With Christmas on our heels, many in our community are already in the gift giving spirit! The best gift a person can receive in the nursing home is the gift of someone spending quality time with them. As we age, we begin to realize how little material things in life mean and we truly cherish our relationships with family and friends. However, if you are not able to spend time with someone in the nursing home or don’t feel comfortable doing so, there are other small ways to give to them and make Christmas memorable for them as well. Here are a couple great ideas for small presents that you, your school, business, or employer could do or create to spread some holiday cheer to our local nursing homes. Buy socks and decorate them. The paint also creates grippers on the bottom of the sock to decrease falls. Cupcake Socks! Another fun fuzzy sock gift idea! Great storage for their walkers. This could easily be done with only a few stitches. Cute little reindeer! (Soap wrapped in washcloths decorated as reindeer) Candy Bar Snowman! Eye Glass holder! This one is another that could easily be made with only a few stitches. A great lunch apron to keep their clothes nice and clean from drips and spills. Alzheimer’s Fidget Lap Blanket can relax and calm nerves. Tissue holders! Picture box/ tissue holder! A 2-in-1 gift! Christmas sock wreath for their door. Shawl/wrap for chilly days! Blanket Huggy! (Or any kind of blanket!) A few other great gifts are books, puzzles, crossword puzzle books, board games, dominos, cards, adult coloring books, audio books, greeting cards, address book, stationary, envelopes, stamps, quality pens, calendar, knitting and crochet material, drawing utensils, bags of candy, combs, brushes, lotion, lip balm, soap, deodorant, tissues, framed photos, bathrobe, nightgown, slippers, stuffed animals, silk flowers, plants, and children’s art projects. If you would like to donate your time, please visit our website for more information or call and speak to our Activities Director. Volunteering can be as much as you want it to be. The residents appreciate a new smiling face any day of the week. Visit www.mhnrc.com or call 256-740-5400. Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving Week! We hope you enjoy this holiday spending time with loved ones, reminiscing about the past, and giving thanks for all that has been given. We are so very thankful for each and every one of our residents. They are our family, our friends, and our reason for going to work every morning. We are thankful for our residents’ families. We are thankful they have put their trust in us to care for their loved ones. We are thankful for our hard-working employees. The job is not always an easy one, but we appreciate your love and care. We are also thankful for the wonderful opportunity to have our facility renovated. We are thankful to be able to provide a beautiful and efficient home to our residents so they can receive the utmost quality in care. Here are a couple poems we would love to share with you that we know would tug a few heartstrings. The Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving (Edgar Albert Guest, 1881-1959) It may be I am getting old and like too much to dwell Upon the days of bygone years, the days I loved so well; But thinking of them now I wish somehow that I could know A simple old Thanksgiving Day, like those of long ago, When all the family gathered round a table richly spread, With little Jamie at the foot and grandpa at the head, The youngest of us all to greet the oldest with a smile, With mother running in and out and laughing all the while. It may be I'm old-fashioned, but it seems to me to-day We're too much bent on having fun to take the time to pray; Each little family grows up with fashions of its own; It lives within a world itself and wants to be alone. It has its special pleasures, its circle, too, of friends; There are no get-together days; each one his journey wends, Pursuing what he likes the best in his particular way, Letting the others do the same upon Thanksgiving Day. I like the olden way the best, when relatives were glad To meet the way they used to do when I was but a lad; The old home was a rendezvous for all our kith and kin, And whether living far or near they all came trooping in With shouts of "Hello, daddy!" as they fairly stormed the place And made a rush for mother, who would stop to wipe her face Upon her gingham apron before she kissed them all, Hugging them proudly to her breast, the grownups and the small. Then laughter rang throughout the home, and, Oh, the jokes they told; From Boston, Frank brought new ones, but father sprang the old; All afternoon we chatted, telling what we hoped to do, The struggles we were making and the hardships we'd gone through; We gathered round the fireside. How fast the hours would fly-- It seemed before we'd settled down 'twas time to say good-bye. Those were the glad Thanksgivings, the old-time families knew When relatives could still be friends and every heart was true. Thanksgiving (Edgar Albert Guest, 1881-1959) Gettin' together to smile an' rejoice, An' eatin' an' laughin' with folks of your choice; An' kissin' the girls an' declarin' that they Are growin more beautiful day after day; Chattin' an' braggin' a bit with the men, Buildin' the old family circle again; Livin' the wholesome an' old-fashioned cheer, Just for awhile at the end of the year. Greetings fly fast as we crowd through the door And under the old roof we gather once more Just as we did when the youngsters were small; Mother's a little bit grayer, that's all. Father's a little bit older, but still Ready to romp an' to laugh with a will. Here we are back at the table again Tellin' our stories as women an men. Bowed are our heads for a moment in prayer; Oh, but we're grateful an' glad to be there. Home from the east land an' home from the west, Home with the folks that are dearest an' best. Out of the sham of the cities afar We've come for a time to be just what we are. Here we can talk of ourselves an' be frank, Forgettin' position an' station an' rank. Give me the end of the year an' its fun When most of the plannin' an' toilin' is done; Bring all the wanderers home to the nest, Let me sit down with the ones I love best, Hear the old voices still ringin' with song, See the old faces unblemished by wrong, See the old table with all of its chairs An I'll put soul in my Thanksgivin' prayers. Source: http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~homespun/tpoems.html

