Leslie Newlife

Common Health Concerns for Seniors and How to Prevent Them

When it comes to keeping track of one’s overall health, it’s widely known that seniors have the most trouble doing so. This is because the body’s natural ability to heal slows down as we age, and it becomes increasingly easy to develop very severe ailments. As such, knowing what you can potentially expect ahead of time is crucial to making the necessary lifestyle changes while you still can. These are some common health concerns for seniors and what you can do now to mitigate your symptoms later.

Cognitive Deterioration

Mental decline is one of the most devastating things that can happen to us as we age. From lapses in memory to difficulty solving problems, it becomes more and more difficult to maintain our same level of thinking during our later years. Because of this, it’s vital that you remain aware of the signs you may be developing Alzheimer’s or dementia, and keep your brain active with daily puzzles and complex activities. Fortunately, basic mental processes like memory can be improved in several ways.

Development of COPD

Respiratory conditions are also a common health concern for seniors, as they’re quicker to worsen without the proper treatment. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is one such ailment that’s more likely to develop in those over 50 years old. It’s also among the leading causes of a decline in your overall physical wellness, as it can prevent you from getting oxygen into your lungs effectively. So, to keep yourself breathing freely, it’s important that you frequently monitor your oxygen saturation and check for abnormalities.

Vision or Hearing Loss

Just how cognitive deterioration can happen over time, seniors tend to slowly lose their hearing and seeing abilities as well. This occurs as a result of cataracts forming over the eyes and even cellular damage within the ears. Both of these conditions prevent these organs from sending proper signals to the brain, making it harder for it to interpret your surroundings. So, to help mitigate this loss, make sure you aren’t exposing your senses to intense sights or sounds.

For additional help managing the onset of these conditions, you can also reach out to a quality senior health or assisted living facility. These professionals have extensive experience working with older individuals and know all there is about tracking your overall well-being.

6 Qualities to Look for in a Good Senior Healthcare Nurse

Like many other mainstream organizations and corporations, senior centers also encounter difficulties in recruiting the right talent. Despite an influx of potential job seekers, not all will fit the bill. Unfortunately, attracting recruits that meet the organizational and regulatory requirements has always posed a challenge for talent acquisition leaders of all sorts.

Because a skilled nursing center’s demographics consist of highly vulnerable populations, it’s prudent that employees working in these facilities meet the expected criteria. Failure to properly screen candidates could result in life-threatening errors that physically impair these senior citizens. With these high stakes in mind, what qualities should you look for when filling a senior care nursing position?

Nurses are one of the most critical employees in a senior care center. Healthcare staffing agencies like Fusion Medical Staffing recruit nurses for skilled nursing positions and ensure employer satisfaction with the recruits’ performance. Fusion Medical Staffing fulfills both long-term or short-term employment needs and works to connect aspiring medical travelers with worldwide opportunities.

Whether you’re establishing a list of criteria to reference when interviewing applicants or looking to identify the qualities these employers scout for, read on for more insight into the qualifications of a reliable senior healthcare center nurse.

Creativity

Since the needs of the elderly are becoming increasingly complex, a proactive nurse is vital. They anticipate problems in advance and utilize their problem-solving skills to provide solutions.

Creative and adaptable nurses with the ability to think on their feet are invaluable resources to the average senior center. As these elderly folks age, their mental dexterity declines, necessitating mentally-stimulating activities. When looking for a qualified senior care center nursing candidate, scour your candidate pool for nurses that understand the importance of uplifting daily activities.

Unfortunately, physical impairments and health restrictions can render these senior citizens immobile, forcing them into a state of inactivity. A creative nurse will engage with his or her elderly patients and suggest fun activities that re-energize their minds without physically straining their bodies. High-energy nurses can encourage these patients to maintain active lifestyles despite their limitations.

