Nine things NOT to expect in a nursing home

"Oh, I can't wait to get into a nursing home! I have waited my whole life for this opportunity and it is finally here!" said no one ever.

While we can agree that expecting people to approach nursing homes with glee is not realistic. how about other expectations? Often facilities, family members and residents all have different expectations and that is where things can get challenging.

As someone who has had loved ones in nursing homes and has worked in the industry for years, I have pondered how we can all get on the same page. Wouldn't  it help if we all knew ahead of time what was realistic (or not) to expect from each other. Let's start with nine:

(1) Don't expect a one and one ratio.
Nursing homes exist to provide care to the residents they serve. But that care (and the funding for it) is not the one on one care families might have been able to provide at home to a loved one. Expect that help will be provided as soon as possible. If the call light is turned on, it might take a few minutes for someone to answer it, depending on what the needs of others residents are at the moment.

(2) Don't expect the same routine.
The  staff should ask questions about the resident's history and preferences and together arrange a routine that works for the resident Things will probably be a little different from how they were at home, but resident choices should by honored as much as possible.

(3) Don't expect that all medications will remain the same.
The nursing home is one of the most regulated industries in the United States. These regulations include the dosages and types of medications residents receive. For example while the hospital (or the family) may have been able to provide a sleeping pill to your loved one every night, the nursing home needs to try alternatives before doing this on a regular basis because these medications can increase the risk of falls.

(4) Don't expect perfection.
We all know there is no such thing as perfection in life and unfortunately it will not be found in a nursing home either. When they can improve on something please let them know. (We always try to do better)  Effectively advocate for the resident by calmly expressing your concern to the supervisor. A good supervisor will be thankful that the resident or family member shared a tip with them on how to improve the resident's care.

(5) Don't expect a large, private room.
Sometimes a family member ends up unexpectedly in a nursing facility. He may have fallen and broken a hip, gone to the hospital for surgery and is now in an unfamiliar place and needs rehabilitation or skilled nursing care.  Although a private room is possible, be aware ahead of time that one might not be available at that time.  However, when another rehabilitation or skilled care resident is discharged home the private room they vacated can be used for the family member.

(6) Do not expect that falls will never happen.
Speaking of falling, if your only reason to move your family member into a nursing home is to keep them from falling, you may need to pause. Facilities should evaluate the potential for falls and implement interventions tailored to each resident to reduce the chance of falling, but they are not always able to prevent all falls. Restraints, which include full-length bed rails, pose a significant
hazard to residents;thus many facilities are restraint free for the residents' safety.

(7) Don't expect the family's stress to fully disappear.
Watching residents struggle with Alzheimer's disease or the effects of a stroke may symbolize the potential decline and eventual  loss of their own family member and this can trigger guilt and grief. Additionally, adjusting to not being the main hands-on caregiver can also be a significant loss, even if that caregiver was tired and experiencing burnout. This stress  can be decreased by participating in support groups as well as receiving reassurance and evidence that the loved one's needs are being met.

(8) Don't expect all facilities to be a horror story.
Yes there are bad nursing homes and some staff members that do not care about the residents. However, there are also many very good facilities with employees who deeply care about the residents and go the extra mile. Most  people who work in nursing homes want to do a good job and have chosen to work there because they feel it is their privilege and calling to do so.

(9) Don't expect that residents will never adjust.
Understandably, it takes time for most people to adjust to a nursing home as well as for the staff to become familiar with the resident's personality and needs. While there is no guarantee that the resident will live happily ever after, I have known many people who have experienced a joyful, active and full life in a nursing home. Encouraging positive relationships, providing choices when at all possible and offering meaningful activities can facilitate adjustment and improve quality of life in nursing homes.

Esther Heerema, MSW

Living with Arthritis

Arthritis causes stiffness and pain in the joints. It is a chronic condition and can lead to permanent joint damage, disability, and difficulty working and carrying out everyday activities. There are many different types of arthritis the causes of which are unknown.


Arthritis facts:
Osteoarthritis is the most common type. It is often seen in middle aged and older people although it can happen at any age front joint injury or overuse. It  usually affects the knees, hips and spine and can range from mild to severe,. Osteoarthritis gradually wears away the cartilage covering the ends of the bones as the joint is used.


Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) mainly affects people over 30, although it can strike at any age. It mostly affects the hands and feet, although the hips,  knees and elbows may also be affected. Joints can loose their shape and alignment resulting in pain and loss of movement.


Although there is no cure for arthritis it is treatable. Consult your doctor who may recommend over the counter anti inflammatory drugs or prescribe anti inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may require prescription drugs including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, which slow joint damage; biological response modifiers which change the body's immune response; and corticosteroids, which decrease inflammation and suppress the immune system.


Joint protection : there are many devices for joint protection, including tools for reaching, opening and dressing; and extenders for household and workplace furniture; canes, splints and braces to support joints; and padded grips for tools. Joint protection may also involve learning new ways to perform activities that do not stress the joints.


Surgical options include arthroscopic surgery  where a small scope and other instruments are inserted into the joint, bone fusion in which the bones are fused together or arthroplasty in which damaged joints are removed or replaced.