Living with diabetes can be tough at times. Diabetes cannot be completely cured, but it can be managed. Every day can bring new obstacles with unique challenges. As you age, these obstacles can become a bit more challenging, but not impossible. With age comes an increased risk for specific complications that require diligence and care to properly control them. To understand the challenges this disease brings to the elderly, we must first understand a little bit about the disease itself. Diabetes is a disease that involves problems with the hormone insulin. When you eat or drink, your body changes the food you eat into sugar or known as glucose. Normally, the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) releases insulin to help your body store and use the sugar from the food you eat. The glucose that gets used is transported through the bloodstream to the many cells in the body where it can be used to make energy that the body needs for daily activities. The amount of glucose in the body is tightly regulated by the hormone insulin as the pancreas increases and decreases the amount of insulin produced depending on the amount of glucose in the body. The more insulin produced will cause the glucose level to drop. If the glucose level gets too low, then your body releases some of the stored glucose kept in the liver. If your blood glucose or blood sugar level becomes too high in the blood and is not being transported and stored adequately, then the diagnosis of diabetes is made. Diabetes occurs when one of the following occurs: When the pancreas does not produce any insulin When the pancreas produces very little insulin When the body does not respond appropriately to insulin, a condition called "insulin resistance" There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs because the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are destroyed by the immune system. People with type 1 diabetes produce no insulin and must use insulin injections to control their blood sugar. This type usually starts in people under the age of 20, but can occur at any age. Type 2 diabetes is slightly different because with this type the pancreas is still producing insulin. However, the insulin the pancreas secretes is either not enough or the body is resistant to it. When there isn't enough insulin or the insulin is not used as it should be, glucose can't get into the body's cells to provide energy and it remains in the blood thus raising the blood glucose level. This is the most common form of diabetes and the only one that can be prevented. It usually occurs in individuals over the age of 40 and most often in those who are overweight, inactive, or have a family history of diabetes. Diabetes can lead to dangerous health complications such as blindness, nerve damage, circulation problems leading to amputation, heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. Some people are able to manage Type 2 diabetes so well that they are able to go without injections or medications. Controlling weight, diet, and exercising regularly may be enough for some people. For others, it’s important to do those things plus medication. Even with the strictest of plans, there may be times when your blood sugar may become high. It is important to know and understand the symptoms of diabetes so you can catch it quickly to help yourself or your loved one. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes often occur suddenly and can be severe. They include: Increased thirst Increased hunger (especially after eating) Dry mouth Frequent urination Hearing loss Unexplained weight loss (even though you are eating and feel hungry) Fatigue (weak, tired feeling) Blurred vision Labored, heavy breathing (Kussmaul respirations) Mobility difficulties Cognitive impairment (delirium, confusion) Loss of consciousness It is important to be vigilant in recognizing signs and symptoms of this disease because many of them seem as they go along with the aging process. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes include some of the above, but are usually on a more gradual development. Other symptoms may include: Slow-healing sores or cuts often around the leg and feet area which usually because the cause of a needed amputation Itching of the skin (usually in the vaginal or groin area) Yeast infections Recent weight gain Numbness or tingling of the hands and feet At Mitchell-Hollingsworth, our nurses understand the goals of managing diabetes in the elderly and that treatment is very individualized. They have to take into account many different variables depending upon each resident’s current overall health and coexisting medical conditions. Some of our diabetics are very brittle diabetics while others are not. Hypoglycemia can be just as dangerous and sometimes even more so especially in a frail elder who may have increased falls, lower blood pressure, increased possibility of multiple drug interactions due to multiple medications, dehydration, or already impaired vision and cognition. The most important things our nurses look at in managing this disease are: blood sugar levels- keep levels as near to normal as possible by balancing food intake with medication and activity cholesterol levels- keep levels as near their normal ranges as possible by avoiding added sugars and processed starches, by reducing saturated fat and cholesterol, and taking a cholesterol medication