What Are the Key Benefits of Installing a Wireless Nurse Call System in an Assisted Living Facility?

In today's technological world a wireless nurse call system, will normally be the cheapest, most configurable, and most reliable answer for receiving emergency alarms from the occupants in your hospital or assisted living care home.

Alongside the newer, wireless nurse alerting systems there are a myriad of clunky old "call bell" systems in use today. Every type of assisted living, hospital or care home building that is licensed for health care must have one as they are a mandatory Patient Safety System. The majority of care facilities have nurse call systems that are hard-wired into the rooms while a growing number are adopting wireless nurse call technologies.

The standard systems such as Dukane Nurse Call, Rauland and others are much more expensive on the installation front, as well as being somewhat constrained when it comes to integration possibilities. The newer Wireless Nurse Call technologies are far less expensive to purchase, install, as well as maintain, and are also much more flexible when it comes to adding new devices to your system in the future.

Wireless safety products for the care industry began to surface in the marketplace in the 1990's and are now the fastest growing segments of hospital care products. A crucial point when selecting wireless signaling is to be mindful that the system MUST be certified to Underwriters Laboratories UL1069 as we move into a period of time that many facilities will begin to take on more acute care residents as the graying of society increases. There are actually very few wireless nurse call systems that have completed the absolutely stringent testing requirements in order to achieve UL1069 certification as an Alerting system for skilled care environments. Carefully consider wireless, as your system, but be sure that is meets these requirements or you may regret your purchase some day.

Many care professionals are unable to grasp the potential of innovative wireless nurse call systems. Their uses extend far beyond the basic principles of ringing a nurse for help, or even simple voice communicating between the patient and the nurse. Wireless nurse alerting systems nowadays are actually both information and voice systems which can and should be incorporated with both the PBX your staff employs, as well as the individual telephones in the resident rooms.

Health facility professionals must consider integration to other data and communicating systems and substructure cabling to operate effectively and allow an advanced degree of functionality and capacities. Wireless Nurse Call systems provide this and much more.

What Should I Look for in an Alzheimer's Care Facility?

Families of persons who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia will be somewhat relieved to learn that more and more assisted living for memory care facilities have become available in recent years. For so long, the illness was simply diagnosed as senile dementia in seniors and left to progress as a natural part of aging. Today, many seniors are able to live in assisted living facilities specifically designed for those with memory impairment. For many, caring for a loved one with progressed dementia is not a viable option in the home setting and a good alternative is an Alzheimer's care facility.

Alzheimer's care facilities

Similar to an assisted living community, a legitimate dementia facility will have the same or expanded licensing requirements through their state governing body. Full-time, 24-hour staff of dementia specifically trained care givers is required in the facility. Some also have the oversight of licensed nurses and visiting physicians. Many contract services for an added medical benefit from home health and/or hospice companies. It is advisable to research the licensure requirements of each state to confirm that a facility meets these requirements. With licensing requirements have been established, several facilities located near the family should be reviewed and visited to find the best community meeting the families needs.

Staffing, services and amenities

With an understanding of staffing requirements, know that some states will structure personnel requirements based on the number of patients residing in the facility. The staff should have the states required training in caring for Alzheimer's patients. An attitude of compassion and kindness should be present amongst all of the staff. Because some Alzheimer's patients can display episodes of frustration, the staff should also know how to redirect to change the current behavior. Many times the family has experienced behavioral challenges with their loved one and they begin to realize that their family member would be better cared for in a dementia facility, where staff is trained to handle difficult situations.

Services will include personal care, assistance with activities of daily living - bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, continence management, medication management and more. 24-hour staff is on site to provide such supervision. Patients are also offered 3 meals per day, snacks and hydration. Housekeeping, laundry and maintenance services are provided. Daily programming through a scheduled activities program helps to manage behaviors and offer a daily routine, enhancing quality of life.

It is vital that a robust and diverse social program be in place to help patients retain as much social contact and busy activity as possible. Entertainment, games and exercise should be part of the social programming. Along with these activities, visits and continued relationships from family members are important to the Alzheimer's patient.

With this information, the preference for selection will be a family decision after visits to qualified Alzheimer's care facilities have been accomplished. You should also engage your physician in the decision making process.

CCRC - A Senior Campus That Ages As You Do

Today's economy has most over the age of 55 worrying about their retirement nest egg, long term health care, social security viability, living longer and how they'll manage their lifestyle in the future.

We'd like to believe we won't ever need to move into an assisted living community or skilled nursing center, however, the statistics are against us. According to the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), after age 65, Americans have more than a 70% chance of needing some form of long-term care. The reality is that not all people age as gracefully as they would like -- which can have significant financial consequences.

Did you know there are approximately 2,200 continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) that provide affordable retirement living options for seniors age 62-100 plus and are designed for those who do not want to worry about outliving their assets or costly long term nursing care down the road?

It's a 40 year old concept that was started by faith-based, not-for-profit organizations with the mission to help seniors age gracefully. It's called a Type A life care contract, and it is offered by not-for-profit continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) such as ACTS Retirement-Life Communities, headquartered in Pennsylvania but with locations in six states.