Passion

A passion for the healthcare sector is vital in any senior care center nursing candidate. Avoid applicants that are only interested in the generous financial compensation of the healthcare industry. To hire a reliable employee, search for candidates with a genuine interest in helping others overcome their physical and mental limitations, regain a sense of independence, and lead fulfilling lives.

The attitude of a passionate nurse is infectious. When a patient interacts with a high-energy and optimistic senior center nurse, they’ll admire the positivity and enthusiasm and look to adopt this attitude in their daily lives.

Compassion and empathy

A nurse who’s willing to step into the shoes of the individual they’re caring for is an asset to any senior healthcare center. After all, seniors need attentive emotional, mental, and physical care. Having a nurse who understands and relates to their struggles and current predicaments is critical.

Unfortunately, elder abuse is devastatingly prevalent. By definition, elder abuse is an isolated situation or repeated offenses in which an individual intentionally inflicts harm to or exploits a senior citizen in their care. Care teams can perpetuate elder abuse in emotional, physical, and mental forms. Whichever the case, these instances are incredibly disheartening and a worst-case scenario in any senior center.

Carefully screening candidates and recruiting the right caregivers could minimize the elder abuse risk in your senior center facility. If you suspect that an applicant might neglect or deceive a patient admitted to your senior healthcare center, rule them out immediately.

Good communicator

It’s in your best interest to choose a nurse who can communicate effectively with the elderly folks they attend to. Excellent and refined communication skills can help nurses build relationships with their patients and solidify trust with the seniors in their care.

Again, a nurse who communicates vital details regarding the residents’ state is valuable in improving service delivery. A lack of transparency can cause a patient unnecessary and distress that can inhibit recovery.

Patience

There are many hurdles a nurse will have to clear in the caregiving industry. Because day-to-day responsibilities are unpredictable, you’ll need to recruit a nurse who maintains a sense of patience, even in the most trying situations.

Seniors, like other patients under care, can be stubborn and uncooperative. An impatient nurse will not handle these circumstances with positivity and may lash out, alarming the patient in question.

Dedication

Caring for seniors is physically and mentally demanding. After a long day of caring for these high-risk senior citizens, a nurse may have to tend to their young children, prepare meals, and care for household pets. With this chaotic schedule in mind, you’ll need to hire a nurse that‘s dependable when called upon and willing to balance highly-involved work and personal responsibilities.

Final thoughts

In addition to the above traits, hiring managers should conduct a comprehensive background search to determine the candidate’s aptness. Although background screening won’t reveal characteristics such as integrity, compassion, and commitment, it’s a pivotal step in determining the employee’s experience and suitability for the job at hand.

4 Important Questions for Any Family with an Elderly Person

The moment where children become the caregivers rather than just ‘the kids’ can happen at any time. Being prepared for this can help soften the blow and limit any negative repercussions. Below you’ll find a few vital questions you would do well to ask yourself and your extended family to better prepare for the future.

What Legacy Is There to Leave?

All too often, a family member passes away and the family realizes how little they knew about the individual’s life. a mass of knowledge, experience and memories is then lost to time. Some grandparents may not want to bother the younger generations with their stories, but these can be extremely valuable.

Sharing these experiences can also add value to seniors’ later years, knowing that they’re leaving behind a legacy. Why not organize a special day where family members ask questions like:

  • Describe the best moment of your life
  • How did technology impact you?
  • Name the top five life tips you wish you could give your younger self
  • What was your proudest moment?
  • What do you hope people will remember about you?
  • Describe school, fashion and hobbies from your youth.

Use these insights to compile a short biography of their life, which is something you can pass on to younger generations.

Who Will Sign Off On Legal Matters?

The possibility of an individual no longer being able to make decisions is an unfortunate reality. Even before there are any signs of dementia or other cognitive dysfunction, talk to seniors in your family about a power of attorney. This can cover legal, medical or financial matters.

Discuss an arrangement and a lawyer can draw up an agreement that suits your situation, so caregiving children can step in whenever it becomes necessary.

