How a Little Risk Can Make Seniors a Lot Healthier – and Happier

In health care settings, the body gets medical attention, but the mind and soul matter, too. Older adults in medical care face a battery of health questions, but too often the most consequential one goes unasked and unanswered: What does a good day look like for you today?Medicare requires people to receive a spiritual assessment within their first five days of admission into hospice. Many states allow a nurse to conduct the initial spiritual assessment, but I think it helps both the person and the health care provider for the assessment to be done with someone who has theological training. Many have been certified in clinical pastoral education, or CPE. Nurses can get so focused on the technical to-do lists of medical work  the measurements, the tests, the drug regimens that it can be hard to make time for the issues that matter most to the living human, namely, their happiness, peace and contentment.  As a spiritual care provider with 17 years in senior care facilities, and as a chaplain in the Army National Guard and Air Force National Guard, I have counseled hundreds of people in the final days of their lives.  For older adults and their families, one of the most valuable resources is also little-known a Medicare option that provides spiritual counseling for people in hospice. Longing for ConversationToo often older adults in care are being talked at, not listened to. Many times, I've found that people in the last chapter of life want to discuss their path to the end more than their medical professionals and, especially, more than their loved ones.  It often helps to have that discussion with a professional who is trained to hear them, and, if requested, to comfort and advise them.  RecommendedOpinion: Why I Went on Hospice Even Though I'm Not Dying | Personal PerspectivesThe code of ethics for the leading chaplain and spiritual care associations all prohibit proselytizing. A spiritual care provider should be able to work with someone on their own terms, no matter their beliefs. The United States may be turning more secular, but the fact remains that older adults are the most faith-affiliated of any demographic age group.This initial spiritual meeting is likely to be about the basics: Is the person religious? What is their support system? Will a certain faith-based ritual bring meaning or comfort? Do they have a preferred faith leader? Or is a secular discussion a better fit for the person's beliefs? 

One Sunday morning in early August, Irene woke up with a badly swollen knee. She thought about waiting until Monday to call her Lifespark Nurse Practitioner but was afraid that bacteria from an infected tooth had migrated to her artificial knee joint, something her orthopedic surgeon had warned her about. If left untreated, an infected joint could require additional surgeries, which is why she had taken prophylactic antibiotics before and after a recent dental procedure.The last thing Irene, 74, wanted was another surgery, but based on previous emergency room visits, she dreaded the thought of going to the ER. Youre sitting for hours next to people who are sick with the flu or COVID, when youre already not feeling well yourself, she said. The doctors are regular GPs [general practitioners] so theyd probably just run some tests and send me home with antibiotics, which Im already taking. She was also concerned about the $100 co-pay, adding that she lives in low-income housing and has limited financial resources.Instead, Irene called Urgent Response Services, Lifesparks 24-hour nurse triage line.Convenient, efficient, and trustedAs a member of Lifespark COMPLETE (LSC), Irene qualified for Urgent Response Services which provides acute-level care for members in their homes. Within minutes, Leah Castle, RN, BSN, Mobile Urgent Responder, was on her way, getting briefed by the triage nurse on Irenes concerns.Once at Irenes home, Leah logged onto the secure portal to access key client information, including Irenes health history, medications, allergies, support system, financial considerations, contingency plans, and goals of care. Having this level of detail at our fingertips helps us make more accurate, more efficient assessments, she said. It also gives us a more complete picture of the member, so we can offer recommendations that align with their goals and lifestyle.After taking Irenes vitals, she drew some blood, took a photo of the worrisome knee, and talked through her findings with the on-call provider. They were both confident that it wasnt a bacterial infection but would wait for the lab results for confirmation. Leah sent a note to Irenes COMPLETE team to schedule a follow-up for the next week. In the meantime, Irene was to continue the antibiotics, take a Tylenol every six hours, ice her knee, and keep the leg elevated as much as possible.Leah dropped off the blood samples at the hospital lab for processing, and in less than two hours, the on-call physician had the results. Leah called Irene to let her know that the labs were negative for systemic infection and that her inflammatory markers were within normal range.Irene was relieved. This was so much better than going to the ER, she said.Rule-outs and rule-insIn Leahs experience, older adults often go to the ER to make sure theres nothing seriously wrong. In fact, studies show that roughly 32% of hospital ER visits are non-urgent and unnecessary. As a Mobile Urgent Responder, shes able to rule out those non-emergencies, efficiently and effectively, from the persons home.That was the case with Irene: shes had both knees replaced and was very concerned that shed need more surgery, Leah said. We were able to put her at ease and assure her that we would continue to monitor and manage her symptoms from home. If there is something to be concerned about, Leah added, the Mobile Urgent Response team is able rule in the need for emergency care.Building on career experienceHaving the confidence to make quick, accurate assessments and communicate them to Lifesparks medical experts comes from her diverse career background. One of Leahs first nursing jobs was on a cardiac step-down unit, a fast-paced, intense environment where the nurses were constantly working with different physicians and therapists. I learned how to quickly build trusting relationships with the providers and also with families during some of the darkest moments of their lives, she said.Leah said she grew professionally in that environment, gaining skills and knowledge that prepared her for her next job, at a long-term acute care hospital. The individuals she cared for had complex diagnoses and illnesses, such as extensive wounds, traumatic brain injury, chronic kidney disease, and respiratory failure. Patients were here for two to six months or more, many of them on ventilators and feeding tubes, so I got to know their families and learned how to support them, too, she said.In 2017, Leah joined Lifespark Community Home Care as their first on-call nurse. Coming into the Home Care setting with my background was powerful, because I knew what my clients had just walked out of, whether that was the hospital or rehab, and now I could help them stay healthy at home, she said.Seven years later, she was recruited for Lifesparks Mobile Urgent Response team. I feel like each step in my career has prepared me for the next one, and now, as a Mobile Urgent Responder, I can be the eyes and ears of our providers in the home, she said. I can also bring care and compassion and empathy to our members, so they feel confident in the care were providing.Benefits of early interventionThe Mobile Urgent Response team has been most successful when members call the triage line before their symptoms progress to a critical level. The team has been able to treat early symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the home, often with a short-term medication adjustment. However, if a CHF or COPD exacerbation isnt treated, the client would likely need to be hospitalized for IV therapy and increased respiratory support. Recently, Leah collaborated with the on-call provider to diagnose a painful ear infection that had developed quickly. The physician faxed a prescription for antibiotics to the clients pharmacy which they were able to pick up and start taking that same day.Its really fulfilling and rewarding to be able to offer this service to our members and their families who want to be supportive but cant always be there in person, Leah said. Theyre in good hands with Lifespark.To learn how Lifespark helps seniors stay healthy at home, visit Lifespark.com or call 952-345-8770.  

