Assisted Living

The Plan for Vaccinations in Senior Housing

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Residents and employees in senior housing facilities are among the first to receive vaccines against COVID-19 together with healthcare workers in the country. This great news will enable seniors and their families to rest assured that senior housing communities are safe to live in the future.

 

That said, all the health protocols will be followed, such as wearing masks and observing social distancing, along with the robust safety procedures like deep cleaning, screening, testing, and sanitizing for everybody to be safe.

 

Senior housing preparation for COVID-19 vaccination

 

Even with hopes of getting back to normal operations this year, it consequently depends on the widespread distribution of a safe and effective vaccine. Nevertheless, it will vary by state guidelines that regulate the plan for vaccinations in senior housing.

 

Options for vaccine deployment in senior housing

 

Influence on existing partnerships with pharmacy with other medical providers

 

Owners may have existing partnerships with local pharmacies.  Ambulance providers, community health centers, local hospitals, regular flu vaccine clinics, and visiting nurse agencies can be influenced to administer the vaccines.

 

Partnership with local health board

 

It is essential to know how the local health board operates clinics and if they have capacity to administer vaccines. The local health board can also schedule a clinic for senior housing residents.

 

Mass vaccination sites, provider, and pharmacy

 

The residents and staff can look for a site where to conduct a mass vaccination. Certainty, appropriate identification is mandatory to prove that staff and residents meet approval for senior housing prioritization.

 

So, residents need documentation to verify that they live in public or private subsidized or affordable senior housing. The staff will need a letter from the employer organization and employee identification card issued by the state.

 

Several other areas for local or mobile vaccine distribution are under consideration. Information about the location of the vaccination will be under regular updates.

 

The CDC recommends that residents and workers in long-term care facilities are among the first to receive vaccinations.

 

Plan after the first vaccine distribution

 

There are providers planning to distribute the vaccines to the associates of the communities after the first round distributions. That is because they are the ones most likely to leave the community, being more likely to spread the virus.

 

Most importantly, residents will receive education from the company about the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

To conclude, you may experience normal side-effects, like chills, fatigue, fever, and  injection site pain, depending on the type of vaccine administered.

Questions about measures we are taking to keep residents safe during this time? Reach out to us by clicking here.

Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

assisted living facilities

A Look Inside Life at Assisted Living Facilities

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Living with seniors can be more than just a challenge for some because you need to ensure that they get the daily dose of their medicine and that you can assist them in doing activities of daily living. But what if you can live without any of the concerns, while letting them experience a new life as they learn new skills or pick-up old hobbies? Well, that is what you can get when you consider assisted living for seniors. Seniors living in assisted living facilities will get long-term housing and care. In fact, even if the residents are generally active, they may need support for daily living activities, which include bathing, dressing, and using the comfort room.

 

That is why seniors can take advantage of personalized care, healthy meals, and a range of social activities that interest them. But of course, they can get a sense of community in a safe, residential environment.

 

Short background about assisted living

 

This concept was first implemented in 1981 after Park Place in Portland, Oregon started business for assisted living services. This gave way for various establishments to open their doors for personal care and board homes, group homes, and residential care homes.

 

So, the business came from various small private establishments to large not-for-profit to for-profit establishments. Most of them are apartment communities offering services on the basis of the needs of individual residents.

 

The services include housekeeping, housing, meals, socialization, and transportation. Optionally, other services include bathing help, dressing help, exercise classes, medication reminders, and physical therapy, among others.

 

Advantages of assisted living facilities

 

Individual care

 

A resident who requires more care will be assisted out of bed and into the bathroom. This will include turning of the shower, helping him or her get out of her night clothes and into the shower. Based on the service plan, the resident will get all the help that he or she needs.

 

Nutritious meals and opportunity for socialization

 

A resident is able to cook on their own but can walk into the dining area to eat with friends. Since the food is varied and nutritious, each day will be a day to look forward to. Moreover, the menus are designed by the dietitian, while meals are served just like see on the restaurants.

 

Enjoy activities nearby or at home

 

Daily programs include exercise, spiritual activities, and mind games. There are also seasonal fun activities to enjoy, such as carving or painting pumpkins. This will enhance the body, mind, and spirit of the residents as it stimulates mental, physical, and spiritual environment.

 

Accessible public and private areas

 

Assisted living facilities are accessible to persons with disability. This makes life easier for those with minor handicaps, including those with hip replacement. It can be a good place for residents recovering from debilitating conditions or illnesses like stroke.

 

Many other advantages are given to the residents, such as staff care, independent and group activities, and visitor hours.

 

Overall, scheduling a tour is always the best way to get a goo look at life on the inside.

Visit our assisted living page by clicking here and learn everything you need to know about our services at Richmont Senior Living!

Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

Senior Housing

What to Pack When Moving to Independent Living for Seniors

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Are you preparing to move an aging loved one into independent living for seniors? If so, it is vital to offer support as they make the transition towards this new phase of life.

 

Note that moving to a different living environment can be an overwhelming experience for anybody particularly for seniors. But looking on the bright side, it can promote independence among seniors.

 

Thus, it provides freedom making life easier in an assisted living community. This will also give your loved one more time to perform all the things he or she considers important.

