The Short on Rehab

How do you know when to move from assisted living to a nursing home? There is no specific timeframe that applies to each person, but in every case, it is critical to determine what type of care you need.  An assisted living community offers the opportunity to maintain independence while receiving support to meet most of your daily needs. A nursing home may be necessary when complex health issues require 24-hour nursing care and continuous medical supervision. Skilled nursing facilities provide specialized services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as wound care and intravenous (IV) therapy.Nursing home services differ significantly from those provided by assisted living communities. But what exactly are these differences, and how do they impact the level and type of care you may need?What Is an Assisted Living Community? Assisted living is a residential community that provides a non-institutional environment for people who can provide for many of their own needs. Some locations may offer some support, such as aiding in managing diet and nutritional needs. Some also help with incontinence. Some help with the highest levels of care including feeding, transferring, and behaviors. Additionally, many will offer medical care in addition to custodial care and have nurses on staff to oversee residents care. The assisted living level of care is for older adults who could be frail but do not need 24-hour medical nursing care. Residents may also benefit from having some of their medical needs addressed by a home health service that will come into the community. Assisted living helps with activities of daily living such as housecleaning, meals, dressing, and medication reminders and monitoring. The average assisted-living resident is 84 years old and needs help with two or three of the activities mentioned above. Assisted Living has a vibrant and social appeal as there are numerous offerings to stay active and engaged in life enrichment activities.Some older adults move into assisted living because living alone may not be safe for them due to the risk of falling, memory difficulty, or the risk of taking the wrong medication or an incorrect dosage. Moving into assisted living provides you with the support you need now, and that may delay your need for more advanced care until sometime in the future if you do not need that level of care right now.A licensed nurse may be available to provide individualized care. Staff may be on site 24 hours a day, depending on the communitys rules and regulations for that state. However, in some communities, the assisted living medical team is not available 24 hours a day. Keep in mind that each community sets its own objectives, based on specific state regulations. You should always clarify what is expected. While intense memory care for those who have end-stage Alzheimers disease or dementia, some assisted living communities will incorporate a memory care element to them. This will allow your family members to have the type and level of help they need right now, with the ability to step up care over time as their condition changes. Assisted living communities handle many of the more difficult tasks for those who are older. That could include light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation for grocery shopping or medical appointments, and other tasks.   What Is a Nursing Home? A nursing home provides a higher level of care with nursing support. This means your loved one will receive around-the-clock assistance from nurses and other medical professionals. Nursing homes have a more clinical environment and can address medical needs, such as wound care, intravenous therapies, and ventilation care. While you may assume skilled care is necessary, many assisted living communities can offer a much higher level of support than you might realize.In a nursing home, your loved one will likely reside in a semi-private or private room, depending on their preference, budget, and availability. They may visit the dining room for meals and participate in activities in various areas. However, if they need to eat in their room, assistance is readily available.The most important difference between an assisted living community and a nursing home is that a nursing home is regulated by federal mandates and typically offers short term acute rehabilitative care offered 24 hours a day by a team of licensed professionals which are funded by medicare. While most people will use skilled nursing for short-term needs, your loved one may require medical treatment that cannot be managed at home or in an assisted living community.Intravenous therapyVentilation careHourly monitory of vital signs or blood sugarsInjections of medicationsWound carePost-surgery careSome care settings may be better suited for your loved one if they have complex medical conditions that you cannot manage properly around the clock. Many facilities also offer specialized memory care units for end-of-life needs. The nursing home setting is designed to meet both the needs of the residents and the specialized care they require, which can sometimes feel more institutional. You may find supportive solutions for therapy, such as specific functional rehabilitation services, infusion therapy, or wound care treatments. Options for providing separate rooms for older adults with infections or illnesses might also be available. However, even in nursing homes, intensive care is not typically provided, and your loved one may be transferred to a hospital to receive the highest level of care when necessary.Frequently Asked Questions What is the average length of stay at an assisted living community? Many people live in assisted living for 2 to 3 years. They often then move to nursing homes that can better meet their ongoing needs due to worsening health conditions, limited mobility, memory care needs, or more support.  What is the main difference between assisted living and nursing homes? The difference in nursing home care is the level of medical care and support you receive. Skilled care means more licensed nurses and staff available to provide ongoing care. What are signs to know its time to move? Senior living options are extensive, but there are a few signs to monitor for to know when its time to move: You need extensive care for daily living You are leaving a hospital stay without the ability to manage most of your own personal care Your well-being is dependent on skilled care around-the-clock Changes in mental cognition can also play a role in this need Assisted living facilities cannot meet any specific care needs you have CarePatrol Can Help You Determine When to Move from Assisted Living to a Nursing Homeand Which one to Choose CarePatrol has local senior care advisors nationwide who are ready to help you determine when its time to move to a nursing home and find the best senior care solution. Also, if care needs change in the future, your local senior care advisor will help you find the right community.We partner with over 20,000 senior care communities across the nation and take families on tours of the communities so you can view the accommodations and feel confident in your decision.  To get started, find a CarePatrol location nearest you, or learn more about care options and request more information online.