"For people who are really worried about outliving their money (and given the turbulent economy who's not?), Type A is the best choice," said Margery Schiller, a financial planner based in Florida. "It provides the most peace of mind because everything is included in the monthly fee. There are also significant tax savings (30-40%) as the entrance and monthly fee may be tax deductible as a prepaid medical expense."

Many retirement communities offer modified life care programs and pay-as-needed health care plans, but how does this benefit the average senior when prices continue to skyrocket and no one knows what services will be needed? The current senior housing options available include:

1) Age-restricted housing - these communities are often referred to as 'active adult' communities and one partner must be age 55 or over to enter. These communities may include single family homes, condos or apartments with some outside maintenance done. No meals, health care or transportation are provided. Home health care workers must be contracted privately should a need arise (approx $32 per hour).

2) Assisted living centers - provide a special combination of residential housing, personalized supportive services and care; meal plans are available and you pay-as-needed (approx. $35,628 per year).

3) Skilled nursing centers - provide complete 24-hour care for those unable to care for themselves at a cost of approx $77,745 per year.

4) Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) - These communities usually target people age 62 and above and combine age-restricted housing, assisted living, skilled nursing, transportation, maintenance, food, activities and a wide range of amenities. Residents must be able to live safely alone in their apartments when they move into the community. CCRCs offer three types of contracts:

Extensive contracts (Type A) offer life care insurance to residents. Residents benefit from an entrance fee and monthly maintenance fee which may be partially tax deductible (up to 30-40%). The monthly fee does not increase if a higher level of health care is needed, including assisted living and skilled nursing care, which normally is offered on the CCRC campus. Type A contracts are the safest and most affordable option, and are usually offered by not-for-profit organizations where revenue is reinvested into the communities for upgrades. Type A contracts are an alternative to expensive long term health insurance.

Modified contracts (Type B) typically require an entrance fee and a monthly maintenance fee. Lifetime access to assisted living and skilled care is on a fee-for-service basis. The monthly service fee increases as levels of care increase. Residents may receive a discounted rate for the care and a specified number of days of long term nursing care at no additional cost.

Fee-for-service contracts (Type C or rental) may initially offer a lower monthly service fee than with other types of contracts, however, residents are responsible for all costs of additional health care as they are needed. No resident discount, benefits, or any free long-term-care days are earned. Type B and C fee-for-service contracts are usually offered by private for-profit providers.

Bed Sores and Elderly Neglect

Bed sores, also known as skin ulcers, occur when certain parts of the body (such as the tailbone, elbows, buttocks or heels) are put under pressure causing the skin to break down and become infected. In the most severe cases, bed sores can progress beyond the skin and affect the bone beneath. This can cause infection to the bone, and can even necessitate amputation if not treated. However, bed sores are entirely preventable with proper medical care and treatment.

One way to prevent the development of bed sores is by noticing a problem area and consistently turning the patient and changing his or her position. If you or someone you love has developed sores and you believe it was due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to financial compensation under the law. Contact an experienced legal professional today to discuss your case and determine its viability in court.

Other causes of bed sores include the following:

• A bed sore can develop if a patient remains in the same position for an extended period of time and cannot move without assistance. Patients must be turned or moved every two hours to prevent this kind of pressure from developing. Also, a good mattress and additional padding can help with prevention.
  
  


• 
  Excess moisture can lead to bed sores. It is important for patient's skin to be kept clean and dry and free from urine or feces. The sheets must also be kept clean if the patient suffers from incontinence.
  
  


• 
  Poor nutrition can negatively affect skin health, which in turn makes a patient more susceptible to sores and infection.

Doctors, nurses and other health care practitioners have a professional responsibility to provide an optimal level of care to all patients. This includes elderly patients who are in need of extra care due to their feeble condition. When this is not done and dangerous conditions develop, you may be able to sue for medical malpractice.

To learn more about this condition and your rights as an injured victim, visit the web site of the Chicago personal injury attorneys of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C. today.

How To Talk To Parents About Moving To An Assisted Living Facility

As parents age, it is heart-wrenching to see them decline physically and mentally. It is no easy to cope with this situation, but there will come a time when your parents will not be able to live on their own without help and support. While most old people prefer to live in their own homes, in familiar surroundings, it is not always possible. Children, family and friends will not always be around to help them. Hence, to avoid this situation, it is often necessary to speak to parents and convince them about moving to an assisted living facility.

You should speak to your parents about assisted living long before it becomes a necessity. Make sure that you have a mature dialogue with them without hurting their sentiments. When your parents are lucid and able to have a discussion, you can get their opinion on this subject. You can even find out what their desire is as they age and grow old.

When you are discussing estate planning with your parents, you can try broaching the topic of assisted living. It will make it much easier and your parents will not misunderstand you. Discuss the pros and cons of this type of living and see the reaction. If your parents are open to it, the same can be included into their will when they are planning their estate. This way when the time comes, you will have all the necessary documents to shift to an assisted living facility.

