The first day of summer was a day filled with joy and celebration as we gathered with our residents for a special party. The highlight of the event was a beautiful butterfly release, symbolizing new beginnings and the vibrant spirit of the season. We watched in awe as our beautiful butterflies took flight, bringing smiles and a sense of wonder to everyone present. It was a day of connection, creativity, and celebration, marking the start of a wonderful summer ahead!
Hey there, it’s Jett, your favorite furry visitor! Last month, you got to meet me, and this month, I’m back to spill the beans on my hilarious summer adventures! With the thermometer hitting triple digits, I’ve become quite the cool canine – literally! I love tearing around in the sunshine, but even us energetic dogs need a break. My top trick? Dashing through the hose stream while Mom waters the plants. Picture this: a soaked, grinning me and a very unimpressed Mom. Classic, right? But wait, there’s more! I’ve discovered that rolling around in the shaded grass is the ultimate cool-down move. It’s like my version of a spa day, with the added bonus of looking absolutely ridiculous. Trust me, it’s a sight to behold! And my pièce de résistance? Chilling indoors and chomping on ice cubes. I stare longingly at the ice cream, but alas, that’s off the menu for this pup. I hope you’re getting your fair share of ice cream to stay cool, while I dream of what could have been! But I’m not alone in my cooling escapades. My fellow dog buddies get pretty creative too! Some dig holes in the yard to find cool soil, others splash around in kiddie pools, and a few even try to catch the sprinkler’s spray. It’s all part of the fun of summer when you’re a dog! So, next time you see me, just remember: staying cool is an art, and I’m the master artist!
When it comes to assisted living safety, both residents and their families often have pressing concerns about creating a secure and comfortable environment. Ensuring that older adults feel safe and secure in their living communities is paramount, and this requires a multifaceted approach to address various safety measures. From community design elements like proper lighting, grab bars, and accessible pathways to advanced technologies such as fall detection systems and monitoring devices, a comprehensive assisted living safety checklist is essential. If you want to learn more about the various aspects of safety in assisted living facilities and how these measures provide peace of mind for both residents and their families, keep reading. Contact Us What Are Some of the Safety Concerns a Resident Might Have in Assisted Living? It can be intimidating to allow someone else to care for the needs of your loved ones or yourself in an assisted living setting. However, there are three primary safety concerns you might become more aware of as you get older, and you may need to rely on others to help you manage them. Falls – Falls are recognized as the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among people over the age of 65, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Wandering/Eloping – For those struggling with memory issues, like Alzheimer’s or dementia, wandering around and out of the building can become a major concern. Illness – Diseases like COVID-19, influenza, the common cold, etc. can be detrimental to the health and wellness of the average resident in an assisted living facility. Each of these issues requires specialized care and training to be handled quickly and with compassion for the people experiencing the issue. Are There Safety Measures in Place Within Assisted Living Facilities to Prevent Falls? As falls are the most common source of injury for older adults, there are some precautions assisted living facilities put into place to help keep these injuries from happening. Proper Lighting and Visibility - Proper lighting and visibility are crucial safety features in assisted living facilities. Adequate illumination helps prevent trip hazards and improves navigation for residents, especially those with vision impairments. Accessible Pathways and Handrails - Accessible pathways and handrails are essential for safety in assisted living facilities. Wide, unobstructed pathways allow residents, including those using mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs, to easily navigate the community. Handrails provide crucial support, especially in areas like hallways and staircases, reducing the risk of falls. Including grab bars in bathrooms and other high-risk areas further enhances safety and security. Reducing Trip Hazards - Reducing trip hazards is key to ensuring resident safety in assisted living facilities. Common trip hazards include loose rugs, uneven flooring, and cluttered walkways. By addressing these issues, care facilities can significantly lower the risk of falls among older adults. Additionally, using non-slip mats in areas prone to wetness, such as bathrooms and kitchens, can further enhance safety and security. Contact Us What Safety Measures Are in Place to Prevent Wandering/Elopement? For those with memory issues, elopement can happen randomly. Here are some things an assisted living facility can do to help minimize the risks of injury related to elopement. Ongoing Staff Safety Training - Ongoing staff safety training is essential for maintaining high standards of care and safety in assisted living facilities. Continuous education ensures that staff members are up-to-date with the latest safety protocols and emergency procedures. Regular refresher courses can help reinforce critical skills and knowledge, ensuring staff are always prepared to handle any situation. Additionally, specialized training in memory care can be invaluable for staff working with residents who have cognitive impairments. Effective Emergency Procedures - These procedures encompass a range of potential emergencies, from medical incidents to natural disasters, and help staff learn what to do with residents with a history of memory issues or who may wander during emergencies. Staff members are thoroughly trained in emergency protocols, including evacuation routes and the use of emergency equipment. Regular drills can help ensure