Memory Care Assisted Living

Dementia Care in Assisted Living Facilities: Five Things You Need to Know

/in /by

More than 50 million people around the world are suffering from dementia and 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year. The debilitating condition that causes deterioration in thinking, memory, and behavior affects mostly the elderly. This is why it’s very important to send them to memory care assisted living where they can get the assistance they need for doing activities of daily living and ensure that they are safe and in good care all the time. But what exactly does dementia care in assisted living facilities mean?

 

 

Memory Care Assisted Living

Currently, there are more than 30,000 assisted living facilities operating in the United States, a lot of which specialize in memory care assisted living to care for patients suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

 

These facilities offer round-the-clock supervised care to ensure that residents are in a safe environment where they cannot wander out of the building and put themselves in potential danger.

 

 

Environment

Memory care assisted living facilities to give residents the opportunity to express themselves in a healthier way to satisfy their needs. Since these patients tend to revert back to their younger years, these facilities provide them with the environment to fill up a need to prevent them from being agitated.

 

For instance, if an elderly man wants to feel that he’s still working in an office, the facility will provide him with a desk where he can go through the motions that he’s used to.

 

 

Independence

These specialized assisted living facilities understand the need for patients to feel that they are free even when they’re indoors. Some assisted living facilities even try to recreate the resident’s home just to make him feel more safe and secure.

 

Since separation anxiety is one of the biggest challenges for elderly people who are moving to memory care assisted living facilities, it’s very important to make them feel as comfortable and familiar with their surroundings as possible.

 

 

The Best Staff

If you’re looking for the right assisted living facility for a loved one, you have to look for three important things: proper staff training, and organized patient-centered program, and engaging activities for patients with dementia.

 

The Alzheimer’s Association released a Dementia Care Practice Recommendations document in 2018 to ensure that all memory care assisted living facilities to follow the best practices for residents with dementia.

 

It’s also very important for facilities to be accessible to a healthcare team that can help address the health conditions of residents.

 

 

The Right Approach

One of the most important components of any good assisted living facility for dementia patients is in its approach to care. A facility should make the effort to understand each patient’s condition carefully because residents have different needs even if they are all living with dementia.

 

This will help the team create a personalized care plan to ensure that the patient is given the best care possible.

 

With the elderly population growing more than ever in the coming years, it’s very important for memory care assisted living facilities to make sure that they follow the best practices in caring for patients living with dementia.

 

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Memory Assisted Living

Is There Hope for Future Drugs for Alzheimer’s Disease?

/in /by

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most devastating health conditions in the world, yet there is still no known cure for it. Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease and there are 5.8 million Americans living with the condition today, a number that is projected to reach up to 14 million by 2050. Alzheimer’s disease is also the 6th leading cause of death in the country where 1 in 3 seniors die from the condition. It kills more than prostate and breast cancer combined. And with the growing elderly population, the need for facilities for Alzheimer’s has never been more important. But with all these alarming numbers, is there still hope for future Alzheimer’s drugs for this debilitating condition?

 

 

The Status of Alzheimer’s Drugs Today

 

Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved five drugs for Alzheimer’s disease that are being used in facilities for Alzheimer’s.

 

These drugs treat the symptoms of the disease including memory and thinking problems. Unfortunately, these medications do not slow the progression of the disease nor treat its underlying cause.

 

 

The Ongoing Development of Alzheimer’s Drugs

 

Most drugs that are being developed today are targeted towards the disease process itself. Researchers aim to disrupt one or more of the brain changes that are related to Alzheimer’s disease, which could potentially slow or stop its progression.

 

A combination of drugs will hopefully target different areas of the brain to stop the disease from destroying the brain further and eventually, cure the disease in the future. This strategy is similar to the current treatments for AIDS and cancer.

 

 

The Future of Alzheimer’s Drugs

 

Current research studies are focusing on some of the most promising next-generation drugs that include:

 

 

Posiphen

 

The formation of plaque is one of the biggest brain abnormalities in Alzheimer’s disease, and its chief component is beta-amyloid.

