When you first begin researching senior living facilities, you may be surprised (and a bit confused) to find that you have a number of different facility types to choose from. Need some help sorting through all of them? Here is a rundown of the different types of senior living facilities:
Independent living - As the name suggests, these facilities are best for seniors who are, more or less, completely independent. Seniors who can care for themselves benefit from the convenience, socialization, and activities provided by an independent living facility. There are no personal care professionals at an independent living facility, unless they are privately hired.
Assisted living - Assisted living facilities are for seniors who are relatively independent, but who require limited personal care services (help with dressing and taking medications, for example). These facilities employ a personal care staff that consists of personal care assistants (PCA) and certified nursing aides (CNA).
Nursing home care - Nursing homes are for those seniors that require round the clock care from medical professionals. These facilities employee a staff of nurses, generally headed by a registered nurse (RN) and occasionally overseen by a physician.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CRRC) - These facilities offer all of the living environment and personal care services of the three options listed above. They are perfect for independent seniors who like the idea of growing older in a single place.
Skilled Nursing Poway, CA
People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the Firstat’s website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/
About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com
No one likes the thought of placing a loved one in a senior living facility, but sometimes it’s just the right thing to do. When do you know when that time has arrived? Here are some signs it’s time to begin your search for a senior living facility:
Personal Care - When your loved one seems to be slacking in the area of personal care and hygiene (bathing, grooming, and brushing teeth, for example), it may be time to search for a living environment in which necessary help will be provided.
Memory loss - Memory loss can cause some serious consequences for seniors. These problems may range from forgetting to turn off the stove to driving to an unfamiliar place and getting lost. If your loved one is showing signs of memory loss, you may be doing the best thing by choosing a senior living facility for placement.
Medication - Many seniors are on a strict medication regimen. If your loved one has a difficult time keeping up with a medication schedule, then you may need to enlist the help of professionals at a senior living facility.
Eating and nutrition - It is all too easy for less-abled seniors to forego proper eating habits—sometimes ignoring doctor-imposed dietary restrictions altogether—without guidance. At senior living facilities, residents are given the eating and nutrition guidance they need.
Mobility - Seniors may suffer mobility problems for any of a number of reasons, from arthritis to failing eyesight. This presents many dangers, in the form of slip and fall accidents. If your loved one has a difficult time rolling out of bed, sitting, standing, or climbing stairs, then you may need to consider placement with a senior living facility.
Skilled Nursing Poway, CA
People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the Firstat’s company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/
About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com
The sad thing about senior citizens and the younger generation is that they seem to ignore each other. A lot of people think that since older individuals have lowered activity tolerance and are not as mentally active as before, they do not really need much stimulation. The fact is, these people are constantly searching for attention. Here's what you can offer.
Start the Day Right - Seniors wake up earlier than before, since they need less sleep than regular adults. A typical night's sleep lasts anywhere from 4 to 6 hours for most. You can expect them to wake up at around 5am to 7am in the morning. It will be good to give them a hearty breakfast once they open their eyes. Greet them warmly and have the table set up. A good menu will include items like oatmeal, a piece of apple or orange, coffee or juice and a tall glass of water. While eating, give him or her an itinerary of the activities for the day so they can prepare well.
You can assist the elderly get ready for the day's actions, by helping them dress, shower and do their other bodily routines. Some will prefer doing things independently, so it will be better to just hand them items like the brush, the towel and slippers and let them do everything else to promote independence and feelings of self-confidence.
Some Physical Activity - Start the day with some form of exercise to improve muscle strength and condition. Some of the activities that you can offer include a round of golf, swimming, walking to the nearby mall, doing yoga and hitting the gym for some lightweight training. Do activities according to the preference and physical capacity of the individual. The session should last anywhere between 20 and 40 minutes at a time, even if the person believes that he or she can tolerate or do more.
Take time to warm up for 5 to 10 minutes through stretches and cardiovascular exercise. Cool down in the end as well by stretching and flexing. Make sure you bring a bottle of water for the elderly to consume throughout the exercises. They tend to become dehydrated sooner than others, so stay prepared especially on very hot days. If the senior experiences anything painful or uncomfortable about the activity, stop it immediately and find the source of the problem.
Buying Them Toys - Seniors want to hold on even to small material possessions as a way to ease boredom. Some of the "toys" or items that you can give them to stay mentally alert and focused are a book, a cross stitch set, a sewing kit, a drawing book or a canvass. Take the elderly to the local department store, mall or bookstore and have them pick a couple of things that they would like to keep at home. You can ask the people too, the particular hobbies and activities they used to do when they were younger. Try to find things that they can associate with easily.
