Aug 5, 2022
Seniors often worry that moving into an assisted living community means giving up their independence. However, this is not the case. Assisted living communities and their staff strive to help residents stay as independent as possible. With the help of a professional nursing team, seniors can still enjoy the freedoms they did before moving into an assisted living facility.
How to Stay Independent in Assisted Living
Here are a few ways assisted living communities and staff members help their residents stay independent.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Assisted living communities can offer help serving older adults with daily activities such as bathing, eating, and dressing. This gives seniors the freedom to live as independently as they wish, with the comfort of knowing that help is always available if needed. Assisted living communities also assist with medication management, scheduling, and transportation to doctor appointments to help seniors stay on top of their health, so family members don’t have to worry.
Enjoy a Social Life
Assisted living communities are a great way for seniors to stay connected with family and friends while making new friends as well. Assisted living communities provide endless opportunities for socializing with friends and family. Residents can schedule regular visits with their family or go out with friends for parties, gatherings, and holidays.
Assisted living communities also provide lots of activities to keep seniors social on campus. From weekly card games to crafts to local entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy with the convenience of staying in place.
Stay Physically Active
Assisted living communities can also help residents stay physically active. Residents can participate in group exercise classes or stretch in the fitness room on campus. Residents can even choose to have a team member create a personalized exercise program tailored to their goals. Assisted living communities also provide transportation to off-campus activities if you prefer to get out and about.
Assisted Living Communities in Nebraska
Do you or a loved one need assistance with daily activities? Are you looking for an assisted living community that will help you maintain your independence? At Nye Health Services, we firmly believe seniors can get the support they need and stay as independent as they want at our award-winning assisted living communities in Nebraska. Contact us today to learn more about what sets us apart or to schedule a tour of our Nye Square, The Meadows, or Gateway Vista communities!
Nye Health Services | Independent & Assisted Living Communities
Nye Health Services is passionate about providing older adults with a wide range of wellness and health services that maximize health and well-being. If you are searching for a senior living community, explore one of our five locations in eastern Nebraska. Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, comfortable apartments and/or suites, and numerous amenities to help you live 2022 to the fullest! Contact us today to learn more about what sets Nye apart or to schedule a tour of a community near you!
For additional information about Nye Home Health Care visit us at nyehomehealthcare.com
May 27, 2022
As you get older, your physical health changes. This transition can affect your mental health. It works both ways where mental and physical health will affect each other when one declines. Situations such as adjusting to a new living environment, adapting to new health issues, and having less independence will affect each person’s mental health in different ways. It is unfortunate that most of the mental health problems that a person experiences as they get older will go unnoticed. Oftentimes we just assume that behavioral changes are just a part of growing old. However, that is not completely the case. Older adults experiencing mental illness who are firm in their ways are also less likely to seek mental health care because of the stigma surrounding it.
Most Common Mental Health Problems for Aging Adults
Why Does it Occur in Older Generations?
Statistics show that there are over two billion individuals over the age of 60. That is a large portion of the population with unique needs when it comes to mental health care. Many of these people have experienced a lot in their lives that they may have never dealt with. Studies show that one in four adults experience problems with their mental health with the most common problems being depression and anxiety disorders.
One of the biggest problems that older generations have is dealing with dementia. Dementia is not a single disease; it’s an overall term — like heart disease — that covers a wide range of specific medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.
With the rapid rate at which the world, technology, and beliefs change, it can be harder for older adults to keep up. Years of different challenges and adaptations to the world around them make keeping up very difficult. Stress and fatigue from a busy and active lifestyle over so many years also puts a strain on an individual, especially when their bodies are becoming physically weaker as they get older.
Causes of Mental Health Problems
There are a number of causes that can affect an older individual’s mental health and quality of life. Depression, Alzheimers, and anxiety are the top mental health problems that older adults can experience. All of these mental disorders can be caused by events and circumstances that they are in.
