Together While Apart: Edgewood Family in Fargo Finds Creative Ways to Stay Connected During Pandemic

 

 

Although our doors continue to be closed to visitors during COVID-19, our residents and their loved ones have kept open minds as they find creative ways to connect with one another.

Car parades, letters in the mail, care packages, and game nights over Zoom are some of the many ways family members and friends have spread a little sunshine in our residents’ lives during this challenging time of isolation.

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

One particular gesture that gained attention in our independent living community in Fargo, North Dakota, is an outdoor violin concert orchestrated by dedicated son Tim Flakoll for his parents, Alden and Wilma Flakoll, and their neighbors. Residents gathered near every window on a sunny March day to listen to performer Kelsey Buell as she filled the air with beautiful, uplifting music on her electric violin.The concert was Tim’s way of giving his mom and dad “a big musical hug,” he said during a Zoom call with our team and his parents to share their story. “Our family is very musical to a high degree, so that was something we all could enjoy.”

“It was such a nice surprise,” says Wilma Flakoll, with Alden sitting by her side in their home. “We received many compliments.”But this is only one of many innovative ways the Flakoll family has stayed connected during the pandemic, despite being physically apart.

Another day, Tim got permission to spray paint a tic-tac-toe board on the lawn outside his parents’ room. They played the game using red bean bags for X’s and blue bags for O’s.Tim says his family is willing to do whatever it takes to see one another, whether it’s through WhatsApp, Zoom, or their window screen.

“There’s a value to me, Mom, and Dad that we get to see each other, particularly since (the coronavirus) is a medical situation,” he adds. “We want to be able to look each other in the eye and ensure we’re doing okay.”

Maintaining communication goes beyond talking and visiting, Tim says. He and his sister Joan often drop off care packages – as their parents did for them and their late brother Paul in college – with scrapbooks, household essentials, family heirlooms, or lefse to brighten their day.

Tim also wrote messages for his parents in the snow when it was still on the ground and was first in line for the Mother’s Day car parade this spring.

“It’s important to not let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do,” Tim says.

One thing Wilma has been able to do since 1959 is cut Alden’s hair, which has certainly been an advantage over the last few months.

“My dad was nice enough to give her a clipper to cut my hair (after we got married),” Alden says.

“And I was silly enough to say yes,” Wilma adds as the family laughs together.

Although they remain optimistic, the Flakolls, like other families sharing this experience, agree that it’s been challenging to be isolated from their loved ones. But Wilma and Alden – both of whom are cancer and heart surgery survivors – continue to be resilient and patient. The family gets through each day by channeling their sense of humor and their faith.

“We get our church services through the internet, which helps,” Wilma says.

Tim adds that Edgewood’s regular email updates to family members also provide peace of mind. However, Alden chimes in that this sometimes means his children “know what’s happening even before we do,” he says with a smile.

Overall, the Flakolls say the key to getting through tough times like a global pandemic is to wake up each day “with a purpose” while they patiently await the day they can hug one another again.

“This (virus) isn’t going to go away overnight, but every day, we need to do something that benefits society, helps others, or achieves a goal,” Tim says. “We all need to do what we can and keep pushing forward.”

If you wish to arrange a virtual visit or another meaningful connection with a family member in one of our Edgewood communities, please contact the Edgewood Healthcare staff at that location. We will be happy to assist you.

If you have any questions about Edgewood Healthcare’s protocols during COVID-19, please email us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

Edgewood ReNEWed

 

Mitigated Move-in Process for New Residents

As they say, ‘it takes a village,’ and at Edgewood, we certainly know that to be true. It may look a bit different right now, but our village of experts is here to support seniors and their families; safe social distancing doesn’t have to mean being alone. We’ve implemented mitigated move-in processes, allowing Edgewood to welcome new residents needing extra support now more than ever.

We understand that the current COVID-19 pandemic has created many new challenges for seniors and their families. At Edgewood, we’re here to help to alleviate some of those concerns by offering additional support throughout a new resident’s transition, including such things as:

Additionally, to facilitate a smooth transition for new resident move-ins while still ensuring we protect the health and safety of current residents and staff, Edgewood has implemented the following best practices:

Why Social Distance Alone When You Can Social Distance with Us?

In addition to all the in-home nursing and healthcare services already discussed, there are many physical and/or social benefits to living in a senior living community, including things such as:

The Doctor is in (the computer): Edgewood Expands Telehealth Access During COVID-19

A senior woman smiles at a laptop during a telehealth appointment

Since we opened in 1992, Edgewood Healthcare has been passionate about providing our residents with the care they need, whenever they need it. This belief is especially true today as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic with the rest of the world.