such as a statin if needed blood pressure- keep blood pressure in the normal ranges and preferably never over 130/80 Smoking cessation In doing these, we are working to slow or possibly prevent the development of type 2 diabetes along with diabetes-related health problems. We encourage following a balanced meal plan, taking the correct amount of medication at the correct time, involvement in activity if able to do so, and allowing our on-site medical director to monitor labs and medications. The A1C blood test is often a good indicator of a well-designed treatment plan as it shows the glucose level for the past 2-3 months, but can sometimes be inaccurate in the elderly as other conditions such as anemia or recent blood transfusions may impact the red blood cells. Eye exams, urine tests, teeth and gum assessment, and skin assessments are all monitored on a regular basis to catch and avoid serious health problems. While we have all of our equipment on hand, an elder in the home might need to make sure they have at least 3 days’ worth of supplies with them at all times for testing and treating in case of an emergency. The overall goals of diabetes management in the elderly are similar to those in younger adults and include management of both hyperglycemia and risk factors with each person’s treatment plan individualized based on the person’s overall health and risk for hypoglycemia. Treatment regimens are chosen to achieve maximal glycemic control possible, with a focus on avoidance of hypoglycemia and control of hyperglycemic symptoms. For more information on diabetes, visit www.diabetes.org. Source: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/diabetes-basics#1 www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-type-2-diabetes-mellitus-in-the-older-patient www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/seniors/#sthash.uqF9A4WP.dpuf

A familiar scenario: Mom and Dad are getting older and having difficulties in completing day to day tasks. Mom left the stove on, forgot to take her medications, and cannot keep the house up. Dad keeps falling, struggling to get to the bathroom on time, and can’t let go of his independence when it comes to driving. Maybe they have a chronic illness or possibly their health has declined suddenly. Our first thought is to try and move our parents in with us children. This decision is not an easy one. While there may be positives to the scenario such as financial assistance, peace of mind in knowing they are safe, and even the opportunity to form a closer bond, there is still a lot to think about before the transition should be made. The in-home caregiving may work for many families, but it is a demanding role that can include providing medical care tasks such as administering medication or dressing wounds, cleaning, bathing, toileting, coordinating physician appointments, taking over financial records, being the sole source of transportation, the source of social engagement, and overall being an advocate for your parent or loved one. There are many things you will have to take into account such as the safeness of your home, your surrounding support system, your availability, personality conflicts with your loved one, your own health, and the ability to make this commitment long term. Can you juggle being a mom, wife, housekeeper, employee, community member, and also a caregiver? Being a full-time caregiver can affect you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Just thinking through these few things may have you wanting to look into something more, but if you’re still confident you can be an adequate caregiver, ask yourself these questions: Is my home safe and accessible for my loved one? If not, do I have the resources to remodel? Am I capable of caring for my loved one or should/can I hire outside help for additional caregiver assistance? Do I understand and have the financial stability to care for another person? Do I have the time to care for my loved one? Can they be left alone for periods of time? Can I let go of other commitments? Will I have time for other family or things I love? Do I have legal authority to make decision for my loved one? Do I have the support and resources I need to care for my loved one? Can family members take turns and relieve each other of the role at times? Am I healthy enough and physically capable of taking on this role? Will I lose my job if my home duties require more of me? Do I get along with my loved one? Does the rest of my family get along with my loved one and do they agree to the move? Will my loved one take on my house-hold rules, respect my values, and support my decisions as an adult, parent, and caregiver? It’s important to be prepared and informed for the future. To be able to think through and answer these questions will assist you in the important decision if your loved one should make the transition to living in your home. Research their illness or disease and be prepared to manage and cope with symptoms and possible behaviors. Be sure to look into resources that are available to caregivers. For instance, if your loved one is on hospice, there is a benefit called respite care where they may enter a long-term care facility for a short period of time and is used to relieve caregivers or encourage them to take a vacation. If any of these questions are difficult to answer, then it may be time to consider long-term care at a skilled nursing facility. There are many benefits in making this transition including 24 hour a day nursing care, plenty of staff on board to assist needs, housekeeping, dietary, on-site physician, social engagement, safe home and environment, and even as needed physical therapy. The best thing to do is to get educated! Research, ask questions, visit facilities. The admission team at Mitchell-Hollingsworth is always available to talk and answer questions. Whether the plan of transition is now or way on into the future, it never hurts to call and ask.

Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed. It is a very serious disease of the brain. It is very complex and the exact cause is still unknown. What we know about the disease is that it breaks down connections among brain cells and causes these cells to die. Over time, this affects how a person can remember, think, and use proper judgement. Behavior changes can occur and even close family and friends can be forgotten. In the end stages, it even destroys the ability to function and carry out the simplest of tasks. The disease progresses gradually and different for every person so if symptoms of memory loss or confusion happen quickly and over a matter of days, the cause is often unrelated. The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer who noticed changes in brain tissue of a woman who died with a mental disease including memory loss, language problems, and behavior changes. After she died, her brain was examined to have had many large clumps now known as amyloid plaques and tangled bundled of fibers called neurofibrillary. Many people wonder and question if this is a disease that can be passed through family. Your chance of having the disease does become higher if you have had a parent with or family history of the disease, but that does not mean you will develop it. Every human cell is made up of DNA. DNA is made up of chromosomes which include many segments of genes. Genes that make up your unique self are passed down from your birth parents. Those genes carry information that define your characteristic traits such as hair color, eye color, height, and so much more. Not only that, genes play a role in our bodies to keep our cells healthy. When there become problems with those genes is when diseases develop. There could be a gene mutation where a disease will present itself or a variant where the disease could possibly present itself depending upon other risk factors and is known as a genetic risk factor. A couple risk factors for developing the disease, but are not sure causes, include: family history (genes passed down from parents) a person’s health habits such as unhealthy diet or lack of exercise environmental factors (viruses and food-borne toxins are thought to play a role) increasing age although not a normal part of aging sex (more woman are diagnosed with the disease) past head trauma heart health Early onset Alzheimer’s can develop between the ages of 30-60 and is thought to be more genetically related. Late-onset Alzheimer’s is more common and usually develops in mid-60’s or later. The cause is unknown, but thought to be related to genes, lifestyle, and environment. If you are worried about changes in your memory or problems with thinking, please speak with your doctor. You are often the first to realize if you are becoming more forgetful or absent-minded. Be aware of your body and changes in your body and let your physician know of those changes. Your physician can assist you with positive changes in lifestyle and health, medication, and teach ways to monitor the progression of the disease. If you have risk factors for the disease, there are steps you can take to keep your brain and body as healthy as it can be. Your physician will speak to you about some of the changes, but here are some we have highlighted for you: exercise regularly eat a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables spend time and engage with family and friends keep your mind active with reading and puzzles control type 2 diabetes keep blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels maintain a healthy weight stop smoking get help for depression avoid drinking excessive alcohol get plenty of rest and sleep For more information, visit The National Institute on Aging at https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-genetics-fact-sheet. Source: www.nia.nih.gove

Do you have an orthopedic surgery coming up and the doctor has mentioned physical therapy and rehabilitation? Is Mom or Dad hospitalized unexpectedly and now needing physical therapy post hospitalization? While you might be fully aware of what physical therapy is, do you REALLY know what it is they do? Why is physical therapy important? And why should we be celebrating it this month? National Physical Therapy Month is this month, October! The goal of the month-long celebration is to raise awareness of the important role that physical therapists and physical therapy assistants play in helping people decrease pain, improve mobility, and engage in healthy lifestyles. National Physical Therapy Week was initially celebrated each June starting in 1981. In 1992, the week was moved to October so as to not conflict with the American Physical Therapy Association national conference in June. It was then declared that the entire month of October would be designated National Physical Therapy Month. Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who work with individuals who have lost the ability to perform functional activities in their daily lives. As part of their job, they work one-on-one with patients to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical problems and conditions including bone fractures, muscle sprains, amputations, post-op surgical needs, strength training for assistive devices, walking or bed mobility, stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal/joint pain, weakness from long-term conditions such as copd or chf, and the list goes on. Physical therapists will perform an initial assessment to determine what the best course of action will be to restore mobility, alleviate or manage pain, or prevent further deterioration. During the assessment, the therapists will examine you and talk to you about your symptoms and your daily activities. They may evaluate how you ambulate, your balance, coordination and control, among other physical abilities. From this, they will begin to develop a treatment plan or care plan, complete with therapies involved and a timeline for expected recovery or improvement. While formulating this plan, they also consult with doctors, nurses, coordinators, and another clinical staff. The plan may include exercise and training, traction, cold, heat, as well as prosthetic devices, assistive devices, and other equipment. Goals will be included and may involve helping joints move