Events such as relocation or experiencing the loss of a loved one are common scenarios that older adults deal with. Older generations (those over 60 years old) have the highest suicide rate compared to any other age group. Loneliness and social isolation are big contributors to the mental health of older people as they have fewer social interactions with family members and friends compared to other generations.
Physical illnesses such as high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and a weaker immune system are also linked to mental health problems in aging adults. Alzheimer’s disease and the decline in the person’s cognitive ability can frustrate aging adults because they can’t do as much as they used to.
Signs of Mental Health Problems
If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms of mental health struggles, get them the help they need. Signs of mental health problems include:
- Irregular sleeping patterns (too much or too little sleep).
- Constantly worrying and/or experiencing suicidal thoughts.
- Negative in thoughts and opinions. Also, easily irritated and or/angry.
- Consuming harmful substances on a regular basis. This is substance abuse.
What Can You Do For Help?
If you or a loved one is experiencing any mental health struggles, contact a mental health professional or a family member immediately. You do not have to feel like you are burdening anyone. You can also talk with your primary care doctor about how you are feeling. Your doctor will be able to advise you on any medication that can be taken, as well as where you can go to get professional mental health help. There is no shame in asking for help – the biggest shame is not asking for help.
Additional Information: Mental Health Resources for Older Adults – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Nye Health Services | Independent & Assisted Living Communities
Nye Health Services is passionate about providing older adults with a wide range of wellness and health services that maximize health and well-being. If you are searching for a senior living community, explore one of our five locations in eastern Nebraska. Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, comfortable apartments and/or suites, and numerous amenities to help you live 2022 to the fullest! Contact us today to learn more about what sets Nye apart or to schedule a tour of a community near you!
For additional information about Nye Home Health Care visit us at nyehomehealthcare.com
May 4, 2022
As we grow older many things change, and one of those things is our memory. This is why most people use sticky notes and calendar reminders to make sure they don’t forget certain tasks in daily life or events. When we grow older, we experience more frequent memory loss. This is completely normal when it comes to aging. Although people who suffer from dementia experience a high level of memory loss, there is a difference between normal aging forgetfulness and dementia. Before panicking and assuming you have dementia, you need to understand what the symptoms are of each.
How to Tell The Difference Between Normal Forgetfulness and Dementia
Normal Forgetfulness
While it can be frustrating, this type of forgetfulness comes with aging. Normal forgetfulness is not something that should be alarming and cause any panic. A few symptoms of normal aging forgetfulness include:
Absentmindedness and Transience
These two conditions are a normal part of aging according to Harvard Medical School. Absentmindedness relates to the focus of your brain, which could be like forgetting an appointment because your mind is not preoccupied with the thought of it. Transience describes the situation when individuals forget memories over time. This is just the brain removing unnecessary memories and making space for new ones.
Forgetfulness and Mental Issues
Memory loss can occur due to an individual’s health conditions deteriorating according to the National Institute on Aging. People who have had or continue to struggle with mental health issues like depression are sometimes mistaken for having similar symptoms to dementia.
When someone is dealing with depression, they are highly preoccupied with what has caused their sadness and their anxiety. When someone is constantly worrying and/or obsessing over a recent tragedy, it can lead to forgetting other memories or topics.
Signs of Dementia
Those who suffer or are diagnosed with dementia will experience memory loss which is progressive. The level of memory loss will steadily worsen, and the individual will eventually have to be moved into an assisted living facility, as they will not be able to live on their own. Warning signs of dementia include:
Personality Change
People may experience extreme changes in personality according to the Alzheimer’s Association. When seniors are in the middle stages of dementia, they will suddenly become more prone to paranoia, impulsiveness, and even aggressive behavior.
Forgetting Important Information
When someone is suffering from dementia, it is not about forgetting a thing as simple as where they have left an object or the date of an appointment that they had scheduled. Instead, this kind of memory loss can cause an individual to forget the names of their family members and friends. These types of memory problems should prompt you to take the individual to a medical professional for diagnosis.
