Top 5 Questions A Certified Medicaid Planner Encounters: Insights for Healthcare Pros and Caregivers

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.

Welcome to the "Timely Topics" series, a collaborative initiative by Synchrony Health Services and our community. Together, we bring you expert insights on relevant issues in senior care, combining Synchrony's healthcare expertise with our commitment to thoughtful living solutions, to empower seniors and their caregivers with valuable information. December is the perfect time to explore thoughtful holiday gift ideas for seniors residing in senior living facilities. At Synchrony, we understand the importance of choosing gifts that not only bring joy but also enhance the well-being of our cherished residents. Let's dive into a curated list of practical and meaningful gifts tailored to create memorable moments and foster a sense of connection during this festive season. Personalized Memory Books: Capture cherished moments by gifting residents personalized memory books. Fill the pages with photographs, mementos, and heartwarming stories, creating a tangible reminder of their unique journey and the connections they hold dearTherapeutic Comfort Items: Consider items that provide comfort and relaxation, such as cozy blankets, soft pillows, soothing essential oil diffusers or electric/battery powered candles. These thoughtful gifts contribute to a serene environment, promoting emotional well-being.Engaging Puzzles and Games: Stimulate mental agility with puzzles and games tailored to seniors' preferences and abilities. Choose options like large-piece jigsaw puzzles or tactile games that encourage cognitive engagement and foster a sense of accomplishment.Adaptive Technology Devices: Introduce seniors to the world of technology with user-friendly devices designed to enhance connectivity. Tablets with simplified interfaces, digital photo frames, or easy-to-use audio devices can facilitate communication with loved ones and bring the outside world closer.Indoor Garden Kits: Bring the beauty of nature indoors with small, manageable indoor garden kits. Seniors can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening without leaving the comfort of their living space, nurturing plants that bloom with care and attention.Personal Care Pampering Sets: Treat residents to personal care pampering sets, featuring gentle skincare products and accessories. These sets offer a luxurious and comforting experience, promoting self-care and relaxation.Hobby Supplies and Craft Kits: Support residents in pursuing their creative passions with hobby supplies and craft kits. Whether it's painting, knitting, or other artistic pursuits, these gifts encourage self-expression and provide a fulfilling outlet for residents' talents.Sensory Stimulation Tools: Explore sensory stimulation tools, such as textured pillows, aromatherapy kits, or calming fidget gadgets. These items can provide comfort, engagement, and relaxation, catering to a variety of sensory preferences.Cozy Comforts: Help keep your loved one extra comfortable with some slippers. Make sure to buy ones that have backs or will be easy to balance in. A nice plush robe or grippy socks also make great additions. Let's celebrate this holiday season by choosing gifts that prioritize joy and meaningful connections for seniors in our care. At Synchrony, we believe in enhancing the quality of life for our residents to deliver the best care possible and achieve clinical excellence every day.

As individuals age, it is natural for them to experience changes in their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. These changes can lead to a loss of independence, which can be a source of frustration and anxiety for many seniors. Maintaining independence is critical for seniors to lead a fulfilling and happy life, and it is especially important for those who are living in a senior living community. One of the primary reasons why maintaining independence is important for seniors living in a senior living community is that it helps them maintain a sense of purpose and identity. Many seniors have spent their entire lives working, raising families, and pursuing hobbies and interests. When they move into a senior living community, they may feel like they have lost some of these important aspects of their lives. By maintaining their independence, seniors can continue to pursue their passions and interests, whether it's playing bridge with friends, gardening, or volunteering in the local community. This sense of purpose and identity can be a significant factor in improving their quality of life. Another important reason why maintaining independence is important in senior living is that it helps seniors maintain their physical and cognitive abilities. When seniors rely too heavily on others for assistance, they may become less active and more sedentary. This, in turn, can lead to a decline in physical health and cognitive function. By maintaining their independence, seniors can continue to engage in activities that keep them physically and mentally active, such as walking, dancing, or playing games. These activities can help improve their overall health and well-being, reducing their risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Maintaining independence can also help seniors maintain their social connections. Many seniors move into senior living communities to be closer to friends and family members. However, if they become too dependent on others for assistance, they may start to feel like a burden on their loved ones. By maintaining their independence, seniors can continue to engage in social activities and maintain their relationships with others. This can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can have negative impacts on their mental health. So, how can seniors maintain their independence while living in a senior living community? One way is to take advantage of the services and amenities offered by the community. For example, our senior living community offers transportation services, which can help seniors maintain their independence by allowing them to continue to go out and do the things they enjoy. Additionally, our community offers exercise classes, social activities, and other programs that can help seniors stay active and engaged. Another way seniors can maintain their independence is by being proactive about their health and well-being. This can include eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and staying on top of their medical appointments and medications. By taking care of their physical and mental health, seniors can reduce their reliance on others for assistance and maintain their independence for as long as possible. Senior living communities can provide the support and resources necessary to help seniors maintain their independence, and ultimately, it is up to the individual to determine how much assistance they would like.