 

Important things to prepare when moving

 

  • Home furnishings – These include artwork, bedding, framed photographs, keepsakes, kitchenware, lamps, and sofa.

 

Keeping the independent living for seniors as homelike as possible is a key component to success. Just make sure not to overpack his or her belongings.

 

  • Necessities – These may include small appliances, assistive devices, cleaning wipes, favorite books, magazines, radio, and television.

 

Depending on the facility, many of these things may be provided. Putting a list together of what will already be waiting for you upon arrival will help avoid having doubles.

 

  • Clothing – Comfortable clothing, formal outfit, jackets, pajamas, robe, socks, slippers, and shoes can be useful to navigate the different climates where your loved one will live.

 

This may be a good time to donate older items that won’t be of use anymore, or pass down more sentimental pieces to other family members.

 

  • Toiletries – These may include lotion, make-up, shampoo, soap, prescription and over-the-counter medication, razor, or toothbrush. Since most of them are provided in the independent living for seniors, you can filter which items need to be packed to avoid overpacking.

 

Procedure to follow before packing

 

Since moving into an independent living for seniors can be an overwhelming task, it important to follow a procedure to make it more conducive.

 

  • Declutter – Bring clothes that are commonly worn and not the ones you no longer wear. Have doubles of products such as toothbrush holders, laundry baskets, books, and odd containers? Keep one and donate another!

 

  • Categorize clothing – The possible categories include the ones you should keep, donate, and pass down.

 

The clothes you often use are the ones you should keep. Those that no longer make you feel good can be donated. The ones you cannot bring with to independent living for seniors but are sentimental can be passed down.

 

  • Valuable jewelry – It’s a good idea to leave the valuable pieces of jewelry with a relative and bring fashion jewelry only. If you need to bring valuable pieces, only those with sentimental value are advisable.

 

After finalizing the things to bring along with you, consider buying a new gear because you deserve to celebrate this new chapter of your life.

 

Have more questions about independent living for seniors? Check out some of our living plans by clicking here!

Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco

independent living for seniors Ashland, NE

Qualities to Look Out for When Googling “Nursing Homes Near Me” in 2021

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Nursing homes are your best bet when it comes to the quality of life and health of your parents and searching “nursing homes near me” might be your first move. The questing of “What makes a nursing home good enough” daunts us all.

 

In a successful nursing home, your parents will surely get high quality long-term care services, socialization with peers, and a secure place to live.

 

If you are one of the people wanting to know the good qualities of a nursing home near you and google has left your head spinning with information overload, then this blog if just what you are looking for.

 

Qualities of a good nursing home

 

Sense of community

 

It is important that the nursing home has highly trained staff members who interact with residents. Residents should be met with respect,  feel comfortable, and encouraged to socialize with others to optimize quality of life.

 

Comfortable environment

 

The nursing home must be clean without any lasting odors. It’s also important to have a non-confusing floor plan for easy navigation and so residents find becoming familiar and comfortable with the facility a non-daunting task.

Children, pets, and plants

 

When searching “nursing homes near me” it is important to chose places that are children and plant friendly. Visits from grandchildren bring many elderly people much joy and something to look forward to.

 

Having plants throughout a living space help serve as mood boosters and purify air and looking for places that allow visits from service animals is also a desirable bonus.

Service animals can provide a good sense of love, support, ad emotional stability for many living in assisted living.

 

Person-centered living

 

A good nursing home environment is working tirelessly to make sure needs and desires of residents are kept up with. They are humans after all, and have the right to dignity, respect, and purposeful living.

 

Skilled nursing care 24/7

 

Nurses must be able monitor the residents 24/7 including holidays. But they should not be overwhelmed to care for too many residents, so a larger line of staff can oftentimes be a bonus to residents.

 

Outdoor spaces

 

Sometimes we all just need a breath of fresh are. Nursing homes with adequate outdoor spaces and activities are always good to look for.

 

Something to keep in mind when viewing outdoor spaces in a facility is the accommodations and accessibility offered to ensure all residents receive the same treatment and opportunities in terms of getting outside easily and safely.

 

Range of activities

 

Different social, physical, and instructive activities will surely attract residents. Having access to guided activities is a huge plus for those in nursing homes, especially when dealing with memory care.

 

Some mindful activities to look for include baking, bingo, card games, and painting, among others.

 

Nutritious food

 

Appealing, healthy, and well-balanced meals are a must-have in nursing homes near me. Staff must be able monitor the nutritional intake and should be responsible for informing relatives or the doctor if a resident is not eating properly or showing significant change in appetite.

 

Amenities

 

Amenities are can be overlooked but are equally important as the prior items on this list. Some good ones to look out for include fitness rooms and trainers, medical spaces, libraries, and game rooms to name a few.

 

Family visitations

 

Family members must be able to visit the resident all the time. It is important for residents to not feel abandoned by family members.

 

Ensuring that loved ones can drop by as they please is an important factor in keeping the resident happy and secure.

 

Quality nursing homes are in massive demand nowadays. In fact, there is an anticipated increase in long-term care for seniors by 2030. Thus, it is important to know what to look for when searching for nursing homes near me.

 

Interested in seeing what we have to offer here at Richmont Senior Living? Click here to be directed to our navigation page to learn more!

 

 

Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco