Transitioning into senior living can be a significant life change for seniors, and adjusting to a new routine in this environment is crucial for their overall well-being and happiness. This blog article will provide valuable tips and guidance on helping seniors adapt to their new routine in senior living, emphasizing the importance of participation in activities, socialization, and staying engaged.Promote a Familiar Daily Schedule:Encourage seniors to maintain some elements of their familiar daily routine. This might include keeping a regular wake-up time, mealtimes, and bedtime, which can provide a sense of stability and comfort in a new environment.Explore Available Activities:Senior living communities offer a wide range of activities and programs. Help seniors explore the options available, such as fitness classes, arts and crafts, book clubs, or gardening. Encourage them to participate in activities that align with their interests and hobbies.Participate Together:Offer to accompany your loved one to activities, especially during the initial adjustment period. This can make the transition less intimidating and help build a sense of community.Connect with Peers:Encourage socialization by fostering connections with fellow residents. Suggest attending group activities, such as bingo nights, game afternoons, or communal meals, where seniors can meet and interact with their peers.Stay Informed:Keep up-to-date with the senior living communitys event calendar and programs. Share this information with your loved one and help them plan which activities theyd like to attend.Create a Personal Calendar:Assist in creating a personalized calendar that outlines daily and weekly activities. This can help seniors feel more organized and in control of their time.Embrace Technology:If your loved one is tech-savvy, introduce them to virtual events, online communities, and video calls with family and friends. Technology can be a valuable tool for staying connected and engaged.Encourage Hobbies and Interests:Support seniors in pursuing their hobbies and interests within the senior living community. Whether its playing a musical instrument, painting, or gardening, these activities can provide a sense of purpose.Stay Active and Healthy:Promote physical activity and wellness. Encouraging regular activity promotes mental health and physical health. Physical activity is also important in pain management, maintaining strength and balance. Senior living communities often offer a range of exercise options, from low-impact classes to more vigorous activities, catering to a variety of fitness levels and preferences.Helping seniors adapt to their new routine in senior living is a collaborative effort that involves family members, caregivers, and the senior living community itself. By emphasizing the importance of participation in activities, socialization, and staying engaged, we can ensure that our senior loved ones have a fulfilling and enriching experience in their new environment. Remember that patience and understanding play a crucial role in making this transition a positive and successful one.

Prime Healthcare Passionate about SeniorsAt St. Joseph Medical Center, weve made changes to provide specialized care tailored to seniors. As the first accredited geriatric ER in KC, we identify seniors that may need extra support during or after their hospitalization. Our inpatient Senior Behavioral Health Unit provides care for adults over 55 years of age experiencing acute behavioral symptoms associated with dementia and/or other mental health conditions.Paul Hura, MD, Senior Care Services Medical Director shares, "It is an honor and privilege to care for our seniors, and these philosophies remain very important to our physicians, nurses and entire healthcare teams at St. Joseph Medical Center.St. Marys Medical Center is a patient-centered community hospital in Blue Springs, Missouri providing comprehensive quality care with state-of-the-art treatment in a warm, caring environment.  With the only accredited Geriatric Emergency Department in Eastern Jackson County, Dr. Michael Liston, Cardiologist and Chief Medical Officer, understands this well.  We take caring for seniors to heart.  St. Marys holds numerous Grade A and 5-star ratings, while continuing to offer hometown touches such as walk-in 3D Mammograms.   As a community partner with local schools, chambers, and charitable organizations, St. Marys is Your Community Hospital.  StMarysKC.comIn Leavenworth, Saint John Hospital offers Senior Behavioral Health for inpatient care. During a patients stay, the unit uses a multi-sensory and multi-disciplinary approach to care. Our specialized staff supports patients and family member with comprehensive nursing care 24 hours a day. Many times, the slow loss of a loved ones sense of self and memory is confusing and difficult for the individual and their loved ones through some of the more difficult aspects of dementia, says Dr. Amand, Psychiatrist and Medical Director. Providence Medical Center is a community hospital located in Kansas City, Kansas. Committed to excellence and award-winning patient care, Providence received an A grade on the 2023-24 Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility. Providence achieved this honor through strong performance across metrics of health equity, patient outcomes, and value of care, out of more than 3,600 hospitals nationwide. Providence has received a five-star rating from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The star award is given based on metrics such as mortality, readmission, patient safety and patient experience. Providence is also nationally recognized in multiple service lines, receiving 18 awards with eight Five-Star ratings, according to research released by Healthgrades.   