To keep our residents safe during COVID-19, all of Edgewood Healthcare’s locations continue to be closed to visitors and to perform regular employee screenings through our “Stomp the Spread” program, in addition to following all safety standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control, industry leaders, and government officials.

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

Around the globe, coronavirus has compelled individuals and businesses of all backgrounds to adapt quickly, think creatively, and use modern technology to connect with one another while flattening the curve. This has been especially important for senior living communities, as seniors are at a higher risk of developing health complications from the virus.

But even with a pandemic in our midst, seniors still need regular check-ups with (and convenient access to) their primary care physicians if changes occur to their physical, emotional, or mental health.

A senior woman smiling at a laptop while sitting at a table during a telehealth appointment

That’s why Edgewood Healthcare has implemented telehealth across all of our locations, which allows residents to continue to see their primary care providers via telecommunications technology from the comfort and safety of their homes.

Telehealth appointments are private and confidential, like standard doctor visits. However, instead of seeing doctors in person, our residents use video software like Zoom or Skype on their computers, cell phones, or tablets to communicate vital health information with their primary care physicians, who then make a diagnosis and determine a course for treatment.

So far, telehealth has been “very welcomed” by Edgewood residents and their families, says Dr. Aaron Moorhouse, our Chief Medical Officer, who practices out of Meridian, Idaho.

“Families are comforted to know that their (senior loved ones) don’t have to leave the building or risk exposure when doctors visit them in their homes to get the care they need at this time,” he says.

Telehealth has been around for years, but before COVID-19, users of telemedicine had to meet certain criteria to be covered by Medicare and to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The service was only provided in rural areas with specific audio-visual equipment, and could not be performed inside the home – which included assisted living communities.

The federal government temporarily relaxed these regulations and approved Medicare coverage for telehealth expenses during COVID-19 to reduce foot traffic in emergency rooms and further protect vulnerable populations.

As a practitioner with 18 years under his stethoscope, Dr. Moorhouse says it can be challenging to examine patients without physical touch or proper instrumentation – and sometimes certain conditions require doctors to examine a resident in person while wearing protective gear. However, he is grateful to have telehealth as a solution.

“Knowing these residents and their history makes a difference,” he says.

A senior woman and a male Edgewood Healthcare staff member smile and wave at a laptop during a telehealth appointment

Our nursing staff have also played an integral role in the success of telehealth, as they often help our residents with setting up appointments and solving technical issues, adds Jill Leonardi-Wilson, Executive Vice President of the Edgewood Health Network.

“Having someone who knows each resident well during telehealth visits is extremely beneficial,” Wilson says. “Our nurses are not only helping the resident understand what the doctor is saying (if they have visual or hearing impairments), but also helping the doctor have an accurate clinical picture of every resident.”

Once COVID-19 subsides, Edgewood Healthcare team members hope telehealth continues to be offered in some capacity, especially locations in rural areas, but this largely depends on whether Medicare will continue to cover the service, Wilson says.

“Telehealth has been very valuable during this time,” she adds. “We hope that Medicare sees the benefits of providing care to seniors in their homes and will reevaluate their regulations to allow us to continue using this platform to care for our residents.”

Although our locations remain closed to visitors, we highly encourage loved ones of our residents to continue to virtually visit through FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, or other telecommunication technology. To coordinate a virtual visit, reach out to your local Edgewood community and our staff will be happy to assist you.

If you have any questions regarding Edgewood Healthcare’s protocols during COVID-19, please email us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

Edgewood Healthcare Announces Serial COVID-19 Serology Screenings for all Employees

Stomp the Spread

Edgewood Healthcare is extremely proud to announce the implementation of a new and industry-leading employee screening initiative. Edgewood Healthcare’s “Stomp the Spread” program has become one of the first employer-sponsored programs to make serial COVID-19 serology screenings available to all their employees directly caring for nearly 4,000 seniors across seven states. The screening process will help determine if any employees have been infected and when they can safely return to work. Proactively screening all employees offers an additional level of protection, helping ensure the health of all residents and staff, which continues to remain the number one priority.

Edgewood Healthcare is requiring all employees have COVID-19 blood screenings completed upon hire and approximately every 7-14 days during employment, until Edgewood’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Aaron Moorhouse, DO, has determined each location is no longer a high-risk.

