Leslie Newlife

Want a Career in Senior Healthcare? Know These 5 Facts

College students and mid-career adults who want to forge a new life as workers in the senior healthcare sector have plenty of opportunities. The 2020s are a golden age for the industry as it expands and needs more professionals in dozens of roles. But not only are career paths varied, but job satisfaction is high, schedules are flexible, and pay is above average. Student loans for schooling can be deferred, which makes it easier for new grads and job changers to delay payments while searching for work. Consider the following facts before starting your career in the fast-moving field of senior health and wellness.

Career Paths are Numerous

Hardworking adults can take their pick from multiple career fields within the senior wellness category. The most popular in 2023 include physical therapy, geriatric nursing, hospice support staff, exercise assistants, counselors, home health technicians, speech therapists, and more. Most academic programs offer specific career tracks for those who know which route they want to take. Be sure to speak with a vocational counselor before choosing a path. Try to find out what’s available first, and then choose a sub-category that appeals to you.

Student Loans Can Be Deferred

You can get education loans deferred, but the details depend on the institution that services your agreement. However, most former students can qualify for deferment. The only way to know for sure is to review a complete guide that explains how to apply and gain approval for a student loan deferment. Deferring payments can be a smart way to smooth out the financial demands of paying for training and schooling. Keep in mind that many health-related credentials are awarded upon completion of one-year, two-year, and four-year academic programs.

Job Satisfaction is High

For so many reasons, those who work in the senior care industry enjoy very high levels of job satisfaction. The obvious explanation is that it makes people feel good to help others. But there’s more to it than that. Not only is pay higher than the national average but benefits for senior health workers tend to be excellent all around. Most clinics, hospitals, and care centers offer top-notch medical plans, life insurance coverage, retirement accounts, and paid time off.

There Are Plenty of Good Paying Openings

Few occupational niches can claim to offer both mid-career and entry-level pay that exceeds regional and national averages. Health and wellness work for older populations is unique not only in the level of pay but also in the number of openings at any given time. There are shortages of skilled workers in many areas, and even where there are enough applicants, companies are expanding to bring in new hires year-round.

Schedules Are Flexible

Healthcare, in general, offers highly flexible schedules for new and experienced team members. Hospitals and many clinics operate around the clock, so there’s a need for three shifts of employees. For decades, people in the healthcare and wellness industries have enjoyed varied and flexible schedules, including four 10-hour days, two optional days off per week in lieu of a traditional weekend, and the ability to travel.

Things to Keep in Mind When Selling Your Senior Parent’s Home

The process of selling a home may be stressful for anyone, but the elderly may find it particularly trying. It can be mentally and physically draining to downsize and organize the home where you’ve made memories for a lifetime.

Crucial choices must be made. If you’re relocating to a smaller dwelling, such as a condo, to an assisted living facility, or elsewhere, you’ll likely need to make some decisions about how to best organize and store your belongings. After that is done, you will need to get your house ready for the market.

In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the best practices for downsizing, including how to stage your house for a quick sale.

The Downsizing Process

Have a Plan: You’ll need to plan out how much time you can devote to going through your stuff. Set a goal to clean one part of the house every day or every couple of days.

Set a time limit so you don’t feel too overwhelmed, and start with a smaller, less cluttered space, like a spare bedroom, to make it easier to handle. Then, move up to harder spaces.

Categorize Your Items: Sort what you’re going to keep, donate, throw away, and sell into the appropriate piles. Using this technique can help you stay focused and efficient.

Ask for Help: You may find downsizing too big to handle alone. Employing a professional move manager could be a huge help.  Senior move managers are experts at helping older people move to communities for seniors, so they know how hard it can be on them physically and emotionally.

They are a great resource for downsizing advice and can help you prioritize what to bring with you to your new place. Moreover, they can coordinate your move with movers, from packing to unpacking, to ensure that everything is in its place when you get to your new home.

