every nursing facility has a medical director on staff who can address medical issues and other concerns with the patient, the patient’s attending physician or family.
Nursing and Rehabilitative Care
All nursing facilities require the professional skills of a registered or licensed practical nurse. Nursing services include assessment, treatments, injections, coordination of care, and medication administration. Rehabilitative services such as post-hospital stroke, heart, or orthopedic care are available in addition to related services such as respiratory therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. Dental services, dietary consultation, laboratory, x-ray, and pharmaceutical services are also available.
Personal Care
Personal care is provided to residents who need help with various activities such as walking, getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing, and eating. Certified nurse assistants provide many of these services.
Residential Care
Residential care services include general supervision, provided within a safe and secure environment, along with a variety of with a variety of programs to meet the social and spiritual needs of residents.
If you believe a long term care setting may be needed, it is best to begin planning well in advance. Try to involve the prospective resident in the planning process as much as you can. If the individual has questions regarding care that you are not able to answer, be sure to ask the facility's staff. Remember, experienced, professional caregivers understand both the concerns of the resident and those of the family and are eager to help make the transition as calm and positive as possible.
Finding A Nursing Facility
After you and your physician discuss the type of services needed, obtain the names of facilities in your area. Other resources for information about nursing facilities include:
Discharge planner (hospital);
Social workers;
Geriatric case manager;
State affiliate of the American Health Care Association*;
Local medical society;
State or local Office on Aging;
State long term care ombudsman program or health department;
The Medicare web site**;
Minister, priest, rabbi, or other spiritual advisers in your community;
Friends or neighbors who have had direct experiences with local nursing facilities;
Individual Facilities' Internet sites.
By telephoning the facilities on your list, you will be able to narrow the field to two or three offering the specific services and location you desire. Talk with administrative personnel and make an appointment to tour the facility. Try to visit each facility at several different times of the day; this will give you a better sense of the facility. Be sure to ask questions about what you are seeing, hearing, or feeling about the facility.
*A list of State Affiliates of the American Health Care Association is available on the Online at: http://www.ahca.org/who/pubstate.htm
**CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) is the federal agency that administers the Medicare and Medicaid programs. More information is available on the Internet at: http://www.cms.gov/
Services and Ambience
When you visit a nursing facility, you will see a variety of staff specialists. The numbers and specialties of staff reflect the specific needs of the facility's residents. Caregivers are available around the clock and licensed nurses with the help of certified nursing assistants provide 24-hour care.
Resident social activities are provided in all facilities. Ask what types of group activities are offered and how individual residents' needs and preferences are identified. Residents should have the opportunity to be involved in activities that provide mental, physical, and social stimulation. Some innovative examples include:
Using computers and e-mail to help residents keep in touch with their families and loved ones. Some facilities offer computer classes to residents to learn how to surf the Web and sharpen their skills.
Mentoring programs provide an opportunity for residents to interact with children from the local community. Art classes, music recitals and other activities also allow residents to interact with their fellow residents and the community in which the facility is located.
Take some time to talk with the residents. Ask them about their life in the facility. Also, try to plan a visit to the facility during mealtimes so you can observe food presentation and interaction in the dining room. Each facility has a registered dietitian who can talk to you about special dietary needs.
Other specialists who may be on staff or available on a consultant basis include physical therapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychiatric personnel, social workers, pharmacists, podiatrists, and dentists.
The overall management of the facility is the responsibility of the administrator. Other administrative personnel include medical records staff, personnel director, admissions director, and financial staff. Building maintenance, laundry, and housekeeping personnel are also on staff.
During your visit, talk to the caregivers; many of these talented professionals are registered or licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants who have devoted their careers to caring for the elderly and the disabled. People providing services to people is what long term care is all about.
Assessing Your Needs
By planning ahead you can find the quality of care and quality of life that you desire in a nursing facility for yourself or your loved one.
Today's nursing facilities (often referred to as nursing homes, extended care services, or health care centers) serve the young and old alike, both those who expect to recover fully as well as those in need of extended long term care services. The goal of care in a nursing facility is to help individuals meet their daily physical, social, medical, and psychological needs and to return home whenever possible.
Whether you're thinking about a nursing facility for a relative, a friend, or yourself, this guide will help you make the best selection.
