The Different Types of Assisted Living

It is very good that you learn about the various types of assisted living. Knowing this information may be essential for your neighbor, family member, friend or even for ourselves. It is good that you are prepared with the different forms of services that are available. It is also important that you know how much these services cost, how to put them up, and which important persons must be contacted.

Nowadays, most families are becoming more involved with taking care of an elder person in their respective houses. This is expected to even increase given that there are more Baby Boomers. Taking care of the elderly could be a very rewarding thing for a member of a family. However, it is also considered to be very challenging. New skills have to be learned. To an extent, some time have to be given up to do the task. Added to that is the need to deal with several problems that are unfamiliar.

Constant emotional support for the elder person must also be present. More than that, they have to be involved as well in some decisions. For the caregiver, this could be both physically and emotionally draining. More than that, caregivers are supposed to watch out for themselves as well in order for them to have a strong mind and body.

An old person have several problems. As a caregiver, you should know how to handle each type so that you will be able to deliver the best possible care to the patient. Some of the most frequent problems are the following: incontinence, breathing problems, constipation, bone weakness, hearing problems, forgetfulness, swallowing problems, sleeping, pain and a lot more. It will be good if the caregiver could access the chosen physician for some questions on care.

Below are the nine types of assisted living:

1. Independent Living

There are some seniors who wants to just to live by themselves for very long period of times. This is not a bad option and usually, there are ways by which they could be helped in making this independent living an experience that is good for them. One way by which their independent living could be made easier is by making cooking easier for them. There are Meals on Wheels services which will ensure that seniors are getting good meals within a day. You could also contact a website that will be delivering meal at the homes of these senior citizens every day. With this service, seniors still become in control of their lives. They are still independent but they are being able to have a more convenient lifestyle. Another way by which their independent livings could be made convenient is by availing Handi-care buses which could be used for doctor appointments as well as for other different services.

2. Retirement Homes

These are homes that are apartment-like. They are usually located within a community. Inside the community, there are medical staff that are available when there is something that is needed by the senior citizens. In their apartments, senior citizens usually get a room which is big enough for them to place necessary appliances and furniture like a bed, a dresser, a T.V., a chair, a table, and some other few furniture. They could even place pictures within the wall in order to make it feel homier. Extensive care is assured since medical staff are present on-call. The seniors could come and go anytime they want. They could even keep a car if they have one.

3. In-Home Care

Several organizations and associations are providing help in this area. In this set-up, the senior just stays at the comforts of his own home. There will just be someone who will frequently come in to provide help with cleaning, cooking, washing clothes and other different services. This is good for those seniors who need very limited care and just need help with basic household chores.

4. Shared Housing

Aside from this being a rewarding experience, it could also help the senior cut down on his expenses. In this setup, some people will be made to move in the house of the senior. Then, they will be sharing expenses and shall be looking out for one another. Some of the costs that may be split up may include the household rent or it may include the payment of other bills like water and electricity.

5. Adult Foster Care

Several families are now interested into taking in a senior in their house which they will care for. For them, this experience is a very rewarding one. Most of those who do this are those children that do not have any grandparents. They could be nurse or just a random person who is very caring about the elderly.

6. Adult Day-Care

In this setup, the elderly will be dropped off in a day care center. They will stay there for hours. Usually, they are being provided with their meals. They also get their medications. Most importantly, they are being given the care that they need and they are being put in a safe environment.

7. Group Homes

In group homes, seniors are living in a home together with some other senior citizens plus a caregiver. Normally, there will be 6 persons within a home. They experience having a family atmosphere there, wherein they work together within the household.

8. Assisted Living

The setting in this type of assisted care is of a room type. Here, the senior has some furniture of his own. Then, he will be furnished with his meals and there will be people in charge of cleaning his clothes. There is also a medical staff nearby which assists in giving the medication of the senior citizen. They also take care of some minor problems which may arise.

9. Nursing Homes

Comprehensive care is being given in this type of setup. Here there are medical staff that is available for twenty-four hours. They do rounds in giving medications and therapy. The rooms here are usually shared. Aside from medications, all the meals are also being provided

The individual has several choices on to what type of assisted living he wants for their elderly. These solutions are very good for those individuals who could not afford living alone anymore. Knowing this information could be useful in helping the elderly to have an easier transition for their aging life.

Best Practices: How to Identify the Best Practices to Improve Productivity for Your Hospital

Google the words "best practices," and you will find about 75 million internet pages addressing the topic. Google "hospital best practices" and the list shrinks to a mere 9 million web pages. That this two-word phrase so quickly became a universally-recognized part of the management vocabulary is hard evidence that consultants have been at work.

