Empower!You

What is senior Respite Care? Senior Respite Care is planned or emergency short-term care of an elderly person. Its typically needed by family members who act as a primary caregiver for an elderly loved one. Here are the key points in understanding Respite Care services.Important Points to Consider About Respite Care ServicesAre you a caregiver for an elderly loved one? Heres what family caregivers should be aware of regarding Respite Care services. You must plan for emergencies. What would happen to your loved one if you became sick or had a medical emergency? While you may not anticipate having to be away from your loved one, emergencies do happen. Thats why its essential to have Respite Care coverage in place. Respite Care provides temporary relief to caregivers. Please dont feel guilty if you need a break from caring for your aging loved one. Caregiving is often physically and emotionally exhausting. It can even be frightening at times. Dont be embarrassed to admit when you need a break from your caregiving responsibilities. Needing a break doesnt mean you are a bad spouse or child it just means you are human.There are different types of Respite Care services.Respite Care can range from a few hours to several days or weeks. Adult daycare services are appropriate for those needing help for just a few hours. While some respite providers will come to your loved one, you can also send your family member to an assisted living facility that provides Respite Care services. While having a home health aide may seem more convenient, you may have concerns about letting professional caregivers in your loved ones home. On the other hand, Respite Care facilities are designed to meet the needs of elderly patients. Your loved one may do well receiving care from trained staff at a skilled nursing facility. You can use residential Respite Care to try out assisted living options.Your family member may resist moving into an assisted living facility. However, after spending a few days with a professional caregiver, they may discover the many benefits of living in such a place. Respite Care offers a glimpse into the community lifestyle, complete with all the benefits and amenities of permanent residency.Respite Care costs might be covered by insurance or government programs. Various organizations and agencies offer support and resources for accessing Respite Care. Find out more about Respite Care costs by calling a skilled nursing facility near you.Respite Care providers are licensed professionals not informal caregivers.We do not mean to overlook the value of a family caregiver. After all, you know your loved one better than anyone and provide care with love. However, a professional Respite Care provider is specifically trained to care for older adults. They know techniques to help older people with activities of daily living. They also are trained to be on the lookout for medical reasons that your loved one may not be doing as well as they should.For Respite Care in a senior living community near you, contact Retirement Unlimited. We offer Respite Care services in Virginia, Florida, and North Carolina with fully furnished accommodations and flexible stay optionsContact Retirement Unlimited today to learn more.Key Takeaways About Respite Care in Assisted Living FacilitiesIts important to find respite services in case of an emergency.Respite Care can curtail caregiver burnout.There are three types of Respite Care services adult day services, in-home care services, or short-term assisted living options.Your loved one may benefit from having professional care.

October marks National Physical Therapy Month, a time when we celebrate the dedicated professionals who play a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of seniors through rehabilitation and therapy services. Our community understands the importance of promoting the well-being of our residents, especially when it comes to managing chronic pain. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of non-pharmacological approaches for pain relief and improved functioning in seniors, highlighting the essential role of therapy and rehabilitation in this journey. Understanding Chronic Pain in Seniors:Chronic pain is a common and often debilitating condition among older adults. It can stem from various sources, including arthritis, neuropathy, post-surgical discomfort, and musculoskeletal conditions. The impact of chronic pain extends beyond physical discomfort, affecting one's overall quality of life, mood, and daily functioning. The Risks of Pharmacological Approaches:While medications can be effective for pain management, especially in the short term, there are concerns when they become the primary solution. Seniors are often at a higher risk of medication-related side effects, including dizziness, falls, addiction, and drug interactions. This is where non-pharmacological approaches come into play. Non-Pharmacological Approaches for Pain Relief:Physical therapy and rehabilitation are cornerstones of non-pharmacological pain management strategies. Here's how they can make a significant difference in the lives of seniors: Targeted Exercise Programs: Physical therapists design customized exercise regimens that focus on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall mobility. These exercises help alleviate pain by stabilizing joints and reducing strain on affected areas.Manual Therapy: Techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue manipulation can alleviate pain and improve joint mobility. Skilled therapists use their expertise to enhance the body's natural healing mechanisms.Pain Education: Understanding the nature of pain is a crucial aspect of pain management. Therapists educate seniors about their conditions, empowering them to take an active role in their recovery.Functional Training: Seniors are guided in regaining functional independence. This can involve relearning everyday tasks and activities, ensuring they can maintain their quality of life despite pain.Modalities and Assistive Devices: Therapists may incorporate modalities like heat, cold, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to manage pain. Assistive devices like splints or canes can also offer support. The Holistic Approach at Our Community: We're committed to a holistic approach to senior wellness. We collaborate closely with our partner, Synchrony Rehab, to ensure that seniors receive the highest quality therapy and rehabilitation services. By addressing pain management from a comprehensive perspective, we empower our residents to enjoy a better quality of life, improved functioning, and reduced reliance on medications. This National Physical Therapy Month, we recognize the importance of non-pharmacological approaches for managing chronic pain in seniors. Through physical therapy and rehabilitation, we can provide our residents with the tools they need to enhance their well-being, minimize pain, and regain their independence. Our partnership with Synchrony Rehab reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care that goes beyond the surface, ultimately improving the lives of those we serve.