The Selling Process 

Hire a Real Estate Agent: Finding a good real estate agent is the most crucial step before selling your home. That being said, don’t just hire the first agent you find. Choose a market-savvy real estate agent and interview her to see whether she’s right for you. You should be able to trust the real estate agent to sell your property for top dollar. Talk to more than one real estate agent before choosing one.

Declutter and Clean: This is an important part of getting a house ready to sell because it’s the best way to make it look clean, roomy, and ready for new owners. Think about your home from the point of view of a guest. Does it feel open and friendly? Clear off things that have piled up on countertops, shelves, closets, and corners. If you need to, look into more storage options to keep your home clean.

Repairs: Make a plan for maintenance so that nothing slips through the cracks during the selling process. In this way, you won’t have to worry about sprucing up your house until it’s under contract. Maintenance responsibilities fall under this category and consist of things like mowing the grass, fixing minor things, and performing routine checks and cleanings once a year.

Curb Appeal: First impressions are important because buyers are quick to judge a home by its curb appeal. To get around this, consider planting vibrant flowers or giving your front door a fresh coat of paint. You can also ask your agent for advice on boosting curb appeal!

5 Benefits of Telehealth for Seniors

The benefits of telehealth are not just limited to convenience. For seniors, telehealth can provide a wealth of opportunities to keep them healthy and well-informed about their medical conditions. 

From the comfort and safety of their own home, telehealth allows seniors to remain connected with their healthcare provider and receive the care they need.

Let’s take a look at the top five benefits of telehealth for seniors. 

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth is a form of healthcare delivery that allows medical professionals to provide clinical care remotely via video conferencing or other digital technology. 

Telehealth removes geographical barriers and enables access to care even when a patient isn’t able to physically visit a doctor’s office or hospital. It also makes it easier for doctors to consult with specialists and other medical professionals who may be located in different parts of the country or even different parts of the world. 

There are many benefits associated with telehealth services including cost savings, convenience, and improved access to healthcare. 

For patients, it can be more convenient to connect with their doctor from the comfort of their own homes rather than having to make an appointment and travel to a clinic or hospital. It can also save money on travel costs and time away from work .

Not only that, but telehealth services help bridge gaps in rural areas where there may not be easy access to healthcare facilities. 

The increased use of telehealth services is due largely in part to advancements in technology such as high-speed internet connections, mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, and video conferencing software such as Zoom and Skype that make remote consultations possible. 

Government initiatives, many of them due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, have provided financial incentives for medical providers who offer telemedicine services and made them more accessible by allowing insurance companies to cover these services as well as expanding Medicare coverage for certain types of virtual visits.  

5 Ways Telehealth Can Benefit Seniors

Let’s take a closer look at how telehealth can benefit seniors. 

1. Increased Access to Healthcare

One of the most important benefits of telehealth for seniors is its ability to increase accessibility to healthcare services. With telehealth, seniors no longer have to travel long distances or leave their homes in order to receive medical care; they can simply access it from the comfort of their own homes. 

This makes it much easier for those who may not be able to leave their homes due to physical or mental impairments or other factors such as lack of transportation or limited financial resources. 

And it’s easier than you might think. According to a 2020 survey by the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging, 91% of seniors found it easy to use the technology necessary for completing their telehealth visits.  

2. Reduced Healthcare Costs

Another major benefit of telehealth is that it reduces healthcare costs for seniors and their families. By eliminating the need for in-person visits, telehealth reduces both out-of-pocket expenses and insurance premiums. 

It also helps reduce hospital readmissions, which can be expensive and often unnecessary due to preventable complications caused by lack of follow-up care after initial treatments. 

3. Reduced Exposure to Germs and Remote Monitoring of Chronic Symptoms 

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of avoiding contact with germs, especially for older adults who are more susceptible to infection. With telehealth services, seniors can receive treatment without leaving the safety of their homes. Furthermore, remote monitoring of chronic symptoms such as blood pressure or heart rate can help detect changes in health before they become serious issues. 