Disorientation
Another common symptom that those who suffer from dementia will experience is a tendency to become disorientated in new environments. This disorientation extends to both time and place according to the University of Illinois.
When an older individual is or is starting to struggle with dementia, and moves to an unfamiliar environment, the unfamiliar stimuli can start to induce the feeling of insecurity, causing panic and anxiety within the person. Elders experiencing dementia and becoming disorientated will seem extremely lost to onlookers and they can become aggressive, especially with caregivers.
When it comes to differentiating between normal forgetfulness and dementia, you need to take a closer look at the symptoms. While senior citizens have symptoms that overlap, memory loss is more intense in those who experience dementia. This is because the memories that they lose are highly important which normal forgetfulness cannot explain.
Normal forgetfulness is not progressive and should not be a cause for concern. Dementia on the other hand will develop and worsen over time. If you have tried to identify what the individual is experiencing and you still do not confidently have an answer, you should talk to a doctor near you. What could make the diagnosis a lot easier is to take the person to a doctor who already knows them. This doctor might be able to pick up on signs and symptoms much quicker.
Additional Information: 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
At The Meadows, we understand the unique challenges that individuals facing memory loss encounter, and our Memory Care Services are designed to provide compassionate and specialized support. As we age, it’s natural for memory to undergo changes, leading to occasional forgetfulness. However, when memory loss becomes more pronounced and starts affecting daily life, it may be a sign of a more serious condition like dementia.
Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Support
It’s essential to recognize the signs of memory loss early on and seek professional support. If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent memory challenges, consider consulting with our experienced team at The Meadows. Common signs that may warrant exploration include:
- Difficulty in Remembering Names and Faces: Memory loss that goes beyond occasional forgetfulness and involves forgetting names of family members or close friends.
- Changes in Behavior: Sudden and significant changes in personality, such as increased paranoia, impulsiveness, or aggressive behavior.
- Disorientation in New Environments: Becoming easily disoriented, especially in unfamiliar settings, leading to feelings of insecurity and anxiety.
Our commitment at The Meadows is to provide not only quality care but also a nurturing environment that promotes overall well-being. If you’re seeking specialized Memory Care Services, we invite you to explore The Meadows and discover how we can support you or your loved one on this journey.
Our Memory Care Services at The Meadows go beyond traditional senior living. We offer personalized care plans tailored to the specific needs of each resident, ensuring a supportive and enriching environment. Here are some key features of our Memory Care Services:
- Individualized Care Plans: We recognize that each individual’s journey with memory loss is unique. Our experienced team creates personalized care plans that address the specific cognitive and emotional needs of each resident.
- Engaging Activities: Mental stimulation is crucial for individuals with memory loss. Our Memory Care program incorporates a variety of engaging activities designed to enhance cognitive function and provide a sense of purpose.
- Safe and Secure Environment: The Meadows provides a secure environment to ensure the safety of our residents. Our facilities are designed with features that prevent wandering and promote a sense of security.
- Compassionate Staff: Our dedicated staff members undergo specialized training in dementia care. They are committed to providing compassionate assistance, fostering a supportive atmosphere, and building meaningful connections with residents.
- Family Involvement: We believe in the importance of family involvement. Families are encouraged to actively participate in the care process, and we provide resources and support to help them navigate the challenges associated with memory loss.
For more information about our Memory Care Services and to schedule a visit, please visit our Memory Care Services page or contact us directly. At The Meadows, we are dedicated to helping individuals live each moment to the fullest, fostering a sense of purpose and connection in their lives.
Nye Health Services | Independent & Assisted Living Communities
Nye Health Services is passionate about providing older adults with a wide range of wellness and health services that maximize health and well-being. If you are searching for a senior living community, explore one of our five locations in eastern Nebraska. Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, comfortable apartments and/or suites, and numerous amenities to help you live 2022 to the fullest! Contact us today to learn more about what sets Nye apart or to schedule a tour of a community near you!
For additional information about Nye Home Health Care visit us at nyehomehealthcare.com
Apr 6, 2022
Occupational therapy is a type of medical treatment that focuses on the improvement of fine motor skills and development. While physiotherapy is about larger motor movements, the point of occupational therapy is to improve and strengthen the link of smaller movements to the brain. Someone might require occupational therapy after they have been in an accident or had a stroke. In other cases, occupational therapy services can also be necessary to repair other types of motor damage, such as arthritis. It is possible for someone at any age to need an occupational therapist (OT), however, elderly people are more likely to need the assistance of an occupational therapist.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do for Aging Adults?
As you get older, it’s completely normal for your motor skills to begin to worsen. Occupational therapy is there to help patients close the gap. Contrary to popular opinion, occupational therapy is not just for when emergencies or accidents occur. In fact, OT is a great way for aging adults to maintain fine motor skills and improve their range of motion so they can remain living independently.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
Occupational therapists work to improve the body’s fine motor skills in patients of all ages. Typically, this involves hand coordination, hand-eye coordination, and other fine skills that might have degenerated. An occupational therapist is not a once-off appointment. In fact, regaining the ability to perform tasks of daily living can take several appointments spread over weeks or months.
When guiding occupational therapy for seniors, an occupational therapist will need to work closely with the patient. Usually, this means developing a close relationship with them around which particular therapies need the most urgent aid.
Who Needs an Occupational Therapist?
An occupational therapist can be necessary at any age due to rehabilitation or a specific physical condition.
Age can physically slow you down, and getting older can mean that you are more affected by health conditions such as arthritis and discomfort in the joints. While an occupational therapist can be necessary after a life-changing event such as a stroke or accident, this is not the most common reason people see an occupational therapist.
Anyone who notices a decline in the mobility of their joints and general movement could benefit from occupational therapy as well as physiotherapy. Although medication can make a big difference and reduce pain and discomfort, this is a temporary solution. Instead, the introduction of occupational therapy programs can make a huge difference in relieving symptoms long term.
Key Benefits of Occupational Therapy?
The goal of occupational therapy is to reduce inflammation and pain, while also promoting physical longevity and fine motor skills. A professional occupational therapist will work with older adults to focus on the quality of life, and quality of movement. Although rehabilitation from an injury is a common reason to see an occupational therapist, it’s not the only one.
For elderly patients, an occupational therapist will angle their therapies toward treating the most common consequences of age. Again, quality of life and movement are the point of long-term occupational therapy appointments.
As you get older, some daily activities become harder. One key benefit of occupational therapy is that it is aimed at making everyday tasks easy again. If mobility or reflexes have reduced due to age, then an occupational therapist is likely the appointment that’s most important to make next.
Who Are Aging Adults?
The term elderly typically refers to anyone above the age of 65. This is the point at which the body starts to respond in different ways. Things such as collagen and bone don’t grow or heal as fast as they used to. At this age, conditions like arthritis might also become a real problem.
When the signs of these conditions begin to show up, see an occupational therapist as soon as possible. Occupational therapists work in conjunction with physical therapists on strength and balance training to help prevent falls. Don’t wait until a serious emergency or injury happens to make occupational therapy a priority. It can benefit someone’s health in many ways to look for a good occupational therapist earlier rather than later.
How to Find an Occupational Therapist Near You
If you want to find a trusted occupational therapist in your area, head to Google and search for an “occupational therapist near you”. Consider reviews, and look for an occupational therapist that matches your needs the most. Never be afraid to call several, and never be afraid to switch from one occupational therapist to another. Finding the best occupational therapist for you can lead to a better quality of life and movement.
At Nye Health Services, we offer outpatient therapy at all of our five locations in Fremont, Lincoln, Norfolk, NE, and the surrounding areas. We have licensed occupational therapists on staff to help along with complimentary transportation. We also take Medicare, Medicaid, and most private health insurance. With outpatient therapy services, you get access to experienced professionals and personalized treatment plans to fit your needs.
Additional Information: Occupational Therapy Interventions for Productive Aging Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Nye Health Services | Independent & Assisted Living Communities
Nye Health Services is passionate about providing older adults with a wide range of wellness and health services that maximize health and well-being. If you are searching for a senior living community, explore one of our five locations in eastern Nebraska. Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, comfortable apartments and/or suites, and numerous amenities to help you live 2022 to the fullest! Contact us today to learn more about what sets Nye apart or to schedule a tour of a community near you!
For additional information about Nye Home Health Care visit us at nyehomehealthcare.com
Mar 28, 2022
While aging happens differently for everyone, there are some common tasks that typically need assistance. Home health care provides general personal care such as helping with bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, and incontinence. Individuals receiving home health care services might also need help moving into a different position or getting gentle exercise. Home health care helps anyone, young and old, live independently for as long as possible, even those without injury or illness. This can include skilled nursing, as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
What Is Home Health Care?
Types of Home Health Care
Medical Home Health Care
This type of home care is provided by a medical professional and is often called skilled care. Medical home health care includes wound care, speech, occupational and physical therapy. It also includes caregiver and patient education, nutrition, and injection therapy. Medical care must be prescribed by a doctor, and daily activities are not included in this type of care.
Non-medical Home Health Care
Non-medical care includes assistance with daily activities such as bathing and washing hair, getting dressed, preparing meals, exercising, providing transportation to shops and doctors, and housekeeping. This type of home care supports all personal needs, along with being a companion to keep the client from becoming lonely.
Benefits of Home Health Care
The biggest benefit is that it allows seniors to receive care in the comfort of their own homes. This helps improve their emotional, mental, and physical health while reducing loneliness as well. Patients form bonds with their care aides, who become like family to them due to the many hours they spend together.
What to Expect
When a new patient signs up for medical home health care, a registered nurse will meet with the family and the patient at home to find out what services are needed. Then, a detailed and personalized care plan is drawn up. This first meeting assists in matching a care aide with the correct skills, personality, and schedule compatibility. The process for medical care and non-medical care is very similar. The care aide and the patient work together to decide the days and times needed for the care aide to be in the home. The care aide also acts as a liaison between the patient and their medical team.
How to Find Home Health Care
First, visit medicare.gov to find and compare local providers. They provide information on both quality and patient survey ratings. Alternatively, ask your doctor for a referral as he will have experience with agencies. When calling an agency ask them the following questions:
- Will a registered nurse come to your home and develop a personalized care plan?
- Can the care aide consult directly with your doctor?
- Will the agency enquire if you are eligible for any benefits that can save you money?
Who needs home health care?
It is not only seniors who need care aides. There is a need in all age ranges, including pediatrics or people who have been injured on the job. Here are some questions to answer if you are not sure if your loved one needs a care aide:
- Do they store their food safely and throw it away when it is no longer edible?
- If the phone rings, is your loved one able to answer it?
- Do they clean up after they have cooked and eaten their meals?
- Are they bathing themselves, washing their hair, and wearing clean clothes?
- Do they wash their dishes and pack them away?
- Is your loved one attending family events?
If you have answered ‘no’ to any of the above-mentioned questions, you may need to start looking into your options for home health care.
Challenges
Finding the right fit for a care aide is important. It can take some time for clients to adjust to having a stranger come to take care of them.
Additional Information: How Do I Select the Right Home Care Provider?
Nye Health Services | Independent & Assisted Living Communities
Nye Health Services is passionate about providing older adults with a wide range of wellness and health services that maximize health and well-being. If you are searching for a senior living community, explore one of our five locations in eastern Nebraska. Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, comfortable apartments and/or suites, and numerous amenities to help you live 2022 to the fullest! Contact us today to learn more about what sets Nye apart or to schedule a tour of a community near you!