As we age, transitions in life become inevitable. Whether its downsizing to a smaller home, moving into assisted living, or simply re-evaluating living spaces, each change can stir a mixture of emotions. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand both the logistics and the emotional weight of these transitions for seniors and their families. Our heartfelt mission is to support seniors in navigating these changes while preserving the precious family bonds that hold us together. In this blog, we will explore strategies to ease these transitions, ensuring both seniors and their families feel supported and connected.Embracing Change: The Power of CommunicationOne of the most challenging aspects of transitioning for seniors is the emotional aspect of letting goof belongings, routines, and sometimes even their homes filled with memories. For families, these transitions can invoke feelings of worry, sadness, and concern. However, by fostering open communication, families can significantly ease the pressure of these changes.Tip 1: Initiate Family Conversations EarlyEncouraging family discussions about transitions can help everyone involved feel heard and understood. Rather than waiting until the move is imminent, families should engage seniors in conversations about their needs and preferences well in advance. This not only empowers seniors but also brings family members together to collaboratively create a plan.Discussing the logistical aspects, such as downsizing and organizing belongings, can help ensure that the senior feels involved in decision-making. Encourage family members to share what items are meaningful to them; discussing cherished possessions can create a sense of belonging and connection.Tip 2: Share Memories and CelebrateTransitions can lead to feelings of loss, but they can also be an opportunity to celebrate cherished memories. Plan a "memory-sharing" day where family members come together to reminisce about favorite moments and standout possessions. Encourage seniors to express the stories behind their treasured items, helping them understand that even as belongings change, memories remain intact.Documenting these storiesthrough audio recordings, written notes, or even photographscan beautifully merge the past with the present. Acknowledging the emotional significance of items eases the process of letting go and strengthens familial ties through shared experiences.The Role of Professional Organizers: Easing Transitions with CompassionAt A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we pride ourselves on serving as compassionate partners during these transitions. Our approach is centered around supporting seniors in their unique journeys, providing expertise and emotional care that fosters family connection.Tip 3: Customized Organizing PlansOnce the family discussions have occurred, well work with you to develop a personalized organizing plan tailored to the specific needs of your loved one. This plan might involve sorting belongings, decluttering, and facilitating the donation or sale of items not needed in their new space. By systematically approaching these tasks, we can help reduce overwhelm and ensure a smooth transition.Involving seniors in each step of the organizing process is crucial. This fosters a sense of autonomy, allowing them to retain control over their possessions and their living environment. At the same time, we educate and guide the family on how to support their loved ones effectively.Tip 4: Create a Welcoming New SpaceAs part of the transition, its essential to ensure that the new living environment feels like home. We provide expert advice on how to arrange furniture, create cozy spaces, and incorporate beloved items into a new setting, blending both old and new seamlessly.Encouraging family members to be involved in the decorating process can further strengthen bonds. Invite them to help set up the new space, making it a collaborative effort filled with joy and connection. This transforms the often daunting experience of moving into a celebration of new beginnings.Transitions Made MeaningfulNavigating the transitions that come with aging doesnt have to be a daunting task. Just as families cherish memories, they can also preserve family bonds through the support of each other during these changes. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that with the right communication and professional assistance, families can help seniors embrace change with grace and positivity.Every transition is an opportunity to reaffirm love, support, and connection. By engaging in open dialogues, celebrating memories, and seeking professional guidance, families can create new, cherished moments in the face of change. This holiday season and beyond, lets prioritize connection, understanding, and love, ensuring that our seniors feel valued and embraced through every transition.Together, we can foster environments where seniors thrive and families unitenot just in the past, but in the bright future ahead. Lets embark on this journey together, preserving bonds that last a lifetime.