Edgewood will utilize serology testing as well as other commercially available screening and testing methods, as needed and available. This test has not yet been reviewed by the FDA and results from the antibody screen will not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection or to inform infection status. Any Edgewood employee that receives a positive antibody screen will be directed to consult with his or her primary care provider for diagnosis and treatment as well as communicate this to the appropriate government agency responsible for managing any potential exposure investigations.

“Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve with proactive and quickly-implemented safety initiatives. Being able to acquire enough tests plus having the medical partners capable of managing the testing process has allowed us to become one of the first employers to make this type of large-scale screening initiatives available to our employees,” said Phil Gisi, CEO of Edgewood Healthcare. “In fact, we feel so strongly about this program that Edgewood has committed to covering the cost of screenings for employees, should their insurance plans not yet cover it. We believe cost-sharing should never serve as a barrier to access this vital testing,” continued Gisi.

“Consistent, scheduled screenings of all employees provides us a much better chance of catching any positive cases early and reacting quickly, thus decreasing potential spread,” said Dr. Aaron Moorhouse, DO, Chief Medical Officer for Edgewood Healthcare. “The majority of Edgewood’s workforce falls in a lower-risk demographic and could potentially carry the virus while still remaining asymptomatic. This, in large part, is why we made the decision to start screening all employees; we’re confident it’s the best way to continue to protect not only our employees, but more importantly, protect our senior residents who are the most vulnerable,” continued Moorhouse.

About Edgewood Healthcare

Edgewood Healthcare is the leading operator of senior living communities in the upper Midwest. Since 1992, Edgewood has been committed to helping seniors stay as independent as possible, for as long as possible, with well-trained staff members in communities designed for residents to receive various living and care options. Currently, Edgewood owns and operates 62 independent living, assisted living and memory care communities with over 4,100 beds in seven states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming and Idaho), and employs over 3,000 people. Additionally, Edgewood’s Health Services division operates Outpatient Therapy, Home Health and Hospice agencies in Idaho, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wyoming. Edgewood Healthcare’s corporate offices are located at 322 Demers Avenue, Suite 500, Grand Forks, N.D.

Enhanced Safety Measures and Initiatives

Safety Measures During COVID-19

Dear Edgewood Family & Friends:

Our number one priority has always been and will continue to be the health and safety of our residents and staff. During this global COVID-19 outbreak, Edgewood Healthcare has implemented multiple proactive and increasingly enhanced safety measures and restrictions.

Edgewood has consistently been on the forefront, leading the industry in an effort to prevent the virus’s entry into any of our Edgewood communities or the multitude of other healthcare entities we partner with. We’re continually monitoring recommendations issued by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the multiple Departments of Health in all the respective states in which we operate, as well as many local city and county agencies. Our protocols continue to evolve as we navigate this ever-changing situation. 

Below are examples of the enhanced safety measures we’ve taken across the company, with even stricter protocols being followed in several locations. We understand this is a difficult time for everyone, and many of these safety measures make life as we know it very different, but we’re confident they’re the best way to keep your loved ones healthy and happy, until we can all be together again!

Resident Initiatives:

Employee Initiatives:

Visitation & Deliveries:

Daily Life: 

Move-Ins or Return from Hospital:

Since receiving early notifications regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Edgewood Healthcare has taken swift and definitive action, and will continue to do so as we navigate all the unknowns of our current situation. We appreciate your continued support as we work to best serve our residents and staff members during these uncertain times.

Edgewood continues to encourage families and friends to use alternate means of visiting virtually with their senior loved ones, through the use of FaceTime, Skype or other video communication technologies. Please reach out to coordinate a virtual visit or for more information.

Should you have any questions regarding Edgewood’s COVID-19 related protocols, please contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.  

Help Care for Those Most at Risk During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Apply today! FLEXIBLE, permanent & temporary employment

Nearly every individual, business and industry has been directly or indirectly affected during the recent, and impossible to ignore, global outbreak of coronavirus disease (officially known as COVID-19). In an on-going effort to proactively protect our seniors, the population with the most heightened risk of contraction and/or severity of the virus, Edgewood Healthcare has implemented several enhanced precautions to ensure the health and safety of our nearly 4,000 senior residents and the 2,600+ employees that support and care for them.

With the required increase in safety measures, so too comes the need for increased staffing during this unprecedented pandemic. Those involved in health care and its many supporting industries are needing additional help now more than ever.

Join our team – with confidence & convenience!

Caring for our residents is always priority number one! If you’ve had prior healthcare training or have been a family caregiver, you’re likely a great fit to become a caregiver for the precious seniors that call our Edgewood communities home. But even if you’ve never worked in health or senior care, we likely still have a place you’ll fit on our team, as there are many “behind the scenes” roles that are vital to the day-to-day operations of each Edgewood community such as positions in dining, housekeeping, maintenance. Plus, we offer multiple perks to make it even easier to join our team:

Apply NOW!

Flexible, temporary positions

Those involved in health care and its many supporting industries are needing additional help now more than ever. While on the flip side, in the face of so many unknowns, employers in many other industries are being forced to make some very difficult decisions, such as mandating employees work from home when possible, decreasing hours for some or even laying off other workers.

Should you find yourself in a situation that affects your current employment or schooling, if you’re in a position to take on additional work hours or you’re just looking for ways you can help support those most at risk, our seniors, and the many healthcare workers that are so critical amid this coronavirus outbreak, please read on to learn how you can help your local Edgewood community.

Interview in the safety of your own home

In an effort to stop the spread and keep our residents, staff and YOU safe, we’re implementing convenient phone, video or off-site interviews for all potential employees. Once you’ve applied and are selected for an interview, an Edgewood team member will contact you to schedule an interview and assist you with the necessary steps and tools to complete your virtual interview.

Employees helping employees

As more and more schools are temporarily closing their doors or suspending classes, it causes a trickle down to millions of workers that may not have a quick and easy plan B for childcare when they need to report to work. Check with your local Edgewood community (you can find a community HERE) to see if you can take advantage of the “buddy system” with other Edgewood employees working different shifts, to help temporarily share childcare responsibilities, drop-offs and pick-ups, meal and snack prep, etc.

If you aren’t an Edgewood employee or looking to become one, but may be able to offer affordable childcare options to local Edgewood employees in a pinch – please reach out to your local Edgewood community!

Reach out to your local Edgewood community

We can’t say it enough – we’d love to hear from you (via email or phone of course; no visitors during this time). Please reach out with ways you can potentially help, no matter how small they seem. During times of uncertainty, it’s important to support one another and step up when we can. Whether that’s through taking advantage of one of the flexible permanent or temporary open positions, to best utilize your particular skill set, writing letters or making video or phone calls to local residents in need of a little goodwill or maybe just dropping off (in the designated outdoor delivery area of course) supplies such as puzzles, Sudoku books or even pizza for all the hard-working staff – your local teams will welcome the kindness.   

For additional information regarding employment at Edgewood, please visit our Careers page. Should you have any questions regarding the coronavirus or Edgewood’s related protocols, you can learn more HERE, or please contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com. 

‘No Visitor’ Restrictions Implemented in All Edgewood Communities

No Visitors

In response to the recent global outbreak of coronavirus, including concerns regarding a heightened risk of contraction and/or severity of the virus in seniors, on March 4, 2020, Edgewood Healthcare established several initial precautionary measures, and then further enhanced those measures, to best ensure the health and safety of our nearly 4,000 senior residents and our employees.

In an on-going effort to proactively protect residents and staff, Edgewood Healthcare made the decision to take swift and definitive action to restrict all visitors, effective immediately, at ALL Edgewood communities.

We will continue to evaluate the situation on an on-going basis.

In the meantime, Edgewood communities are encouraging families and friends to continue to use alternate means of visiting virtually with their senior loved ones, through the use of FaceTime, Skype or other video communication technologies. For more information or to coordinate a virtual visit, please reach out to your local Edgewood community; you can find a community here.

Should you have any questions regarding the coronavirus or Edgewood’s related protocols, please contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

Edgewood Healthcare’s Senior Living Division Announces New President

Robert J. Ford, Jr.

Edgewood Healthcare’s Senior Living Division recently named Robert J. Ford, Jr. their new President. Ford has been the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of Edgewood’s Senior Living Division since 2019. Prior to that Ford served as Central Division Vice President and Regional Vice President, initially beginning his career with Edgewood as Executive Director of the Edgewood Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Casper, WY. In his new role, Ford will continue to oversee the Senior Living Division operations as well as collaborate closely with the leadership of CaringEdge, Edgewood Healthcare’s Health Services Division.

“I am excited to announce this well-deserved promotion,” said Phil Gisi, President/CEO of Edgewood Healthcare. “Rob has proven he has the dedication, integrity and passion needed to ensure the success of Edgewood as a company. Plus, the desire and commitment to providing our seniors exceptional care and ease of access to the quality health services they deserve,” continued Gisi.

