Assisted Living

Aging in Place: Supporting Residents’ Independence and Dignity in Nursing Homes

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Most people do not want to go out of their comfort zones. The same goes for adults who wish to stay in their own homes safely and independently. But as you age, living alone and asking for family’s help when needed can disrupt daily activities and can cause safety concerns. Nursing Homes are dedicated places for older seniors who want to maintain their freedom and dignity as they age, regardless of income and background. These facilities allow senior adults to still live fulfilling lives safely through care programs and support. Aging in place will enable seniors to live in their preferred environment while maintaining independence and dignity and enjoying activities that add meaning to their lives.

The Importance of Dignity and Independence in Nursing Homes

Independence and dignity are important life aspects regardless of age. These do not change, especially for nursing facility residents who are often faced with emotional and cognitive challenges. Promoting independence and preserving dignity contribute to their overall life quality.

In nursing facilities, residents are treated with compassion and care. Even in nursing care facilities, residents’ preferences, including their privacy and independence, are recognized, boosting their self-worth.

Meanwhile, promoting liberty allows residents to decide on what to do regarding daily activities, self-care, entertainment, socialization, and other pursuits that help them maintain their sense of identity. Independence promotes a sense of control and confidence.

Dignity and liberty go hand in hand in creating a supportive and nurturing nursing home environment. By upholding these values, residents maintain their self-worth and feel respected, valued, and empowered.

When senior adults feel valued, they are likely to have positive relationships with their fellow residents, carers, and staff. They are also likely to engage in social activities, allowing them to feel a sense of belonging and contributing to their overall quality of life.

How to Encourage Independence & Dignity in Nursing Home Residents

Here are some suggestions on how nursing homes can support autonomy and self-worth in their residents:

Involvement

Encourage residents to participate in making choices over their daily activities, care needs, etc. Provide them with options for social activities, entertainment, and meals, allowing them to make choices that align with their preferences and needs.

Physical Exercise in Nursing Homes

Encourage residents to exercise regularly like stretching, walking, or other light exercises. Engaging in light exercises can help improve the mood alleviating symptoms of depression and isolation. Simple movements can also improve mobility, flexibility, and strength.

Socialization

Let residents choose the activities or social groups they want to join. This will promote independence and allow them to build relationships with their community.

Privacy in Nursing Homes

Always respect the resident’s privacy. Make sure to uphold the privacy and dignity at all times. Be careful with the use of language and perform care tasks sensitively.

Technology

Nursing care facilities must use the latest technology to enhance safety and accessibility.

But each individual is unique, still, it is best to use a personalized approach to help them lead fulfilling lives.

 

Looking for exceptional senior 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

Fallbrook Memory Care Facility

Spring Activity Ideas for Residents in Fallbrook Assisted Living

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Spring is the season of new beginnings when the warmth of sunshine touches your skin after months of cold and darkness. It is also when the flowers bloom, and their scent fills the air. In Fallbrook Assisted Living, spring is an opportunity to lift the residents’ feelings, reawaken their creativity, foster social connections, appreciate nature’s beauty, and use their energy in fun activities and making wonderful memories. Above all, springtime enriches residents’ lives and lightens the facility’s mood.

Spring & Mental Health in Fallbrook Assisted Living

As spring blooms repaint the world, the season also promises rebirth, allowing residents to rejuvenate and take good care of their mental health. Spring is not just about the beautiful outside world; it also brings fresh air and renewal for everyone.

The warmth of sunshine and longer daylight hours are proven to impact mood positively. The warmer temperatures allow residents to soak up the sun and enjoy outdoor activities. Sun exposure is a natural source of Vitamin D, responsible for regulating mood because of the release of the feel-good hormone.

In Fallbrook Assisted Living, residents can take a leisurely walk outside and picnic with family or friends, fostering a sense of connection with nature and the people dear to them.

The longer daylight hours are also perfect for rediscovering their love for arts and creations. A simple coloring or shading activity lets one forget the world and let time fly. Or do gardening activities to reduce stress and anxiety. Gardening also develops the focus and being in the moment. Additionally, seeing the plants grow gives seniors a sense of accomplishment.

Spring is also an opportunity to organize social activities and programs for residents to create meaningful connections. With newfound and for keeping friends, residents can now share stories and experiences that are good for cognitive function, memory retention, emotional support, and a sense of purpose.

Let us embrace and celebrate the joy of Spring through creativity, camaraderie, and connections to uplift spirits and mental health.

Spring Activities for Fallbrook Assisted Living Residents

Take advantage of the warmth of new beginnings through spring activities beneficial for physical and mental health. Here are a few activities you can try at Fallbrook Assisted Living:

Bird-Watching

Assisted living communities can organize bird-watching activities for fun and education. One study revealed that birth-watching can lower signs of anxiety and depression.

Farmers Market

Get some sunshine, find fresh produce, and watch people.

Flower Arranging Lessons

Organize a flower-arranging workshop for residents to learn the art, express themselves artistically, or express difficult-to-convey emotions.

Gardening and Garden Tours

Organize gardening activities where residents can plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables and feel accomplished as they watch them grow. This physical activity is also a good way to keep them active.

Go on botanical tours to nearby gardens with residents and their families to learn about different plant species and appreciate spring blooms.

Picnics and Walks in  Fallbrook Assisted Living

Go on guided walks with family or friends to enjoy the sun and the scent of spring. Enjoy the fresh air, the sunshine, and the dear company of people you love.