4. Easier to Choose a Healthcare Provider, Especially Specialists 

Seniors often have difficulty finding specialists close to them who accept their insurance plans. With telehealth services available at the click of a button, seniors have much more freedom when it comes to choosing their provider—especially if they don’t live near major metropolitan areas. 

5. Reduced Caregiver Burnout 

When caring for an elderly parent or relative, stress levels can quickly rise as caregivers struggle with balancing work and family life while managing medical issues like transportation and scheduling doctor appointments. 

Telehealth services provide an invaluable resource by allowing senior patients and their caregivers greater flexibility in arranging virtual visits with healthcare providers. This also allows caregivers more time away from home while still ensuring that their loved one is receiving quality care from experienced professionals. 

Final Thoughts

Telehealth offers numerous advantages over traditional healthcare services; from improved accessibility and cost savings to added convenience, there are many reasons why seniors should consider taking advantage of this technology if it is available in their area. 

Telehealth technology has come a long way in recent years and will only continue to improve as new innovations become available on the market. 

If you’re looking for ways to save money while still receiving quality medical care without leaving your home, then exploring what telemedicine has to offer could be a great option worth considering!

Helping Your Loved One Transition to a Nursing Home

Transitioning a loved one into a nursing home can be a complex and emotional process for seniors and their families.

Moving a loved one into a nursing home is often necessary, as it allows for the 24/7 care and support they likely need. However, the transition can be daunting, and family members may feel guilty or uncertain about their decision.

Here are some ways to help someone through this life change.

Communicate with Your Loved One

Before transitioning your loved one into a nursing home, it’s crucial to have open and honest communication. Discuss the reasons for the move and involve them in the decision-making process as much as possible. Listen to their concerns and feelings and try to address them as best as possible. Communication is critical to ensuring your loved one feels heard and understood throughout the transition.

Visit the Nursing Home with Your Loved One

Take your loved one on a tour of the nursing home before the move. That will allow them to see the facilities, meet the staff, and get a feel for the environment. Encourage them to ask questions and voice any concerns they may have. That will help your loved one feel more comfortable and confident about the move.

Personalize Their Living Space

Moving into a nursing home can make it difficult for seniors to adjust to their new living space. Personalizing their room with familiar items from home can help make the transition easier. Bring family photos, favorite blankets, or a treasured piece of furniture to help make their space feel more like home.

Help Them Stay Connected

One of the biggest concerns for seniors moving into a nursing home is feeling isolated and disconnected from their family and friends. Help your loved one stay connected by encouraging regular phone calls, video chats, and visits from family members and friends. You can also explore group activities and events at the nursing home to help your loved one make new friends and connections.

Stay Involved in Their Care

Even though your loved one is in a nursing home, staying involved in their care is essential. Attend care meetings with the nursing home staff to ensure that your loved one’s needs are met and address any concerns or issues. Regularly communicate with the nursing home staff and advocate for your loved one’s well-being.

Be Patient and Understanding

Moving into a nursing home can be a big adjustment for seniors, and it’s important to be patient and understanding throughout the process. Your loved one may experience various emotions, from sadness to anger to acceptance, and it’s important to support them through it all. Show them love and empathy and remind them that you’re there for them every step of the way.

When you visit your loved one, take the time to listen to their concerns. You should keep a close eye out for signs of more serious depression or emotional or physical abuse, which can occur in a nursing home. If you suspect they are suffering from more than the expected ups and downs of the transition, you should seek further help immediately.

Final Thoughts

Helping your loved one transition into a nursing home can be challenging and emotional for the whole family.

However, through open communication, working to keep them connected, staying involved in their care, and being patient and understanding, you can help the transition go more smoothly.

Remember, your loved one’s well-being is the top priority, and by working together, you can ensure that they receive the care and support they need in their new home.

How to Keep Seniors Safe When Moving as a Primary Caregiver

There are many reasons why you would want to help your dependent move homes. Whether it’s because you want to move them in with yourself, so you can take better care of them, or have them downsize to a different living space that is more near to your own home, situations can vary. However, one thing is certain: moving can get pretty stressful.

