In the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many seniors are advised to stay confined to their homes or rooms. The need for a simple, well-rounded wellness program that promotes senior health and wellness has never been more important. Activity – mental and physical — is essential to keeping seniors healthy, active, and motivated. This is why many senior living providers and caregivers are looking for a fresh approach to engaging residents in wellness activities while keeping them comfortable and abiding by social distancing regulations.
The feeling of separation – from our families, friends, and communities at large – is a sad outcome of the coronavirus outbreak. This is especially true in senior living facilities, under lockdown throughout the nation.
As the global outbreak of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to unfold, senior living providers are taking meticulous care to protect the health and safety of their residents and team members. Since mid-March, when the no-outside-visitors rule went into effect in senior care facilities, providers have looked for new ways to help residents feel connected and avoid senior isolation.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak stories are dominating the news, leaving senior living providers with a fundamental question: how can we best prepare for the disease – and prevent any spread in our community?
Extending Healthy Heart Activities in Senior Care Settings
Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death of men and women in the United States, linked to one in every four deaths. Yet in the past decade, the picture is improving. The number of seniors afflicted with the disease has decreased significantly.
What’s the “secret sauce” for business success? World-renowned entrepreneur Richard Branson has a simple recipe: “Take care of your employees, and they will take care of your business.” Simply put, focusing on staff wellness can have an array of benefits for your business.
For some, the winter months bring with them times of cheer, heart-filled merriment, and spirited connection. But for many, the season delivers just the opposite: stress, alienation, and even illness.
The winter months often bring with them a time to reminisce – and create new memories. But for anyone who struggles with memory decline, this time of year can be a tough reminder of memories lost.
Kevin, a professional caregiver in a leading senior living community, is typical of many in his field. He has trouble asking for help – which can lead to feelings of caregiver burnout. “I will crash and burn before saying what I need for myself,” he says. “My job is to care for, not to be cared for. I don’t want to burden others with my problems.”
When a person first moves from home to a senior care setting or transitions from one community to another, the change can feel overwhelming. For some seniors, change brings fear and anxiety, and for residents living with dementia, it can trigger agitation and aggression.
Harold, a long-time resident of a Texas senior living community, struggled with severe anxiety and depression. In an effort to help stabilize Harold’s mood swings, his care team introduced him to aromatherapy. This complementary therapy approach uses essential oils from plants to address health challenges and support overall wellness.
Senior activity directors and life enrichment professionals often struggle with the challenges of their role. Each day, they need to deliver diverse and engaging programs that match group interests and individual preferences – often with limited resources.