Category: Caregivers

Navigating the world of senior care is often overwhelming, especially when faced with the decision to choose between nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Explore the key differences between nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This guide helps families understand each option, ensuring the best care choice for their elderly loved ones.

Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home

At a glance, both nursing homes and assisted living facilities offer care for seniors, but their services, environment, and care levels differ significantly.

Environment and Lifestyle:

Assisted living facilities often resemble apartment complexes, providing a more home-like environment. Amenities might include private or semi-private rooms, communal dining areas, recreational spaces, gardens, and even beauty salons or barber shops. They offer a balance between independence and care, allowing residents to live in a home-like setting while receiving assistance with daily activities.

Nursing homes are more medically focused facilities designed to provide 24-hour care to individuals with significant health or mobility challenges. Amenities often include shared rooms, medical facilities on-site, physical therapy spaces, and communal dining areas.

Care Levels:

When looking at assisted living vs. nursing homes in terms of care levels, there’s a significant difference.

In assisted living facilities, staff offer help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Medical staff is available, but continuous medical care isn’t the primary focus. The staff-to-resident ratio can vary, but there’s typically a higher emphasis on social and recreational staff. Caregivers help with daily activities, and a nurse may be on-site or on-call.

As the name suggests, nursing home care levels are more intensive. These facilities are equipped to handle more complex medical needs, including wound care, physical therapy, and more. Given the higher care needs of residents, nursing homes have a higher staff-to-resident ratio. This includes a mix of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants. They are equipped to handle more complex medical needs.

Cost:

Generally, the less expensive option between assisted living vs. nursing homes is usually assisted living places because they don’t provide intensive medical care. The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey found the national monthly median cost for an assisted living facility is $4,500. Typically, residents pay out-of-pocket, though some long-term care insurance policies may cover costs. Medicaid might offer coverage in certain situations, but it varies by state.

Due to the higher level of care at nursing homes, these facilities tend to cost more. That same survey found the national average monthly expense for a private nursing home room is $9,034, more than double the cost of a room at assisted living. Medicare can cover short-term stays at nursing homes following hospitalization. For long-term stays, Medicaid is a common funding source for those who qualify. Long-term care insurance and out-of-pocket payments are other options.

Expenses range widely for senior care, from state to state and even facility to facility. With both types of facilities, there are often hidden costs. While the monthly fee might cover most expenses, additional fees for special services or activities could come up. Care.com mentions services like dressing, bathing, bathroom help, laundry, medication management, and health screenings can often rack up an added cost. It’s essential to get a detailed breakdown of what’s included in the fee and what might be extra.

Emotional Well-Being:

Assisted living residents have a degree of independence, which can boost their emotional well-being. They live in a less clinical environment, which can feel more like home.

Nursing homes are more of a clinical setting, which might be challenging for some individuals, but the constant access to medical care provides peace of mind.

Social Opportunities:

Assisted living facilities often have a calendar of social activities, from movie nights to exercise classes and field trips, allowing residents to stay socially engaged.

While there are still social activities, they might be less frequent or varied due to the residents’ health needs at nursing homes.

Determining the Best Fit for Your Loved One

When weighing the options of assisted living vs. nursing home facilities, consider the following:

1. Health and mobility: A nursing home is a better fit for your loved one if they require constant medical attention or have severe mobility issues. On the other hand, if they are relatively independent but need some assistance with daily tasks, assisted living could be a better fit.
2. Social needs: Assisted living facilities often offer more social activities and opportunities for residents to interact, which can benefit seniors who are socially active.
3. Duration of stay: Assisted living can be a long-term solution, while nursing homes might be more suitable for short-term rehabilitation or those with terminal illnesses.
4. Personal preferences: Some seniors might prefer a more home-like environment, making assisted living a more attractive possibility. Others might prioritize medical care and opt for a nursing home.

Consider In-Home Care

While researching senior housing alternatives, there’s an even more home-like option than assisted living facilities – in-home care. When comparing assisted living vs. nursing home facilities, they each have their merits; in-home care is always another option worth considering. Bringing a care provider into your loved one’s home allows them to receive care in the comfort of their home. This familiarity eliminates the stress and anxiety of moving to a new place.

In-home care offers personalized one-on-one care tailored to the individual’s needs. This personalized attention can lead to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life. The type of care is also tailored to their needs, whether it’s assistance with daily tasks, companionship, or even medical care. With personalization comes flexibility. You can adjust care schedules based on your senior’s needs and preferences.

In many cases, in-home care is more cost-effective than facility-based care, especially if your loved one doesn’t require round-the-clock attention. That Genworth survey says the national average for in-home care for 40 hours a week is $4,680 a month.

A Place At Home is one of the nation’s premier in-home care providers. With customizable care plans, we can build a schedule that fits your loved one’s needs and budget. We have locations across the country, so begin your journey with us by finding a location near you.

Safe Chair Exercises for Seniors: Enhancing Strength and Balance

As our loved ones age, maintaining physical strength and balance becomes crucial for their overall well-being. However, the fear of injury or the lack of mobility can often deter seniors from exercising regularly. So, how can they maintain their mobility without risking injury?

Explore our comprehensive guide to safe exercises tailored for seniors. Find routines that prioritize safety while effectively building strength and balance.

Mindful Moving

The National Institute of Health recommends two and a half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic weekly exercise for seniors. This can look like a brisk walk, cycling, or dancing. Walking is one of the simplest yet most effective exercises. It helps improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and enhance balance. Even a short walk around the block or in a park can make a difference.

Gentle stretching can improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and enhance circulation. It’s especially beneficial in the morning to kickstart the day. Seniors can stretch standing or sitting.

Chair exercises offer a low-impact workout for seniors focusing on building strength, improving flexibility, and enhancing balance. From seated marches to arm raises, the benefits of chair exercises include building strength and improving balance.

Balance exercises help prevent falls. Simple activities like standing on one foot or walking heel to toe can significantly improve balance. Seniors can hold onto a sturdy chair or countertop for support.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all adults include two days of strength training in their weekly workout regimen. Using light weights or resistance bands while focusing on major muscle groups like legs, arms, and the core will help build muscle strength. Remember to start with light weights and gradually increase as strength builds. No light weights around the house? Use objects like a bottle of water or milk jug.

Benefits of Chair Exercises

1. Strength building: Regular chair exercises can help seniors build muscle strength, especially in the core, legs, and arms. This strength is essential for daily activities such as standing up, walking, and lifting objects.
2. Improved balance: Balance is crucial for preventing falls, a common concern among older adults. Chair exercises can help enhance stability and coordination.
3. Flexibility: As we age, our joints can become stiff. Chair exercises can aid in improving joint flexibility, reducing the risk of injuries.
4. Mental well-being: Regular physical activity, even a low-impact workout, can boost mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or depression.

Effective Chair Exercises

Before your loved one begins performing any of these exercises, ensure that the chair is sturdy and doesn’t have wheels to prevent accidents.

• Seated marches: Sit straight with feet flat on the ground. Lift one knee as high as possible and then the other, mimicking a marching motion. This exercise helps in strengthening the legs and improving circulation.
• Sit to stand: As the name implies, sit in a chair and use the strength of the legs to stand up. For assistance, place a chair in front or cushions on the seat to decrease the distance. This exercise strengthens the leg muscles and enhances balance and stability.
• Chair taps: Sit at the edge of the chair and extend one leg out with toes pointing up. Tap the ground lightly with your heel, then switch to the other leg. This exercise is great for the calf muscles.
• Seated torso twists: Sit straight and place your hands on your shoulders. Gently twist your torso to one side, hold for a few seconds, and then twist the other way. This exercise is excellent for the core and improves flexibility.
• Arm raises: Hold a water bottle or a light weight in each hand. While seated, raise your arms to the side and in front of you. This exercise helps in strengthening the arms and shoulders.
• Ankle rolls: Extend one leg out and rotate the ankle in a circular motion. Switch to the other leg after a few rotations. This exercise is great for ankle flexibility and reducing stiffness.

Incorporating Chair Exercises into Daily Life

Consistency is key to making the most of these safe exercises for seniors. Encourage your elderly loved one to set aside a specific time for their chair workout each day. Starting with 10 minutes a day of low-impact workouts for seniors and gradually increasing the duration can make a significant difference.

Let Us Help Your Senior Remain Independent

Mobility helps seniors stay independent, as do in-home care providers like A Place At Home. If you’re looking for more guidance or resources on senior lifestyle care, we encourage you to find an A Place At Home location near you. Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing the best care and support for you and your senior loved ones.