Remaining active is very important. The key is to find a balance between activity and rest. Exercising to much may stress sensitive joints-to sedentary can cause stiffness and immobility. Try stretching and gentle movement such as yoga, tai chi and stressing. Aerobic activity such as riding a bike, swimming and water aerobics keep the heart healthy and muscles strong without putting to much pressure on the joints.


Remember to listen to your body. Stop exercising if you feel sharp pain and do not try to work through joint discomfort. Find activities that are gentle on the body and take them at a comfortable pace.

This weeks events honoring out veterans were very moving. We had quite a few veterans (and many spouses) come. Parma's mayor and a councilman also came. We feel that all of our veterans deserve to be honored. Their service and sacrifice are what kept our great nation free.  A good time was had by all.


Saturday November 14 2014 we will host a speaker that will give us information about veterans benefits and programs. This will take place in the Sapphire dining g room in Pleasantview Care Center. It will be a  worthwhile lecture for veterans and their spouses.


Every year Pleasantview has a holiday bazaar that is held to assist our residents with their holiday shopping. We want our residents to continue to experience the thrill of holiday shopping for their family members and community friends. Members of our activity staff set up a "mini mall" complete with gifts for all ages, personal shoppers, and unique gift wrapping services. Coffee and snacks are served in the food court for a true mall experience. This shopping spree will be held on Thursday December 18th 2014 at Pleasantview. You can help add to the enjoyment of the event by donating such items as hats, gloves, kids toys, sweaters and socks. Hand lotions, colognes, jewelry and knick knacks make great gifts . Share your treasures and make a meaningful holiday season for our residents.

Veterans Events

Please join us for special events honoring our Veterans to thank them for their service.


           "A salute to our veterans", Tuesday November 11, 2014 at 2 PM at Pleasantview Care Center in the Sapphire Dining Rood. Refreshments  will be served.
Veterans Pinning Ceremony Friday, November 14, 2014 at 2 PM at  Pleasantview Care Center-Sapphire Dining Room. Sponsored by Crossroads Hospice--"Expect more from us. We do." Refreshments will be served.
Get more informed about Veterans benefits and programs Saturday November 15, 2014 at 2 PM at  Pleasantview Care center in the sapphire dining room.
See you then!

Stop Smoking!

Quitting tobacco is one of the most important steps you can take for your health. Tobacco doesn't just cause lung cancer. It also causes or contributes to other lung diseases such as emphysema and asthma, puts you at higher risk for stroke and heart disease, and is associated with several other cancers.


Quitting tobacco will also increase many of the pleasures of life. You will be able to smell fresh air and perfume, taste subtle flavors, save money  exercise without getting winded.


CHOOSE YOUR QUIT DAY
Find a date  that is no more than 1 month away-within 2 weeks is best. Try to choose a day when you won't be stressed or distracted. Circle the date on the calendar. Tell your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers that you are planning to quit. Ask them to help you find positive nonsmoking experiences or help you resist the urge to smoke.


QUIT DAY TO-DO LIST
After your last cigarette
(1) remove all your cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays from purses, pockets, drawers, vehicle office and any other places you keep your tobacco stuff. (2) keep oral substitutes such as sunflower seeds, carrot sticks or toothpicks handy  (3) if you are using a non-nicotine medicine, take your dose each day of the week leading up to your quit day.


QUITING AIDS
Discuss these tobacco cessation aides with your health care provider.


Nicotine Replacement Treatment
You can purchase nicotine patches, gum and lozenges over the counter: sprays and inhalers require prescriptions. These products are designed to ease the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Note that combing nicotine replacement with counseling works better than either alone.
Non nicotine medicine: Two non-prescription drugs, bupropion and varenicline, have been approved to help people stop smoking when combined with counseling. They are shown to reduce cravings when used as directed.


HOW TO REDUCE THE TOBACCO CRAVINGS:
(1) begin using nicotine replacement therapy if that is your choice (2) take short walks instead of coffee breaks or take your brakes someplace new. (3) get outdoors and do some deep breathing. Fill your lungs with fresh air. (4) avoid places and situations where the urge to use tobacco is strong. (5) avoid other tobacco users if you can (6) carry sugar-free gum and hard candy for oral substitutes (7) avoid alcohol and caffeine-they often stimulate nicotine cravings (8) call a family member or friend


Withdrawal is not just physical it is also psychological. The trick is to stay calm, cool and collected in the face of cravings that sometimes feel uncontrollable. Sound tough? It is. But it is not impossible. After all, millions of people quit smoking every year.


WITHDRAWAL BUSTERS
(1) for a dry mouth or sore throat, sip ice water or juice or chew sugarless gum.
(2) for headaches and anxiety, take a warm bath and try mediating or simply breathing deeply for a few minutes.
(3) increase the fiber i.e. fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet to reduce bowel irregularity
(4) take a daily nap to beat fatigue. Do not over schedule yourself and make sure you get enough sleep.
(5) exercise daily to reduce your stress and irritability.
(6) use positive self talk, Remind yourself that you are now a nonsmoker.
(7) every time you want a cigarette, inhale deeply, count to ten and exhale. Remember that time is the great healer, and over time your urge to smoke will gradually diminish..











Remember that many people try quitting 3 or more times before they become tobacco free. It is never to late and is worth it!!