 

Several studies have looked into how this protein is formed and why it’s present in abnormally high levels in the brain of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

 

This has paved the way for the development of drugs that are targeted towards the production of beta-amyloid including Posiphen that may help delay the onset or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

 

 

AADvac1

 

Tau protein has been identified as one of the chief components of tangles, another hallmark in Alzheimer’s disease. AADvac1 is a vaccine created to help stimulate the body’s immune system to attack the abnormal form of tau protein. If this drug is successful, it could stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

 

 

JNJ-54861911

 

Another study that’s expected to be completed in 2024 is the development of the drug JNJ-54861911, which will prevent the beta-secretase enzyme from making beta-amyloid, which plays a vital role in one of the brain abnormalities found in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Once the drug is available in the market, it will be administered in the form of a pill.

 

There is definitely a lot of hope for the future of drugs that may help cure Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Assisted Living

What Are the Ways to Detect the Earliest Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?

/in /by

5.8 million Americans already have Alzheimer’s disease and that number is expected to reach nearly 14 million by 2050. This year alone, at least 500,000 Americans will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and that number will continue to skyrocket unless actions will be taken now.

 

For researchers, the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease gives way for prompt treatment through Alzheimer’s care facilities to give patients a better prognosis and quality of life. But how exactly can this dreaded disease be detected before it’s too late?

 

 

Brain Imaging

 

One of the cornerstones of early Alzheimer’s detection today is neuroimaging, which includes computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

 

These scans offer an image showing the brain tissue’s volume, shape, and position to hopefully determine the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

 

The more advanced molecular imaging procedures are also now available to detect any changes or abnormalities within the cellular and chemical components of the brain. They include single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and PET scans.

 

 

Biological Markers

 

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease these days relies on detecting signs and symptoms of mental decline, which happens only during the later stages of the disease when brain damage is already severe and the need to go to Alzheimer’s care facilities is already inevitable.

 

But experts are now looking into biological markers or “biomarkers” as one of the most promising ways to detect the presence of Alzheimer’s disease during its early stages.

 

A biomarker is similar to let’s say, fasting blood glucose, which at a certain level indicated diabetes. Several biomarkers are now being studied by researchers to help indicate the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

 

Beta-amyloid and tau levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) together with brain changes seen in neuroimaging can indicate the presence of Alzheimer’s.

 

Although there are still no validated biomarkers for the disease, researchers are looking into several possible indicators including blood and urine tests, genetic risk profiling and proteins in CSF.

 

 

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

 

Over the last few years, researchers have found that individuals with MCI are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. This is why research has been focused on the potential of using MCI as one of the determinants of early-stage Alzheimer’s.

 

Patients suffering from MCI may experience memory problems and other issues with mental function, but not all of them will progress to Alzheimer’s.

 

This is why researchers are trying to find ways to identify the potential of an MCI developing into Alzheimer’s disease through further testing.

 

 

Takeaway

 

An American develops Alzheimer’s disease every 65 seconds and more people are getting into Alzheimer’s care facilities to be given the proper care and guidance as they battle this disease.

 

With the aging population outnumbering the younger ones soon enough, they need to diagnose Alzheimer’s early has never been more crucial.

 

We can only hope that researchers will somehow find ways to help patients live a better life through early detection in the coming years.

 

 

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

assisted living facilities

Dissecting the OAA: How Can It Affect Assisted Living Facilities?

/in /by

It might not be as popular as Medicare and Medicaid, but the Older Americans Act (OAA) was also created in 1965 in an effort to provide better care to Americans over the age of 65.

 

For many years, the Older Americans Act has been at the forefront of helping older people live better lives by being the buffer for those gaps left by Medicare and Social Security.

 

 

The OAA has served millions of Americans

 

Since it was formed in 1965, the OAA has helped millions of Americans through its different programs. 24 million rides have been provided for people who need to go to their doctor’s office, 10.6 million hours of adult daycare have been subsidized and over 40 million hours of personal care aides have been funded by the act over the last few years.

 

According to the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee Rep. Bobby Scott, “the spectrum of services provided through the OAA—in conjunction with Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security—ensures that our nation’s older Americans are not left behind in their golden years.”