Watching a loved one age can be a challenging experience, especially when you’re faced with deciding how best to care for them. Compare your options for elderly care. Find out the pros and cons of senior care at home to decide if it’s the right choice for your family and elderly loved one.

How to Know If It’s Time

Noticing signs that a senior needs assistance is crucial. Sometimes the symptoms are obvious, such as a health issue like a stroke or fall. Other situations might be more subtle such as noticing they’re struggling with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or personal care. Both are indicators that it might be time to consider help. The Mayo Clinic discusses these five warning signs:

1. Self-care management: If you’re seeing a decline in personal hygiene, an unkept house, or bills going unpaid, it could be a sign of declining health.
2. Memory loss: Are they forgetting to take medications, misplacing commonly used items like the TV remote, or repeatedly asking the same question? The Mayo Clinic defines all of these as signs of some type of memory loss.
3. Home safety: Unexplained bruises or injuries is a suggestion that they might be having falls. Is the home safe for your loved one to navigate independently, such as climbing stairs or walking over loose rugs? Are daily items easily reachable, such as dishware? Senior care at home might be necessary if they can’t navigate their home safely alone.
4. Unexplained weight loss: The Mayo Clinic says unexpected or unexplained weight loss is a sign of mental and/or physical health complications. Struggling to cook on their own, losing their sense of taste or smell, being overwhelmed by grocery shopping, or other health conditions are signs that intervention is needed.
5. Mood changes: Has your loved one withdrawn from social activities or become increasingly isolated? This could indicate depression, and your senior could benefit from companionship care.

Types of Senior Care

When considering the best care option for your loved one, it’s essential to understand the distinctions of each choice. Let’s explore the social opportunities, medical facilities, and psychological impacts of senior care at home, adult day care, and retirement homes.

	Social Opportunities	Medical Facilities	Psychological Impact
In-Home Senior Care	At-home care primarily offers one-on-one interaction between the senior and the caregiver in the comfort of familiar surroundings. Families can easily visit, and seniors can maintain their neighborhood connections. However, it might require additional effort to ensure diverse social interactions.	At-home care can accommodate basic medical needs, with caregivers assisting with medications and some therapies. For more specialized medical attention, additional arrangements might be necessary.	Staying at home can offer emotional stability due to the familiarity of the environment. However, there’s a risk of feeling isolated if proactive steps aren’t taken to ensure regular social interactions.
Adult Day Care	Adult day cares offer group settings where seniors can interact with peers. They often have scheduled activities, games, and group sessions that encourage socialization.	Many adult day cares provide basic medical monitoring and have healthcare professionals on-site. They can handle routine medical needs but might not be equipped for specialized care.	Attending an adult day care can provide a change of scenery and routine, which can be stimulating. However, the transition between home and the facility might be challenging and tiring for some seniors.
Retirement Facilities	Retirement homes offer a community setting. Seniors have neighbors of their age, and there are often organized events, clubs, and activities to foster community bonding.	These homes can handle a broader range of medical needs, from routine care to specialized attention. Some even have on-site medical facilities.	Moving to a retirement home is a significant transition. While it offers a sense of community, it also means leaving behind a familiar environment. It can come with a very challenging adjustment period.

Costs of Senior Care

Senior care costs vary based on the type and duration of services needed. Genworth, a life and long-term care insurance company, created a cost-of-care survey in 2021. Here’s a breakdown of the national median costs for monthly senior care:

• In-home senior care: (40 hours/week): $4,506
• Home health aide: (40 hours/week): $4,680
• Adult day care: $1,690
• Assisted living facility: $4,500
• Private nursing home room: $9,034

Senior care at home might seem expensive initially, but it can be more affordable compared to the costs of retirement homes or long-term care facilities. While adult day care is the cheapest option, it doesn’t prevent falls or other medical risks from occurring in your loved one’s home. You’ll have to figure out how to get them to the care facility daily.

If you’re concerned about paying for home care costs, here are some methods to manage these costs:

• Long-term care insurance: If your loved one has this insurance, it might cover some costs of in-home care.
• Veteran benefits: Veterans might be eligible for home care benefits.
• Medicaid: Depending on your state, Medicaid might cover some home care services.
• Personal savings: Setting aside funds for senior care can ease the financial burden when the time comes.

Pros and Cons of Senior Care At Home

In-home senior care offers a more personalized approach compared to other care options. You will be provided with one-on-one attention tailored to your loved one’s needs, ensuring they receive the best possible care in a familiar environment. Plus, your loved one can remain in their own home, surrounded by cherished memories and personal belongings, creating a level of comfort and familiarity. Some in-home care companies, like A Place At Home, offer customizable care plans. So, care schedules can be adjusted based on your family’s needs, whether a few hours a day or round-the-clock care. This allows you and your family to be more involved in day-to-day care and decisions for your loved one.

In contrast, adult day cares provide care during specific hours, often in a group setting. On the other hand, retirement homes offer a more permanent solution with 24/7 care but may require a significant lifestyle change.

Some cons to consider with home care include the cost, space limitations, or potential isolation. Depending on the level of care needed, at-home care can be expensive. Some homes may not be equipped to handle advanced medical equipment or mobility aids. Lastly, without regular social activities, seniors might feel isolated.

Find Help with A Place At Home

Those cons are nothing you should worry about when creating a care plan with A Place At Home. We offer compassionate and personalized at-home senior care services tailored to your loved one’s needs. Find a location near you and take the first step towards ensuring your loved one’s comfort and well-being.

As we age, our brains undergo numerous changes, making brain health a crucial aspect of senior care. Understanding the unique challenges and needs of the aging brain empowers both seniors and caregivers to take proactive steps in maintaining cognitive health and overall quality of life for older adults.

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The holiday season is the most momentous time of the year as families, both near and far, gather to celebrate and rejoice in the festivities. As we roll from Thanksgiving into the holiday season, more and more time is spent with family. However, while this time may be full of joy and merriment, it can also show apparent changes with your loved ones — changes that may be early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

As we continue to gather with family, it is important to familiarize ourselves with the early signs and symptoms of dementia. Dementia is defined as a loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life — Alzheimer’s being the most common form of dementia. 

Signs of Dementia to Look for During the Holiday 

Memory loss

While forgetting someone’s name from time to time is normal, forgetting important events or recently learned information is a sign of memory loss. Asking the same questions or repeating a story multiple times are signs as well. The primary indicator is if your loved one is unable to recall the information later on. 

Struggle with Familiar Tasks 

Getting lost in familiar areas, forgetting to turn off the stove, neglecting to brush one’s teeth, or inability to recall the ingredients to the famous family recipe show struggle with tasks that were once handled gracefully and with ease. 

Uncharacteristic Distancing

Engaging in conversation, hobbies, and social activities becomes a struggle for those living with dementia, as remembering names or the rules of a game or simply holding a conversation becomes difficult. As a result, a person living with dementia tends to withdraw from social interaction.  

Misplacing Items

Alongside memory loss, losing or misplacing items may become more frequent. For example, a loved one may pick up an item and place it in an unusual or wrong place without being able to retrace their steps. 

Difficulty with Words

The inability to think of the correct word or continue their sentence is often a telltale sign of dementia. You may find your loved one struggling with vocabulary or referring to something with the wrong name. For example, referring to wine as “pressed grapes” or a watch as a “wrist clock.” 

Poor Judgement

As dementia affects logical decision-making, your loved one may experience a decline in judgment, which is a concern for safety. Crossing a busy road without checking to see if it’s safe, falling victim to a phone scam, neglecting to pay bills, or careless spending are significant signs of a decline in judgment. 

Shifts in Personality  

Individuals living with dementia may experience a shift in mood and personality. Your loved one can become confused, anxious, suspicious, and irritable as regulating and controlling emotions become more difficult.

Early detection of dementia is crucial to getting the proper care and treatment for your loved one. A Place At Home has supported families and individuals living with dementia for over a decade. Our professional and compassionate caregivers are empathetic and educated in the mental and physical care needs of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your situation or are seeking senior care, please reach out to us. We are here to help. 

Related Articles: 
The Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s Association Facts & Figures
The Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease – Dr. Reisberg
8 Ways to Help a Loved One With Alzheimer’s
4 Tips for Reducing Alzheimer’s Stigma
9 Signs Your Loved One Needs Memory Care
Understanding the Potential Link Between Stress and Alzheimer’s Disease
10 Tips for Navigating the Holidays and Alzheimer’s 

American Stroke Month exists to create awareness of the risk factors for stroke and educate the public about preventing their own risk.

Each year in the US, almost 700,000 individuals will experience their first stroke. While a stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, the risk for women is much higher than that of men. One in five women will suffer a stroke in their lifetime, and stroke itself is the number four leading cause of death in women in the United States. While the number of individuals who will experience their first stroke is large, someone who has had one stroke is at risk of suffering another one in the future. 

There are several key factors when it comes to the risk of stroke:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High Cholesterol
• Artery and heart disease
• Sleep apnea
• Excessive drinking
• Physical inactivity

The situation may seem dire, but in actuality, 80% of all strokes are preventable.

This is excellent news, considering the often devastating effects of a stroke. Depending on the side of the brain the stroke occurs on, an individual can experience paralysis, issues with vision, speech, and language, changes in their behavior, and memory loss. It’s less common, but a stroke that occurs on the brain stem heavily impacts both sides of the brain. In these cases, a person can be “locked in.” This means they aren’t able to speak and lack the ability for movement below the neck.

In general, strokes fall into two categories – ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke happens when a vessel supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked. There are two types of ischemic strokes:

1. A thrombotic stroke is often caused by diabetes or high cholesterol and usually occurs in older people. Symptoms may come on slowly over days or hours and may be preceded by a TIA or “mini-stroke.” 
2. An embolic stroke usually happens rapidly without warning signs and is often the result of heart disease and, in some cases, heart surgery. Debris from a blockage elsewhere in the body travels to the vessels of the brain. 

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs due to bleeding on the brain or the space between the brain and its protective membrane. This type of stroke also causes irritation and swelling around the brain, leading to further brain damage. Hemorrhagic strokes account for about 15% of all strokes. 

 There are two categories of hemorrhagic strokes:

1. An intracerebral hemorrhage is when the vessels in the brain are weak and bleed. High blood pressure is often the cause of this weakness. This type of stroke usually happens suddenly with no warning signs and can be severe enough to lead to a coma or death. 
2. A subarachnoid hemorrhage is what is commonly known as an aneurysm. This happens when there is bleeding in the space between the brain and the membrane that covers it. 

Life post-stroke can be confusing, depressing, and overwhelming. 

In quite a few cases, life after a stroke will look drastically different. Everyday tasks such as using the restroom and getting dressed may no longer be possible to do on one’s own. However, you may not think of other things, for example, not being able to roll over or readjust yourself in bed because one side of your body doesn’t respond to your commands. Holding utensils and communicating with your loved ones. Difficulty sleeping, memory deficits, and emotional effects such as anxiety and depression. 

However, recovery from a stroke is possible.

Beginning as soon as possible is integral to making as much progress as possible. Generally speaking, the maximum recovery takes place over the first three to six months following a stroke. It’s essential to begin as soon as possible. Rehabilitation happens on several fronts. Physically, one will work on motor skills, strength, and coordination. Mobility using aiding equipment and re-learning how to walk is a significant part, as well as forced-use therapy and range of motion exercises. 

In recent years, more technology has played a part in the recovery process. Wireless technology has come into play recently. Activity monitors can help track and increase an individual’s activity level and frequency. Electricity is used to prompt muscles to contract through a technology called Functional Electrical Stimulation. Robotics can help regain the strength and function of impaired limbs, and virtual reality allows one to interact in a simulated environment.

Physical rehabilitation is not the only focus for improvement post-stroke. 

One’s cognitive and emotional state following a stroke needs to be attended to as well. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral struggles all need to be taken into account. Occupational and Speech therapies help address processing, social skills, judgment, speaking, writing, comprehension, and more. Counseling and support groups will benefit stroke survivors and their families. Often, a family needs as much emotional and mental support as their loved one following a significant health event. Resources for both patient and caregiver support can be found here and here. 

A Place At Home can provide support in the home following a stroke.

A Place At Home has a stroke-specific program to support individuals recovering from a stroke and provide respite to familial caregivers. This program is designed to address the specific care needs of individuals recovering from a stroke. It may be appropriate for individuals that have had a stroke in the past, as well. Caregivers supporting individuals enrolled in the Stroke Recovery program are CARE certified. They are educated to address the specific needs of this type of recovery. You can learn more about this program here. 

Taking heed of the risk factors for stroke is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Take the time to educate yourself on how you can help prevent a stroke from affecting your future and quality of life. That’s what American Stroke Month is all about.