better to increase flexibility, building muscle to increase strength, or endurance to maintain stance and ambulation. Some goals may even include identifying potential problems and ceasing them before they can become a problem. The actual therapy almost always includes exercise. Exercises can include stretching, weight lighting, walking, biking, and climbing. Tools may be used doing your therapy program and can include mobility balls, weights, stationary bikes, treadmills, stairs, pulleys, and elastic bands. Cold may be used to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation. Heat may be used to help relax and heal muscles and soft tissues by increasing blood circulation. While on the program, you will learn tips to take home with you so you can maintain and continue the exercise program. Therapists will keep detailed records of their evaluations, treatment, and your progress toward your goals. It is normal to feel mild soreness or swelling while on your treatment. Even so, always talk to your therapist about how you are feeling. During the course of therapy, there will be re-examinations to see if you have achieved your anticipated goals and outcomes, and develop new ones along the way. Closer to the end of therapy, discharge plans will also be developed. The goal in physical therapy is not only for you to restore, maintain, or promote optimal physical function, but optimal wellness and quality of life as it relates to your health. Your daily tasks and activities will hopefully seem a lot easier once you return home. For example, walking, going up stairs, or getting in and out of bed may have been impossible if you had not chosen to get physical therapy. Sometimes improvement may simply be learning and changing how you do your regular activities in order to give or maintain the best possible health benefits. We are so proud of our physical therapists at Mitchell-Hollingsworth as we hear patients sing their praise after rehabilitation. They are often known for their encouraging attitudes, supportiveness, and the willingness to never give up on anyone. They are remembered for their tips and tricks for safer living at home. Patients go home knowing rehabilitative exercises, and optimal use with assistive devices such as crutches, walkers, and prostheses. They teach the way to protect joints and reduce injury, and ways to make your home safer if you have strength, balance, or vision problems. We encourage you to use this time as a reminder to thank a physical therapist. Thank them for the wonderful role they play in society in helping to manage pain, improve mobility, restore function, and last but not least, educate.

This year, International Infection Prevention week is October 16–22, and the theme is “Break the Chain of Infection.” The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology wants to spread the message about how the public and healthcare professionals can help “Break the Chain of Infection” in healthcare settings and in the community. Do you know the basics of infection prevention? The number one thing you can do is focus on good hand hygiene! Clean hands, stop germs! It is one of the easiest and effective ways to prevent the spread of infections. At Mitchell-Hollingsworth, we understand that the safety of staff, residents, and visitors is of utmost importance. That's why we want to share with you some important information on infection prevention. There are many different infectious germs inside and outside of the healthcare community and it’s important to stay safe and stop the spread of these germs. To prevent germs from infecting person after person, we must understand the cause of the spread and break the chain of infection. No matter the germ, there are 6 points of infection where the chain can be broken and the infection can be stopped from spreading. These 6 points include: Infection agent- the germ that causes diseases Reservoir- the place where the germ lives and can include people, animals, equipment, soil, and water Portal of exit- the way the germ leaves the reservoir such as through a wound or splatter of body fluids including coughing, sneezing, and saliva Means of transmission- the ways the germ can be passed on such as through direct contact, ingestion, or inhalation Portal of entry- the way the germ can enter a host through broken skin, respiratory tract, mucous membranes, catheters, and tubes Susceptible host- any person but most oftentimes those who are vulnerable with a weakened immune system or have invasive medical devices such as lines or airways The best way to stop the spread of germs and therefore, diseases, is to interrupt this chain at any link. Ways to break the chain can include: Washing hands frequently Staying up to date on vaccines including flu vaccine Covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick Following rules for standard and contact isolation when someone has an infectious germ Using protective equipment, the correct way Cleaning and disinfecting the environment Sanitizing medical instruments and equipment Following safe medical and injection practices- one needle, one syringe, only one time Using antibiotics, the correct way to prevent antibiotic resistance Know when antibiotics are appropriate and when they are not Make patient identification a priority: right drug, right time, right dose For more information, visit www.apic.org. If you think you know antibiotic safe practices, check out this quiz! You might be surprised! Source: www.apic.org