Can You Really Be a Caretaker?

This question applies to both elderly individuals and their children. Elderly individuals must realize when it becomes time to relinquish control of their lives to someone else. This doesn’t always have to be their children, especially if the younger families don’t have the resources, space, finances or time to effectively care for them. This is where quality care homes become valuable resources. Look for professional staffing agencies that partner with companies like Diligence International Group to run background checks on prospective employees.

Is There a Will In Place?

Surprisingly, statistics show that 40% of people in their 50’s and 60’s may not yet have a will. This may cause problems for those left behind when an elderly parent passes away. The division of assets can cause family feuds, or lead to situations where the family must adhere to state guidelines about how the property is dealt with, rather than the personal wishes of the deceased. It can be traumatic to think about the reality of a loved one’s passing, but it’s essential you make sure a will is in place. Have the conversation for everyone’s benefit.

Final Words

It may be difficult to ask these questions, but in hindsight, you’ll be glad you did it. Take action now to pave the way for a better future for everyone in your family.

Top Benefits of Massage for Seniors

Those who love massage don’t need a list of benefits to sign up for an appointment at a parlor or settle into a massage chair. After all, why would they need another excuse to do something that makes them feel good? But massage does have a plethora of benefits, and the benefits of massage for seniors are especially noteworthy for those in the caregiving world.

Relieves Joint and Muscle Pain

There is a long list of things that might cause joint and muscle pain in seniors. Sometimes, it’s a condition such as arthritis or osteoporosis, and sometimes, it’s from old injuries, falls, or surgeries. As diverse as the list is, massage can relieve all these pains, either wholly or in part. Massage helps relieve the stiffness that may contribute to these pains, and one can apply it to almost any part of the body that hurts, from an aching back to sore feet.

Improves Circulation

Poor circulation due to a weakening heart, a sedentary lifestyle, or health conditions like diabetes causes a whole host of discomforts for seniors. These may include cold or tingling hands and feet as well as painful swelling, especially in the limbs. Massage gets the blood circulating more freely through the body to help relieve these symptoms.

Aids Sleep

Our internal sleep cycles change throughout our lives, and accordingly, many people find that they have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep as they get older. Because massage helps to put the body in a state of relaxation and stimulates the production of serotonin, it can often help people of all ages to fall asleep, even those who struggle with sleep apnea and insomnia.

Mood Improvement

But seniors don’t only face threats to their physical health. Depression and anxiety are rampant, especially in nursing homes and care facilities, as seniors struggle with a changed lifestyle, medical conditions, sleep disturbances, and dementia. This is especially true in the current climate, with isolation and negative world events compounding these issues.

Massage may not cure all the things that are causing distress in seniors, but several of the benefits of massage for seniors may help improve mood. Massage reduces stress hormones and the issues associated with them, such as tense muscles and high heart rate. The sensation of physical touch in massage may also relieve feelings of loneliness and increase “feel good” hormones to the brain.

Bringing Massage To Seniors

Physical therapists often visit senior living communities regularly to help seniors with intense physical pain. Bringing a massage therapist into nursing homes can bring benefits to these communities in the same way, even if they only come a few times a month. Of course, in today’s climate, bringing extra bodies into a facility is not always advisable, even with extra precautions. Fortunately, massage chairs have several therapeutic features that can offer the same relief as human masseuses. Installing one or more in care communities may improve the quality of life for all residents.

5 Ways to Help Seniors Improve Their Mobility

Aging gracefully is the goal of many middle-aged Americans entering into a new stage of life. While widely feared, aging imparts wisdom that you can pass from generation to generation. It relieves you of your daily work responsibilities, allowing you to settle into retirement. Despite its benefits, unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon for people to develop mobility issues as they get older.

Many factors can contribute to mobility woes in elderly folks, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause of declining stability or increasing bodily fatigue. Arthritis is just one of many possible culprits. Thankfully, you aren’t doomed to a life of mobility restrictions. There are options available for seniors who want to improve their mobility and reclaim their independence.