More than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimers or other dementias.Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, but its not without challenges. These challenges can be significantly more impactful for those caring for a senior with Alzheimers disease or other form of dementia. Changes in behaviors can occur for a variety of reasons, including over-stimulation, physical discomfort, confusion, exhaustion caused by sleep problems, medication, or changes in routine.Understanding the cause of behavioral changes is critical for caregivers, families and friends. And its helpful for caregivers to know how to manage behaviors that will allow them to provide safe and effect support and diffuse tense situations.These behaviors can include: Depression Anxiety Confusion Aggression or anger Suspicion Hallucinations Pacing or wandering The most important thing that caregivers need to remember is that challenging behaviors may not be entirely avoidable. Its also not the fault of the person with Alzheimers or dementia. These behaviors are sometimes a common product of the disease. And, there is specialized support a caregiver can use to help keep a challenging behavior from escalating.While there is no guaranteed approach that will work with every person or situation, there are some methods that can help caregivers manage trying times:Staying calm Its not uncommon for caregivers to feel attacked or helpless when they are caring for someone exhibiting difficult behaviors. Remembering that it isnt personal and that its a symptom of the disease, can help caregivers manage their emotions and avoid contributing to tense or difficult situations. Arguing or reasoning can often escalate an outburst, so its necessary for caregivers to stay calm and supportiveKeeping a schedule Seniors that suffer from Alzheimers disease and other dementias often find it reassuring to have a set schedule for meals, activities and daily tasks. Creating a schedule, and sticking to it as much as possible, can help prevent anxiety, confusion and anger.Exercise Exercise, with approval from a physician, is a great stress reliever for both seniors and caregivers. And participating in activities together helps foster important emotional connections.Participating in activities Whether its an enjoyable hobby, household chore or physician-approved exercise, participating in joyful activities has shown to help manage challenging behaviors. These can be pre-scheduled or introduced when difficult behaviors are recognized. For example, caregivers can ask for help folding laundry to ease anxiety or can play music or sing to calm someone feeling confused, angry or depressed. Mindful communication Caregivers shouldnt underestimate the power of communication. Caregivers can use soothing tones, speak in a friendly way and make eye contact to convey normalcy, understanding and compassion. This can help seniors experiencing anxiety or frustration to calm themselves.Comfort KeepersCan HelpAt Comfort Keepers, we provide specific training for our caregivers and individualized care plans to provide care and support to seniors with Alzheimers disease and to their families. Our specially trained Comfort Keepers engage clients in intellectual, physical and emotional interactions that complement medical treatment and improve the quality of life for everyone involved. And they can facilitate stress management activities, support for physician-approved diet and exercise plans, provide transportation to appointments and will evaluate a home for safety as part of an in-home assessment. For more information on how in-home caregiving can help those with Alzheimers disease or dementia, contact your nearest Comfort Keepers office today. References         National Institute on Aging. Managing Personality and Behavior Changes in Alzheimers. Web. 2017.         Verywell Health. Complete Guide to Challenging Behaviors in Dementia. Web. 2019.          Alzheimers Association. Stages and Behaviors. Web. 

People over the age of 65 are more likely to be readmitted than younger patients, and readmission can be more serious for seniors.Readmission after an illness or injury is a serious health issue for seniors. However, it is important for seniors and their loved ones to remember that in many cases, readmission is avoidable and can be prevented with a thoughtful post-hospital care plan.Nearly one-fifth of all Medicare patients in the United States who are discharged from the hospital end up returning within 30 days.  There are many reasons seniors may need to be readmitted to the hospital, but healthcare agencies are focused on finding ways to reduce these numbers and educate patients about how to have a healthier recovery at home.For many seniors, this means having a quality caregiver that can help them overcome some of the main preventable causes for returning to the hospital. Consider the following:Medication is critical: Some seniors need assistance taking medication in the right amount on the correct schedule. When you consider that, on average, seniors with chronic conditions fill 50 different prescriptions annually, it is not difficult to imagine how someone could get confused when a new medication is added to their regimen. Caregivers can not only remind seniors to take medications as prescribed, but they can also help seniors keep a list of those medications and their dosages so the information is readily available for healthcare professionals. Managing medications is one of the best ways a caregiver can help seniors during their recovery.Follow up visits prevent readmission: A full two-thirds of patients readmitted to the hospital would have avoided that trip if they had seen their physicians within two weeks for follow up. The reasons for not following up vary but can include transportation difficulties and forgetting to make or keep appointments. Hospital staff can aid the senior by setting up appointments for the individual before discharge, but getting to the appointment can still be a challenge. In addition to a host of uplifting care services, caregivers can provide transportation to appointments and keep track of any post-care visits.Discharge plans only work when implemented properly: Having a discharge plan for the patient before he or she leaves the hospital can be crucial for recovery, but it can be difficult for seniors and their family members to focus on the plan during the stress of the illness and discharge. Caregivers can help the senior follow the instructions and will connect with family or other approved individuals when there are problems or change in condition during recovery. They can also help explain the information or ensure that the appropriate person is notified if the older individual has questions about his or her course of treatment. This takes the stress off the family and the patient so he or she can focus on recovery.Having a helping hand during recovery can ensure positive outcomes and a return to an active, engaged life. Family members, friends and neighbors are often willing to serve as a post-hospital recovery caregiver, but there is professional help available for those that dont have someone nearby to assist them. For long-term recovery, those who have the assistance of friends and family can benefit from a professional caregiver to provide respite care and support.Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers caregivers can help with encouragement, support and assistance with daily living. And caregivers can encourage overall health through meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and activities. Our custom care plans focus on physical and mental health and wellness activities. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.ReferencesRelias. What you need to know about readmission among seniors. Web. 2016.American Hospital Association. Examining the drivers of readmissions and reducing unnecessary readmissions for better patient care 2011 AHA Policy Research. Web. 2011.Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Ten things you should know about care transitions. Web. 2013.