National Pastoral Care Week started in 1983 when the National Association of Catholic Chaplains passed a resolution to establish a Pastoral Care Week. It was not until October of 1985 that the first Pastoral Care Week was held. Each year since, a full week in October has been set to provide an opportunity for chaplains and pastoral care providers to celebrate their various ministries. By 1995, the word national was dropped from National Pastoral Care Week because it was obvious that it was not just a national celebration but, in fact, an international one. Next week October 16-22, we are proud to honor Pastoral Care Week. It is a time to learn and promote pastoral care, honor the practice of spiritual care and counseling, celebrate the practitioners of pastoral care, express appreciation to institutions who support the ministries, and to eternally continue educating the community and clergy regarding the value of pastoral care. Spirituality is unique to each and every individual. Spirituality is the way individuals live out their faith. Regardless of spiritual, religious, or cultural background, this is a week to celebrate those who provide spiritual support to others. Pastoral care can be provided in all settings including hospitals, prisons, businesses, industries, long-term care facilities, counseling centers, hospices, military settings, nursing homes, corporations, schools and universities throughout the world. One celebration for pastoral care we most recently held at Mitchell-Hollingsworth is the blessing of the hands. This was performed by Compassus Hospice Chaplain, Steven Butler. Our staff was so touched to have a chaplain pray with them and recognize their extraordinary work they do for others day after day. They were given the opportunity to truly recognize that they have holy hands, given to fulfill divine purposes. Our local chaplains offer every resident at Mitchell-Hollingsworth the same compassionate listening presence no matter what faith they profess. They encourage our residents to share their story and what gives their life meaning, purpose, and value. They address issues of spiritual practice, spiritual needs and wants, and important beliefs regarding wellness, illness, and end of life care. They provide counseling and spiritual direction whether short-term or long. Crisis or trauma may only call for short-term counseling while a resident who feels lost or without hope may require long-term spiritual presence with needs addressed on an ongoing basis. For those at end of life, dimensions of spirituality may be explored and more in-depth search for meaning, relationships, and an integration of the mind, body, and spirit. Sometimes they are simply a compassionate companion to those who might be alone. Chaplains offer bereavement counseling for residents and families when a loved one has been lost. When needed, they perform holy rituals or special rites from various traditions upon request. When a health crisis arises and a resident is sent to the hospital, a chaplain can help a resident connect with their spiritual self and facilitate healing during recovery. Not only that, chaplains and pastoral care provide our residents with a worship experience for many different denominations. We want to thank our outside organizations for the opportunities they provide our residents and the love, care, and support they provide through their ministry. We appreciate their prayers and the essential role they play in long-term care and in our everyday lives. Please take this wonderful opportunity to recognize the spiritual caregivers in your life for all that they do. Source: http://www.mapleknoll.org/pastoralcare.php

While searching for nursing home placement, quality care is definitely the most important factor involved. Quality care contributes to a good quality of life. But what else contributes to a good quality of life? That would be none other than food! Nursing homes often have a bad rap for their food, often being compared or called “hospital food”. If there’s one thing for sure, food services in long term care have come a long way. In 1985, the U.S. Congress declared that the first week of October would be a national time to recognize the integral role that foodservice staff have in helping employees and patients of healthcare facilities stay well-nourished and healthy. The Association for Healthcare Foodservice (AHF) celebrates National Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week this week, October 3-9. At Mitchell-Hollingsworth, we believe in creating meals that are not only of nutritional value, flavorful, and attractive in appearance, but also based on the likes and needs of each resident. Food preferences, food restrictions, and food allergies are all taken into account. Our registered dietitian is on site to assure that each menu is nutritionally balanced. We understand that older individuals are faced with many different disease processes and often have a failure to thrive because of poor nutrition. In addition to our well-balanced meals, our elders are given the support they need to enjoy their food. We give them the time, help, and encouragement they need to eat and enjoy each and every bite. Residents are never rushed to finish a meal and they are provided the choice of where they want to dine. Nutrition is a basic human need, but what we do is so much more. We believe good nutritional care is ensuring that meals are appetizing and pleasing to each individual. As part of our individualized care planning, we are constantly assessing, changing, and improving food intake when necessary to assist in quality of care. Dietary preferences are recorded and carried out by kitchen staff. We take into account speech and language needs including people with swallowing difficulties that need special thicknesses and textures, those with dietary restrictions due to disease processes such as restricting salt or water intake or following a diabetic or renal diet, and those that need equipment such as special plates and cutlery. When residents need an in between meal snack, food and snacks are made available. We ensure mealtimes are respected and not interrupted by other routine activities and that the environment is conducive to eating whether that be in the dining areas or in their personal rooms. We have trained our staff to ensure that they have a nutritional knowledge base appropriate to their role. The staff understands each resident has different needs, capabilities, and different levels of assistance at mealtimes. They have been trained to communicate with elders that have dementia and communication difficulties. We provide nutritional information and support to our residents about the food if requested. This week provides an excellent opportunity to recognize and thank those individuals who provide food and nutrition services to our residents, staff, and family. If you are visiting with family or friends at Mitchell-Hollingsworth this week, please take the time to recognize all the hard working individuals who make healthcare foodservice possible, from the dishwasher to the administrative leader.