 

 

The OAA maintains quality living in older people

 

With the goal of helping the elderly live their best life possible, the OAA protects older people from abuse or neglect, especially in nursing and assisted living facilities.

 

The OAA also recognizes the need for independent living in the elderly population where instead of being in a nursing home, more people want to be in assisted living facilities where they can still be independent and free without compromising their need for safety and assistance in some aspects of their routine.

 

The OAA funds programs supporting independent living, which “is a drop in the bucket compared with the national budget,” according to Dan Adcock of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.

The OAA also supports the training and counseling of caregivers through grants in several states.

 

 

The OAA supports efforts focused on the older population

 

From providing funding for assisted living facilities to paying for Meals on Wheels delivered to homes, the OAA also has goals covering long-term care services, retirement income, proper healthcare access and employment opportunities for the elderly population.

 

Americans over 60 are also covered by federal and local agencies advocating for their welfare under the OAA.

 

 

The future of assisted living facilities under the Older Americans Act

 

With the aging population set to skyrocket in the coming years, the need for more funding is also being felt by lawmakers to continue supporting the OAA. This year, $2.06 billion is needed to pay attention to the issues affecting the older American population.

 

Assisted living facilities, in particular, are highly needed to tackle issues in proper healthcare and taking the weight off more than 40 million caregivers who offer unpaid services to their loved ones.

 

With the number of patients with Alzheimer’s disease expected to reach 14 million by 2050, the need for more assisted living facilities offering the best service to these patients has never been higher.

 

 

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Assisted Living Facilities

Educate Yourself about the Hidden Costs from Some Assisted Living Facilities

/in /by

Moving into assisted living facilities is not only stressful for you but also to your pocket. Because no matter how affordable the costs are, there are hidden fees that could add up.

 

To avoid such a stressful situation, you should be aware of the hidden fees and charges of assisted living. The more you know, the fewer surprises you’ll have to deal with financially.

 

This article is designed to educate seniors in need of nursing care and their families about the financial requirements of assisted living. Knowing the potential costs will help you make an informed decision before you commit to a facility.

 

 

Assisted Living Facilities Services and Costs

 

Hygiene

You know that laundry services are not always free. What you may not know is that dressing and undressing come with a fee as well. The same is true with bathing and bathroom/incontinence care.

 

Hidden costs may vary from one facility to another, so it is important to know how much things like these cost:

 

  • dressing/morning hygiene
  • undressing/evening hygiene
  • Incontinence Care
  • Stand-by during 7 showers a week

 

 

Medical

Have you ever wondered what’s included in the health care costs in your bill?

 

What you should be asking about are the services you are receiving. Also, which costs are added on top of the fees of major medical expenses. These are:

 

  • Health training before moving into assisted living facilities
  • An on-site doctor or pharmacy access
  • Management of medication
  • Treatment for temporary illness or wounds
  • Monitoring of blood pressure and or blood glucose
  • Insulin injections

 

If you happen to be diabetic, expect to pay hidden medical costs.

 

 

Mobility and some Forms of Assistance

Nearly every form of help that you receive from staff, comes with a price.

 

Did you know that some facilities will charge when they escort you to and from the activity center or the dining room? The same is true for the following:

 

  • Reminding you to take your medication, to go to the bathroom every few hours, or to get therapy.
  • Checking in on you at regular intervals
  • Transporting you to the doctor’s office, area shops, and other places
  • Admission or discharge
  • Your use of telephone and/or on-site gym or spa
  • Some facilities even include deep-cleaning charges

 

 

How much to Expect in Hidden Charges?

When added up, hidden costs can range from $3,500 to $4000 on top of the basic accommodation rental and services. If you need a great deal of assistance, expect the numbers to increase too.

 

In memory care facilities, fees for personalized care is often all-inclusive since the expectation is that you’ll need 24-hour assistance and monitoring.

 

Make sure to always check your bill. If you see any prepaid services that you did not use, make sure to ask for a refund. Before you do, however, check any related policies. The hidden cost of your discharge, for example, could be outlined in a facility’s discharge policies as non-refundable.

 

Ask the right questions when comparing assisted living facilities so you can make the right choice without burning a hole in your pocket.