that both staff and residents are well-prepared in the event of an actual emergency. These comprehensive safety measures are crucial for ensuring resident safety and providing peace of mind for families. Advanced Safety Technologies to Prevent Wandering - Assisted living facilities use advanced technologies to enhance resident safety and prevent wandering or elopement. Key measures include RFID tags and wearables that trigger alarms near exit points, geo-fencing to set virtual boundaries, and real-time location systems (RTLS) using Bluetooth beacons or Wi-Fi tracking for precise monitoring. Electronic access control systems like smart locks and keypad entry restrict unauthorized access, while video surveillance and advanced analytics monitor high-risk areas. Motion and pressure sensors in beds and chairs alert staff to unusual activity, and GPS tracking devices provide real-time location data. Emergency call systems, including wearable panic buttons and voice-activated systems, allow residents to summon help easily. Integration with smart home technology and voice assistants further enhances safety, creating a secure environment for residents. How is Good Hygiene Maintained and Illness Minimized in Assisted Living Facilities? To maintain a high standard of hygiene and reduce the incidence of illness within assisted living communities there is a series of protocols and practices that encompass every facet of cleanliness and health safety for employees. Here's a breakdown of our key initiatives: Regular Cleaning and Disinfecting: Disinfect high-touch points like doorknobs and elevator buttons. Conduct frequent and thorough cleaning of common spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens with EPA-approved products. Utilize a detailed cleaning schedule and checklist to maintain consistency and coverage. Hand Hygiene Practices: Position hand sanitizing stations strategically in places like entryways, dining zones, and elevator lobbies. Train staff rigorously on hand hygiene, stressing the importance of using soap and water for at least 20 seconds or hand sanitizers with a minimum of 60% alcohol. Encourage residents to adopt regular hand washing to curtail the spread of germs. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Equip staff with necessary PPE like gloves, masks, and gowns and instruct on proper use and disposal. Implement wearing masks for staff and visitors during flu seasons or outbreaks to impede airborne transmission. Health Screenings and Vaccinations: Perform consistent health screenings for residents and staff to detect and manage health issues in their early stages. Provide vaccinations, including flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines, to bolster defense against infectious diseases. Infection Control Protocols: Establish and enforce a clear set of guidelines for isolating infectious residents and manage outbreak situations effectively. Train staff continuously on proper infection control measures and emergency response. Practice the correct disposal of medical waste. Nutrition and Hydration: Serve well-rounded meals tailored to individual dietary requirements to support immunity and health. Promote regular fluid intake to ensure residents remain well hydrated. Consider nutritional supplements and vitamins as needed, in consultation with healthcare providers. Resident Education: Educate residents on the significance of personal hygiene, including bathing and dental care. Distribute informative materials and conduct workshops to engage residents in proactive health maintenance. Make certain hygiene supplies are easily accessible for resident use. Together, these comprehensive measures form a robust framework to safeguard the health of everyone in our care, reducing the chance of illness and fostering a safe and conducive environment for our residents to thrive. Contact Us Medication Management Protocols Another extremely important safety feature in assisted living facilities is medication and health management. Medication management protocols are vital for preventing medication-related incidents in assisted living facilities. Advanced technology is crucial in these protocols, ensuring residents receive their medications safely and on time. Electronic medication administration records (eMAR) help staff members track and document each resident’s medication schedule, reducing the risk of human error. Automated dispensing systems can further enhance safety by sorting and dispensing the correct doses at the prescribed times. Additionally, reminder systems and alerts ensure that staff know about upcoming doses and the timeframe in which to give the doses. By implementing robust medication management protocols, assisted living facilities can significantly reduce the risk of missed doses or incorrect medication administration, thereby ensuring resident safety and well-being. Discover the Columbia Cottage Difference Safety and quality care are at the forefront of what Columbia Cottage does. Suppose you have concerns about the safety and well-being of your loved ones in an assisted living environment. In that case, our comprehensive safety measures and dedicated staff are here to provide peace of mind. Call us today to learn more about how Columbia Cottage is setting new standards in assisted living safety. Your loved one's security and comfort are our top priorities. Don't wait—let us show you how we can make a difference when you make any of Columbia Cottage’s locations your home. Contact Us Resources https://health.usnews.com/best-senior-living/assisted-living/articles/assisted-living-safety 5 Safety Concerns for Seniors Living Alone – Eddy Senior Living Communities
We couldn't bee more grateful for everyone who buzzed over to celebrate our upcoming little bundles of joy! Your presence truly made the day as sweet as honey. The hive is buzzing with excitement as Courtney welcomes her second son and Elena welcomes her first baby boy! A special shout-out to our queen mama bees who worked tirelessly through their pregnancies and remained positive with laughter and happiness. Stay tuned for the buzz of their new arrivals—can't wait to introduce our newest bee-autiful cottage members!
Each item on the Missing Man Table represents the emotions and feelings reserved for those who did not come home. The ceremony symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit. All Americans should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call to serve and fought for our freedom with honor. The symbolism of the Missing Man Table: The table is round, to show our everlasting concern for our missing men. The cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve. The single red rose: displayed in a vase, reminds us of the lives of these Americans and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith while seeking answers. The red ribbon symbolizes our continued determination to account for our missing. A slice of lemon reminds us of their bitter fate; captured and missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families who long for answers after decades of uncertainty. The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return, alive or dead. The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain us and those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God. The glass is inverted, symbolizing their inability to share a toast. The chair is empty, the seat that remains unclaimed at the table.
We enjoyed taking selfies throughout the day while we socialized on the porch, participated in music therapy, pet therapy, and walking through our community. Fun Facts About Selfies: The term “selfie” was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2013. The “duck face” pose, where people pout their lips in selfies, gained popularity in the early 2010s. Women, on average, take 1.3 times more selfies than men. Selfie sticks were invented in 1938 by Hiroshi Ueda, a Japanese photographer, but gained widespread popularity in the 2010s. Disney banned selfie sticks at Disneyland in 2015 due to concerns about safety. The problem was that visitors were using selfie sticks even during rides, creating a hazard. The fear of taking selfies or seeing oneself in photographs is known as “selfie-phobia.”
Showing off our Patriotic Pride with our cool shades while enjoying a beautiful day in our courtyard.
It’s common to experience more instances of forgetfulness or memory lapses as we age. The question frequently asked is: Are we having a “senior moment,” or is this the much-feared start of dementia? A senior moment, a non-medical term, is a popular way of describing such things as forgetting names, birthdays, where we parked the car at the shopping mall, or where we placed our glasses, keys, or phones. These kinds of memory lapses can occur at any age but are most associated with growing older. They can also be a result of hormonal changes, especially for women going through perimenopause. Illness, such as long Covid, may also result in forgetfulness or “brain fog.” Dementia is not a normal part of aging and differs from senior moments in the following ways: People with dementia are often unaware they are struggling to remember things. Senior moments, unlike dementia, are remembered and often joked about with others. Dementia interferes with a person’s ability to perform daily activities and effectively manage affairs, whereas—though they are frustrating—senior moments are temporary. As we age, there is an increased need to establish reminders for appointments and key With dementia, even reminders do not help a person remember important events. Disorientation to person, place, and time is not a part of normal aging. Though “tip-of-the-tongue” instances of trying to remember a name or fact are normal in aging, the inability to come up with the right words in conversation is not. Dementia is mysterious, and there is no cure yet. Healthy habits seem to reduce, or at least slow down, some of its effects. If some of the following suggestions seem daunting, give yourself grace and try doing just one small thing for your health every day. The following are what most doctors recommend: Exercise and stay active by remaining sociable and engaged. If this sounds challenging, try marching in place as you watch a television show. Greet your letter carrier or another “familiar stranger.” Maintain a healthy diet and sleep well. If you’re a night owl who loves chips, challenge yourself to eat lightly buttered popcorn and go to bed 15 minutes earlier than usual. Try to manage stress. This is easier said than done. If meditation and massages aren’t for you, try a line-a-day journal and write just one sentence about what’s on your mind each night. Maintain a routine. For instance, if you always put your phone or glasses down in the same place, you’ll be more likely to find them. Concentrate on the task at hand and avoid distractions. Visualize putting blinders on yourself or setting an alarm for 20 minutes before doing a task or chore. Keep working until the alarm sounds. See your health-care provider regularly, especially if you are concerned about symptoms. It’s okay to advocate for yourself and ask for routine blood tests. Keeping a written list of symptoms and bringing someone with you to health-care appointments signals that you are taking your condition seriously. Resources Having a Senior Moment vs Signs of Dementia or Alzheimer’s Senior Moment or Dementia? Know the Difference Normal Aging vs. Alzheimer’s: Key Differences
Columbia Cottage Hershey had one of their residents, Warren Nelson, a WWII veteran, in the Palmyra’s Memorial Day Parade. Warren is 98 years old, and in the front seat of the Mustang.
We took this time to honor and remember the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country. Their courage and dedication ensure the freedoms we enjoy today.
We are thrilled to share the highlights from our recent Mother’s Day celebration! It was a joyous occasion filled with love, laughter, and heartfelt moments as we came together to honor the incredible mothers in our community.
Our thoughts go out to Stewart and Martine Burton regarding the death of their Borzoi Freedom. Freedom lived a happy and long life with the Burtons. He was a loving soul with expressive eyes and a gentle demeanor, making him the perfect therapy dog comforting those in Hospice and nursing homes. Freedom had a zest for life and was so trusting. His generous spirit and companionship will never be forgotten.