Safeguarding Seniors: Mitigating Fall Risks in the Home At Senior Helpers, the safety and well-being of our seniors are of utmost importance, and fall-related injuries are a significant concern. However, many of these accidents can be prevented with simple precautions within the home. Fall prevention not only preserves physical well-being but also contributes to the overall quality of life. Seniors often face a higher risk of falling due to factors like reduced mobility, balance issues, and diminishing muscle strength. To mitigate these risks, it's crucial to create a safer environment within their homes. Here are some key steps to consider:  Clear Pathways: Cluttered spaces can lead to tripping hazards. Ensure that walkways are unobstructed, and remove loose rugs or use non-slip mats to secure them. Proper Lighting: Inadequate lighting can make it difficult for seniors to navigate their homes. Install bright, energy-efficient LED lights and nightlights to illuminate hallways and key areas. Bathroom Safety: Install grab bars in the bathroom and a non-slip mat in the shower or bath. Consider a raised toilet seat for added ease. Medication Management: Many seniors take multiple medications, some of which may cause dizziness. Keep a record of their medications, their side effects, and consult with a healthcare provider if necessary. Exercise and Balance Training: Regular physical activity can improve strength and balance, reducing the risk of falls. Encourage simple exercises or consider programs designed to enhance balance. Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular medical check-ups to monitor and manage health conditions that could affect mobility. Emergency Response Plan: Ensure that seniors have access to a phone, emergency numbers, and an alert system in case of a fall or other health emergencies.  Senior Helpers uses a proprietary technology assessment tool called LIFE Profile which has been proven to reduce the risk of hospitalization by keeping seniors safe in their home environment. With LIFE Profile, we take a comprehensive and in depth look at 144 safety risks in and around the home, and it creates a customized plan for how a seniors home can be made safer.  For more information on how we can help seniors stay safe and thrive in their homes, please visit seniorhelpers.com/ks/overland-park.   Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jeff Rigler. Jeff is the owner of Senior Helpers Overland Park and may be reached at 913-851-4800 or by email at jrigler@seniorhelpers.com. 

Home Care and Home HealthWhats the Difference?While both Home Care and Home Health provide services in the home aimed at helping patients achieve health and independence, knowing the difference between them can help you quickly and effectively navigate care needs in a family crisis. Home Health is a clinical or skilled care model that provides medical care by licensed healthcare workers, like nurses, physical therapists, and social workers. Home Health requires a doctors order, and patients must meet certain eligibility criteria to receive it. Its usually prescribed when a patient is discharged from the hospital or rehab facility and sent home but needs additional medical attention to fully rehabilitate. Home Health services help with things like wound care, speech therapy, physical or occupation therapy, IV Therapy and is overseen by a registered nurse. Visits are a few hours a week and are short, generally an hour or less depending on the patients needs. It is usually paid for by private insurance, or Medicare - for those over 65 years of age. It typically lasts a few weeks but can be extended if the ordering physician deems it necessary. Home Care provides non-clinical or non-medical care by professional caregivers, usually CNAs (Certified Nurses Aide) or Home Health Aides. These aides are professionally trained in assisting with ADLs, or Activities of Daily Living. The six most common ADLs in home care are: Mobility, Bathing, Toileting, Continence Mgmt., Dressing and Feeding. They also assist with IADLs or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living like light housekeeping, laundry, dishes, and medication reminders. Full-Service Home Care agencies may carry an additional insurance policy that allows their caregivers to run errands or provide transportation assistance for things like doctors appointments, groceries, and other needs outside of the home.  Home Care does not require a doctors order and is usually arranged privately and paid for out of pocket, however, depending on the agency you work with, some will accept Long Term Care Insurance, Veteran Benefits or Medicaid as a form of payment. Unlike Home Health, Home Care is arranged for longer periods of time. Most agencies have minimums and will visit anywhere for a few hours a day, up to around-the-clock 24/7 care. In Home Care, its not uncommon for care to continue for months or even years - as long as the patient requires someone to be with them so that they can remain safe at home, they will provide services for them. Often times, Home Care and Home Health will be providing services at the same time having home health manage the medical needs, while home care stays with the patient to manage their personal care needs and keep them safe. When evaluating options for either Home Health or Home Care, the Senior Blue Book provides an index of local agencies in your area, as well as a search tool online where you can review what services they provide, read customer reviews, and contact them directly to ask questions or request an in-home consultation.   This article was submitted by Michael Brainerd, an independent writer and owner of two FirstLight Home Care Agencies in Kansas and Missouri. He can be reached at 913-203-7444 or emailed at mbrainerd@firstlighthomecare.com.