We drink coffee in the morning with our coworkers, coffee in the afternoon with a friend to catch up, coffee after dinner with family for dessert, coffee in the evening on a first date. The beauty of coffee is not only the ability to make you feel rejuvenated and an opportunity to bring people together, but it also has some surprisingly proven health benefits when ingested in moderation. Coffee has many antioxidants and beneficial nutrients that can improve your health. With National coffee day coming up on October 1, we wanted to use this time to educate and celebrate all of coffee’s benefits! 1. Coffee can improve your energy levels Coffee contains a stimulant called caffeine.When you drink coffee, caffeine is absorbed into your bloodstream and travels to the brain. In the brain, it blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter called adenosine.When this happens, other neurotransmitters increase, leading to enhanced firing of neurons causing a stimulant effect. 2. Coffee contains many essential nutrients Coffee beans contain many nutrients including Vitamin B2, B5, Magnesium, Potassium, Manganese, and Niacin. In some cases, people are drinking multiple cups a day and these nutrients can add up quickly in the body. 3. Coffee may lower your risk of Type 2 Diabetes While the details may be unknown, several studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a 25-50% lower risk of developing this disease.One study showed that a compound in coffee blocks a substance in the body that plays a role in the development of the disease. 4. Coffee can help you burn fat The caffeine in coffee can boost your metabolic rate.Some studies have even shown some short term fat-burning qualities.Coffee stimulates the nervous system, causing it to send signals to fat cells to break down body fat. 5. Coffee may improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease Studies have shown that caffeine in coffee may sometimes help control movements in people suffering from Parkinson’s. 6. Coffee can improve physical performance Caffeine in coffee increases epinephrine or also known as adrenaline in the body which causes the well-known “fight or flight” response which makes our bodies ready for possible intense physical exertion.It gives that big energy boost and jumpstarts your metabolism. 7. Coffee may aide in preventing Alzheimer’s disease There is currently no cure for this disease, but there are several things you can do to help prevent it.One of them being coffee!Not only does coffee offer a temporary boost in memory, but moderate amounts of coffee is thought to help prevent common symptoms of cognitive decline most commonly associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia. 8. Coffee can make you happy In addition to the happiness it gives by bringing people together, some studies have shown even the smell of coffee to be a stress reliever. 9. Coffee drinkers have a lower risk of certain types of cancer Several studies have shown that men who drink coffee on a regular basis may be at a lower risk for developing prostate cancer. In addition, moderate amounts of coffee consumption can help reduce endometrial cancer in many women.Multiple studies have shown that there may be a connection between drinking moderate amounts of coffee each day and lower instances of many types of cancer such as liver, colon, lung, breast, skin, and rectal cancers. While these benefits may be heartwarming, please be aware that not everyone should indulge in large amounts of coffee.Pregnant women, those trying to become pregnant, children, individuals struggling with insomnia, dehydrated individuals, individuals with extremely high blood pressure, or those advised by their physician should not drink coffee.If you do not fall into one of these categories, still remember moderation is key!Anytime you plan to change your diet or try something new, always refer to your physician beforehand.It’s always best to play it safe.If you are currently a regular coffee drinker, then tomorrow while you are enjoying your fresh, hot and delicious cup of joe, you may find peace of mind in knowing you may actually be benefiting your body!

We understand that it’s important for families to know what medications their loved ones are taking, what they do, and the importance of them. We encourage family members to be aware and involved in resident care. A resident and their sponsor has the right to be informed about the resident’s condition, treatment options, risks and benefits of treatment, expected outcomes of treatment, and the right to refuse care and treatment including medications. Medications can be addressed and explained in care plan meetings. While we will only cover a few medications in this blog, please feel free to ask your loved one’s nurse about their current medication regime. Medications play an integral role in care in the nursing home. They are administered to achieve various outcomes such as curing illnesses, reducing or eliminating symptoms, or slowing or preventing a disease process. Using medications to care for residents promotes maintenance or enhancement of quality of life. Proper medication selection may help stabilize or improve a resident’s care outcome and functional capacity. Each medication is carefully considered before administration due to possibilities of adverse reactions or multiple medication interactions. Below are some common medications that may be seen due to common disease processes throughout the nursing home. Although a single medication may be prescribed for a number of different reasons, these frequently prescribed medications are most commonly used as listed below. Lasix- loop diuretic used for treating high blood pressure or water retention Coumadin- anticoagulant used to treat or prevent blood clots Synthroid- thyroid hormone used to treat low thyroid activity Lisinopril- angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used for treating high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack Remeron- an antidepressant used for treating depression Zoloft- antidepressant used for treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Protonix- a proton pump inhibitor which decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach used to treat erosive esophagitis and other conditions involving excess stomach acid Aricept- used for treating dementia of the Alzheimer’s type Ativan- anti-anxiety medication used to treat anxiety or anxiety associated with symptoms of depression Seroquel- an anti-psychotic medication used to treat the symptoms of conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder Morphine- an opioid used for treating pain Reglan- an antiemetic used for nausea/vomiting, constipation The most frequently occurring side effects of these medications are as follows: muscle weakness nausea dizziness diarrhea drowsiness stomach upset tiredness headache sleeplessness lightheadedness constipation As healthcare professionals, our nursing staff works closely with our medical director physician to provide the best possible care and outcomes for our patients and residents. This includes constantly assessing our residents to identify, track and document possible side effects. We also immediately consult with our medical director regarding concerns when medication side effects appear to be impacting therapy outcomes. For more information or specifics on medications, please see one of our nurses.