This is even more true if you’re a senior person, as once you age, you’ll find yourself needing more and more help. If you’re the primary caregiver of a senior citizen, and you find ourself in a situation where your dependent needs to switch homes, here are a few tips to keep them safe during the move.

Let Them Help, but Keep Them Safe from Falls

Falls are one of the most common and biggest injury risks for seniors. Whether it’s due to poor vision or unstable gait, a lot of seniors find themselves prone to falling. When it comes to moving, things can get complicated. A lot of seniors want to be independent and do things by themselves, including carrying boxes down the stairs or helping you move big pieces of furniture, but this could potentially endanger them.

Try to assess how able your dependent is in helping you, but do so in a realistic manner. If you’ve discerned that they are unable to handle the tougher activities related to the move, gently nudge them towards other, safer undertakings. In general, it’s recommended to let the professional movers handle as much work as possible. Whatever you do though, if they’ve expressed an interest in helping, don’t leave them out of the process entirely. Remember that they are moving from their own home, where they’ve lived a good part of their lives, and they do not want to be treated like they are incapable.

Communicate With Your Dependent

It’s important to keep your dependent in the know regarding the move. Imagine how difficult it must be for a senior person to move from the home they’ve grown so accustomed to. Explain everything to them, from the reasons why they need to move, to how they can lend a helping hand. This will not only make them feel useful, but also heard.

Communicating with your dependent will not only help them feel more comfortable with the move, but it will also reduce their stress levels. Florin, owner of NYC movers company Empire Movers, has dealt with a lot of senior moving situations in his ten years of owning the company. He explains that the most important thing when helping a senior citizen move is to make them feel included.

Make Their New Home a Safe Haven

The home our senior is moving into should be tailored to their needs and issues, especially if their old one wasn’t. You need to consider what sort of ailments they suffer from, and how prone they are to falls. As mentioned before, falls are some of the biggest reasons for elderly injuries.

If the senior person is still capable of living by themselves, but need a bit of help every now and then, you still need to make their new home safe for them. Home modifications for elderly people are all the rage nowadays. Consider installing a walk-in shower in case they have trouble getting in or out of the bathtub, or maybe even take into account a medical alert system.

  

Take Care of Yourself

As a primary caregiver, you’ll often not be mindful enough of your own problems and health issues. This is especially true when moving, and even more so if you’re doing all the planning and work by yourself. Make sure to take frequent breaks, and to hydrate yourself as much as possible. Also, don’t forget to eat something every now and then. If things get overwhelming, take a walk around the neighborhood, or maybe leave some things for tomorrow.

Some people believe that in the context of primary caregiving, taking care of your own needs might be selfish. But, it’s not possible to take care of another unless you take care of yourself as well. Keep in mind that you need to maintain your own health as well if you want your dependent to be happy and well taken care of.

Best Health and Wellness Tips for Seniors

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize our health and wellness. Seniors face unique health challenges, but many things can be done to promote physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the best health and wellness tips for seniors.

Stay Physically Active

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health and preventing chronic conditions. Exercise can help improve balance, flexibility, and strength, reducing the risk of falls and fractures. It can also improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Seniors can start with light exercises, such as walking, swimming, or stretching, and gradually increase their activity level as they feel more comfortable.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A healthy diet is important for everyone, but seniors have unique nutritional needs. Seniors should eat a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Drinking plenty of water and limiting foods high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats is also important.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for good health, but many seniors struggle with sleep problems. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine is important. Seniors should also avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening, limit daytime naps, and create a comfortable sleep environment.

Practice Good Hygiene

Good hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of illness and infection. Seniors should wash their hands frequently, especially before eating or touching them, and avoid close contact with people who are sick. It’s also important to keep living spaces clean and avoid sharing personal items, such as towels or razors. Here are some general tips for maintaining good hygiene:

Wash your hands

Cleaning your hands regularly is one of the most important things seniors can do to prevent the spread of germs. Use water and soap to wash your hands, especially before eating, after going to the bathroom, and after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.