Services
Four basic types of services are offered by nursing facilities:
Medical Care
Residents in nursing facilities are under the care of physicians, who visit regularly and are responsible for the residents' overall plan of care. Physicians certify the need for nursing care and may serve as a resource for information about long term care facilities in the community. When individuals enter the facility, physicians write orders for necessary medication and play a role in the development of the residents' care plan, including restorative and rehabilitative procedures, special diets, and treatments. Every nursing facility has a medical director on staff who can address medical issues and other concerns with the patient, the patient’s attending physician or family.
Nursing and Rehabilitative Care
All nursing facilities require the professional skills of a registered or licensed practical nurse. Nursing services include assessment, treatments, injections, coordination of care, and medication administration. Rehabilitative services such as post-hospital stroke, heart, or orthopedic care are available in addition to related services such as respiratory therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. Dental services, dietary consultation, laboratory, x-ray, and pharmaceutical services are also available.
Personal Care
Personal care is provided to residents who need help with various activities such as walking, getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing, and eating. Certified nurse assistants provide many of these services.
Residential Care
Residential care services include general supervision, provided within a safe and secure environment, along with a variety of with a variety of programs to meet the social and spiritual needs of residents.
If you believe a long term care setting may be needed, it is best to begin planning well in advance. Try to involve the prospective resident in the planning process as much as you can. If the individual has questions regarding care that you are not able to answer, be sure to ask the facility's staff. Remember, experienced, professional caregivers understand both the concerns of the resident and those of the family and are eager to help make the transition as calm and positive as possible.
Finding A Nursing Facility
After you and your physician discuss the type of services needed, obtain the names of facilities in your area. Other resources for information about nursing facilities include:
Discharge planner (hospital);
Social workers;
Geriatric case manager;
State affiliate of the American Health Care Association*;
Local medical society;
State or local Office on Aging;
State long term care ombudsman program or health department;
The Medicare web site**;
Minister, priest, rabbi, or other spiritual advisers in your community;
Friends or neighbors who have had direct experiences with local nursing facilities;
Individual Facilities' Internet sites.
By telephoning the facilities on your list, you will be able to narrow the field to two or three offering the specific services and location you desire. Talk with administrative personnel and make an appointment to tour the facility. Try to visit each facility at several different times of the day; this will give you a better sense of the facility. Be sure to ask questions about what you are seeing, hearing, or feeling about the facility.
*A list of State Affiliates of the American Health Care Association is available on the Online at: http://www.ahca.org/who/pubstate.htm
**CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) is the federal agency that administers the Medicare and Medicaid programs. More information is available on the Internet at: http://www.cms.gov/
Services and Ambience
When you visit a nursing facility, you will see a variety of staff specialists. The numbers and specialties of staff reflect the specific needs of the facility's residents. Caregivers are available around the clock and licensed nurses with the help of certified nursing assistants provide 24-hour care.
Resident social activities are provided in all facilities. Ask what types of group activities are offered and how individual residents' needs and preferences are identified. Residents should have the opportunity to be involved in activities that provide mental, physical, and social stimulation. Some innovative examples include:
Using computers and e-mail to help residents keep in touch with their families and loved ones. Some facilities offer computer classes to residents to learn how to surf the Web and sharpen their skills.
Mentoring programs provide an opportunity for residents to interact with children from the local community. Art classes, music recitals and other activities also allow residents to interact with their fellow residents and the community in which the facility is located.
Take some time to talk with the residents. Ask them about their life in the facility. Also, try to plan a visit to the facility during mealtimes so you can observe food presentation and interaction in the dining room. Each facility has a registered dietitian who can talk to you about special dietary needs.
Other specialists who may be on staff or available on a consultant basis include physical therapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychiatric personnel, social workers, pharmacists, podiatrists, and dentists.
The overall management of the facility is the responsibility of the administrator. Other administrative personnel include medical records staff, personnel director, admissions director, and financial staff. Building maintenance, laundry, and housekeeping personnel are also on staff.
During your visit, talk to the caregivers; many of these talented professionals are registered or licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants who have devoted their careers to caring for the elderly and the disabled. People providing services to people is what long term care is all about.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
