Author: Jill Bilka
Puget Sound Guide
How important are licensed nurses for assisted living and memory care?
The care provided by licensed nurses is often essential for achieving these goals. A nurse on-site 24 hours a day on every day of the week can save lives and decrease visits to the emergency room.
Assisted living and memory care communities are designed to promote aging in place by supporting independence and quality of life.
The care provided by licensed nurses is often essential for achieving these goals. A nurse on-site 24 hours a day on every day of the week can save lives and decrease visits to the emergency room.
The role of a licensed nurse is diverse and includes such responsibilities as providing comprehensive nursing assessments, medication management, care planning, educating and training, monitoring sensitive healthcare markers, and developing interventions to preserve resident safety and dignity. They often serve as healthcare liaison – coordinating care between a resident, the resident’s physician, the resident’s family, and
care staff.
Licensed nurses are professionally trained to know first-hand the nuances of personal care and to know how best to monitor, assess and intervene when changes in residents behavior, routine or condition occur. With 24-hour licensed nursing on-site, a resident will get prompt attention if there is a medical problem.
When medical needs in the elderly are assessed early, treatment can be started promptly and serious health crises are often avoided. Additionally, the scope of practice for a licensed nurse versus a med-tech or med-aid allows them to quickly process physician orders over the telephone and implement immediately rather than waiting for the signed physician orders to arrive. As a result, residents receive treatment earlier and can return back to a healthier state. It also gives the community an opportunity to evaluate falls before sending a resident to an emergency room, possibly preventing an unnecessary emergency room visit. This collaboration and communication between the physician and nurse allows for a quick resolution to immediate medical needs.
As the state of Washington does not require 24/7 on-site nursing, only some communities offer the comprehensive service. When researching an assisted living or memory care community for your loved one, the following questions are helpful in determining the extent of nursing care the community offers:
- Is there a nurse?
- What are the hours the nurse is available? Is there more than one nurse on staff? During what hours?
- Who oversees the care plan and changes to the resident’s care plan?
- Who gives the medication? Is the medication administered by a licensed nurse, med-aid or med-tech?
- Who assesses the resident for change in condition, behavior or routine?
Article Provided by:
Koelsch Senior Communities
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PACE: Medical coverage, long-term care and Social Services – All in one
PACE helps seniors maintain independence and health for as long as possible by combining medical coverage with long-term care and social services.
Providence ElderPlace is part of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a federally recognized program with over 100 sites operating in 31 states. PACE helps seniors maintain independence and health for as long as possible by combining medical coverage with long-term care and social services.
Long-term Care and In-home Services
Through our contracted partners, you will receive long-term services where you live, be it at home, in a living facility or an adult care home. Services include assistance with personal grooming, housekeeping, medication management, meal preparation and more.
Medical Care
All necessary medical services are covered. This includes doctor visits, hospital and surgical care, medications, medical equipment and supplies as well as physical, occupational and speech therapies.
Social Services
From the care of licensed social workers to the life enrichment activities at our centers, participants receive ongoing social support, enabling each individual to function at the highest possible level of social and emotional wellness.
Program Cost
All services are covered without hidden fees or co-payments. Medicaid covers Medicaid-eligible participants. For those who do not qualify for Medicaid, the ElderPlace premium matches the Medicaid rate.
To see our current locations, visit us at www.providence.org/elderplace
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Print Guide – Southern Oregon – May 2014
Print Guide – Portland/Vancouver – January 2014
Fall Prevention and Risk Factors
As we age, our bodies go through many changes that we must constantly adjust to in order to continue to remain active, independent individuals. Being educated and prepared for life’s changes can help us avoid common pitfalls. Obvious things such as changes in eyesight or hearing, sends us to our doctors to seek corrective measures.
Unfortunately, many times there are changes that are quite subtle, that often go unnoticed, and can lead to serious consequences. Things such as loss of balance, delayed reflexes, and blood pressure fluctuations often go unnoticed. “One of the most dangerous situations affecting our seniors are… falls. Look at a few of these statistics.
- Falls in the 70 and over age group are more common than cancer and strokes.
- 30% of seniors over age 70 will have multiple falls, resulting in injury.
- 10% will suffer serious injury from a fall, such as a fractured hip, neck, or brain trauma.
- 90% of hip fractures result from a fall.
Falls are also very preventable! The first goal in preventing falls is to take inventory of your risk factors, and understand when you are at greatest risk. Then by taking some corrective measures, your risk of falling can be lowered significantly so that you can continue to live a happy independent, injury free life. So here are some things to consider as you evaluate your risk factors.
- Assess your home environment for trip hazards, have a friend help you. Look for loose fitting shoes, electrical cords, carpets, and furniture that could be trip hazards, and clear your walkways.
- Take inventory of your medical conditions ie blood pressure medications, steroid use, or diseases that affect your balance and make adjustments. Change positions more slowly to prevent dizziness if you take blood pressure meds.
- If you are a diabetic, or have decreases sensation to your legs, talk to your doctor about therapy or assistive devices.
- Eat foods and exercise to promote healthy strong bones. Calcium rich foods like milk, yogurt, almonds and green vegetables should be part of your diet. Exercise such as walking or swimming help strengthen our bones and improve our balance.
In summary, many changes affect our bodies as we age. Understanding these changes, and taking preventative measures before issues arise, can help us continue to live productive, independent lives. Take inventory of your home, and your health and make choices to prevent falls.
