As the global outbreak of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to unfold, senior living providers are taking meticulous care to protect the health and safety of their residents and team members. Since mid-March, when the no-outside-visitors rule went into effect in senior care facilities, providers have looked for new ways to help residents feel connected and avoid senior isolation.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak stories are dominating the news, leaving senior living providers with a fundamental question: how can we best prepare for the disease – and prevent any spread in our community?
Extending Healthy Heart Activities in Senior Care Settings
Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death of men and women in the United States, linked to one in every four deaths. Yet in the past decade, the picture is improving. The number of seniors afflicted with the disease has decreased significantly.
What’s the “secret sauce” for business success? World-renowned entrepreneur Richard Branson has a simple recipe: “Take care of your employees, and they will take care of your business.” Simply put, focusing on staff wellness can have an array of benefits for your business.
For some, the winter months bring with them times of cheer, heart-filled merriment, and spirited connection. But for many, the season delivers just the opposite: stress, alienation, and even illness.
The winter months often bring with them a time to reminisce – and create new memories. But for anyone who struggles with memory decline, this time of year can be a tough reminder of memories lost.
Kevin, a professional caregiver in a leading senior living community, is typical of many in his field. He has trouble asking for help – which can lead to feelings of caregiver burnout. “I will crash and burn before saying what I need for myself,” he says. “My job is to care for, not to be cared for. I don’t want to burden others with my problems.”
Harold, a long-time resident of a Texas senior living community, struggled with severe anxiety and depression. In an effort to help stabilize Harold’s mood swings, his care team introduced him to aromatherapy. This complementary therapy approach uses essential oils from plants to address health challenges and support overall wellness.
Senior activity directors and life enrichment professionals often struggle with the challenges of their role. Each day, they need to deliver diverse and engaging programs that match group interests and individual preferences – often with limited resources.
Job seekers in the senior care labor market have no shortage of employment options. Employers are vigorously competing for an ever-shrinking pool of qualified staff. A key differentiating strategy for senior care employers is to be an “employer of choice” through employee wellness programs and by creating a healthy, highly supportive, employee-centric workplace.
Preventing falls is a top concern for seniors. Falls and related injuries can seriously impact senior lives, limiting activities and compromising the ability to live independently. Senior care providers are working hard to ensure their living environments, activity programs, and staff education initiatives help residents stay safe from falls.
Each of us has a unique identity and life story. Seniors, in particular, have lived many life chapters – and typically welcome the opportunity to reminisce and share life learnings. A resource from Lifetime Wellness helps senior living providers get to know their residents’ life stories and build a person-centered care plan that can help make life more familiar and comfortable.