Keep your living space clean

Keep your living space clean and tidy by regularly wiping down frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, light switches, and countertops with disinfectant cleaners.

Practice good oral hygiene

Brush your teeth twice daily, floss regularly, and visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Good oral hygiene can help prevent infections and other health issues.

Stay on top of your personal care

Shower or bathe regularly, and wash your hair as needed. Keep your nails trimmed and clean, and wear clean clothes daily.

Avoid close contact with sick people

Stay away from people who are sick or showing signs of illness. If you must be around someone sick, wear a face mask and practice good hand hygiene.

Focus on Losing Weight

Seniors who are overweight may have difficulty with mobility, which can limit their ability to perform daily activities such as getting dressed, cooking, and cleaning. Weight loss can improve mobility and increase independence.

Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Seniors who are overweight or obese may also experience joint pain, difficulty sleeping, and other health issues that can be improved with weight loss.

Medication can help you lose your extra weight. Nowadays, you can check out prescription drug weight loss online to get the desired drugs that are suited to your weight loss needs prescribed by a registered doctor.

Stay Social

Social isolation can hurt mental health, and seniors are at a higher risk of social isolation. So it’s important to stay connected with friends and family and participate in social activities. Here are some tips for seniors to stay social:

Join a club or group

Joining a club or group focusing on a hobby or interest is a great way to meet new people and stay active. This could be anything from a book club to a gardening club to a local senior center.

Volunteer

Volunteering can be a great way to meet new people and give back to the community. Many organizations, such as schools, hospitals, and animal shelters, always need volunteers.

Attend Events

Attend community events, such as concerts, festivals, and fairs. These events are a great way to meet new people and enjoy the community.

Use Technology

Technology has made staying connected with family and friends easier than ever. Use social media, video chat, and other online platforms to keep in touch with loved ones and meet new people.

Take Classes

Many senior centers and community colleges offer classes for seniors. This is a great way to learn something new while meeting new people.

Exercise

Joining an exercise group or class is a great way to stay physically active while socializing with others.

Attend Religious Services

Religious services are a great way to connect with a community and meet new people with similar beliefs.

Manage Stress

Stress can hurt physical and mental health. Seniors should find ways to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques, engaging in enjoyable activities, or talking to a counselor or therapist. It’s also important to prioritize self-care and take time for activities that promote relaxation and well-being.

Stay up-to-date on Medical Screenings and Appointments

Regular medical screenings and appointments are important for detecting and treating health conditions. Seniors should talk to their healthcare provider about recommended screenings and appointments and follow through with any recommended tests or treatments. This includes seeking help from a knee pain Charlotte NC clinic, if experiencing knee discomfort. It’s essential to undergo thorough evaluation and treatment to address the underlying cause of knee pain and maintain optimal joint health.

Protect Hearing and Vision

Hearing and vision loss are common among seniors, but some things can be done to protect these senses. Seniors should wear protective gear, such as earplugs or sunglasses, when appropriate, and get regular hearing and vision screenings.

Practice Safe Medication Use

Many seniors take multiple medications, increasing the risk of side effects and drug interactions. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider about all medications being taken, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Seniors should also follow instructions carefully and avoid taking more than the recommended dose.

Find Purpose and Meaning

Having a sense of purpose and meaning can promote mental health and well-being. Seniors should find activities that give them a sense of purpose and fulfillment, such as volunteering, pursuing hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.

Final Thoughts

Seniors can promote physical and mental well-being by staying active, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, practicing good hygiene, staying social, managing stress, staying up-to-date with their medications, and finding meaning and purpose in their lives. Staying well does not take too much effort, just the right effort in the right places, especially when you are a senior. Hopefully, the tips mentioned in this article will help you maintain your health and wellness in your senior years.

The Importance of Mental Health in Seniors

Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being for seniors, especially those living in assisted living facilities. Maintaining a healthy mental state for seniors can’t be underestimated. A healthy mental state determines how seniors live their day-to-day lives and interact with others. Let’s gain more insight into the importance of mental health in seniors and how assisted living can help.