If you or a loved one suffers from limited mobility, be sure to review this list in-depth. Otherwise, you may have to hire a full-time caretaker who can retrieve faraway items, complete daily tasks, and help you move from room to room.

Try an upright walker

Purchasing an upright walker from a reputable brand like The Perfect Walker can be a life-changing step in restoring your or your loved one’s sense of independence. Upright walkers can be a game-changer for senior citizens who live on their own that want to move from point A to point B with ease. Additionally, using an upright walker can make it easy for elderly folks to migrate from their kitchens to their family rooms and vice versa. This specific mobility aid can also save you or a grandparent a significant amount of time, formerly spent shuffling between rooms.

When debating between mobility aids on the market, you may be curious about the other incentives of purchasing an upright walker. Along with its ability to reinstate a senior citizen with their physical freedom, it can potentially keep all kinds of slips, falls, and injuries at bay. If your parent or grandparent is currently living on your own, you’ll want a mobility aid guaranteed to prevent life-threatening fall-related injuries.

Enroll in physical-fitness classes designed for senior citizens

Despite popular misconceptions, you don’t have to panic if you’re a senior citizen who hates falling behind the younger folks and scrambling to keep up. If you or an elderly loved one is interested in maintaining a physically-active lifestyle, there are fitness-center classes available through your gym membership.

Because elderly folks are prone to injuries and are likely suffering from chronic conditions and mobility impairments, exercise trainers have designed various exercise courses exclusively for the older crowd. If you or your elderly grandparent participates in stretches and exercises geared solely toward senior citizens, you may be able to enhance your mobility or their mobility in no time.

With a quick online search, you can learn about gyms in your area with fitness courses tailored to senior citizens’ needs and mobility restrictions. Unlike other more rigorous exercise classes, exercise trainers won’t try to push a senior citizen’s limits, as this strategy can severely injure a participant.

Opt for physical therapy sessions

It isn’t uncommon for senior citizens who are frail and suffer from mobility impairments to experience injuries. Unfortunately, these elderly folks are most susceptible to strains or broken bones. Sometimes, they pull their muscles, as well.

It doesn’t matter what kind of injury you’ve sustained as a senior citizen with mobility limitations. All injuries, from sprains to breaks, require medical attention. If you suspect an injury, you’ll need to set up an appointment with a qualified and well-reviewed physical therapist. Following your first session, your physical therapist will schedule regular sessions to expedite recovery.

Physical therapy can bring a plethora of benefits to the table for patients of all ages, specifically senior citizens. This form of treatment can help people bounce back after sustaining severe injuries of all kinds. If you want your body to heal quickly and successfully, visiting a physical therapist can go a long way. Physical therapy sessions can prevent seniors from aggravating existing injuries with sudden movements and strenuous activities.

Rely on a mobility chair any time you’re out in public

A mobility chair can work like a charm for senior citizens who aren’t willing to give up their active lifestyles. If you’re a senior citizen who’s always on-the-go, it may be in your best interest to invest in a handy mobility chair. Mobility chairs aren’t wheelchairs at all. They’re portable devices that are easy-to-operate and don’t require any physical exertion. Senior citizens can bring them along to all sorts of locations stress-free.

Unlike with other mobility aids, you won’t have to worry about coordinating breaks for rest. With a mobility chair, you can keep up with your non-disabled friends and family and enjoy hours of fun.

Make a change in your footwear selection.

Senior citizens who wish to improve mobility may benefit from changing up their footwear options. Suppose you identify as an elderly individual who wants to move about freely and maintain a sense of independence. In that case, you should seriously consider purchasing brand-new shoes.