These are just suggestions. Feel free to improvise according to your residents’ preferences.

 

Looking for excellent care and community 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

Alzheimer’s Care Facilities

National MS Week in Senior Housing

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It is estimated that 2.5 million individuals are diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis worldwide. In the United States, there are about 200 new diagnoses every week. With the rising prevalence of MS, it is also important to increase awareness and share about the condition, available treatments, progress in research and treatments, and offer support to those suffering from this condition. During this week-long celebration, senior housing facilities participate by offering various activities, fundraising, and educational programs to help residents with multiple sclerosis better understand it, show compassion, and provide a supportive environment.

National MS Week

National Multiple Sclerosis Week is all about advocating for resources, raising awareness, and supporting those diagnosed with MS. The entire week is dedicated to educating the public, sharing the everyday experiences of people with MS, and coming together to support and improve the lives of those with MS.

This week is the right opportunity for individuals with MS to share their everyday struggles and for the world to know their stories so that people can understand what life is like with MS. Intimate discussions are launched to create a safe space for people diagnosed with MS to talk about topics they find it hard to discuss. It is an opportunity to amplify their voices in ways that would give them access to better health care, resources, and treatments.

Through National MS Week, researchers can showcase the latest developments in MS treatment options, which could greatly impact the lives of individuals with MS.

Every year, the National MS Week is a time to show people living with MS, including those in senior housing, the support they need. It is time to educate the public about this auto-immune disease and empower and uplift those affected by Multiple Sclerosis.

MS & Emotional Wellbeing in Senior Housing

In senior housing, managing MS symptoms, as well as the well-being of patients, is crucial. Dealing with mobility issues, cognitive changes, feelings of isolation and loneliness, and other MS-related challenges can impact their emotional health.

Along with personalized MS care, senior housing must also prioritize emotional support. Residents must have access to mental health services for professional strategies and counseling, allowing them to navigate the emotional challenges.

Moreover, programs, activities, and other forms of engagement must be available for residents to join. This allows them to meet new friends and receive peer support, alleviating loneliness and isolation.

When caring for the residents’ emotional well-being, incorporate physical exercises and MS-friendly facilities. These will help them navigate their condition and improve their quality of life.

MS Friendly Exercises

Physical exercise for people with MS can help maintain bodily functions like balance, strength, and flexibility. Physical exercise is also crucial in improving mental health and overall well-being.

Here are MS-friendly physical activities you can try in senior housing:

  • Pilates
  • Stationary biking/cycling
  • Strength training focusing on back, arms, legs
  • Swimming
  • Tai Chi
  • Walking
  • Yoga

But before doing these suggested activities, it is best to consult with your health provider to ensure safety.

 

Are you looking for excellent senior 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

Senior Housing

Parkinson’s Awareness Month in Assisted Living Facilities

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April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. This is an entire month dedicated to supporting and enhancing the lives of those living with the condition. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, an estimated one million individuals in the United States live with the disease, and this is likely to increase to 1.2 million by 2030. Worldwide, more than 10 million people are living with Parkinson’s disease. Since there is no way to stop or revert Parkinson’s, the best way to deal with it is to raise awareness and funds for researchers to find a cure. Through the initiatives, education campaigns, collaborative programs, and support, these will serve the entire Parkinson’s community including those in assisted living facilities.

 

Parkinson’s Awareness Month

April is for awareness of the challenges those affected with Parkinson’s disease face and the recent developments in managing the condition. Throughout the month, various activities address the unique needs of those with Parkinson’s and their families.

Educational programs, updates on research efforts, treatment, support services, and social media campaigns aim to increase understanding and awareness of the disease. By providing information and first-hand experiences, the community can have better support.

Through these programs, assisted living facilities, families, and the Parkinson’s community will benefit from better access to healthcare, continued research, and improving the lives of individuals with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s Awareness Month is observed in the United States and globally. This month helps the public understand and support researchers in continuing to change the lives of Parkinson’s patients and cure the disease.

 

Managing Parkinson’s in Assisted Living Facilities

Regarding your loved one’s condition, a special approach is necessary. From anxiety, trouble sleeping, and depression to swallowing difficulties, cognitive changes, and slowness of movement, symptoms can severely impact daily life.

Though quite challenging, these difficulties can be managed. Assisted living facilities must create a personalized care plan for each resident based on their symptoms, challenges, and medication.

Assisted living must provide medication management so residents receive their medications on time and in the correct dosage.

Other than mobility support, residents are also encouraged to be physically active. Physical exercise is one of the best ways to manage the condition. Strength training and aerobics for at least 30 minutes every 2-3 days per week can help balance and agility.

Meal plans must also be available for residents with Parkinson’s to ensure they receive adequate nutrients. These meals should also be easy to swallow, as Parkinson’s can affect swallowing function.

Speech support must also be available for individuals who experience speech changes. Visual aids and speech therapy can also help with communication.

Depression and anxiety are two common Parkinson’s symptoms. Counseling, social activities, and support groups are important for emotional support.

Carers and staff must also be trained and receive continued education in Parkinson’s management. This allows assisted living staff to provide the needed care and compassionate support to residents.

With education, support, and proper management, assisted living communities can provide a safe and supportive environment to enhance the lives of residents with Parkinson’s.

 

Looking for excellent care and community 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