In observance of National Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the spotlight is now turning toward a previously overlooked demographic: seniors. While mental health has gained significant attention in recent years, researchers are uncovering the unique challenges faced by older adults. As we strive to pave the way for healthy seniors, its crucial to value the importance of a positive mental health mindset and habits.The psychology of aging is changing. As they start to retire, baby boomers are changing the way we think about senior citizens and mental health awareness. According to a study from the Institute on Medicine, approximately 1 in 5 older adults in the United States has a mental illness, substance abuse disorder or both.Researchers who have studied mental wellness over a lifespan noticed that older adults with chronic conditions, such as heart disease, are more likely to experience depression as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that for seniors, doctors may dismiss concerns of depression or loneliness, and seniors are left misdiagnosed or undertreated. In fact, due to the longtime cultural stigma around mental health issues, seniors may be more reluctant to seek help, or they may dismiss their own concerns because they do not believe that they need assistance to feel better. Reasons Why Seniors Struggle with Mental HealthThere are various reasons that seniors often struggle with mental health concerns, and while there are no set causes, research has shown that these factors are related to the risk of mental illness but do not necessarily cause it:    Medical conditions, such as stroke or cancer    Genes people who have a family history of depression may be at higher risk    Stress, including caregiver stress    Sleep problems    Social isolation and loneliness    Lack of exercise or physical activity    Functional limitations that make engaging in activities of daily living difficult    Addiction and/or alcoholism Life transitions related to the environment and changes in circumstances can also trigger periods of mental health disturbance. Transitioning from a lengthy career, experiencing family relocation or adjusting to life in a senior living community can evoke feelings of anxiety and depression in otherwise healthy seniors. During these times of transition, team members at Anthology Senior Living communities are equipped with the resources to aid residents. Dont be afraid to seek out mental health programs for older adults and encourage mental health improvement activities, such as exercising and meditation. Moving for SeniorsSome life events, such as a big move, can trigger more emotional changes in seniors. When moving into a senior living community, treat the transition with care. There are several emotional stages of moving, and some seniors could become depressed after moving to a new home. If emotions about moving arise, it can cause psychological challenges in older adults. To ensure quality of life for seniors who are moving, pay attention to any emotions or feelings your loved one might have, and help them process each consideration to help mitigate the emotional challenges that may come up.Talk to your loved one about the benefits of living in a retirement community, and if necessary, encourage conversations and utilize community and Anthology Senior Living support to gather resources about mental health services for seniors. Social Connections Are Essential for Healthy SeniorsAnother benefit of living in an Anthology Senior Living community is the opportunity to meet new people and create new social connections, which can ease the stress from moving. Communities like Anthology of Blue Ash help welcome new residents by introducing them to fellow neighbors and inviting them to dine with their new friends. Social connections are essential for not only surviving but also thriving. However, as individuals age, they frequently discover themselves spending increasing amounts of time in solitude. Research indicates that loneliness and social isolation are correlated with elevated levels of depression.