Putting an elderly into a Nursing home is not an easy grind. Although, finding a good-quality Nursing Home for elderly Denver, Colorado, is more challenging. For the past few years, the conditions of nursing homes have been changed a lot. But the question arises is, why do aging people require to be put in a Nursing home? There are plenty of reasons and benefits for putting elderly parents in a nursing home.
So, if you are wondering why aging individuals need Nursing homes and assisted living in Denver, here are some reasons and benefits you should check to find out the answer:
The main purpose of a Nursing Home is to provide the needful health care assistance to the patients. Nursing homes are also called Skilled Nursing Communities. It is for the physically or mentally challenged aging individuals who need 24/7 high-quality care. So, if your loved ones need trained nursing care and full-time supervision, you should look for good Nursing Homes and Assisted Living in Denver.
At some point in age, many older people find it difficult doing daily work, such as bathing, dressing, eating, or even sometimes walking. Therefore, they might need someone on their hand to help them with such tasks. That’s what a Nursing Home does. They provide a skilled caretaker to help your loved ones with their day-to-day works.
It is not easy to handle a person with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. Even after that treatment, they might require trained caretake’s supervision and assistance for their recovery. That’s why a Nursing home for elderly Denver is the best way to take care of your elderly parents.
Loneliness is a nightmare for aging people. But, in a Nursing home, they can always find someone to interact with as they offer a friendly and warm environment. This way, they can socialize and make new friends while spending their recovery time in Nursing and Retirement communities Denver metro areas.
Another reason to put elderly people in a Nursing Home is for safety reasons. As it is not easy for seniors to do their work, especially when they have chronic health conditions issues. In a Nursing home for elderly Denver, the caretakers are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the residents to protect them from any harm.
We hope this helps you to understand the requirements and benefits of Nursing homes and assisted living in Denver. For more information and additional help, you can easily seek our free of cost assistance. We at Harmony Senior Referrals are always ready to help you to find the best fit for you. All you need to do is give us call on 303-667-2420 and get assistance from experts without any hassle.
When temperatures rise, so do the risks associated with heat, especially for older adults.Older individuals may not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature, and with possible chronic health conditions or certain medications, extreme heat may cause negative health outcomes.Kavod Senior Life is well aware of these potential issues, sharing four best practices to protect people in the second half of life against the heat. Here are some tips we've learned from our 50+ years of housing and supporting older individuals in aging well!Stay HydratedWhy It Is Important: Older adults are at a higher risk of dehydration because they may not feel thirsty as often as younger people, and as mentioned above, certain medications can increase the risk of dehydration.Tips:Drink water even if you dont feel thirsty.Eat water-rich foods like fruits (e.g., watermelon, cucumbers) and vegetables.Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they can lead to dehydration.How Kavod Responds: Hydration stations are set up in the lobbies of each building during the hottest days to give residents, staff and visitors easy access to ice cold water (with lemon and cucumber, even!)Create a Cool EnvironmentWhy It Is Important: A cool living space is crucial to preventing heat-related illnesses.Tips:Use fans or air conditioning. If air conditioning is not available, consider spending time in public places like libraries, shopping malls, or community centers that are air-conditioned.NOTE: Do not rely on fans as your main cooling source when temperatures are extreme for heat.Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to block out the sun.Use light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers like cotton, which are more breathable.Try to avoid using the stove or oven to cook it will make your home hotter.Take cool showers or baths to cool down.How Kavod Responds: A cooling center is set up on campus where the temperature stays at 72 degrees. Residents can get out of their apartments and socialize there without having to go outdoors, helping abate social isolation. Dietary AdjustmentsWhy It Is Important: Certain foods can help keep the body cool and hydrated.Tips:Encourage smaller, more frequent meals that are easier to digest.Include hydrating foods like soups, smoothies, and salads.Limit heavy, hot foods and opt for lighter fare like yogurt, salads, and chilled fruits.How Kavod Responds: Kavod staff serves residents cold lemonade and fresh watermelon over the weekend in the cooling center, both terrific ways to stay hydrated.Educate and EquipWhy It Is Important: Knowledge and preparation are key to preventing heat-related issues.Tips:Educate yourself about the risks of heat and the importance of staying cool.Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnessHave access to emergency numbers and know what to do in case you experience these symptomsHow Kavod Responds: The management team reviews, prepares and hand-delivers updates to residents to best ensure everyone is educated and can take appropriate actions against the heat.ConclusionBy following these four important steps, older individuals can stay healthy and safe while enjoying all the good things summer has to offer. If you know an older person who would benefit by living in our community, please contact us for a tour, or check out our website for more information. Stay cool, everyone!Resources used in article:Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/risk-factors/extreme-heat-and-older-adults-aged-65.html#:':text=Older%20adults%20do%20not%20adjust,control%20its%20temperature%20or%20sweatNational Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/hot-weather-safety-older-adultsHarvard Medicine: https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/effects-heat-older-adultsChat GPT
As the summer heat intensifies across the country, dehydration becomes a common and potentially dangerous concern. This condition can have severe implications, particularly for seniors who are more vulnerable due to several physiological factors. Seniors face unique challenges, especially when it comes to the impact of their medication on hydration. Why Are Seniors More Prone to Dehydration?Seniors are at an increased risk for dehydration for several reasons: Reduced Thirst Signal: As people age, their bodies lose their ability to recognize thirst, making it harder to drink fluids. Lower Body Water Volume: Older adults generally have a lower total volume of body water, meaning they have less fluid to lose before dehydration sets in. Kidney Function Decline: Kidneys become less efficient at conserving water with age, further contributing to fluid loss. Chronic Illnesses: Conditions such as diabetes can worsen the risk of dehydration since they affect the body's ability to control water. In addition to these factors, medication plays a significant role in influencing fluid balance in seniors.The Impact of Medication on DehydrationAs a clinical pharmacist, I've seen firsthand how medications can contribute to dehydration, especially in older adults. One of my clients, an active senior, nearly passed out while cycling in the summer. As it turned out, he was on a diuretic medication, commonly referred to as a "water pill." Diuretics are a class of drugs that increase urination, leading to reduced fluid levels in the body. These medications, often prescribed for conditions like hypertension and heart failure, can inadvertently lead to dehydration if fluid intake isn't carefully managed. Some commonly used diuretics include bumetanide, chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide, and furosemide (Lasix). But diuretics aren't the only medications that can cause dehydration. Other drugs like these can also affect your body's water balance. Antihistamines: Often used for allergies, these can cause dry mouth and reduced fluid intake. Blood Pressure Medications: Certain blood pressure medications can increase urine output. Laxatives: They can cause fluid loss through increased bowel movements. Chemotherapies: These treatments often lead to side effects like vomiting and diarrhea, contributing to dehydration.Managing Dehydration RisksIt's important to be aware of dehydration risks, particularly for those taking medications that impact fluid balance. Regardless of whether one feels thirsty, its important to drink water throughout the day. Staying alert to the signs of dehydrationsuch as increased thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, fatigue, and dizzinesscan also help address the issue early. These symptoms are early warning signs that the body may need more fluids. Finally, anyone concerned about dehydration should consult a healthcare provider. They can adjust medication and advise seniors on managing fluid intake to prevent dehydration. At Deeper Dive Horizons, one of my priorities is to guide you and your loved ones through the complexities of medication management to improve your well-being. With over 22 years of experience, my goal is to dive deeply into your health and ensure you maintain a balanced and healthy life, even in challenging conditions like extreme heat. Schedule a consultation today to get started 888-984-8895.
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.
Harmony Senior Referrals was established by Walt and Britt Overlie Roberson. Our Senior Placement Referral Company offers FREE services to clients throughout the Denver Metro, North Denver and Front Range and Kansas City Metro areas. We help "at risk" seniors find the "right" senior living community, offering guidance and assurance every step of the way. We know the challenges because "we've been there" personally. We refer to Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Adult Family Homes, and Skilled Nursing Communities along with in-home care. Call or email us and we will be happy to talk with you and answer any questions to help find the right choice for your family.