Did You Know?

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Recently I spoke with an acquaintance who expressed concern about the nursing home she chose for her dad. After experiencing a stroke, he was hospitalized for a few days. Sooner than expected, the hospital informed his family that he was ready for discharge. Suddenly they needed to find a nursing home where he could go for rehab.

Not knowing anything about local options—and feeling rushed—she simply picked a nursing home from a list provided by the hospital. Later, thinking about the fact that this was a for-profit facility and part of a large chain, she became concerned that her dad wouldn’t receive good care.

Have any of you been in a similar situation? Today I thought it would be helpful to explore the key differences between for-profit and nonprofit facilities. We’ll also look at things to consider when choosing a nursing home.

[Read more…] about For-Profit vs Nonprofit: Which Is Better?

My posts may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links. 

November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. This seems like a good time to share an article I was honored to write for SixtyandMe.

Many people are concerned about the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Will it affect me someday? Or will it affect someone I love? What are the signs I should watch for?

You’ve probably seen the list of 10 Warning Signs from the Alzheimer’s Association. But did you know researchers are discovering more unusual early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia?

Changes in balance or gait

Studies done in both the United States and France reveal that frequent falls may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The studies looked at people who otherwise appeared healthy but displayed Alzheimer’s-related lesions in their brains. Their fall rate proved to be more than twice that of the average person their age. [Read more…] about 4 Hidden Signs Of Dementia 

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links. 

As you go through your day at the nursing home, you’ll encounter a variety of caregivers with many different roles. I always believe it’s helpful to know a bit about the education and responsibilities of each of these employees.

Back in May, we looked at the rehab department in the nursing home. Today, let’s focus on the nursing team.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Most nurses working in nursing homes are LPNs (also called LVNs or Licensed Vocational Nurses in some states). While LPNs possess a wide range of expertise and responsibilities in the nursing home, they need to work under the direction of a Registered Nurse.

[Read more…] about Who’s On The Nursing Team?

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links. 

Those of you who are long-time readers of my blog know that I work part-time as a corporate wellness nurse. One of my roles every autumn is to administer flu vaccinations. We’re gearing up to begin this service in just a few weeks.

Most healthcare facilities highly encourage their employees and volunteers to receive the flu shot every year. So, I thought it might be helpful to share with you the most common questions I’m asked about flu vaccinations.

[Read more…] about 4 Common Flu Shot Questions Answered

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links. 

Earlier this month, I asked my newsletter subscribers to email me with suggestions for topics they would like to see addressed on my blog. One reader submitted an excellent question about the 5-star rating system for nursing homes. She also wanted to know if I believe it’s an accurate predictor of the quality of care provided to the residents.

Perhaps some of you aren’t familiar with this program, so today I’ll attempt to summarize how it works.

[Read more…] about How To Interpret The 5-Star Rating System