 

 

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Fallbrook Memory Care Facility

Ways Caregivers Can Better Help with Memory Care

/in /by

When it comes to dementia and Alzheimer’s memory care, both patients and caregivers face many challenges. Caregiving, under the circumstances, is a long and stressful journey. It is intensely emotional for all parties involved too.

 

But caregivers have a crucial role to play in caring for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. After all, they provide the Alzheimer’s memory care people need to deal with and manage their condition.

 

 

How Caregivers Help with Alzheimer’s Memory Care

 

Engage and Interact

 

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, caregivers can help slow down the progress by involving loved ones in brain-stimulating activities. These include board games, jigsaw puzzles, reading, and writing.

 

It would also help to take a patient for short walks, to play with pets, and to exercise or do any physical activities. Provided that a loved one can handle the demands, a caregiver should find ways to play, engage, and interact with a patient.

 

 

Enhance Caregiving Skills

 

As dementia progresses, the challenges a caregiver faces also changes. It is important to update your skills to cope and keep up with the demands of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

 

 

Ask for Help

 

Even if you know exactly what you need to do, don’t hesitate to reach out to other family members, volunteer organizations, and friends to help lighten up the load. If you can free up time you spend doing mundane tasks, such as doing household chores or grocery shopping, you’ll have more quality time to spend with a patient.

 

Don’t feel like you’re being disloyal, neglectful, or shirking from your duties if you spend time away. Most caregivers who take a break, find more satisfaction in want they do.

 

 

Join a Support Group

 

What better way to update your skills than to learn from the experiences of other caregivers? Connecting with others who know exactly what you’re going through will eliminate feelings of fear, hopelessness, and isolation.  You will also discover strategies of Alzheimer’s memory care that you may not know of but a loved one needs.

 

 

Take Advantage of Resources Available

 

Whether online or within your community, you will find a wealth of resources that can help you provide effective care and reinforce your efforts. Look up organizations that offer practical support for caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

 

Is there an Alzheimer’s association in your state? You can tap into it for advice and training as well.

 

Checkout helplines, directory of associations, and get in touch with local support groups.

 

 

Take Better Care of Yourself

 

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is stressful emotionally, physically, and mentally. If you don’t learn how to manage stress and take care of yourself, you will experience burnout that could impact the way you provide day-to-day care.

 

What do you think will happen to your patient if your health deteriorates or that you will feel exhausted, fatigued, and overwhelmed?

 

For effective Alzheimer’s memory care, a caregiver should take care of themselves too.

 

Look out for signs of burnout or stress, such as:

 

  • Exhaustion
  • Depression
  • Sleeplessness
  • Social withdrawal
  • Denial about dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
  • Lack of concentration
  • Anxiety about what’s to come

 

But the most glaring sign are health problems that will make you an ineffective caregiver.

 

 

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Nursing Homes

Why It Makes Sense to Move to Assisted Living?

/in /by

Growing old is an inevitable part of life. In fact, the elderly will make up 24% of the American population by 2060 and this means that more people will be in need of elderly care like assisted living facilities.

 

 

The decision to move to assisted living may be difficult, especially because it means that you’ll have to leave your home. But there are good reasons it makes more sense to move to this community during your senior years:

 

 

 

You get to Stay Active

 

It’s so easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle if you’re living at home since you don’t have to go to work and your movement may be limited by your health condition. But staying active is more important when you’re older because it helps keep your muscles toned, your bones strong and your circulation going, which in turn promotes wellness.

 

 

Assisted living communities often offer different fitness and physical therapy programs that help you do just that. You can enroll in Zumba or yoga classes, work with a physical therapist or join exercise groups where you can get moving with people your age.

 

 

 

You get to Live Safely

 

With falls taking up to 25% of all hospital admissions and 40% of nursing home admissions in the elderly, living at home may not be the safe place that it used to be now that you’re older. Assisted living facilities, however, are designed with your safety and comfort in mind with all measures taken to protect you from falls and accidents. You also have easy access to a medical facility in case you get into an accident so you can be attended to immediately.

