While we are enjoying beautiful spring weather, hot days are ahead. Are you ready? Residents need access to out of door areas that are protected from excessive sun and heat. Now is the time to make sure your residents will be comfortable and safe. Remember that some medications (e.g., certain psychotropics, antibiotics, etc.) our residents [...]
In front of a crowded conference room full of senior care professionals Debbi Cavallo, MBA, corporate director of dementia care for San Diego-based Senior Resource Group Senior Living (SRG), entertained the audience with a demonstration of the Nintendo Wii video game system as an activity alternative for residents living in assisted living and residential care [...]
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among people 65 years and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Falls are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma among seniors.
Research shows that fruits and vegetables are an important piece in promoting good health. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers that may help protect you and your residents from chronic diseases. When compared to people who consume small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of their diet [...]
While recently writing the new Food and Nutrition class that Community Education, LLC will be offering as part of our recertification courses, I came across a few interesting facts that may be helpful to those of you who help to prepare meals for your residents.
It is not uncommon for residents to refuse medication. Some are “chronic refusers” while others refuse only rarely. Licensing expects us to notify the physician of every missed medication. While this is certainly ideal, in the real world it can be challenging. It is not unheard of for a physician to even become disgruntled with [...]
Summer will be here soon. However, irregardless of the time of year, appropriate hydration is important, especially for those who care for people who cannot self monitor their fluid intake.
The bed is one of the most important parts of the resident’s room, and probably one of the most used pieces of furniture in the facility. Having a clean, well made bed actually serves several beneficial functions. First, it helps to make the resident feel comfortable and safe in the facility. Sleeping in a wrinkled [...]
Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that certain foodborne illnesses have declined since the late 1990s, improvements have leveled off since 2004.
Many providers have asked about an information resource on elder care. If we just go to “google” often the information has not been validated or is perhaps profit driven as it comes from a commercial site. My favorite site for evidence-based nursing is: http://www.consultgerirn.org/.