New U.S. Nursing Home Staffing Requirements

Moving from assisted living to a nursing home is often necessitated by changes in an individuals health or care needs. Here are some considerations to consider when moving from assisted living to a skilled nursing facility.Steps When Moving From Assisted Living to Nursing HomeYou or a loved one may need a higher level of care than what you can receive at your assisted living community. Here are some tips for transitioning between senior living communities.Step 1: Assess the individuals care needs.Nursing homes provide more medical and personal care than assisted living facilities. Healthcare professionals or social workers can help evaluate the persons needs to determine an appropriate time to move to a nursing home. Medical input is crucial in determining the proper level of care.Some individuals may be best suited to specialized memory care units. Choose a nursing home based on which one can meet an individuals complex medical needs.Step 2: Tour nursing homes. Research and visit nursing homes in your area to find one that meets the individuals medical needs and preferences. Look for facilities that have a good reputation, meet regulatory standards, and have caring staff members. Some assisted living communities offer nursing home care in another nearby building. Choosing a nursing home in the same complex may be best in giving the individual continuity of services. Step 3: Consider the costs. Skilled nursing care can be expensive. Review the individuals financial resources and access to financial assistance programs like Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance. After careful consideration, choose the best facility for your loved one.Step 4: Coordinate with the assisted living community staff.Work closely with the staff if the individual is in an assisted living facility. Ask for a checklist of tasks family members and caregivers must complete to ensure a smooth transition. Ensure all medical records, medications, and essential documents are transferred to the nursing home. Step 5: Meet with the nursing home staff to discuss needs and transition.Schedule meetings with the nursing home staff, including nurses, social workers, and administrators, to discuss the individuals care plan, preferences, and specific needs or concerns. For example, your loved one may require physical therapy, occupational therapy, or wound care. Or they may require medical equipment or care for complex medical conditions. Step 6: Prepare to move personal items to the new facility. Assisted living residents often have space for more personal items than those living in a private or semi-private room in a nursing home. Your loved one may need assistance reducing their number of personal belongings. Step 7: Consider the individuals emotional needs.Requiring nursing home care may be emotionally challenging for many seniors. Even if they know they need assistance with activities, they may not think they need skilled nursing services 24/7. Offer emotional support and involve them in the decision-making process as much as possible.Step 8: Visit regularly.Continue to visit the individual in the nursing home to provide companionship and ensure they receive the care they need. Get to know the certified nursing assistants and licensed nurses on staff. Stay engaged in their care and advocate for them when necessary.It may take time for your loved one to adjust to their new environment. Make Your Move to a New Senior Living CommunityMoving from assisted living to a nursing home can be challenging, but its often necessary to ensure the persons health and safety. With careful planning and support, you can make this transition as smooth as possible for your loved one.Retirement Unlimited offers a wide range of senior living facilities. If your loved one has had repeated hospital stays or suffers from a chronic medical condition, it might be time to move them to one of our skilled nursing facilities that provides 24-hour care. Contact RUI today to learn more about our premier senior communities. Key Takeaways: When to Move From Assisted Living to a Nursing Home? If your loved one has declining health and requires one-on-one supervision and help with the activities of daily living, it might be time to move them from an independent living facility to one that can provide skilled nursing care.Work with the staff at each facility to make sure there is a seamless transition especially in regards to medication management. Consider your loved ones emotional needs as they move to a different home.

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.