Ensuring Safety - Make sure that the senior is fully secure and safe throughout all the activities done. If the weather is hot, provide an umbrella, sunglasses and hat. For colder seasons, give gloves, a jacket and boots. Protect the elderly from potential dangers while doing activities like going up the stairs, playing sports and cooking. Always be right beside the person to assist and have some materials prepared such as the emergency hotline and first aid kit.
Skilled Nursing Coronado, CA
People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/
About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com
Seniors should not be taken away from the scenes as they still have a lot of strength and tenacity to indulge in the things as they used to when they were younger. You can provide a wide array of activities, depending on their personal preferences and capacity. You may be surprised on how the elderly can boost endurance and strength with just a few routines.
Finding a Hobby - There are a variety of hobbies and crafts that seniors can indulge in to improve their physical and mental capacities. A good example is drawing, sketching or painting where they can freely express themselves in art and color. Ask the senior what type of platform he or she is most interested in working on, then provide the materials such as a charcoal or pencil and paper, a canvas and paint or some markers. You may teach them how to make cartoons too, which can be very entertaining and fun.
Another hobby that can exercise the mind includes the creation of model cars and airplanes. This is one hobby that the senior citizens of today used to enjoy when they were younger. There are a variety of models to work on, such as vintage cars, tanks, vintage planes and even ships and bicycles.
For the Women - Female senior citizens enjoy sewing and working on cross stitch patterns. You can provide the right materials like embroidery kits, t-shirts, dresses, caps, socks, etc. and let them start getting creative. Some even enjoy fixing loose buttons, holes and putting patches, so feel free to ask and let them start on their way to occupational therapy.
Music Matters - Other senior citizens are highly adept and never lose their touch on music. Try to ask their specific instrument of interest or type of music, then provide them the right tools like a pen and paper, music book, speakers, amplifiers and the particular tool like a guitar, violin, flute, trombone or drums maybe. One of the best things about music is that you can always do it with a group or partner. Feel free to bring your own musical instrument and begin making beautiful melodies together.
Form a band of senior musicians and introduce some fun genres like modern, jazz, hip hop or even techno. Singing and dancing are also essential activities for seniors that are good for boosting morale and confidence and improving relationships among individuals. If they can get better in these, they can always gain a renewed sense of fulfillment and continue to progress, thereby sharpening their mental and physical skills.
Occupational Therapy - Even though seniors are well into their retirement age, it is still important that they stay capable of performing various tasks and functions that will maintain independence and enhance self-confidence. Allow them to perform activities of daily living or ADL like eating, brushing their teeth, bathing, getting dressed, etc. Also introduce them to certain minor tasks like cleaning their room, fixing their bed, creating works of art like pottery or sculpture, reading books and staying updated via the internet.
Occupational therapy is good also for older individuals to encourage them to stay independent for the rest of their days. You can accomplish this by forming a buddy system, so they always have someone to rely on, during cases of emergency and difficulty. Activities for seniors can be done both indoor and outdoors.
Skilled Nursing Coronado, CA
People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/
About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com
Not all senior living facilities are created equal, and on top of that, there may be things that you don’t know about how facilities are run that can affect the care your loved one gets. This is truly a case in which what you don’t know can hurt you. Here are some things to be cautious of when it comes to senior living facilities:
Pharmacy Costs - Pharmacies associated with senior living facilities typically charge more for prescription drugs than private pharmacists would. Therefore, you should make it a point to rely only on the services of a private pharmacist that is local to the facility.
Special Needs - If your loved one has a serious health problem that requires a considerable amount of personal care, then it is likely that the average senior living facility is simply not equipped to provide that care. That’s right—you may have to hire outside care to meet your loved one’s special needs. Be sure to ask the facilities you are considering exactly how much one-on-one care they provide to each resident, and be prepared to make other plans for needs that fall outside of those limitations.
Changing Prices - Assisted living facilities have the option of changing their prices at any time, and without giving you much notice. Of course, this is never to benefit the paying customer, so you will have to consider the possibility of higher rates down the line when weighing out your senior living facility options.
Staff May Be Insufficiently Trained - This is especially true if your loved one has special needs. The senior living industry experienced a boom in the 1990s, leaving businesses to rapidly expand to meet that need. Consequently, senior living facilities were staffed with mostly unskilled employees. Most of the employees who will be providing care to your loved one in a senior living facility are personal aides who work for minimum wage. It is easy to see how this level of care might not suffice for seniors who need special attention.
Choosing a senior living facility is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make in a lifetime. Only the utmost of thought and care should go into deciding who is fit to look after those you love the most. You need a senior living facility that can provide a caring staff and a comfortable environment, backed by a longstanding reputation you trust.