 

 

 

You get to be Assisted with your Daily Activities

 

At some point, your health condition may make it difficult for you to perform activities of daily living and chores at home. You may realize that even tasks that you’re used to doing may already take longer than usual or you don’t have the energy to do them anymore.

 

 

This is when it really counts to move into a facility where you still have the freedom to enjoy your life while having a team to assist you with daily tasks and take care of difficult jobs for you. You are still in full control of your daily life but you will have help whenever you need it.

 

 

 

 

You get to Enjoy Good Food

 

When you have too many restrictions because of your health condition, eating can sometimes be more of a chore rather than enjoyable time, especially when all you eat is bland, unappealing food. But when you live in an assisted living facility, you get to enjoy well-prepared meals that still meet all your nutritional requirements and stick to your restrictions but are still good enough to enjoy.

 

 

 

Growing old doesn’t have to mean sitting on your porch and looking out remembering the days when you were younger. Even if you’re more than 65 years old, you can still be active, social and happy with the right place to live in.

 

 

 

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Assisted Living Facilities

Five Warning Signs Could Lead to an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

/in /by

For the first time in American history, the elderly population will outnumber children by 2035, according to a projection released by the Census Bureau. Since most of the baby boomers will be over 65 years old by this time, most of the country’s population will be composed of older people and this means Alzheimer’s care will be more important than ever.

 

 

Alzheimer’s is already affecting at least 5.7 million Americans and with a growing elderly demographic, this number is expected to balloon to 13.8 million in the coming years. But while there is still no known cure for the brain disease that slowly causes a decline in memory, reasoning and thinking skills, you can still enjoy a good quality of life, especially if Alzheimer’s care is done properly and at the earliest possible time.

 

 

 

What are Five Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s?

 

 

  1. Progressive Memory Loss

 

Forgetfulness may be a normal part of aging, but constant and especially progressive memory loss is the first and most common sign of Alzheimer’s. If you start forgetting important dates or events and recent information, and you find yourself asking repetitive questions, it might be good to schedule an appointment with your doctor to facilitate early diagnosis and management.

 

 

 

  1. Challenges in Activities of Daily Living

 

The things you do every day become routine and will always be part of your daily life. But when you have Alzheimer’s, you may start to have difficulties in completing day-to-day tasks, especially those that require critical thinking. If you’re driving on the same familiar route, for instance, and you suddenly find yourself not knowing where to go, it could be a sign that you have Alzheimer’s disease.

 

 

 

  1. Difficulty in Solving Problems

 

As you grow older, you may take more time to get things done even if you’ve already done them so many times before. This is especially true if you have Alzheimer’s when following a recipe, solving a puzzle or even keeping track of your expenses can be more difficult than usual. The good thing, however, is that with proper Alzheimer’s care, you will still be able to do these tasks and maybe even improve your problem-solving skills.

 

 

 

  1. Poor Decision-Making Capabilities

 

Decision-making comes with adulthood, but if you’re suffering from Alzheimer’s, you may start to make poor judgments that can affect your quality of life. Financial matters, for instance, may take a huge blow if you start spending too much because you forgot that you have a budget. You may also find yourself not caring much about self-care. You may not enjoy bathing anymore or forget to change your clothes daily. If this happens, seek medical consultation immediately.

 

 

 

  1. Withdrawal and Depression

 

It’s not easy dealing with Alzheimer’s, especially since you’ll feel like you can’t control things anymore. This can easily lead to withdrawal from social events and eventually, depression that thankfully, you can now deal with effectively with the help of proper Alzheimer’s care.

 

 

 

Indeed, there is no stopping aging and you’ll never know if you or a loved one may suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. But the most important thing is that you have the support of your family, friends and medical team to help you through this journey.

 

 

 

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Memory assisted Living

Your No-Nonsense Guide to Understanding Dementia

/in /by

According to the World Health Organization, there are at least 47 million people around the world living with dementia. But what’s more alarming is that this number is projected to increase to 75 million by 2030. This is why memory care has never been so important and it all begins with a proper understanding of what exactly dementia is and what can be done to take care of a loved one who is affected by it.

