Share This Story!
Taking The Next Step In Long-Term Care
Sometimes, the family of loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia will have to make a difficult choice. The loved one will need a skilled nursing facility with staff trained to care for loved ones properly. Choosing a skilled nursing facility could be overwhelming. Different factors determine a successful facility from an unsuccessful one. Of course, no place or situation will be perfect. The goal is to find a facility that pays attention to detail and can provide the best long-term care.
Alzheimer’s and dementia
The terms Alzheimer’s and dementia are sometimes used alternatively. However, both have different meanings. Dementia refers to a range of debilitating cognitive symptoms caused by damaged brain cells. These symptoms include memory loss, declined thinking skills, and changes in behavior. Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, is a progressive disease that causes brain cells to die. The condition is the most common cause of dementia. Like dementia, persons with Alzheimer’s have trouble with memory, reasoning, and performing simple tasks. The symptoms become worse over time, impacting bodily functions and decreasing life span. For some, a skilled nursing facility can help with managing the disease.
What is a skilled nursing facility?
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are just 2 of several different conditions supported by a skilled nursing facility. Skilled nursing facilities provide exceptional, high-level medical care for residents with specific conditions. More specifically, skilled nursing facilities can help patients recovering from surgeries or injuries. These centers have nurses, physical therapists, and other trained staff on hand. There are over 15,000 nursing homes, skilled facilities, and assisted living centers around the country. Look for these qualities when choosing the best facility for a loved one.
A focus on comfort
Families should look for an inviting facility that’s comfortable for the residents. The rooms should have comfortable, adjustable beds. Look for a clean, welcoming, appealing location with a well-lit room. An area that feels homely can help the entire family feel comfortable about the transition. If possible, schedule a visit to the facility. There should be rooms specific to long-term care and comfortable amenities to help residents with Alzheimer’s.
Highly skilled staff
Skilled nursing facilities must have resources to help with rehabilitation, disease management, and recovery. The center should offer services for dementia or Alzheimer’s. For instance, residents with Alzheimer’s will need memory care. Memory care is a strategy applied by skilled facilities to care for dementia and other cognitive diseases. The nurses are specially trained to provide extra support, help residents perform simple tasks and prevent wandering. Make sure that the facility also has a customized care plan.
A holistic approach to healing
A skilled nursing facility goes beyond caring for residents. Residents won’t be in rehabilitation 24 hours a day, so there should be extracurricular activities to improve the quality of life. The space should be a great place for all-around living from art, exercise, religion, and special events. Look for a list of physical and educational activities and when these activities occur in the facility. These activities contribute to the overall healing and wellbeing of residents.
Flexibility matters
What is the facility’s stance on visiting hours? Seeing loved ones can help with communication, comfort, and care. The facility should encourage visits as much as possible. Find out how often family can visit or communicate with residents, including video calls. Flexibility should extend beyond visiting hours. Can loved ones make some decisions in the caretaking process? Residents should choose what to wear, educational activities, and make some decisions on the type of care.
Fight the right fit
These are just some of the many provisions to look for in a facility. Loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia are under lots of stress. Moving to a facility with kind staff, excellent facilities, quality care, and flexibility is vital. Make sure to review several spaces before choosing the one that feels right. Speak with each facility administrator to schedule a tour for added peace of mind.