1. Maintain Longevity

Did you know mental health can affect your lifespan? Studies have shown that mental health is an important predictor of life expectancy. A healthy mind can help seniors live longer and healthier lives, which is especially important given that someone turning 65 today has a 70% chance of needing long-term care services and support. A mentally alert senior is more likely to stay physically and socially active, which can help them maintain their independence for longer.

2. Promote Physical Wellness

Seniors are more likely to suffer from chronic physical illnesses, which poor mental health won’t help. If a senior is not in their right mind, they may not think about eating well, exercising, and minding their physical health. Your local assisted living facility is well-equipped to ensure seniors have access to nutritious meals, physical activities, and a healthy environment.

3. Enhance Quality of Life

Mental health problems can lead to a lower quality of life. Depression and anxiety can cause seniors to withdraw from their social circles and activities, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Assisted living facilities are a great environment for seniors to get therapy, counseling, and other interventions that help them manage their mental health better. This improved mental well-being can lead to a more enjoyable lifestyle for seniors, with better social relationships, engagement in activities, and overall happiness.

4. Boost Cognitive Function

As people age, cognitive function may slow down. Unfortunately, poor mental health can exacerbate such a decline in cognitive functioning, which makes it harder for seniors to remember information and perform tasks. Being surrounded by other seniors and compassionate caretakers provides an environment that encourages mental stimulation through activities, programs, and services to promote brain health.

From boosting cognitive skills to reducing social isolation and providing therapeutic interventions, assisted living provides a safe and nurturing environment for older loved ones to maintain good mental health. Give your elder the care they need by doing research on a few in your area.

6 Fun and Unique Ways to Celebrate Your Retirement

Congratulations on your retirement! After years of hard work, you are now ready to step into the next chapter of your life. Celebrating is an important part of this transition, and planning a unique and fun retirement celebration can help make it even more special.

This blog post will explore creative ways to celebrate your retirement.

Get Away for a Weekend

One of the best ways to celebrate your retirement is to get away for a weekend with loved ones. Whether it’s a beach vacation or a trip out to the countryside, taking some time away from home is always a great way to relax and enjoy yourself.

Throw a Party

If you’d rather stay home and celebrate, throwing a retirement party is always great. Invite family, friends, and colleagues to join in the fun. You can make it extra special by setting up decorations or having themed parties based on your interests. Reminisce about old times together while celebrating this exciting milestone in life.

Learn Something New

Retirement should be seen as an opportunity to hone new skills and try something new that you may have been too busy before to pursue, such as writing courses, painting classes, music lessons, or cooking classes. There are plenty of options available depending on what interests you most.

Charter a Private Jet

If you feel extra extravagant, why not charter a private jet and fly off to your desired destination? This is one way to make sure your retirement celebration stands out from the rest. For example, you can get a Naples private jet charter if you wish to celebrate your retirement in Florida.

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Get nostalgic by visiting all the places you used to go during your working days, such as your old office building, favorite lunch spot, etc., and reminisce about all those memories with friends who were there with you through it all. This will be a great way to reflect on everything you have achieved during those years and celebrate how far you have come.

Start a Bucket List

A bucket list is a great way to jumpstart your retirement celebrations. Create a list of all the things you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time or money for. When finished, take out the list every few weeks, tick off items you’ve completed and fill those blanks with new activities.

Give Back to the Community

If you have been blessed with financial stability over the years, giving back is always a great way to spread joy for everything you have received throughout life. Consider donating money or volunteering at non-profit organizations in your area that are doing work close to what you are vested in.

Have a Bonfire Night with Friends and Family

Gather around the fire pit with friends and family for an evening of storytelling and sharing memories from days past. It will surely bring lots of laughter (and maybe some tears). Roast marshmallows for s’mores, and just enjoy being together in nature.

Conclusion

Retirement should be an exciting time of life to celebrate and explore. From taking trips away to learning something new, these are just some ways to make the most out of your retirement.

