Did You Know?

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. 

The other day I came upon a post on LinkedIn about missing items in nursing homes. The author of the post expressed great frustration over this problem. As I scrolled down and read the comments, I saw many people spewing angry words about lost clothing, hearing aids, dentures, jewelry, and eyeglasses.

Interestingly, it was obvious that this is not just a problem here in the United States. People from Australia, Canada, and Great Britain voiced similar concerns.

I can’t blame people for being upset when something goes missing. Hearing aids often cost thousands of dollars to replace. Even worse, many residents with cognitive losses can’t handle the exams necessary to get new dentures or a new prescription for eyeglasses.

[Read more…] about The Mystery of Missing Items in Nursing Homes

Guest post by Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS

It isn’t at all uncommon. Most seniors in nursing homes need some sort of mobility aid to help them recover from their injury. Unfortunately, the need for this equipment sometimes becomes permanent. But, do you know who pays for this equipment while your loved one is in the nursing home? The answer may surprise you. Here is a spoiler: make friends with the therapy department!

Paying for Equipment in Long Term Care

I frequently work with patients and their families in long term care as a custom wheelchair specialist. It almost always surprises them when they find out that their insurance is not going to pay for their grandmother’s new rollator that she needs.

[Read more…] about How to Get Mobility Equipment in Nursing Homes

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. 

Last week I went to the nursing home to do manicures for residents in the memory care unit. When I arrived, a sign on the door announced the start of special precautions to help prevent the spread of influenza.

It’s scary to hear about the widespread cases of the flu around the country this year. But there are measures we can take to protect ourselves and our residents. Check out these 6 fascinating facts from the Centers for Disease Control:

• People with the flu can spread it to others who are as much as 6 feet away. Flu viruses are primarily spread by droplets created when people with influenza cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or they can be inhaled into the lungs.

[Read more…] about 6 Quick Facts To Help Stop The Flu

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. 

I’m glad you’re joining me for the third and final article in a series on bladder control problems. Today we’ll focus on long-term care residents who experience incontinence.

While bladder incontinence is very common in the long-term care setting, it’s often preventable and treatable. Just like anyone else, our residents deserve a thorough evaluation and treatment of their bladder control concerns. This needs to be a multi-disciplinary approach with input from the resident and/or their decision-maker. Together, you’ll develop an individualized plan of care. Residents also deserve the opportunity to see a urologist, geriatrician, specially trained physical therapist, or gynecologist to evaluate and treat the underlying cause of incontinence.

Now let’s look at the 4 major types of bladder incontinence affecting long-term care residents and what we can do to help. I hope you’ll refer to my previous articles for more information about the definitions and possible causes & treatments of these conditions.

[Read more…] about Straight Talk About Bladder Control: Part 3

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. 

I’m honored to be a guest blogger for Sixty & Me. I believe you’ll find my most recent article helpful, especially since so many of you spend much of the day on your feet.

Did you know that by the time we reach age 50 the average person has taken enough steps to equal walking around the entire world three times?

No wonder our feet are tired! After all these years of faithful service, our feet need extra love and care. Check out these 7 tips to maintain healthy, happy feet.

[Read more…] about 7 Ways To Care For Your Faithful Feet