It's all about timing (and a few other things)... Add the buzz word-like popularity of "best practices" to the staying power of a much abused saying "There's no point in re-inventing the wheel", stir in the culture's insatiable hunger for instant results, and shake well. You now have the potential makings of real trouble.

"Best practices" have been defined as "documented strategies, activities and approaches shown through research and evaluation to be effective in achieving the highest levels of excellence in productivity, profitability and competitiveness." Part of the concept's appeal is its elegant simplicity. Find the best way to do something and copy it. Problem solved. Ah, if only it was that simple.

Famed management guru Peter Drucker described the modern hospital as "the most complex social organization ever designed by man." That complexity is a fact. For that matter, so is the department head's frequent claim of "uniqueness." Every hospital differs from all others in literally thousands of ways. These differences exist even among peers that share the same basic mission and challenges. Here is a short list of hospital-to-hospital differences that can be found in countless combinations and permutations of combinations, each with tremendous implications for productivity, profitability and competitiveness:

• Systems and Work Process Factors
  
  • Patient access.
  
  
  • Nursing care delivery.
  
  
  • Medication administration.
  
  
  • Order entry.
  
  
  • Results reporting.
  
  
  • Care documentation.
  
  
  • Patient discharge.
  
  
  • Supply inventory and control.

• Organizational Factors
  
  • Organizational structure.
  
  
  • Planning.
  
  
  • Information dissemination.
  
  
  • Employee work schedules.
  
  
  • Patient appointment schedules.

• Resource Factors
  
  • Clinical equipment.
  
  
  • Information systems.
  
  
  • Supplies.
  
  
  • Human resource numbers, skills and training.
  
  
  • Physical space adjacencies, size, and layout.

• Business Assumption Factors
  
  • Mission and vision.
  
  
  • Strategic goals.
  
  
  • By-law requirements.
  
  
  • Resource commitments and constraints.

• Organization Cultural Factors
  
  • Management focus.
  
  
  • Work ethic.
  
  
  • Employee commitment and buy-in.
  
  
  • Medical staff expectations.

The greatest shortcoming of the "best practices" concept in the long term is that it serves to stifle management creativity. Imitation by definition cannot produce progress. It would be more accurate (and instructive) to re-label the "best practices" concept to something like "best practices that we know about--so far!" More practically, the sheer number of performance-defining variables makes it impossible to identify with certainty those "strategies, activities and approaches" that can or should be universally emulated. The likelihood that visits to "best practices" hospitals will identify an exportable "cause" of high performance that will work in your hospital is vanishingly small.

Is it not interesting that the same managers who are quick to employ the "uniqueness argument" as a defense against adverse performance comparisons are usually among the first to insist that the best way to resolve the variance is to import a solution from "high performers" in their peer group? Aren't these the very departments that were previously claimed to be so dissimilar as to make performance comparisons invalid? (Note: These differences do not negate the value of benchmarking so long as peer groups are selected correctly.)

Although imitation has been described as the most sincere form of flattery, as a technique to advance performance improvement in the modern hospital it may not produce the best results. After all, it does not matter in the least that Mercedes Benz has the best transmission in the world if that transmission cannot operate in your Buick.

We suggest the following approach to applying the "best practices" concept in any hospital:

• Look inside your organization first! Identify performance limiting factors. Consider both the cost of "fixing" those factors as well as the cost of not fixing them. These may involve:


• Systems and work process factors.


• Resource factors.


• Organizing factors.


• Business assumption factors.


• Hospital culture factors.


• Specify target outcomes. In other words, describe the conditions the hospital wants to exist as a result of resolving performance-limiting factors. Quantify them when possible.


• Select, develop, and implement the solution that will work best in your hospital. Consider the institution-wide effect on all departments, the medical staff, and other stake holders. In some cases, the best solution can be internally designed or purchased "off the shelf." In other cases, a customized solution may be necessary.

It is during this last step that you might consider emulating "best practices" from other hospitals or industries but only after the potential solution has been thoroughly evaluated to insure that it fits the unique operating and cultural characteristics of your hospital.

Hospitals have expended much treasure, time, and energy attempting to import "best practice" solutions that had great initial surface appeal but ultimately proved to be unworkable because of internal factors. The solutions that will work best in your hospital will necessarily be those that most closely match your organization's unique characteristics.

穢 1990-2011 Frank J. Brady & Associates, Inc.

A Portable Alternative to Adult Day Care and Assisted Living

The quality of someone's life is very important. If your quality of life is not worth living whether from illness or life situations, every day is difficult. The concept of Adult Day Care Centers and Assisted Living Facilities and CCRC's are to create a healthy and happy quality of life as your body ages. I recently came upon an article in a healthcare Magazine for the elderly where a reverend has come up with a portable home for an elderly person to live in, placed in the backyard of the caregiver. The home has all the necessities for life plus a system to transmit an occupants vital health information to offsite caregivers.