For additional information about Nye Home Health Care visit us at nyehomehealthcare.com
Jan 28, 2022
A companion is someone you feel affection towards and enjoy spending time with. A companion can be a close friend, sibling or someone you share a more intimate relationship with, such as a romantic partner. Companions are those who are easy to converse with, reminisce with, go out to dinner with, and enjoy special moments with. As you begin aging, companionship takes on a much deeper meaning. In this article, we will explore why companionship for seniors important as well as things you can do to help find a companion as you age.
Finding Companionship While Aging: A Guide for Seniors
What should you look for in an elderly companion?
An important aspect of companionship is both parties respecting one another’s space and time spent with other people. This helps to make sure that you both maintain your own friendships and interests. An ideal companion is easy-going, light-hearted, happy, and fun to be around. The perfect companion has similar interests to you and is someone you find interesting. Similar interests in charity organizations, games, volunteering, and movies can be tremendously beneficial to a friendship. Maturity and openness are also important aspects to consider. You want your companion to be un-defensive and vulnerable, honest, and full of integrity. When your companion acts with integrity, they are committed to their word. This is important in companionship. Respect, independence, empathy, and affection are character assets of a worthy companion.
Companionship is important as we get older
Companionship is incredibly important you begin aging. Having a companion prevents seniors from isolating which can be detrimental to one’s health. Companionship enriches the lives of seniors by promoting better physical, emotional, and mental health. It also helps keep seniors stimulated, active, positive, and socially active. Studies have shown that maintaining strong social bonds as you age, reduces the risk of developing age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.
Dating and Companionship Apps for Seniors
As you become older, you may find your life becoming fuller and busier with work, family, hobbies, traveling, and spending time with friends. When you are on the go all the time, you might find it difficult to meet new people. The same may be true if you are more of an introvert and are unsure how to get out.
Although most dating apps appear to be for young adults looking for romance, these apps can be great for aging seniors looking for a companion. In fact, there are many great apps for finding a companion that are worth a try. Dating apps can be tedious and frustrating. However, they can also be very helpful if you stick with them. As a word of caution, be wise and be aware of scammers.
Here are some apps specifically designed to cater to the needs and preferences of seniors:
- SilverSingles: This platform is exclusively for singles over 50. It utilizes a comprehensive personality test to match users based on compatibility, preferences, and interests.
- OurTime: Owned by the same company as Match.com, OurTime focuses on helping seniors find companionship, friendships, and romance. It has a user-friendly interface and offers various communication tools.
- eHarmony: While not exclusively for seniors, eHarmony’s thorough matching system and focus on long-term relationships make it suitable for older adults seeking companionship.
Activities in your Community
Volunteering in your community is a wonderful way to meet new people. Offer to volunteer at one of your favorite charity organizations or an outreach program. Participate in various social groups and activities like book clubs, art classes, flower arranging classes, and card games. Volunteer to visit and read to the elderly at assisted living facilities or local nursing homes. You might meet a lot more like-minded friends this way.
What are the benefits of having a companion as you age?
Late adulthood is often marked by physical or cognitive decline. Companionship interaction can serve as a buffer and enhance your quality of life. It is important to remember that as you get older, you are still living your life with goals to achieve. In fact, you might be revisiting past goals and evaluating how these were met. Having a companion to discuss goals with and talk them over with can give you a sense of fulfillment. Having a companion to share your late years with will keep you feeling loved, cared for, and content.
Additional Information: Never Too Old to Find New Friends
Nye Health Services | Independent & Assisted Living Communities
Nye Health Services is passionate about providing older adults with a wide range of wellness and health services that maximize health and well-being. If you are searching for a senior living community, explore one of our five locations in eastern Nebraska. Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, comfortable apartments and/or suites, and numerous amenities to help you live 2022 to the fullest! Contact us today to learn more about what sets Nye apart or to schedule a tour of a community near you!
