In The News

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Let’s say you’re allowed to check yourself into a nursing home to see what it feels like to be a resident. Would you do it? A few universities offer students this option in what they call nursing home immersion.

Probably the most well-known program is at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. Here, students admit themselves to a nursing home and live there for 10-14 days. Each student receives fictitious diagnoses and disabilities.

All nursing home staff know that the students aren’t real residents. However, they must treat them just like any other resident. The nursing home receives no reimbursement for caring for these extra people.

[Read more…] about Experiencing Life In A Nursing Home

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. 

Dementia Care Farms (also known as Green Care Farms) have been popular in Europe for several years. Today, they’re expanding around the globe.

Originally designed to provide help for people with mental health issues, addiction problems, and children with behavioral concerns, the farms are now expanding to offer support to people living with dementia.

Many of the farms invite residents from traditional nursing care facilities to come out for specialized activities. Residents visit for a couple of hours and enjoy activities such as baking, gardening, or caring for the animals.

[Read more…] about Have You Heard Of A Dementia Care Farm?

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. 

It’s a common concern among elderly pet owners. What will happen to my precious pets when I pass away or if I become disabled?  Animal retirement homes are springing up around the country to address this need.

Animals often come to pet retirement homes from elderly owners who can no longer care for them. These animals are often older, too, and they develop health problems of their own. Sometimes the owner moves into a long-term care facility that won’t take their pet. Or perhaps the owner passes away, and nobody will take on the care of an animal.

[Read more…] about Where Dogs And Cats Go To Retire

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. 

When my son was home on a recent vacation, we went for a walk through a nearby park. Along the way, we stopped to take a little break by a neighborhood playground. It was filled with the laughter and activity of children enjoying a gorgeous summer day. I commented to my son that I wish I could become a child again and play on the playground.

Be careful what you wish for! In the not too distant future I just might be playing on a playground, only this one will be specially designed for adults.

While the United States is slowly embracing the idea, adult playgrounds have existed in China, Japan, and some European countries for many years. Here are several creative concepts from around the world:

[Read more…] about 8 Benefits Of Adult Outdoor Playgrounds

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. 

When we think of virtual reality, we usually picture a teenager playing video games. But virtual reality is becoming increasingly common in healthcare. Through the use of a virtual reality headset and other equipment, people get the impression that they are in another 3-dimensional world. Check out the ways virtual reality enhances the lives of nursing home residents:

Pain Management

Virtual reality helps residents cope with chronic pain by temporarily taking them to a happy, peaceful place. In addition, it provides relief by guiding residents through relaxation exercises and meditations. Virtual reality can also provide distraction during painful procedures like dressing changes. It is especially helpful for amputees who are coping with phantom pain.

[Read more…] about Creative Ways To Use Virtual Reality In Healthcare