 

 

 

Dementia is a syndrome, not a disease

 

Contrary to what most people believe, dementia is not a disease but a progressive syndrome caused by different brain illnesses affecting thinking, memory, behavior and the ability to perform activities of daily living. While dementia can affect anyone, it’s most prevalent among the elderly who need memory care the most, but it is not a part of aging.

 

 

 

Changed behavior is one of the biggest challenges in dementia

 

Dementia is overwhelming not only for the person affected but for the caregiver too. This is mostly due to a change in behavior that can be the most difficult to accept and can hinder memory care. But the most important thing to remember is that while you cannot control changed behavior since it is part of the condition, you can make adjustments to how you deal with your loved one so you can still ensure a good relationship with them and maintain their quality of life.

 

 

One of the best ways to come to terms with changed behavior is to have a strong support system like other family members and friends. You should also talk with a doctor about it because behavioral problems may be a sign of an underlying medical condition or it could be an adverse reaction to a medication.

 

 

 

Dementia is not just about memory loss

 

While most of us think that having dementia only means losing one’s memory, it can also affect a patient in other ways. Someone with dementia may have hallucinations or delusions, disorientation, behavioral changes, poor communication, and even unusual cravings.

 

 

Every dementia patient is different, which is why it’s very important to consult a doctor the moment you notice any changes in your loved one.

 

 

 

It is possible to live a happy life with someone who has dementia

 

There are many people around the world with dementia who are still enjoying a good life with their families, and you can do the same with a little bit of patience, creativity and a whole lot of love. Proper communication is key in memory care and you can start by understanding what your loved one’s needs are. Use simple words and sentences, make sure that there are no distractions around when you’re trying to communicate with your loved one and listen more than you talk.

 

 

 

The takeaway

 

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a long journey. You will need time to accept the fact that the person you love may not be the same anymore and that you will need to take them to a nursing home so they can get the best care possible. But with the right understanding of this condition and a strong support system, you can definitely get through this journey with your loved one.

 

 

 

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Facilities for Alzheimer’s

Are You a Nursing Home Resident? You Need to Know Your Rights

/in /by

The decision to move into a nursing home is a huge step in your life. And as you welcome this new chapter, you might have apprehensions and doubts about what lies ahead. After all, you’ll be spending most of your senior years in a nursing home, so it’s only fitting to make sure that your stay is as comfortable and safe as possible.

 

But what exactly are your rights as a nursing home resident?

 

 

You have the right to live a normal life

 

The notion that living in nursing homes makes you different from any other senior is definitely wrong. While you are in a new community, you still have the right to live a normal life, one where you can participate in activities that are good for your well-being and those that meet your needs. You have the right to socialize with other residents, join in communal activities and do your usual routines as long as they’re safe and not restricted for you.

 

 

 

You have the right to be treated with the utmost respect

 

Nursing homes are regulated by federal and state laws to ensure that all residents are protected in every way possible. As a resident, you have the right to be treated with the utmost respect and given the independence that you desire. You should be able to make decisions for yourself about the things that you want to do including when you want to wake up in the morning, go to bed at night and eat your meals throughout the day.

 

 

 

You have the right to be protected from neglect and abuse

 

As a nursing home resident, your safety and welfare should always be looked after at all times. This means that you can’t be isolated from other residents against your will and you have the right to be protected against physical, verbal, mental and sexual abuse.

 

 

If a nursing home is neglecting your needs or you have been mistreated during your stay, you have to report it to the nursing home, your family, the State Survey Agency or your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman so proper actions can be taken. The law states that all reported violations and injuries of unknown origins should be investigated by the nursing home within five working days of the incident.

 

 

 

You have the right to be safeguarded against any form of discrimination

 

Discrimination has been a longstanding issue in the United States. This is why all nursing homes are required to follow the Civil Rights laws where no applicant shall be discriminated or not accepted into a nursing home because of color, race, disability, age, nationality or religion.

 

 

These are just some of the many rights you have as a nursing home resident, so make sure you learn all about them to know when you should file a complaint and where you should go if your rights are violated by anyone. Of course, it also helps to always let your family know of your situation so they can also help you take the right actions.

 

Fallbrook Assisted Living is dedicated to making sure your stay with us is incredible. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Fallbrook Assisted Living today!

 

 

 

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper