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Fathers in memory assisted living may find it hard to remember dates, occasions, and even the identity of some family members. However, it is not an excuse not to remember them on Father’s Day.

Gift-giving might be a little challenging given that senior fathers are not that interested in material things anymore. But then again, this does not mean that you should stop from bringing him special joy and comfort even while in memory care.

Here are some gift ideas that will help you come up with something that will make this day extra memorable and special:

Rice Therapy Bag

A rice bag that can be used hot or cold will give Dad the comfort that he needs for aches and pains. Your elderly dad can use this for areas that need a hot or cold compress for release. Search for rice therapy bags online or you can make your own that can be added with essential oils for ultimate relaxation.

Magnifying Glass Necklace

If your dad loves to read, a magnifying glass necklace comes in handy especially if working on small prints. The magnifying necklace makes it easy for him to carry it all the time with fewer chances of losing or misplacing it.

Personalized Lap Quilt

If you have the skills and time, you can gift your dad in memory assisted living a personalized quilt. Make a quilt or have it professionally done by adding photos will help him keep him connected with loved ones.

Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets are known to have calming effects on people suffering from anxiety, depression, or insomnia relating to memory problems. A weighted blanket will bring him comfort by reducing stress levels and helping him sleep better.

Board Games (designed for people with memory problems)

Seniors in memory assisted living still deserve to socialize and enjoy life. A board game specifically designed for people with dementia will keep your dad’s mind active.

Digital Photo Frame

Do not make him forget the special people in his life. Give him a digital photo frame. You can pre-load them with photos so he can still see loved ones while in memory assisted living. Even with limited space in his new home, he can keep hundreds of photos in one frame.

Sun Lamp

A sun lamp is a great gift for those who miss the outdoors on rainy days. This won’t only improve his mood and internal clock but also kicks the blues away during the winter season.

What are you planning to give him this Father’s Day? Regardless of your choice, make sure the gift will make his stay in memory assisted living comfortable and remind him there are people who love him.

Looking for a reliable memory care facility for a loved one? Click here to visit our information page today!

Oxbow Living offers Assisted Living & Memory Care out of Nebraska and to the Surrounding Cities: Ashland, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Elmwood, Ithaca, Mead

The American government is racing against time in making sure that 90% of American adults become eligible for the Coronavirus vaccine by April 19. Vaccinations for the general public being open will be good news for those in assisted living facilities in Ashland, NE and across the nation.

The situation is somewhat dire more especially now that some State governors have lifted mask mandates. Thus, there’s a big possibility that the transmission of infection and resulting hospitalization will get worse in the coming days.

With increased travels and easing in movement restrictions, health officials have expressed concern about the virus getting worse.

Importance of the COVID19 vaccine

Vaccination plays a major role in protecting Americans and other citizens of the world against the life-threatening virus. The COVID19 vaccine does not only shield you from severe symptoms but also in slowing down the spread of the virus.

The vaccine produces protection through developing an immune response to the Coronavirus. So, the risk of acquiring severe illnesses from it decreases considerably.

Who is at risk for coronavirus?

Residents in assisted living facilities belong to the population of being at higher risk than other adults. Apart from old age, many residents have underlying health conditions, putting them at greater risk of hospitalization or dying from COVID19.

As recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults 65 years and older must be one of the top priorities to receive the vaccine.

Nebraska COVID19 update

If you happen to be living in Nebraska or have relatives or loved ones there, health officials have already administered a total of approximately 1,038,898M doses of the vaccine. Over 402,325 of those individuals are now fully vaccinated. In other words, Nebraska’s health authorities have already covered 20.12% of the population as fully vaccinated.

All COVID19 vaccines received through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program are forwarded to Douglas County Health Department’s mass vaccination sites.

The challenges to a successful vaccine rollout

Although the COVID19 vaccine is free for Americans, many workers from assisted living facilities are still reluctant to take it.

It has become a major concern for employers since employees should not be a direct threat to the workplace and residents.

But with assisted living facilities seeing major effects of COVID19, it is also the facilities’ responsibility to protect their workers.

They need to implement the proper health protocols such as social distancing, frequent hand washing, and basic healthy habits. These practices may slow down the spread, but vaccination is the best way to reach the level of heard immunity.

Vaccine education

The availability of the COVID19 vaccine may have caused doubts. But vaccination adds another level of protection for the workers and vulnerable residents.

CDC in partnership with pharmacies, conducts information dissemination to help educate assisted living facilities residents about the COVID19 vaccine.

They provide details on administration, the possible side effects, things to do post vaccination, and relevant data.

In this way, safety concerns and other issues are addressable while workers and residents become more prepared for their vaccination.

COVID19 vaccines for elderly adults

To sum up, residents in assisted living are among the top priorities to receive the coronavirus vaccines. However, it can take considerable time and additional effort to have everyone get vaccinated.

On the market for a trustworthy and homey assisted living facility in Ashland, NE? Click here to be redirected to our assisted living page!

Oxbow Living offers Assisted Living & Memory Care out of Nebraska and to the Surrounding Cities: Ashland, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Elmwood, Ithaca, Mead

There are a lot of assisted living facilities for Alzheimer’s that exist all over the U.S. nowadays. The National Survey of Residential Care Facilities stated that there are more than 31,000. With that said, there are almost a million seniors living in these facilities.

Brief history of assisted living facilities

Evidence that senior care homes should be reevaluated began to rise in the 1970s. Seniors during that time only had 2 options when they needed care. This involved hiring of a medical professional such as visiting the nurse or a family caregiver to provide on-call assistance and entering a nursing home.

However, getting admitted to a nursing home is not what most senior would wish for particularly with rumors of mistreatment in these facilities. In fact, more seniors were able to age only in their homes amid the growth of advances in medicine.

Dr. Keren Brown Wilson, the founder of the modern concept of assisting living, is responsible for having examined the negative connotations of nursing homes in the mid-1970s. These include the lack of privacy and the use of communal bathrooms.

Wilson was able to conceptualize a way for seniors to remain respected and independent while being able to receive the required level of care they need. In 1981, the Park Place in Portland, Oregon became the first modern assisted living facility known today.

The facility offered residents the private rooms with doors that locked, community areas for social interaction, and 24-hour staffing in the event of medical emergencies.

The evolution of assisted living facilities for Alzheimer’s

There was a notable shift in senior housing that started in 1979-1985. This initiated the shift in the service capacity and consumer-centered care model. More distinguishable kinds of assisted living communities were created in 1986-1993. These include health care, housing, hospitality, and hybrid living communities.

By 1994-2000, this quality of care became the ideal prototype for assisted living facilities with influence from Wall street. Moreover, the eruption of chronic illnesses, exploding boomer market, and longer lifespans, calls for a need of growth. Assisted living facilities are re-examining and reorganizing its standards to fit the evolving needs of senior populations.

Senior living facilities nowadays

For people who want to age independently and safely, assisted living facilities are a perfect option these days. Assisted living, defined by the Assisted Living Federation of America, is long-term care combining health care, housing, and support services.

Assisted living facilities are here for seniors who can live independently, but are finding themselves needing extra help with daily activities.

However, the terms used to describe assisted living have also evolved. For instance, seniors are not patients but residents. Private rooms or suites are now a normalcy in assisted living facilities instead of assigned beds.

Assisted living communities, such as facilities for Alzheimer’s, are among the fastest growing care options for seniors. Home-like settings are also available for seniors, which include all levels of assistance, from minimal care to more intensive option.

Looking for a reliable assisted living facility for your loved one with Alzheimer’s? Click here to be redirected to our memory care page and see why Oxbow Living is the perfect choice for you.

Oxbow Living offers Assisted Living & Memory Care out of Nebraska and to the Surrounding Cities: Ashland, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Elmwood, Ithaca, Mead

It is important to note that a person suffering from memory loss can be exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Part of this is the decline in memory, as well as thinking and reasoning skills. Indicating the time to start looking for facilities for Alzheimer’s can be difficult.

If you are keen to know the early symptoms of this disease, here are a few warning signs. These often serve as the first clues when evaluating for Alzheimer’s or related conditions.

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

Short-term memory loss

When a person is suffering from Alzheimer’s, the area of the brain that stores memory of recent events can be affected. Occasional memory lapses are normal. But if you notice recent timelines becoming frequently harder for them to recall, it might be their short-term memory.

Difficulty to make decisions, planning, or solving problems

The person can have trouble with abstract thinking leading to the following reactions.

• Struggling to develop and follow plans
• Trouble in multitasking
• Feeling less motivated
• Looking less organized

Difficulty doing familiar tasks

One of the things that often show as an early symptom of Alzheimer’s is the difficulty of doing simple or everyday tasks. Eventually, people suffering from Alzheimer’s forget how to do basic activities of daily living, including taking a bath or getting dressed.

Difficulty in sleeping

A person with Alzheimer’s can have difficulty sleeping. They may wake up several times during the night or take excessive naps during the day. Changes in sleep patterns are not conclusive but worth noting when seen with other early signs.

Changes in personality

Mood changes should also be considered if you suspect a loved one is showing signs of Alzheimer’s. They may seem anxious, confused, depressed, or irritable at any time.

Getting easily upset in new or different situations is also a sign that a parent or loved one is experiencing symptoms of the disease. They may also lack the drive and motivation.

Dealing with patients who have Alzheimer’s

It can be devastating and overwhelming to deal with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Preparing for potential changes in the future can ease some of the stress. Learning more about the disease and getting support from others will create a more seamless transition.

This includes preparing for memory care facilities for Alzheimer’s. These are specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of memory loss like dementia.

Early detection is key

If you notice signs in yourself or another person, it will be hard to know exactly what to do. It might even be harder to discuss these changes with others. The best first step is to address significant health concerns with a doctor.

You simply can’t ignore warning signs of Alzheimer’s. Detecting them early means early treatment, which is almost always a good step.

Senior living facilities for Alzheimer’s offer specialized care for you or your elderly loved ones. If you are interested in seeing what we have to offer at Oxbow Living, click here

Oxbow Living offers Assisted Living & Memory Care out of Nebraska and to the Surrounding Cities: Ashland, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Elmwood, Ithaca, Mead

The COVID-19 pandemic created enormous health and economic chaos across the globe. It has claimed millions of lives worldwide and almost a hundred thousand lives from nursing homes in the United States.

The impact of COVID-19 is felt in retirement homes and assisted care facilities where residents are most vulnerable. With the presence of the Coronavirus, this has exposed more problems and issues that have been around before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Possible Steps to be Taken Moving Forward:

Improving Family Involvement in Residents Care Plan

In most cases, nursing homes determine the care that the resident will receive. However, the resident and their family have the right to participate in developing the resident’s care plan.

A personalized care plan to address individual needs is necessary to assure each resident receives the best possible care. Every care plan must be written and prepared by a doctor, nursing home members, a registered nurse, and the resident’s family member or legal representative.

Spending extra time on each care plan and adding in key measures on what to do if an epidemic or pandemic takes place during the residents stay can ensure future success and ease some stress that comes with a public health crises such as COVID-19.

More 24-hour Caretakers Onsite

Understaffing can be caused by several inside and outside factors. It is crucial for nursing homes to make sure they’re able to provide the necessary number of caretakers so that scheduling conflicts and gaps of workers don’t create larger issues. The shortage of staff leads to poor quality of life for the residents. Not having enough staff means longer working hours for those on duty which contributes to work fatigue that can lead to higher risks of work errors.

Along with improving the quality of care that residents receive in retirement homes or nursing care facilities, they must implement strategies and changes to improve the working environment as well as their wages based on the basic labor standards.

Providing each staff member with Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and keeping these kinds of tools on site at all times will also help better prepare workers for any form of in the moment public health crises.

Eliminate Discrimination

Then there’s the discrimination on a resident’s Medicaid eligibility because of Medicaid’s low pay rates. Many care facilities will give substandard care services to Medicaid beneficiaries. To fix this matter and provide equal quality medical care for every resident, Medicaid discrimination would have to be eradicated.

Another way to up the quality of the resident’s medical care access would be to bring physicians on site. Currently most facilities don’t have physicians on site which means residents need to be brought to hospitals or Emergency departments for treatment and medication. Trips to hospitals can agitate residents for they are not familiar with the people and the environment. Also, transferring elderly residents to hospitals increases the risk of various types of infections.

Although some physicians do drop-in visits, it is still beneficial to have a doctor or nurse practitioner on site 24/7 to provide assessments. This lessens the residents’ stress and exposure to diseases and infection, especially in times of crisis like COVID-19.

While these recent times have been trying for the entire world, nursing homes across the world, and especially within the US, have been working tirelessly to improve the quality of life and safety for residents and workers alike. Improvements in practices and procedures will inevitably continue to come to living facilities as COVI-19 continues to change the world we live in.

Oxbow Living offers Assisted Living & Memory Care out of Nebraska and to the Surrounding Cities: Ashland, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Elmwood, Ithaca, Mead