Try to air your concerns about them living alone without help. Usually, parents try to allay their children's fears and are more conducive to talking about these fears. This will allow them to be more open to discussing about assisted living and will not make them feel as though you are trying to wash your hands off them.

Make sure that you do not try to force your parents into deciding what you want. Instead allow them to speak out their mind too. Get their opinion about different living arrangements and try to work out one that best suits their needs as well as yours. If your parents are willing to make changes, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom, having non-skid flooring, changing the lighting to high wattage lighting and having a chair lift to help them go up and down the stairs, there may be no need for them to move to an assisted living facility immediately. They can prolong their stay at home.

Elder Care - How to Overcome Objections to Moving to a Senior Care Community

When family members see their parents or loved ones staring to need additional help they are faced with having to make the decision to move them to Assisted Living. The assisted living environment offers seniors the freedom to live independently in a supportive setting. They can have as little or as much help as needed. The socialization that seniors get in Assisted Living leads to a much better quality of life. I have had several residents tell me over the years, that they wish they would have moved in sooner.

The problem arises when the senior refuses to move. Here are a couple of effective strategies for helping a senior make the transition to assisted living.

1. Try before you buy- The best thing to do for a reluctant senior is to get them used to the idea slowly. There are several options for getting seniors slowly acclimated to the idea of moving into assisted living. You can try a Respite stay which is a short term stay, in a community that does not require a long term contract. Respite stays are generally from 2 days to 2 weeks. Having your loved one stay for the weekend will give them a good feel for what the community has to offer and often, is enough to dispel some of the dated misconceptions that seniors hold. Most communities charge a fee for a respite stay, but many will allow a perspective resident to enjoy a complimentary meal or two. This experience allows the senior to meet some of the residents and sample the food and services of the community. The senior may also want to attend a special event or a particular activity that interest them. All of these things should be done without putting pressure on the senior to make a decision. If the senior feels forced they will be more hesitant to move.

2. Listen to what is being said- Is the senior afraid of losing their freedom or independence, are they afraid of giving up their personal belongings, or are they holding on to an outdated concept of senior housing? You have to listen closely and help the senior work through their concerns. Sometimes the concerns are simply a cover for not wanting to move at all. If this is the case time and patience will are your best ally.

These tips are great starting points and the professionals at the community can help you to come up with other strategies. Keep an open mind, use some creativity, and be as patient as possible and most of the time you will be able to help the senior make the move to a senior living community.

Vernon Roberson, M.A., L.N.H.A

Assisted Living Safety - What to Look For

Tripping, falling and breaking a hip is a bad news scenario for seniors. That is why senior fitness expert Betty Perkins-Carpenter, Ph.D. of Rochester, New York, stresses the importance of fall prevention and other safety measures when evaluating assisted living safety. A recipient of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Achievement Award, the 79-year-old suggests individuals and families look for physical safety measures in combination with an atmosphere that encourages residents' personal responsibility.

Where to start for assisted living safety

For starters, the author of "How to Prevent Falls" recommends assisted living communities provide a baseline of fire and supportive device safety. Smoke detectors and fire sprinklers as well as handrails and ample lighting need to be available not only in the hallways, but also in common or community areas such as dining rooms and activity rooms.

Otherwise, does the assisted living community provide safety locks on the windows, an emergency generator or alternative power source? Ask if the facility has fire drills and an emergency plan that is publicly displayed. Check apartments to see if the carpeting allows for the easy movement of walkers and canes. Is the bathroom equipped with a safety-signaling device, proper matting and safety bars?

Fall prevention

Beyond these safety measures, Perkins-Carpenter provides further fall prevention tips. When walking through a facility, check if the bottom step has recessed lighting or a strip of colored tape. "When the last step is not differentiated, it's an accident waiting to happen," says the former Olympic diving coach. "In addition, make sure area rugs are not allowed to creep or project over the top step of a stairway. These little things tell you if a facility is alert to preventing falls."

When evaluating assisted living safety also keep in mind, says Perkins-Carpenter, "The brighter the light the better, especially for people with vision loss, cataracts or trifocals."

Bathrooms are another area of special concern for those evaluating the safety of an assisted living community. Appropriately placed handrails near the toilet and in and out of the shower are imperative. And does the shower (no tub, please) have a seat? Because many seniors experience occasional dizzy spells, shower seats are a critical measure in the prevention of falls.

Enhancing balance

Dr. Perkins-Carpenter advocates that individuals in assisted living communities take personal responsibility for fall prevention and their overall safety. In her book, she teaches people how to enhance their balance and strength through an easy six-step method, that includes stretching in bed, ball balancing and, yes, dancing with pillows.

Just as it sounds, seniors at assisted living communities are invited to hold a pillow to their chest with one arm and lift the other in the air. Then, move with the flow. "Dancing with pillows takes seniors to another time and place when they had no infirmities," observes Perkins-Carpenter. "It's fun and they discover they are capable of more activity than they thought."

Assisted living safety starts with an awareness of the issues that seniors have and a pro-active approach to looking for possible problem areas.