It can be a fantastic idea to opt for shoes equipped with a considerable amount of cushioning. In many cases, sufficient padding can keep frustrating, painful, and unpleasant foot injuries and pain episodes at bay. If you’re looking for additional support or can’t afford a brand-new pair of arch-supporting sneakers, it may be wise to slip orthotic inserts into your existing pairs of shoes. If a new shoe collection is in the budget, it’s vital to zero in on shoes that have proper support during your shopping experience.

If you have any concerns about your shoe choices as a senior citizen, you should take the time to consult with your doctor who’s knowledgeable about proper foot care.

In summary

Don’t accept a sedentary lifestyle as your new norm. With the right mobility aid, exercise routine, and medical care, you or a loved one can squeeze every moment of fun out of their remaining years.

Senior Living Facilities: 7 Benefits of Using Nursing Homes

Currently, only 4.5% of older Americans live in a nursing home. While people understandably want to maintain their independence, families should encourage their loved ones to rethink the decision to live alone.

Though older adults may feel more in control, living at home comes with disadvantages and poses a set of risks that need consideration. Read on to learn 7 reasons why you should consider senior living facilities.

  1. Safety

Falls make up the leading cause of injury for Americans older than 65 years of age. These injuries often lead to rehabilitation and death.

For this reason, living home alone can be dangerous for this age group. Nursing home staff help residents get around and the facilities better accommodate safe walking with their design.

Potential break-ins and fires also pose unique risks for older Americans living alone. People lose the ability to defend themselves or escape potential disasters as they age.

  1. Medical Attention

As we age, our need for healthcare generally increases. A nursing home always keeps medical staff available.

Nurses consistently check on residents, and doctors remain on call. This decreases the possibility of health conditions going unnoticed and worsening.

  1. Convenience

Cooking and cleaning can put a strain on anybody. But, older adults especially struggle with these tasks as they feel more tired and experience age-related health issues.

Nursing homes provide cooked meals throughout the day and always keep a variety of drinks and snacks on hand. They also tidy up, change the sheets, and sanitize, eliminating the need to clean.

  1. Social Interaction

As going out becomes more difficult, people tend to stay home. When their aging peers do the same and their younger loved ones lead busy lives, loneliness sets in.

In a senior living facility, the residents live with others around their age. They can make friends to regularly talk and interact with, making for a happier life.

  1. Fun Activities

At home, we can get into a restful routine and allow stagnation. Keeping the mind and body active promotes sharper thinking and better health.

Senior living facilities offer daily activities within the building so everybody can participate. Some nursing home activities include arts & crafts, exercise, live music, and game nights.

  1. Additional Resources

Within the nursing home, you get access to a host of social workers. They will assess your needs and get you in touch with additional resources. This makes finding all the help you need much more convenient.

  1. Comfort for Caregivers

Caregivers lead their own lives. Though they want the best for their loved ones, they can get burnt out.

Plus, when they cannot spend time with them, they can feel guilty and worried about their wellbeing. Nursing homes take this burden off of loved ones by helping to keep the older adult comfortable, active, and safe.

Choose Senior Living Facilities

Nobody wants to give up freedom, but when it comes to older adults living alone, the decision itself to stay home often oppresses them. Senior living facilities mean trading complete independence for the ability to live better.

We understand that change is difficult. But embracing change always opens the door for beautiful opportunities.

Do you need help navigating this process? Find more resources on our website

The Age-Old Question: Assisted Living or Aging in Place?

Once the nest has become empty and life at work fades to a distant memory, retired people still have to answer the question regarding what they’re going to do with the rest of their lives. However, that question is a bit different for the rest of their family – who want to know WHERE they’re going to be doing things.

Let’s take a look at some of the things to consider when trying to determine the answer to this question.

Medical Issues

Some people, even younger ones, have medical issues that need to be tended to on a daily basis. Some of these issues can be cared for at home, while others need more of a medical setting. If, for example, you have Medicare for oxygen therapy, you might be able to handle that at home. However, if you need something more invasive, assisted living might be a better option.