Care Home Safety and Security for Elderly People

With populations continuing to age, the demand for care homes and other senior living facilities is increasing. While there are many factors involved in running a successful care home, the safety and security of the residents should always be paramount. 

Falls alone pose a significant concern, with approximately 1,800 nursing facility residents’ deaths per year being attributed to a fall. Between caring for elderly people and ensuring that the building itself is safe and secure, managers and staff have a lot to contend with. The last thing a care home manager wants to find is a demand letter on their desk from a resident’s relative seeking compensation due to a completely preventable accident or security breach. 

Here are some best practices for ensuring optimal care home safety and security for elderly people.

Building safety and security

Before we get into ensuring safety and security within the walls of a care home, let’s first ensure that the building itself is safe and secure. 

Care homes should have security measures in place to prevent any unauthorized access to protect their residents from the threat of intruders. These measures typically include the use of CCTV security cameras, access control systems, and other monitoring tools, such as thermal surveillance cameras, many of which have the capability to detect and recognize a person or object in virtually any lighting condition.

Other safety measures to be installed and maintained include fire alarms, smoke detectors, and any other relevant safety features. Safe, reliable accessibility for residents with limited ability is also paramount. 

Comprehensive staff training

Another vital factor when managing care home safety and security is to deliver comprehensive staff training. All staff should be trained in safety and security protocols, such as emergency and evacuation procedures, fire safety, and the handling of hazardous materials. 

In addition, staff should receive training on the specific needs of the elderly residents, such as how to identify signs of abuse or neglect, how to prevent falls and other accidents, and how to manage challenging behaviors. 

Regular health and safety assessments

Before being admitted into a care home, all residents should undergo a comprehensive health and safety assessment. These assessments should include a review of the resident’s medical history, current medications, and any specific health conditions or concerns. 

Additionally, the assessment should evaluate the resident’s mobility and other physical abilities, as well as any cognitive or mental health issues. This information can help care home staff develop individualized care plans that address the specific needs of each resident to optimize their safety while living in the facility. 

Medication management

Proper medication management is crucial to the health and safety of care home residents. Care home staff should be trained to manage and administer medications safely, including storing medications securely and ensuring that residents receive the correct doses at the correct times. 

Furthermore, care home staff should be trained to recognize and respond appropriately to any adverse reactions to medications. Good communication with each resident’s healthcare provider is also necessary to ensure that medication regimens are appropriate, up-to-date, and well-understood. 

Fall prevention

According to the Nursing Home Abuse Center, between 50% and 75% of residents in nursing facilities suffer a fall each year.

Falls represent a serious risk to elderly people, and care homes should have measures in place to prevent them and minimize the risk of injury. This can include the use of mobility aids, such as walkers and canes, the installation of handrails and grab bars, and ensuring that the environment is free of obstacles and hazards. 

A focus on well-being

Safety also extends out to physical, mental, and emotional well-being and how effectively these aspects of health are being supported. 

Nutrition and hydration

Proper nutrition and hydration are critical to the health and well-being of care home residents. Care home staff should be trained to provide healthy and nutritious meals that meet the specific dietary needs of each resident.

Additionally, care home staff should monitor residents’ hydration levels and encourage them to drink fluids regularly. This can help prevent dehydration and other health issues, and improve overall health and well-being.

Social engagement and emotional support

Finally, care home residents should be provided with opportunities for social engagement and emotional support. This can include group activities, one-on-one conversations, and other forms of social interaction that can help to prevent feelings of loneliness, depression, and isolation.

Additionally, care home staff should be trained to recognize and respond to residents’ emotional needs, and to provide appropriate emotional support when needed.

In conclusion, ensuring care home safety and security for elderly people requires a comprehensive approach that addresses a wide range of health, safety, and security concerns. 

Final thoughts

By ensuring that these and any other relevant safety and security measures are prioritized, care homes can provide a safe and comfortable environment that promotes the health and well-being of elderly residents, while minimizing the risk of injury, accident, or security breach.