Skilled Nursing Chula Vista, CA
People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/
About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com
When it comes to finding senior living facilities, all you really have to do is open up your phone book. However, to find reputable senior living facilities, you will have to put in a bit more time and research. Need some advice for getting started? Here are some tips for how to find great senior living facilities:
Ask Around - Do you know a friend who has placed a loved one in a senior living facility? This is your best start, as there is no better place to go to find a facility you can trust than those people you trust the most. Additionally, you should consider asking your church members, doctors, therapists, attorneys, and coworkers for their recommendations.
Better Business Bureau - Visit the Better Business Bureau website to conduct a search for senior living facilities in your area. Be sure to read all of the records the BBB has on the facilities you are researching, especially when it comes to complaints.
Online Review Sites - These days, it is fairly easy to learn about a senior living facility’s reputation with a quick online search. Websites like Angie’s List make it easy for people to share their personal experiences with a business, whether those experiences are good or bad.
Use a Referral Service - Search online for referral services that specialize in senior living facilities. There are a number of websites designed specifically to meet the needs of people like you, who are looking for reputable senior care in their areas.
Licensing and Certification - Once you have developed a list of senior living facilities that you are interested in researching further, you should check with your local regulatory agency to find out if they are properly licensed and certified to do business. You can also find out about any formal complaints against the facilities by going through the appropriate government agency.
Choosing a senior living facility is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make in a lifetime. Only the utmost of thought and care should go into deciding who is fit to look after those you love the most. You need a senior living facility that can provide a caring staff and a comfortable environment, backed by a longstanding reputation you trust.
Skilled Nursing Chula Vista, CA
People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/
About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com
Placing your loved one in a senior living facility is a big deal, and you must put a considerable amount of time and thought into making the right placement. Need some guidance? Here are some pointers for what to look for in a senior living facility:
Quality of Life - As you know, quality of life is comprised of many different factors, and these don’t change as you get older. When it comes to choosing a senior living facility that supports the quality of life your loved one is accustomed to, you need to consider the following: atmosphere, amenities, cleanliness, entertainment/activities, independence, socialization, stimulation, safety, and comfort. Keep all of these aspects in mind when touring facilities, and don’t stop looking until you find one that meets all of them to your satisfaction.
Standard of Care - Senior living facilities are not just a place for the elderly to live. For many seniors who cannot full care for themselves, assisted living is a necessary component of a safe and healthy lifestyle. When assessing the standard of care in a senior living facility, you need to ask several questions. How does staff respond to emergencies? How does staff monitor health concerns (diet, medical needs, illness, injury, etc.)? How available is staff, and for how many hours out of the day? There is no one right fit for everyone. The standard of care for your loved one will depend on your individual circumstances.
Price and Value - Taking quality of life and standard of care into consideration, you need to determine how much value you are getting in regards to the price you are paying. You also need to work over your budget to determine if you can afford the facility you are interested in, for the amount of time you project needing the space, or if you need to consider other, more affordable options. Financial well-being is a component of quality of life, so don’t overlook this important part of the decision making process.
Choosing a senior living facility is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make in a lifetime. Only the utmost of thought and care should go into deciding who is fit to look after those you love the most. You need a senior living facility that can provide a caring staff and a comfortable environment, backed by a longstanding reputation you trust.
Skilled Nursing San Diego, CA
People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/
About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com
If you are in the position to consider placing your loved one in a senior living facility, then you may be understandably anxious about the prospect of placing the care of your valued family member in someone else’s hands. Fortunately, a little bit of information can go a long way in easing those tensions. Here is a guide to what to expect from a senior living facility:
Environment - Senior living facilities are designed to function as self-enclosed communities. They may house any number of people, depending on the size of the facility, and you can expect that the seniors who live there will either live in an apartment-type space (studios and one-bedrooms, generally) or a room equipped with a hospital bed. On the grounds of a senior living facility, you can find a nurse’s station, a commercial kitchen and dining area, living room areas, and outdoor spaces for relaxation. Some facilities even have higher-end features like salons and restaurants.
Personal Attention - Your loved one will have a whole team of staff members devoted to providing personal care services. The level of service provided will depend on the condition your loved one is in, but you can expect availability of the following: grooming, bathing, dressing, transferring, and toileting assistance. Seniors with specialized meal plans or medication regimens will also receive assistance with those needs.
Visitation - No matter what kind of senior living facility you choose to place your loved one in, you can expect that there should be no limitations when it comes to visitation. Generally speaking, senior care facilities have an open door policy for those wishing to check in with their friends and family members. In some facilities, you are even allowed to stay overnight, given there is space to accommodate you and your presence won’t interfere with the well being of other people who live there.
Choosing a senior living facility is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make in a lifetime. Only the utmost of thought and care should go into deciding who is fit to look after those you love the most. You need a senior living facility that can provide a caring staff and a comfortable environment, backed by a longstanding reputation you trust.
Skilled Nursing San Diego, CA
People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/
About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com