As winter fades away and nature awakens, spring and summer emerge as seasons of renewal and rejuvenation. The longer days, milder temperatures and blooming landscapes invite us outdoors, offering a perfect opportunity to explore activities for seniors and embrace the new growth of the seasons. After months of indoor confinement due to cold weather, spring presents an ideal time for seniors to venture outdoors and engage in various activities that promote health and well-being. Whether its strolling through the communitys landscaped grounds, tending to garden beds or participating in outdoor exercise classes, the possibilities for enjoying the warmer weather are endless. The transition from winter to spring symbolizes a fresh start a chance to shake off the colder months and embrace a renewed sense of energy. By taking advantage of the natural beauty and pleasant weather of spring, seniors can invigorate their bodies, lift their spirits and reconnect with the world around them through their choice of activities for seniors. Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities  The cool sunshine of early spring brings a much-needed vitamin D boost from the sun after an overcast and chilly winter season. Just 20 minutes in the sun each day can help improve mood and mental health and provides opportunities to get outside and enjoy physical activity and increased mobility. As we age, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle becomes increasingly vital for our overall well-being. For senior citizens, staying physically and mentally active is not just a recommendation; its a necessity for maintaining independence, mobility and quality of life. Spring is the perfect time to stretch those muscles with a variety of outdoor activities for seniors. Regular physical activity offers a bevy of benefits for seniors. It helps to strengthen muscles and bones, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance flexibility and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Staying active promotes mental wellness by reducing stress, anxiety and depression, while also boosting cognitive function and memory. Another great benefit of activities for seniors is the return of outdoor socialization activities to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while getting to know your neighbors. Our communities like Anthology of Olathe introduce activities for seniors into everyday life by serving meals alfresco or painting outside on the secure terrace. Summer and Spring Activities Tailored for Seniors Spring and summer open possibilities of many activities that are catered specifically for senior citizens. As we start to stretch our bodies after a winter inside the house, there are many low-impact physical spring activities for adults to try that will help your body acclimate to the warmer weather and a more active lifestyle. Walking trails: Our communities have accessible walking trails and paths with gentle slopes among manicured lawns. Sprinkled throughout the outdoor space are benches and chairs for resting and enjoying the view of the community, like those at Anthology of Simsbury. Community gardening: Many communities, like Anthology of Charlottesville, have gardens where residents are welcome to get their hands dirty in fresh soil, freshly sprouted roots and itty-bitty seeds. Gardening is a favorite spring activity for seniors, and gardening has great physical and mental health benefits, helping them relax and enjoy the weather. Further, fresh produce can be utilized in the community for resident meals as part of spring celebrations. Communities can create senior-friendly garden spaces by incorporating raised garden beds to reduce muscle and body strain when working in them and creating wide, clear pathways for accessibility. Outdoor exercise classes: In the crisp air, summer activities for adults are often moved outside to enjoy the sunshine. This is the perfect opportunity to host low-impact exercise classes such as outdoor yoga and Tai Chi. Birdwatching and nature observations: Anthology Senior Living communities are rooted in some of the most beautiful cities in the world in a variety of locales. Observing nature whether watching birds, meditating by a lake or exploring a botanical garden can be a lot of fun for seniors. Make time in your adult summer activities for a summer celebration! There is so much fun for seniors to have over the summer months, including barbeques, Independence Day celebrations, time by the pool and more! Precautions and Safety Measures for Outdoor Summer Activities Sun protection: While sun protection is important year-round, in the emerging sunshine of the spring, it is more important than ever during outdoor activities for seniors. Utilize a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above, ideally applied 15 minutes before going outside. Wearing light, breezy clothing and a light hat can help you from overheating from activities in the spring and summer. Allergies: Springtime activities also often come with spring allergies! Minimize your exposure by changing clothes after spending time outdoors and speak with your healthcare professional if you require an over-the-counter allergy medication for those outside sniffles and sneezes. Hydration: In the spring and summer, there is an increased need for hydration during the warmer weather, especially when experiencing outdoor summer activities. Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water and avoid caffeinated and carbonated beverages. Seniors should aim to drink at least half of their body weight in water each day. For example, a 150 lb. person would aim for at least 75 oz. of water per day. What is your favorite way to plan great activities for seniors? Take the time to enjoy a summer celebration or escape the heat with indoors summer activities for adults. Enjoy all of our activities for seniors at our various Anthology Senior Living communities!