Emergency Planning

One of the benefits of assisted living might have to do with emergency planning. If your aging family member is aging at home, you might need to think about whether close friends or family members are nearby in the event of an emergency. If there isn’t anyone nearby, you might get them a monitoring device so that, if something happens, they can push a button and get the help they need. However, if they’re in an assisted living facility, there’s always someone nearby who can be called on for help if they need it.

Social Interaction

For those seniors who want to remain in their homes, it might not just be about staying where they’re comfortable or remaining in control. It might also have to do with having someplace where they feel as if their friends and family members can still freely interact with them, and they won’t feel isolated and alone. They might just want to enjoy the property at which they’ve spent years investing their money and time – a place where they’ve associated many holiday gatherings and activities, and a lifetime of fond memories. Being in an environment like this and getting visited frequently by friends, relatives, and grandkids can be their ideal version of happiness.

Getting Around

When you don’t have the energy that you did years ago, things like everyday chores can become dangerous, burdensome, or even impossible. When it comes to things like getting around or light tasks, your senior might eventually need a bit of help in the form of a home health aide (even though light exercise will help), but they’ll definitely need to hire someone for things like landscaping, cleaning the gutters, and cutting the grass. In assisted living, these things are a non-issue. There’s always someone around who can assist them with mobility, and all of those pesky chores are handled by staff.

The Right Choice

The decision you make when it comes to where you want to live out the golden years of your life is one that’s deeply personal, and as such, it’ll be different for everyone and for different reasons. Whether to go ahead and begin downsizing as soon as your youngest child leaves the nest is quite a different choice from the one you’ll need to make when you begin to need a bit more personal assistance or healthcare. However, an in-depth analysis regarding costs and benefits combined with honest and open communication regarding the needs you have can assist you and your family when it comes to making the ideal decision for your family, your spouse, and yourself. Just don’t be rash. Do your research before making any sort of decision.

4 Ways Seniors Can Remain Active During COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the routines of almost everyone. It’s been especially difficult for seniors who are at a higher risk of suffering complications from the virus. Even with the restrictions easing, it is important to keep them safe during this dangerous time.

Seniors also need to stay mentally and physically active in order to stay healthy. This can be challenging when their options are limited. Luckily, there are still things they can do wherever they live. There might even be activities that adhere to social distancing rules for those independently living in retirement communities. Here are some things seniors can do to safely stay active.

Walking

Walking is a simple but effective way to be active. Seniors can start slow, if needed, and increase the length of the walks gradually. Low-intensity walks provide the same benefits as high-intensity ones and lower the risk for mortality. Seniors can get some fresh air, which is good for the mind and body. If walks outside are not an option at all, a stroll around the house can also help. It is also easy to keep the required physical distance from others on a walk.

Gardening

Seniors who love the outdoors can take up gardening. This will let them enjoy fresh air while enhancing the spaces around them. It will also give them a project to keep them busy in a time where many of their activities might not be possible. If getting down and dirty is not possible, starting on small indoor plants or a herb garden is always an option.

Dancing

Seniors can dance wherever they are without needing to worry about physical distancing. Dancing is fun and a great cardiovascular workout. It can be as low-intensity as one likes. To make it more fun, seniors can put on some of their favorite tracks to dance to.

Arts and crafts

Getting involved in a creative project is good for the mental and physical health of seniors. They might be getting bored with sheltering in place, and arts and crafts will keep them engaged. Seniors can get involved in knitting, coloring, painting, working with clay and many other projects. These projects are also a good alternative for those who cannot partake in physical activities. Reading and writing are also good for the mind. Family or friends can gift them hobby kits or other similar items which will also make the seniors feel loved.

A safe and active life

It is vital for seniors to stay active both mentally and physically in order to maintain a healthy life. The pandemic might have put a pause to many activities, but there are still ways to keep moving and do things with safety and physical distancing rules in mind. The family of the seniors can also help from a distance if they don’t live in the same place by gifting them kits that encourage hobbies and projects. Check out other blogs on the website to know how seniors can keep happy and informed during this difficult time.

Importance of Background Screening for Hiring Nursing Home Staff

A residential nursing home is one of the most sensitive facilities that offer care to people with disabilities or the elderly. Staff members working in such facilities must be trained professionals to handle people with special needs. Besides professional qualifications, such individuals need to be people of integrity, trust, and who adheres to the code of ethics put in place. Conducting background checks when hiring should be prioritized as it offers several benefits, as discussed below.

1. Meeting Regulatory Requirements

The importance of background screening and background checks on employees is that it helps nursing homes to adhere to federal and state law regulatory requirements. Nursing homes are not required to hire individuals who have a history of violence or any form of neglect against patients. In some states, nursing homes must use FBI background checks before hiring, which is a clear indication of the seriousness that employee screening is in some of the states around the country.

2. Enhanced Safety and Security

The safety of nursing home residents and the entire facility is of paramount importance that demands everyone to be vigilant and careful when hiring. Background checks are necessary as they help filter out applicants who have a history of violence against other individuals. To prevent future abuse and unwanted incidents in the facilities, unearthing every detail, especially on behavioral habits, must be analyzed. Among the behavioral attributes of applicants filtered out include stalking, harassment, domestic violence, and emotional abuse.

3. Prevent Negligent Hiring

Recently, the number of companies that have become liable for negligent hiring has tremendously increased. Studies show that entities that have ignored background checks are now paying harshly for employee’s actions, which could have been prevented. For nursing homes, consequences might be critical as they could involve endangering the health or welfare of the sick or elderly. To prevent negligent hiring in nursing facilities, having sufficient information on the applicant’s past and lawsuits will come in handy.

4. Reduce Alcohol/Drug Abuse

As a matter of organizational principle and practice, most, if not all, nursing homes do not hire employees who use drugs. Hiring such individuals could lead to negligence and other unwanted behaviors when caring for needy patients. Substance abuse screening helps in determining whether such applicants have a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Ensuring that all employees are drug-free in a nursing home helps prevent violence, crime, low productivity, and attitude problems, among others. Noteworthy, most of the drug users have one or more of the behavioral traits highlighted above.

5. Quality Staff Hiring

Like mainstream companies, nursing homes struggle to get quality employees who have met all the necessary regulatory and organizational requirements. There is a need for upcoming talents and experienced staff members in nursing homes. Other personal traits such as honesty, empathy, commitment, and compassion are needed among the employees who work in such facilities. Although background checks may not determine some personal characteristics, employee screening will get quality staff members by analyzing previous experience and overall applicant’s presentation.

Nursing home residents are vulnerable, and most of them require acute care, especially those with serious illnesses such as cognitive diseases and immobility. Every employee working in such facilities needs to be ready and willing to assist when called upon. Conducting background checks will help in getting the right members of staff who will not inflict physical or emotional pain to the residents while at the same time, offering the benefits discussed above.

Bringing the Whole Family Together: What to Consider Before Combining into a Multi-Generational Home

It’s no secret that family is important. In fact, it’s one of the building blocks of society.

Your family provides a sense of security and unconditional love. It’s also the foundation of who you are as a person.

But as much as you love your family, moving back to your parent’s home as an adult can be fraught with many difficulties. After all, families are still made up of individuals with differing personalities. This can make it very challenging for multiple generations to attempt to live under one roof.

This article takes a look at living in a multi-generational home. Keep reading to discover insight into how to cope with your family when it feels like you’re living on top of each other.

Financial Issues

Living with several generations in the same household can create friction in several ways, including arguments about finances. This is especially true if certain members of the family are currently unemployed or experiencing temporary financial difficulties.

It’s never desirable to suddenly find yourself having to carry more than your fair share of the load. Especially when it comes to paying bills, buying food, or covering other expenses for family members when they are either disabled, elderly, or simply unmotivated.

Ideally, this is a topic you should discuss as a family before agreeing to cohabitate. After all, very few subjects generate hostility faster than money.

And if you are moving in with members of your family specifically for the purpose of helping them out financially, just try to be patient with them and be prepared for a certain amount of tension to arise.

Privacy

Privacy is another major sticking point when multiple generations decide to move in together. After all, space becomes limited, thus most people will have far less privacy than they might have become accustomed to.

This is a topic that you likely take for granted until it’s suddenly thrust upon you. Most people don’t give privacy much thought until it’s taken away. But when you suddenly have little or no space to yourself, it can feel unsettling.

Everyone requires a different amount of privacy based on personality. After all, certain individuals will want lots of time to themselves, while others prefer to always be in close contact with loved ones. Privacy is especially important for couples and teenagers, thus it’s crucial to respect their privacy and give them plenty of time to themselves rather than expecting to have contact access to them.

Spacing bedrooms apart can help, but mostly it’s a matter of giving each other time alone even when everyone’s home at the same time.

Separate Entryways

Having separate entrances can help create a sense of separation and privacy when living together. This might seem a tad extreme and unnecessary, and yet it can actually make a big difference.

Rather than everyone entering through the same door and always being forced to interact with each other, separate entryways can provide the illusion of individual homes rather than sharing a living space.

Obviously not every home can offer separate entryways, but the more you can do to give each other space as you come and go from the house will help.

Entertainment Areas

Not everyone in your extended family will wish to hang out together and enjoy the same form of entertainment. This is especially true of individuals from different generations. In other words, the elders of the family will likely have different interests than the younger members of the family.

Thus it’s important to establish separate areas with televisions where everyone can watch what they want without treading upon others.

This can become a very sticky situation in a house with limited space, where you might only have room or money for a single TV. When this is the case, take the time to establish guidelines for entertainment so that everyone gets the chance to enjoy their favorite programs.

It’s also wise to invest in quality child safety locks.

Preparing Meals

Everyone has to eat. And yet the kitchen can become crowded, and the various generations living under the same roof might have conflicting meal demands.

This can require a bit of coordination and a lot of patience. The key is to learn to communicate, be willing to help each other and try to be as flexible as possible.

Preparing meals is actually a great chance to visit, catch up with each other’s lives, and reminisce about favorite memories together.

It’s important for everyone to contribute financially for food when possible, and to help prepare the meals or clean up afterward.

Dealing with Conflict

There will be conflicts when living under the same roof. This is a simple truth of life. Conflict is unavoidable, especially with multi-generational families.

Keep in mind that the potential for conflict becomes even higher when living in a small space, especially when you are used to having plenty of space to yourself and haven’t spent time around family in a few years.

One of the most important things to understand about conflict is, it’s totally natural and understandable. You’ll run low on patience, tempers will flare, and this will often lead to raised voices and hurt feelings.

The key is to try to resolve issues before the conflict grows into deep resentment that can cause long-term damage in relationships.

Learning to communicate and express feelings in a healthy way isn’t easy, but it’s essentially when trying to maintain a peaceful living environment.

Doing Laundry

When there are lots of people living under the same roof, there will naturally be lots of dirty clothes. This can be a problem when there’s only one washing machine. The best approach to avoiding conflict is to create a laundry schedule, with each person allotted a specific time to wash and dry their clothes.

Controlling the Thermostat

If your family is like most families, some people like to keep the house nice and warm while others prefer it cool inside. In these situations, it’s wise to invest in separate temperature controls throughout the house in an effort to keep everyone comfortable and happy.

This might not always be possible, yet this is a great way to prevent people from getting grumpy.

A Guide to Living in a Multi-Generational Home

Living with family can be a very gratifying experience, but it can also be stressful. Fortunately, these tips can help make your multi-generational home as pleasant as possible.

Keep scrolling to discover more useful senior-living tips and advice on our blog.