Senior Housing

Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Assisted Living Facilities

Down Syndrome Awareness Month is a crucial time for assisted living facilities to focus on fostering understanding and inclusion. Throughout this month, these facilities can engage in various activities and initiatives to raise awareness, provide support, and celebrate the unique abilities and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome in their communities.

 

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

 

In the 1980s, Down Syndrome Awareness Month was first designated and later recognized every month of October. This is a way of celebrating people with Down Syndrome and making others recognize their accomplishments and abilities.

 

Since they are like everyone else, it is understandable that they also have dreams and goals, as they also want to have families and successful careers. They are capable of driving a car, going to work, going to college, going on dates, getting married, and contributing to society as a whole.

 

Aging and Down Syndrome | Assisted Living Facilities

 

It is important to note that people with Down syndrome can begin to slow down and lose interest in some activities previously enjoyed particularly through the retirement years. That is why ensuring the well-being of people with disabilities in assisted living facilities is essential by continuing to have positive support networks and being involved in meaningful activities as they transition into old age.

 

Note that they are still a valued person in your family and your community even as they age. Therefore, they must have continued involvement in outings and activities so that they are able to maintain healthy social connections and become more active and involved in their community while staying positive in their outlook in life.

 

4 Ways Assisted Living Facilities Can Help Residents with Down Syndrome

 

Assisted living facilities can help residents with Down syndrome to live healthy full lives independently. Here are ways to make all that possible and easier for everyone.

 

Needs can change quickly

 

Understandably, people with Down syndrome have specific health considerations and needs that can change quickly over time. It is the role of the assisted living facilities to help your family members deal with issues related to aging.

 

Routines can help much

 

Doing routines will aid your family members to feel more comfortable every single day. For people with Down syndrome, it is important to note that time can work a bit differently. Therefore, having a solid routine can help him or her accomplish goals with the aid of home care providers to stay on target.

 

Social interaction is important in Assisted Living Facilities

 

Even if your family member is not able to drive, he or she can still go places on a regular basis with a little help from home care providers. In fact, they can take over the driving responsibilities for your loved one. This will provide your family member free to enjoy his or her time with other people in the community.

 

Spot health issues easily

 

Having limited time to spend with your family member will make you miss crucial details to help you determine if he or she has health issues or safety concerns. This is when home care providers step in because they are with your loved one more often. So, when he or she needs extra help, it is just standing by, making you feel better knowing your family member has what is needed.

 

As a result, your family members can have the extra edge needed to live life confidently on their own terms as much as possible.

 

Looking for excellent care in Nebraska? Click here to learn more about Fallbrook Assisted Living!


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

Recognizing Mental Illness Awareness Week in Nursing Homes

There are many reasons why Mental Illness Awareness Week in nursing homes is a valuable and important initiative. Among these reasons include contributing to a more supportive and compassionate environment for residents, helping reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness in nursing homes, and serving as a reminder for nursing homes to prioritize mental health care as an integral part of their overall healthcare services.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

 

The first week of October is Mental Illness Awareness Week which is run in collaboration with the National Alliance of Mental Illness to raise awareness, fight discrimination, and offer support through this initiative.

Mental Illness Awareness Week is important because of the following reasons.

 

It will highlight a taboo topic

 

It is understood that there are certain stigmas surrounding mental illness. This activity will break down discrimination, misinformation, and stereotypes.

 

It will focus on real-world experiences

 

This activity will share information that contains experiences and stories of people living with mental illness daily. Thus, the shared experience will make this illness very relevant.

 

It will save lives

 

This event will show support and understanding by reaching out, allowing discussion, and creating conversation about mental health. People living with this condition need this type of life-changing initiative.

 

Seniors and Mental Illness

 

Seniors most commonly have mental health problems and may experience affective and anxiety disorders, dementia, isolation, and psychosis, among other things. They may also suffer from behavioral and sleep disorders, cognitive deterioration, or confusion states resulting from physical disorders or surgical interventions.

Promoting mental health for seniors is a vital role of healthcare providers. Particularly those in primary care, by working with civil society organizations, families, local governments, mental health professionals, and communities to provide comprehensive mental healthcare and supportive environments.

 

Supporting Mental Health in Nursing Homes

 

It is quite challenging for nursing home residents to adjust to life in a long-term care facility. Some deal with different mental conditions making it difficult to maintain good mental health.

There are advocates or groups that are focused on supporting mental health in nursing homes. In fact, there are many mental health services offered to residents. Even facilities that don’t have mental health professionals can get outside help when needed.

 

Psychological services

 

Nursing home residents can seek help from psychologists and psychiatrists to manage their mental health. This can be done through in-person, online visits, or over-the-phone interaction. This will help residents cope with emotions and work through trauma.

 

Ombudsmen in Nursing Homes

 

They serve as advocates for residents and work to resolve concerns and issues at hand. Such may include complaints about food quality, allegations of abuse or neglect, and lack of mental healthcare.

 

Social workers in Nursing Homes

 

There are lots of ways social workers can help nursing home residents. For instance, they can perform basic psychological counseling and connect nursing home residents with other mental health resources in the community.

 

Looking for excellent care in Nebraska? Click here to learn more about Fallbrook Assisted Living!


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