For more information about the author, click to view their website: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Seniors/Kane-Community-Living-Centers
The Benefits of Skilled Nursing Facilities:
1. 24/7 Access to Medical Care
One of the most significant benefits of skilled nursing
facilities is the availability of round-the-clock medical supervision. Licensed
professionals, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses
(LPNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs), are always on-site to address
medical needs.
Residents managing chronic conditions or recovering from
surgeries or illnesses receive consistent monitoring, which ensures early
intervention and reduces the risk of complications. This high level of care
provides families with peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are in capable
hands.
2. Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services
For individuals recovering from surgery, strokes, or
injuries, skilled nursing facilities offer specialized rehabilitation programs.
These include:
Delivered by trained professionals, these therapies help
residents achieve their recovery goals and regain independence in a supportive
environment.
3. Personalized Care Plans
Skilled nursing facilities develop individualized care plans
for each resident, tailored to their unique medical needs, preferences, and
goals. These plans are created in collaboration with healthcare providers,
therapists, and family members, and are updated regularly to reflect any
changes in the resident’s condition.
This customized approach ensures residents receive the most
appropriate and effective care, enhancing their overall quality of life.
4. Support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Skilled nursing facilities provide essential assistance with
everyday tasks that may be difficult for residents to manage independently.
These include:
This support ensures residents maintain their dignity and
comfort while having their basic needs met in a compassionate and professional
manner.
6. Social and Emotional Support
Life in a skilled nursing facility includes more than just
medical care—it fosters a sense of community and belonging. Many facilities
offer engaging activities and programs, such as:
These opportunities promote mental stimulation, emotional
fulfillment, and social connections, all of which are crucial for overall
well-being.
7. Nutritious Meals and Dietary Support
Skilled nursing facilities provide residents with balanced,
nutritious meals tailored to their dietary and medical needs. Specialized diets
are available for conditions like diabetes or heart disease, and staff assist
residents who need help with eating.
Proper nutrition supports recovery, manages health
conditions, and contributes to overall vitality.
8. A Safe and Secure Environment
Safety is a top priority in skilled nursing facilities.
Features such as handrails, wheelchair-accessible spaces, and emergency call
systems are standard, reducing risks and promoting resident safety.
For residents with memory-related conditions, like
Alzheimer’s disease, secure areas and specialized care help prevent wandering
and ensure their safety.
9. Relief for Family Caregivers
Caring for a loved one with complex medical needs can be
overwhelming. Skilled nursing facilities offer a reliable solution, allowing
family caregivers to focus on their own well-being while ensuring their loved
one receives expert care.
This respite reduces stress, strengthens family dynamics,
and provides peace of mind.
Additional Advantages
Your home is one of your most significant investments, and taking care of it shouldnt be an afterthought. A Home Maintenance Plan is more than just a convenienceits a strategic way to protect your property, save money, and reduce stress.Heres why investing in a Home Ally Maintenance Plan is the smartest decision you can make for your home and peace of mind.1. Proactive Care Saves You MoneySmall problems left unchecked can turn into costly repairs.Examples of Preventable Costs:Dirty HVAC filters reducing system efficiency and increasing energy bills.Loose fixtures that cause further damage over time.Why It Matters: Regular maintenance catches these issues early, saving you money and avoiding bigger problems.2. Simplifies Your To-Do ListBetween work, family, and other commitments, finding time for home maintenance can be overwhelming.How a Maintenance Plan Helps:TruBlue handles routine tasks like smoke detector battery checks, lightbulb replacement, and seasonal checks.Youll never have to scramble for repairs or maintenance on your own.The Result: More time for the things you love and less stress about home care.3. Protects Your Homes ValueWell-maintained homes retain their value and even appreciate over time.Key Benefits:Regular maintenance keeps systems and fixtures in excellent condition.Keeps interior spaces fresh and functional for better appeal.Prepares your home for future resale, ensuring fewer issues during inspections.Fun Fact: Buyers often prioritize homes with a history of regular maintenance.4. Year-Round ComfortEvery season brings unique maintenance needs. TruBlues Home Maintenance Plan ensures your home is always prepared.Seasonal Services Include:Winter: Sealing drafts and heating systems filter changes.Spring: Preparing outdoor spaces and checking essential systems.Summer: Cooling system filter changes and deck maintenance.Fall: Ensuring seasonal adjustments for energy efficiency and comfort.Why It Matters: Your home remains safe and comfortable no matter the season.5. Customized to Your Homes NeedsNo two homes are alike, which is why our plans are tailored to your unique requirements.What We Offer:Flexible scheduling to suit your lifestyle.Services specific to your homes age, location, and features.Options for one-time fixes or ongoing care.TruBlue Advantage: A plan designed just for you ensures maximum value and efficiency.6. Peace of Mind for You and Your FamilyKnowing your home is in expert hands reduces anxiety and frees up mental energy.How We Provide Peace of Mind:Reliable service from experienced professionals.Transparent communication about whats done and whats next.Regular updates and reminders to keep everything on track.A TruBlue Home Maintenance Plan is more than just a serviceits a partnership that protects your home, simplifies your life, and ensures peace of mind. With proactive care, tailored solutions, and year-round support, its the best investment youll make in your home.Contact TruBlue today to set up your personalized Home Maintenance Plan and discover the joy of worry-free homeownership!
Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape: Schedule Regular Eye Exams: One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses. Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. Eat a Balanced Diet: Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts. Practice Good Eye Hygiene: Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated. Get Plenty of Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!
According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people (about twice the population of Texas) worldwide are living with dementia. If your loved one has started showing signs of dementia and you are looking for a memory care facility in Pittsburgh to provide them with proper and safe care, wed like to help you in your search. Choosing a memory care facility can affect your loved ones quality of life and overall well-being. In this blog, we will discuss making informed decisions, and how to find the best memory care facility for your loved one through proper research. What are the signs of early dementia? According to the Alzheimers Association, early dementia signs include problems with: Short-term memory. Keeping track of a purse or wallet. Paying bills. Planning and preparing meals. Remembering appointments. Traveling out of the neighborhood. Conditions usually start slow and progress as time goes on. Contact a doctor if you or your loved one are having difficulties with any of these signs. Location When choosing a location, your loved one being comfortable is most important. Is it a new area? Is it the same town theyve lived in for years? It all depends on your loved ones or your preferences to find the best location to choose. According to The Ridge Senior Living, when choosing a location, the most important factors include how close the family is, the ability of the location to meet your loved ones needs, the surrounding area, and the facilities nearby. Begin your search with facilities near your loved one, it may be best for them to stay within an area they are familiar with and attach memories. Ratings and Reviews When researching memory care facilities for your loved one, its important to research ratings and reviews from family members of current residents. According to A Place for Mom, look for thoughtful reviews and how they compare to ratings, sometimes reviews can be biased or inaccurate, but its important to take the time to look and evaluate all the information in front of you. Certain specifics to look for when looking at reviews on websites are the amount, if its a family member, specific details, reoccurring topics, and verification of the review. If you find something negative, dont be afraid to ask the facility more on that topic and evaluate their response when you go on a tour. Book a Tour Taking a tour of the potential memory care facility your loved one will be at is crucial. This is your time to assess the environment and cleanliness of the facility, if it gives off a positive ambiance. While on a tour, you will meet some staff who would be in charge of your loved ones care and needs. You want to look for compassionate and kind employees who will put your loved ones needs first. You have the opportunity to interact with staff and get a feel for their level of training and demeanor. During your tour, keep an eye out for safety precautions the facility takes, like secure entryways and staff to resident ratios. Many facilities offer levels of care or specialized care plans, you can learn more on your tour asking questions about their programs offered and how they evaluate residents with dementia. Remember, it is not you in memory care, consider your loved ones comfortability in this facility and ask yourself if this is the best environment for them. Staff When it comes to memory care, the staff is extremely important to your loved ones experience. Working in memory care takes passion, patience, and grace. Something to look out for at a memory care facility is if the staff are Certified Dementia Practitioners. They have a special knowledge and training in dementia care, and the various stages and challenges. They are trained in giving personalized care to each resident based on your loved ones specific and unique needs. When dementia progresses, Certified Dementia Practitioners have the knowledge on how to manage behavior and use redirection techniques to create a supportive environment. Remember to ask on your tour if any of the facilitys staff are Certified Dementia Practitioners. Security and Safety Whats more important than safety? Many memory care units are designed for people living with dementia to do it safely and for families to feel comfortable their loved ones are in a protected environment. You want your loved one to be able to move around freely and not be in a confined space, which is why doing the proper research and asking the important questions is necessary. When residents can move freely and safely, it can help to reduce anxiety and confusion. That feeling of independence is important for them to hold on to, as A Place for Mom stated, sheltered freedom. Things to look for in a facility that promotes safety: Open floor plans Secure outdoor spaces Video monitors Wander Guard Locked doors Bed monitoring systems Cost and Financials As you begin your search for a memory care facility, you will notice the range in prices and how different needs could affect the overall cost of living. According to A Place for Mom, the national median of a memory care facility costs $5,800 a month in the United States. This can all be affected by location. It can be hard to grasp the amount of money memory care can be, lets discuss what could be included in the price24/7 care, bathing/dressing/grooming, housekeeping services, protocol systems, medication management, transportation, activities, amenities, and dining. Some memory care facilities offer all-inclusive pricing, paying only a monthly fee, regardless of which level of care is needed. When it comes to affording memory care, there are options. Insurance, savings and assets, veterans benefits, Medicaid, family support, state and local programs, nonprofit organizations, reverse mortgage, and life insurance conversions. Activities and Amenities When doing your research, look out for activity calendars that offer stimulating programs for residents, especially in memory care. Most facilities offer fun and engaging activities for all residents and some specifically are tailored towards residents with dementia. Having amenities like patios, hair salons, a library, WI-FI and more helps your loved one feel at home and able to independently still make choices. Activities help your loved one stay active and build a sense of daily structure, which can improve their mood. Trust Your Gut Feeling When deciding or researching a memory care facility, trusting your intuition is an important factor to consider. Ask yourself if it feels right for your loved one and create a pros and cons list. When you tour a memory care facility, you may feel an emotional connection to that facility, or you may not. The atmosphere of the facility can either bring you comfort or warning signs, ask yourself: Is it a warm environment? Does it seem well-maintained? Is the staff engaging and compassionate? Are their safety measures being implemented? Do they offer daily stimulating activities? Your gut is a powerful tool, this is an important time to use it and trust it. Your loved one needs proper care with a patient care team ready to create a fulfilling life for them. If you are struggling with your loved ones diagnosis and need to talk to someone, The Alzheimers Foundation of America offers Alzheimers and Dementia support groups. You can also research in your local town the support groups that are offered. You and your loved one are not alone in this search, there are many resources and opportunities to create a beautiful life. Take the time to do the proper research and consider the right care your loved one needs.
Compassionate Care in Allegheny CountyCaring for elderly people and adults who need additional care has been the responsibility of Kane Centers since 1958. Kane staff understand the difficult process families endure when a loved one needs more care than their family can provide. Every day, Kane staff devote themselves to making this process of finding and acclimating to a skilled nursing facility a little easier. That means providing families with the security and comfort of the complete list of care services, highly qualified medical professionals, and plenty of friendly people always willing to lend a hand. There are four Kane Community Living Centers located throughout Allegheny County. Each center provides a close-to-home experience that keeps residents active physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.The centers are staffed by professional nurses, therapists, and aides, as well as a team of physicians who attend to the residents onsite.Each center provides a warm, comfortable environment including:Acres of landscaped groundsBeauty/barber shopsCheerful dining rooms and resident loungesComfortable, personalized roomsComputer and video game roomsIntimate sitting areasLarge activity rooms on each floorNonsectarian chapelsOn-site wellness centersOutdoor Courtyards and gardensCare and ServicesThe Kane Community Living Centers understand how difficult the decision for long term care can be. Watching a loved one who cares and has cared for you can be an emotional and stressful time. Many of our employees have experienced this decision with their elderly parents and relatives. Kane can provide services at this time that provide peace of mind for families along with personal attention to our residents on many different levels.No matter what type of care your loved one may need, we're dedicated to providing your family with peace of mind by offering our complete personal and professional attention on every level:24-Hour Skilled Nursing CareAlzheimer's and Memory CareCommunity InvolvementHospice CarePastoral CareRecreational ActivitiesRespite CareShort-Term RehabilitationSocial ServicesWound CarePatient Assessment via Telemedicine OptionResident CouncilAdult Education ClassesCommunity OutingsThe services and programs offered at Kane are designed to keep our residents functioning at the highest level possible and to help them be as confident, happy and independent as possible. We bring our physicians and specialists to our residents by utilizing our unique on-site Wellness Centers.Occupational therapyPhysical therapySpeech therapyAudiologyOphthalmologyMedical Specialty ClinicsTherapeutic RecreationX-RayLab and Diagnostic ServicesPharmacyQuality of CareWhen it comes to the quality of life of our residents, there's nothing we take more seriously. Our commitment to quality covers the full extent of our services, programs and accommodations. It's a commitment that is shared and embraced by every member of our staff: nurses, physicians, admissions staff, security personnel, volunteers and community groups.We take great pride in our high staff-to-resident ratio and our low employee turnover, and we relentlessly assure that all quality of care measures and safety regulations are met or exceeded. We support our residents' independence and strive to provide individualized care, taking each person's unique needs and life experiences into consideration. Every resident's family is given the opportunity to be included as part of the health care team and participate in treatment planning.The decision to choose nursing home care for a loved one can be a very difficult and emotional decision. The Admissions Coordinators at Kane Community Living Centers are available to answer questions and provide assistance with the admissions process. AdmissionsObtaining AdmissionAdmission to any Kane Community Living Center, as well as Kane's specialty units for short-term rehabilitation or dementia, can be as simple as a phone call. The Admissions Coordinators can determine if Kane can meet care needs by requesting some of the following information:Social security numberHealth insurance providerHealth historyThe Kane Community Living Centers accept Medicare, Medicaid, Highmark plans, UPMC plans, other private insurances and private pay. If an applicant is currently in the hospital, the hospital social worker/discharge planner can make the referral to the Kane Admissions Department.Contact the Admission CoordinatorsMonday through Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, call 412-422-5263 (412-422-KANE). To make a referral on weekends, or between 4:00 pm - 8:00 am on weekdays, call the main number at 412-422-6800 and ask to have the On-Call Coordinator paged.
Compassionate Care in Allegheny CountyCaring for elderly people and adults who need additional care has been the responsibility of Kane Centers since 1958. Kane staff understand the difficult process families endure when a loved one needs more care than their family can provide. Every day, Kane staff devote themselves to making this process of finding and acclimating to a skilled nursing facility a little easier. That means providing families with the security and comfort of the complete list of care services, highly qualified medical professionals, and plenty of friendly people always willing to lend a hand. There are four Kane Community Living Centers located throughout Allegheny County. Each center provides a close-to-home experience that keeps residents active physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.The centers are staffed by professional nurses, therapists, and aides, as well as a team of physicians who attend to the residents onsite.Each center provides a warm, comfortable environment including:Acres of landscaped groundsBeauty/barber shopsCheerful dining rooms and resident loungesComfortable, personalized roomsComputer and video game roomsIntimate sitting areasLarge activity rooms on each floorNonsectarian chapelsOn-site wellness centersOutdoor Courtyards and gardensCare and ServicesThe Kane Community Living Centers understand how difficult the decision for long term care can be. Watching a loved one who cares and has cared for you can be an emotional and stressful time. Many of our employees have experienced this decision with their elderly parents and relatives. Kane can provide services at this time that provide peace of mind for families along with personal attention to our residents on many different levels.No matter what type of care your loved one may need, we're dedicated to providing your family with peace of mind by offering our complete personal and professional attention on every level:24-Hour Skilled Nursing CareAlzheimer's and Memory CareCommunity InvolvementHospice CarePastoral CareRecreational ActivitiesRespite CareShort-Term RehabilitationSocial ServicesWound CarePatient Assessment via Telemedicine OptionResident CouncilAdult Education ClassesCommunity OutingsThe services and programs offered at Kane are designed to keep our residents functioning at the highest level possible and to help them be as confident, happy and independent as possible. We bring our physicians and specialists to our residents by utilizing our unique on-site Wellness Centers.Occupational therapyPhysical therapySpeech therapyAudiologyOphthalmologyMedical Specialty ClinicsTherapeutic RecreationX-RayLab and Diagnostic ServicesPharmacyQuality of CareWhen it comes to the quality of life of our residents, there's nothing we take more seriously. Our commitment to quality covers the full extent of our services, programs and accommodations. It's a commitment that is shared and embraced by every member of our staff: nurses, physicians, admissions staff, security personnel, volunteers and community groups.We take great pride in our high staff-to-resident ratio and our low employee turnover, and we relentlessly assure that all quality of care measures and safety regulations are met or exceeded. We support our residents' independence and strive to provide individualized care, taking each person's unique needs and life experiences into consideration. Every resident's family is given the opportunity to be included as part of the health care team and participate in treatment planning.The decision to choose nursing home care for a loved one can be a very difficult and emotional decision. The Admissions Coordinators at Kane Community Living Centers are available to answer questions and provide assistance with the admissions process. AdmissionsObtaining AdmissionAdmission to any Kane Community Living Center, as well as Kane's specialty units for short-term rehabilitation or dementia, can be as simple as a phone call. The Admissions Coordinators can determine if Kane can meet care needs by requesting some of the following information:Social security numberHealth insurance providerHealth historyThe Kane Community Living Centers accept Medicare, Medicaid, Highmark plans, UPMC plans, other private insurances and private pay. If an applicant is currently in the hospital, the hospital social worker/discharge planner can make the referral to the Kane Admissions Department.Contact the Admission CoordinatorsMonday through Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, call 412-422-5263 (412-422-KANE). To make a referral on weekends, or between 4:00 pm - 8:00 am on weekdays, call the main number at 412-422-6800 and ask to have the On-Call Coordinator paged.
Compassionate Care in Allegheny CountyCaring for elderly people and adults who need additional care has been the responsibility of Kane Centers since 1958. Kane staff understand the difficult process families endure when a loved one needs more care than their family can provide. Every day, Kane staff devote themselves to making this process of finding and acclimating to a skilled nursing facility a little easier. That means providing families with the security and comfort of the complete list of care services, highly qualified medical professionals, and plenty of friendly people always willing to lend a hand. There are four Kane Community Living Centers located throughout Allegheny County. Each center provides a close-to-home experience that keeps residents active physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.The centers are staffed by professional nurses, therapists, and aides, as well as a team of physicians who attend to the residents onsite.Each center provides a warm, comfortable environment including:Acres of landscaped groundsBeauty/barber shopsCheerful dining rooms and resident loungesComfortable, personalized roomsComputer and video game roomsIntimate sitting areasLarge activity rooms on each floorNonsectarian chapelsOn-site wellness centersOutdoor Courtyards and gardensCare and ServicesThe Kane Community Living Centers understand how difficult the decision for long term care can be. Watching a loved one who cares and has cared for you can be an emotional and stressful time. Many of our employees have experienced this decision with their elderly parents and relatives. Kane can provide services at this time that provide peace of mind for families along with personal attention to our residents on many different levels.No matter what type of care your loved one may need, we're dedicated to providing your family with peace of mind by offering our complete personal and professional attention on every level:24-Hour Skilled Nursing CareAlzheimer's and Memory CareCommunity InvolvementHospice CarePastoral CareRecreational ActivitiesRespite CareShort-Term RehabilitationSocial ServicesWound CarePatient Assessment via Telemedicine OptionResident CouncilAdult Education ClassesCommunity OutingsThe services and programs offered at Kane are designed to keep our residents functioning at the highest level possible and to help them be as confident, happy and independent as possible. We bring our physicians and specialists to our residents by utilizing our unique on-site Wellness Centers.Occupational therapyPhysical therapySpeech therapyAudiologyOphthalmologyMedical Specialty ClinicsTherapeutic RecreationX-RayLab and Diagnostic ServicesPharmacyQuality of CareWhen it comes to the quality of life of our residents, there's nothing we take more seriously. Our commitment to quality covers the full extent of our services, programs and accommodations. It's a commitment that is shared and embraced by every member of our staff: nurses, physicians, admissions staff, security personnel, volunteers and community groups.We take great pride in our high staff-to-resident ratio and our low employee turnover, and we relentlessly assure that all quality of care measures and safety regulations are met or exceeded. We support our residents' independence and strive to provide individualized care, taking each person's unique needs and life experiences into consideration. Every resident's family is given the opportunity to be included as part of the health care team and participate in treatment planning.The decision to choose nursing home care for a loved one can be a very difficult and emotional decision. The Admissions Coordinators at Kane Community Living Centers are available to answer questions and provide assistance with the admissions process. AdmissionsObtaining AdmissionAdmission to any Kane Community Living Center, as well as Kane's specialty units for short-term rehabilitation or dementia, can be as simple as a phone call. The Admissions Coordinators can determine if Kane can meet care needs by requesting some of the following information:Social security numberHealth insurance providerHealth historyThe Kane Community Living Centers accept Medicare, Medicaid, Highmark plans, UPMC plans, other private insurances and private pay. If an applicant is currently in the hospital, the hospital social worker/discharge planner can make the referral to the Kane Admissions Department.Contact the Admission CoordinatorsMonday through Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, call 412-422-5263 (412-422-KANE). To make a referral on weekends, or between 4:00 pm - 8:00 am on weekdays, call the main number at 412-422-6800 and ask to have the On-Call Coordinator paged.