This week is National Assisted Living Week. This annual observance encourages communities to celebrate individuals living in assisted living facilities and help to educate the public about long term care. A question we often hear from families inquiring about long term care is a very common one. Does my loved one need an assisted living or nursing home? To answer that question, we need to know more information. Are you choosing long term care because your loved one can no longer take care of their property? Are they having difficulties cooking, cleaning, doing laundry? Did this decision come because children and support family live out of town and cannot help out or cannot afford sitters during the work day? Did the individual simply have a decline in self-care and now has difficulties with ambulating, transferring, and medication management? While you might have heard that an assisted living and a nursing home are very similar, here is what you need to know to understand their differences. Assisted Living An assisted living is not a nursing home with fancy furniture. Assisted living facilities offer a housing alternative for older adults who need help with dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, but do not require intensive medical and nursing care provided in nursing homes. Residents usually have their own room or small apartment. Some facilities offer meals, recreational activities, housekeeping, and laundry services. They are not licensed to give medical care. The primary focus is on providing a healthy social environment and preventing social isolation. It takes away the burden of caring for a home, a yard, and other day to day responsibilities. Assisted living facilities can also partner with home health and hospice services to receive nursing care, but it is usually only once a week at minimum. Depending on the facility, costs can run between $25,000- $50,000 a year or $2,000-$5,000 a month. Fees typically pay for the facility and some services. It is important to find out which services are additional costs. Most residents pay for assisted living with their own personal funds or with a long term care insurance policy. There are also causes for eviction in an assisted living. Some of these might include failure of a resident to pay, failure to comply with law, failure to follow facility policy, if the facility determines they can no longer care for changing needs (not being able to get out of bed, not being able to understand and correctly take medications), or if the facility changes its purpose. If your parent or loved one is in fragile health and seems to be steadily declining physically or mentally, be very cautious about choosing an assisted living over a nursing home (also called a skilled nursing facility). No one typically chooses a nursing home first, although the skilled care they deliver is often what is most needed. Assisted living facilities can be wonderful and supportive environments for residents who do not need skilled care. Nursing Home Nursing homes are more like hospitals in that they deliver skilled care to frail seniors. They do not have the look and feel of the hospital, but the care provided comes from licensed professionals such a CNA’s, LPN’s, RN’s, MD’s, and physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Nursing home services offer room and board, monitoring of medications, personal care (dressing, bathing, toileting, feeding), assistance with getting around (walker, wheelchair), 24- hour emergency care, social and recreation activities, and so much more. A licensed physician supervises each person’s care and a nurse or other medical professional is always on the premises. Having so many available certified professionals on-site allows the delivery of medical procedures and therapies that would not be possible in other housing. Nursing homes can also partner with hospice services to receive extra individualized end of life care when needed. Nursing homes can be very expensive. Costs can start at $50,000 a year or $4,000- 7,000 a month. About 1/3 of residents pay nursing home costs from their own private funds, while others may have long term care insurance. Most residents, however, pay for their care with money through Medicaid. Medicaid picks up the cost of nursing homes once people have used almost all of their savings. If the resident is married, the spouse is allowed some assets including income, savings, and their home. If your loved one needs to be watched more closely throughout the day or you believe that he or she is likely to need such supervision in the near future as well as assistance with their medication now or in the near future, it is your only and BEST choice. Nurses give hands-on 24 hours a day care, administer around the clock medications, consistently treat wounds, administer oxygen, or other tasks defined by the government as skilled care. Because skilled nursing facilities bill Medicare and/or Medicaid for skilled nursing care, they must comply with many complex legal regulations and requirements.