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A Respite For Your Loved One

When a loved one needs continued care, the best option often is a skilled nursing facility. Skilled nursing facilities offer a safe and comfortable environment for seniors that require a helping hand. Under the supervision of professionals, a skilled nursing facility provides a supportive environment for residents to receive care.

What is a skilled nursing facility?

A skilled nursing facility is a healthcare institution with full-time registered nurses, doctors, and medical staff. The staff at a skilled nursing facility provide around-the-clock care to residents, including medication management, meals, and help with personal care.

What types of services are included?

A skilled nursing facility provides more than basic nursing care. Other types of services offered at a skilled nursing facility include:

  • Exercise options
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Meals
  • Medical supplies
  • Dietary counseling
  • Medications

How do I pay for the costs?

Many of the costs of a skilled nursing facility meet the reimbursement criteria for Medicare or Medicaid. Staff at a skilled nursing facility can provide more details about the covered services. Generally, the reimbursements make skilled nursing facility care available to many patients.

Successful medication management

Many senior patients have health conditions that require medical management. Some seniors have trouble keeping up with the multiple medications prescribed and the dosage. A skilled nursing facility keeps track of every resident’s medication schedule to ensure that the proper dosage is administered on time.

Keeping patients strong and active

Regular exercise can improve strength and balance. Exercise and activity are a vital part of recovery and critical to senior health. A long-term care facility offers different exercise options depending on a patient’s condition.

Healthy, delicious food

Proper nutrition is critical for patients of all ages. Many patients have health or mobility issues that impair the ability to prepare healthy meals at home. A skilled nursing facility is equipped to ensure that patients receive healthy and delicious meals to fit every dietary need.

A sense of community

Social connections are essential for physical and emotional wellbeing. For seniors used to living in isolation, a skilled nursing facility offers social interaction and support that is missing from living alone. Residents have opportunities to connect with friendly people and develop new hobbies.

A safe and clean environment

Home accidents are a huge concern for many seniors. A home may be unsafe for vulnerable seniors with contributing health conditions like dementia or mobility issues. A skilled nursing facility protects patients from these hazards and provides a safe, clean, and relaxing environment.

Peace of mind is invaluable

Knowing that a loved one is in a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment can provide a peace of mind that is precious. A skilled nursing facility can provide an environment to put family members at ease and help seniors get much-needed care and support.

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What Does COPD Do To The Body?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the lung’s airways, making breathing difficult. COPD leads to two other conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis restricts the airways and causes excess mucus buildup. Emphysema is a disease that destroys the lung’s air sacs. People with COPD often have to deal with complications from either one of these diseases.

The importance of exercise

Activity is vital for people with COPD because a lack of physical activity can affect a person’s health and overall quality of life. COPD symptoms can even become worse. To start, COPD patients should enroll in pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a program with a team of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, physical therapists, and exercise specialists. These professionals help people with COPD learn special breathing techniques and exercises, and develop treatment plans to make life with COPD easier. Pulmonary rehabilitation begins with an assessment from a therapist to determine different things about the patient, like blood oxygen levels. Programs are conducted at hospitals, outpatient clinics, or the patient’s home.

Stretching for people with COPD

People with COPD will benefit from lots of stretching. Stretching helps with breath control and body flexibility. Patients should start stretching for at least 10-15 minutes every day. Experts also believe that stretching before and after exercise is good for the body. Stretching is something that can be done anywhere at any time of day. Try some stretching exercises to prepare for more intense activities.

Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercises are great for people with COPD because these activities increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. Cardiovascular exercise also strengthens the heart muscle. Walking is an excellent form of aerobic exercise. Patients can do this for 15-20 minutes a day to get the blood flowing. Another great exercise is cycling. Patients can use a stationary bike or a regular bike. Swimming can also be beneficial. If an outdoor pool isn’t an option, patients can go to a local sports club and use those pool facilities. A good fitness regimen for those with COPD will incorporate aerobic exercises a few times a week.

Try some resistance training

Essentially, resistance training is weight lifting. However, people do not need to start with a heavy load. Lightweight dumbbells or exercise bands work just as well. Resistance training can be done multiple times throughout the week.

Taking the next step

Anyone interested in pulmonary rehabilitation, exercises, or more information about COPD should consult a doctor, physical therapist, or a respiratory therapist. These healthcare professionals are a wealth of knowledge and resources for leading a healthy life with COPD.