4 Ways for Caregivers to Help Seniors Stay Healthy and in Shape

When seniors stay home all day, eating whatever is easiest and not moving around much, they can quickly start to deteriorate. If they fall even once or get sick, it can become a cycle that most seniors struggle to get out of.

Caregivers have a lot of responsibilities to keep the seniors under their care happy and healthy, including making sure they have transportation when necessary, such as for NYC airport transfers.

However, it is important they are healthy in body as well as mind. Thankfully, there are some simple ways to keep your seniors active physically  and mentally healthy  so you can check off two boxes at once without having to increase your workload all that much.

Strength Exercises

Strength exercises are simple, but a great help to the elderly. This is because strength tends to decrease with age, as bones and muscles grow weaker. At some point, they can become so weak that it is difficult to walk or lift anything without assistance. This makes them more dependent on the people around them and can impact their mental health as they feel incapable of looking after themselves.

By working on their strength just a little, you can help them keep the muscles they need in a more fit state, so they can mostly look after themselves and keep some of their independence.

This doesn’t mean they have to go to the gym and lift weights though. Working on hand strength by squeezing tennis balls, lifting jugs of milk or water, and doing step-ups on platforms can easily be enough and not take up a lot of time or energy.

Find an Activity They Enjoy

If strength exercises aren’t enough, or they aren’t something the senior you are taking care of wants to do, then there are other activities you can look at as well. There are many sports and exercises out there that are senior-friendly and can be fun.

You can start with simple activities such as just going on light walks or taking a gentle bike ride on an exercise bike. If they are willing to try more, you can look at swimming exercises, golfing, or simple weight lifting. If you like to exercise yourself and do more basic exercises, you can even invite them to join you. That way you can complete your workout, and get them moving as well.

Plan Their Meals

As one grows older, one tends to gravitate towards easier meals. After all, people grow tired faster, and can’t do as much on their own. This makes cooking, shopping, and meal planning a lot more challenging.

This is why you will see seniors often eating a lot more junk food or frozen fast-food dinners. They don’t take up as much energy to prepare and are a lot faster when in need of a meal.

There are some seniors that go the opposite way as well, where they stop eating altogether. If food is too difficult, or they aren’t pushed to eat, they may just stop until they grow thinner and begin to waste away.

As a caretaker, you can help them by planning out and prepping their meals. By cooking their meals at the beginning of the week and having them ready to just heat up and eat, you ensure that they are eating healthy and hearty meals. You can also consider getting a lot of easy-to-eat but healthy snacks that are in small servings and can be casually munched on.

You can even set out snack trays if you see them daily. Have a tray full of cut fruit, nuts, and vegetables with dips, meat, cheeses, and crackers so they can easily snack throughout the day instead of having one whole meal.

It helps them get the nutrients they need and to eat healthier options. If they prefer bigger meals though, prepping some simple dishes you can  throw in a container so they can just heat up in the microwave whenever they are hungry is also a great option.

Help Them Get Sleep

It’s hard to be healthy of mind or body when you are running low on sleep. While some seniors might not need as much sleep as many others, it is still important. Ensuring they get plenty of sleep will allow them to feel better, have more energy, and enjoy a more positive outlook on life.

One of the best ways to get them to go to sleep is to keep it at set times. Though it may sound childish to have to send a senior to bed at a certain time, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule makes it easier for them, and they can often go to sleep more easily  even if they initially don’t feel tired.

Giving them plenty of exercise throughout the day can also help, as exercise tends to make the body more relaxed and helps to exhaust them so they can actually feel tired and go to sleep.

Another option to try if sleep is eluding them is to tire out the brain. Giving them fun but slightly difficult puzzles can get their brain going and make them feel more tired by the end of the night. While naps may be important for seniors to help them get through the day, you can also try to limit the naps they take right before bed so they aren’t just waking up for sleep when it’s their normal bedtime.

You’ll be surprised what even a few hours of sleep will do to improve their mood and energy levels.