Article provided by: Robert Estrada, RN
Sweet Bye N Bye Inc
503-990-6679
www.SweetByeNBye.com
Print Guide – Mid-Willamette Valley – October 2013
Oregon Eldercare Support Foundation
Oregon Eldercare Support Foundation (OESF), formerly Oregon Health Care Foundation, is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 2000.
Oregon Eldercare Support Foundation (OESF), formerly Oregon Health Care Foundation, is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 2000. The mission of OESF is: to provide educational opportunities for current & future employees working in long term care communities; to offer programs that enrich the lives of seniors, and to enhance the public understanding and appreciation of the long term care profession.
Scholarship Program
OESF Scholarship Program is designed to help build careers & provide professional development opportunities for those who work or seek to work in the long term care profession. Scholarships are awarded twice annually in the Spring and Fall.
Each year OESF awards scholarships for general studies, in addition to scholarships for specialized study, these scholarships are often made possible through the named scholarship program. Organizations donate large sums of money on an annual basis, typically at least $5000, and then award the scholarship based on criteria they have created. Generations, Pinnacle Quality Insight and Margaret Murphy Carley all have created named scholarship programs.
Generally, scholarship awards support professional development through certification, licensure, undergraduate or graduate degree study that will enhance a recipient’s career in long term care.
Learn more about the application process & criteria.
Senior Wish Program
The Senior Wish Program was created to help fulfill the personal life wishes of Oregon’s senior citizens residing in long term care communities, such as retirement, assisted living, residential care, & nursing/rehabilitation communities.
- Employees & volunteers at long term care communities in Oregon work with local businesses, & community groups to make senior wishes a reality.
- OESF provides hands on training sessions for long term care professionals on how to successfully implement the Senior Wish Program, distributes an informational How-To Guide about the program, chronicles & promotes Senior Wish initiatives conducted by long term care communities.
An example of a Senior Wish: Win’s Deep Sea Fishing Dreams Come True- Win, an Assisted Living resident had always had a wish to go deep sea fishing in hopes to catch a big fish. One of Win’s favorite hobbies is fishing and he has fished many a river, lake and stream but never in the big blue ocean. Win was joined by Marquis friends and family aboard the Tacklebuster, a 50 ft. charter boat from Tradewinds Charters in Depoe Bay. Win says, “Words can’t explain how great the fishing trip was, it was marvelous. The best day of my life”.
Read more about wishes that came true.
Help Support OESF Programs
OESF is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization that accepts contributions to help fund the Senior Wish Program and scholarships statewide. They accept many forms of donations, including but not limited to; monetary donations, in-kind gifts, matching gifts, planned gifts, named scholarship opportunities, & many other options. The majority of donations go directly to the foundation, with little funds spent on administrative support. The OESF board of directors volunteers their time & dedication to support the mission. Learn more about ways you can contribute.
Article provided by:
Oregon Eldercare Support Foundation
503-210-4053
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Fall prevention and risk factors
As we age, our bodies go through many changes that we must constantly adjust. Being educated and prepared for life’s changes helps us avoid common pitfalls.
As we age, our bodies go through many changes that we must constantly adjust to in order to continue to remain active, independent individuals. Being educated and prepared for life’s changes can help us avoid common pitfalls. Obvious things such as changes in eyesight or hearing, sends us to our doctors to seek corrective measures.
Unfortunately, many times there are changes that are quite subtle, that often go unnoticed, and can lead to serious consequences. Things such as loss of balance, delayed reflexes, and blood pressure fluctuations often go unnoticed. “One of the most dangerous situations affecting our seniors are… falls. Look at a few of these statistics.
- Falls in the 70 and over age group are more common than cancer and strokes.
- 30% of seniors over age 70 will have multiple falls, resulting in injury.
- 10% will suffer serious injury from a fall, such as a fractured hip, neck, or brain trauma.
- 90% of hip fractures result from a fall.
Falls are also very preventable! The first goal in preventing falls is to take inventory of your risk factors, and understand when you are at greatest risk. Then by taking some corrective measures, your risk of falling can be lowered significantly so that you can continue to live a happy independent, injury free life. So here are some things to consider as you evaluate your risk factors.
- Assess your home environment for trip hazards, have a friend help you. Look for loose fitting shoes, electrical cords, carpets, and furniture that could be trip hazards, and clear your walkways.
- Take inventory of your medical conditions ie blood pressure medications, steroid use, or diseases that affect your balance and make adjustments. Change positions more slowly to prevent dizziness if you take blood pressure meds.
- If you are a diabetic, or have decreases sensation to your legs, talk to your doctor about therapy or assistive devices.
- Eat foods and exercise to promote healthy strong bones. Calcium rich foods like milk, yogurt, almonds and green vegetables should be part of your diet. Exercise such as walking or swimming help strengthen our bones and improve our balance.
In summary, many changes affect our bodies as we age. Understanding these changes, and taking preventative measures before issues arise, can help us continue to live productive, independent lives. Take inventory of your home, and your health and make choices to prevent falls.
Article provided by: Robert Estrada, RN
Sweet Bye N Bye Inc
503-990-6679
Search Retirement Connection Listings for Residential Care Facilities
Search Residential Care Facilities for Grants Pass
Search Residential Care Facilities for Klamath Falls
Search Residential Care Facilities for Medford
Search Residential Care Facilities for Roseburg