I believe that this concept will become very popular. But I worry if caregivers will be the benefit. They will have piece of mind that they are "caring" for their elderly parent by housing them and keeping them out of a nursing home. But I wonder about the quality of life the person will have. The caregiver still needs to provide activities, transportation, and care as the person ages. The MED Cottage has a kitchenette, living room/bedroom and bathroom. I just hope this concept isn't misused and people are left alone 24 hrs a day there.

On a better note. I believe it will be popular for people who are still independent. They could still have a garden, share in family activities, have neighbors, and if they drive still remain independent. However, it is being marketed as an alternative to a nursing home. The average person doesn't understand that people in adult day care and assisted living are paying mostly for health care and the potential need for skilled nursing at some point in their stay. It will be interesting to watch this trend.

Electrocution Accident

Electrocution is the most serious electrical accident that can occur due to the high voltage required and the consequences. A person who has had an electrocution accident will be severely injured or will have died because of it. This is the type of electrical current that is still used for executions in some states. Also an accident with a high direct current such as the third rail on a subway track will usually cause death. If a person contacts a power line with a metal or other conducting object they will likely have a severe electrical injury.

Anyone that has an electrocution accident can have burns, seizures or muscle damage, internal organ damage, brain or spinal cord damage, heart failure or thermal burns and of course any of these injuries if serious enough can cause death. This type of accident can leave a person disfigured, disabled and quite possibly needing lifelong nursing care. The effect on the family will definitely be emotional, but also can be financial.

Electrocution accidents can happen anywhere there is electricity, but often happen in the workplace. If a company does not supply the proper protective equipment to worker who has to work with electrical current or if a worker is sent near high power lines with an aluminum ladder there is a good possibility of injury. Poorly wired equipment in factories and even poor wiring in the home or public buildings can send out a shock that may cause a severe injury. Obviously downed power lines that have been left live by the electric company are a great danger and they should be avoided at all costs. Even in the home there are products that, if manufactured defectively, can cause an electrical injury such as microwaves, hair dryers and of course power tools. Although the household current isn't too strong extension cords and wall sockets can give out an electrical shock.

Obviously electrocution accidents are possible almost anywhere and yet they can be prevented with maintenance, caution around power lines, proper equipment in the workplace, and safety instruction for all people working with electricity. If you or a family member has been burned or injured by electricity, you can receive advice at the Burn Survivor Resource Center, call 800-669-7700.

Safe Elder Care Solutions - Stop Nursing Home Abuse Before it Starts

Caring for an aging parent isn't easy. It can be even harder when mom or dad lives in a nursing home. For many families, the ideal situation is to avoid the cost and potential hazards of nursing homes by keeping loved ones safe in the family home. However, sometimes an elderly family member requires more skilled medical care than you can provide, and, as a result, you need to look for elder care solutions in a nursing facility.

But anyone who's seen the headlines knows that nursing home abuse is all too common. But you're not helpless when it comes to using nursing home elder care solutions. Here are four ways to prevent abuse if you're caring for an aging parent living in a nursing home.

Listen

Your ears should perk up each time your loved one complains about some aspect of their care. Even if Mom or Dad is... well... naturally cranky, that doesn't mean they don't have a reason to complain. Elder care solutions should include taking careful note of complaints. For example, is there a pattern to the complaints?

Be sure to listen to what's going on around your senior parent, too. Is his or her roommate always critical of the night nurse? Are the nurses caring for an aging parent gossiping about the new aide more than they're discussing patient care? Do the employees speak to your loved one with respect? By tuning in to what goes on in the facility, you can tune in to problems before they become issues of abuse or neglect.

Look

From odd bruises to unexplained weight loss, your own observations can tell you a lot about the care your parent is receiving. When using nursing homes as part of your family's elder care solutions, look for these warning signs:

o Untreated conditions, like bed sores

o Unsafe conditions, like a missing fire extinguisher or an exit door that's been propped open

o Mumbling or rocking behavior

o Visible signs that your loved one is afraid of a caregiver

And, although it can be tough to even think about it, part of your caring for aging parent strategy should include being on the lookout for signs of sexual abuse. These warning signals can include unusual bruises or injuries, changes in your loved one's behavior toward staff, or changes in the behavior of staff members caring for an aging parent.

Don't be lulled into a sense of security because the facility was spit-and-polished when you checked the facility out. As your loved one continues to live there, be sure those you've hired to help in caring for an aging parent continue to be as respectful to your mom or dad as the day you first visited the home.

Review

Part of your family's elder care solutions might include reviewing your loved one's chart. Make sure they're getting regular visits from qualified health care professionals as well as receiving the right medications at the right times. If you see something you don't understand, ask the person in charge of their care.

Ask

If you think something is wrong, don't hesitate to ask for outside help in caring for an aging parent. For example, hire a registered nurse experienced in elder care solutions to review charts and make sure your loved one's care is being handled properly. In addition, most counties have an agency on aging that offers services that help those caring for an aging parent. Finally, if you think your loved one is being abused, contact local law enforcement.

Elder care solutions include ensuring your mom or dad can live a healthy life and receive the respect they deserve. Listen, look, review, and ask questions to protect one of the most important people in your life.

Fighting For Family Members in Nursing Homes

Whether your family member is in a nursing home or rehabilitation facility short or long term it is extremely important to be vigilant about their care. While many assume this is the responsibility of the facility providing care, do not become complacent and assume this is what actually occurs. Reality is often different. Many family members overlook or excuse the small things. A person not bathed frequently, a dirty room, increasing confusion or anxiety. There are so many things that can and do happen and if left unchecked continue to progress and become critical.

Consider the case of a father who had surgery and went for short term rehab. As a result of the surgery, this individual because anxious and extremely depressed. His daughter, knowing that dad had episodes of mental illness all of his life discussed this with the facility staff who mentioned it to the on call physician. The physician, having no background in mental health, prescribed ativan, a medication typically prescribed to calm anxiety. This worked for a brief matter of time until dad became increasingly depressed, a risk to self and according to the facility required 24-hour supervision which the family was forced to pay for privately if they wanted their father to continue to receive care.

More concerns were expressed by the daughter. The physician, again having no background in mental health, requested that a mental health social worker visit and make recommendations. The social worker proceeded to recommend an anti-psychotic medication that the physician prescribed. Unfortunately, dad had an immediate psychotic reaction from the medication and was transported to the local hospital emergency room for medication issues. In spite of the daughter requesting that the hospital emergency staff find a way to have her father evaluated from a psychological standpoint, they simply sent him back to the nursing home under 24 hour supervision.

This is a clear case of a daughter recognizing the needs of her father and the system failing to respond. The daughter, highly educated and intelligent, had no idea how to work within the system to achieve the desired result for her father. Fortunately I was contacted the evening of the hospital emergency room event and spent the next day having her father complete the requisite admission tests for acceptance into a psychiatric evaluation center.

It is important for families to understand that the health care system has limitations; that skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities have limitations to the care they can provide. Even physicians, many who are general practitioners, are limited in their expertise. And that eventually the time comes to consult individuals versed in the situation with access to a wide range of resources. It is easy to assumewhat we know; yet more difficult to admit we lack the expertise to care for a family member. Many individuals experience panic in failing a family member because they do not know what to do. The best course of action is to admit help is needed and contact a professional who can help navigate the system.

Whiplash Claim Payouts in Car Accidents

Britain by comparison with most other EU countries, has a good track record for road safety and one of the lowest road death rates in the EU; however hundreds of thousands of accidents still happen each year. These accidents are caused by a wide variety of circumstances including speeding, drink driving, drug abuse or simple lack of awareness and due care and attention to other road users to name just a few. There are many ways people get injured such as a pedestrian involved in a vehicle accident. a driver in a car accident or a passenger in a motor vehicle. Each and every one of these people should be able to claim against the third party who is responsible for causing the accident.

Naturally there are varying degrees of injury such as internal injury, broken bones or serious brain injury. The vast majority of road accident claims in the UK though are car accident compensation claims for soft tissue injury to the neck or spine called whiplash, which is caused by the sudden movement and jerk to the neck and spine upon impact. Whiplash injury may not last long in most suffers and be undetectable in many cases but certainly can cause considerable discomfort for the affected person.

Dangerous drivers and drivers who drive without due care and attention can cause many accidents on our roads, but at least some form of financial compensation is available to suffers of whiplash who wish to make a claim. Whilst the money will not heal your injuries it can certainly in some way in help you for the inconvenience, pain, suffering and out of pocket expenses.

In addition to the fact that whiplash injury in car accident claims account for the vast majority of claims being submitted for personal injury today, whiplash compensation claims also appear to have been on the rise since the advent of the "No Win No Fee" system in England. The "No Win No Fee" arrangement was introduced to save the claimant a paying legal costs as these are recovered form the negligent third party who is liable for the accident.

The good news is that the system has been improved further since April 2010 as a new "fast track" claims process has been introduced for road traffic accident claims to speed up your whiplash claim payouts. So claimants should get compensation much quicker due to the new law introduced by the Ministry Of Justice.