Ford was born and raised in Casper, WY. He attended Montana State University in Billings, MT, where he obtained a Health Care Administration degree. Ford later obtained his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. Rob and his wife, Jessica, reside in Grand Forks, ND, where they’re active in many organizations, activities and community events with their four children.

About Edgewood Healthcare

Edgewood Healthcare is the leading operator of senior living communities in the upper Midwest. Since 1992, Edgewood has been committed to helping seniors stay as independent as possible, for as long as possible, with well-trained staff members in communities designed for residents to receive various living and care options. Currently, Edgewood owns and operates 62 independent living, assisted living and memory care communities with over 4,100 beds in seven states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming and Idaho), and employs nearly 2,800 people. Edgewood Healthcare’s corporate offices are located at 322 Demers Avenue, Suite 500, Grand Forks, N.D.

Edgewood Healthcare Takes Precautionary Measures

In response to the recent global outbreak of coronavirus, including highlighted concerns regarding a heightened risk of contraction and/or severity of the virus in seniors, Edgewood Healthcare is taking some initial precautionary measures to best ensure the health and safety of our nearly 4,000 senior residents and our employees. Although these measures may not completely prevent transmission of the virus within our communities, they are being implemented in an effort to greatly reduce the risk, slow the spread of this or any other relevant infectious illnesses and provide time for all 62 Edgewood communities to better prepare and educate residents, employees, families, visitors and the general public.

Although the recent coronavirus outbreak has garnered attention worldwide, it is also peak season (October – April) for other relevant infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumonia and common colds. Keeping the best interest of our residents and employees in mind, we’re requesting the following directives please be honored by all family, friends and outside visitors at this time:

Edgewood Healthcare will evaluate on an on-going basis whether dismissing or continuing these heightened safety precautions is in the best interest of our residents at that time. In the meantime, Edgewood communities are encouraging families and friends to use alternate means of visiting virtually with their senior loved ones, through the use of FaceTime, Skype or other video communication technologies. For more information or to coordinate a virtual visit, please reach out to your local Edgewood community; you can find a community here.

Should you have any questions regarding the coronavirus or Edgewood’s related protocols, please contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

3 Life-Changing Reasons to Try Short-Term Senior Care Solutions

A senior woman and adult daughter are smiling and leaning in close, the daughter has her arm around her mother’s shoulder.

Aging can mean a barrage of changes and transitions that often cause bumps in the road between you and a senior loved one, especially when you’re his or her primary caregiver. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 40.4 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. care for someone 65 or older. Most (58%) of these unpaid caregivers are women aged 45-65. Half (50%) of all unpaid caregivers have been providing care for approximately two years or more, with 15% actually providing care for over 10 years. Those are some alarming statistics, but there are even more regarding the incidence of caregiver stress, burnout, and depression.

Find Senior Living Near Me

According to multiple studies, approximately 40 to 70% of family caregivers show clinically significant symptoms of depression. These statistics aren’t meant to scare or shame anyone; however, they are meant to speak honestly and loudly about a very real issue: most caregivers aren’t taking care of themselves because “Who else is going to take care of Mom?”. Caregivers’ own health often takes a back burner due to fear of feeling selfish or guilty. We’re here to tell you it’s normal and essential to want time for yourself, and it’s okay to need a break.

If reading those statistics caused you to pause while calculating how many years you’ve actually been caring for or “just helping out” mom, grandpa, or some other beloved relative or friend, or to consider when the last time was that you exercised or took time for self-care, it’s also likely time that you read and consider the three reasons why trying short-term senior solutions can be life-changing for you and your loved ones.

Common short-term senior care solutions include:

Short-Term Stays: Short-term stays are exactly what they say they are: brief, overnight stays in a fully furnished Assisted Living or Memory Care apartment. Stays can be as short as 24 hours or up to several months.

Adult Day Services: Adult Day Services is a specialized program serving those affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia who can benefit from regularly interacting and engaging with other individuals similarly affected. Adult Day Services can be a few hours, a half-day, or a full day.

1. Positive Social, Mental, & Overall Health Impacts for All – Including You!

Family caregivers: When was the last time you could take a vacation without worrying about your loved one or feeling like your only option was to take them along? When was the last time you could spend a full day on your own, doing whatever YOU wanted to? Short-term care options provide loved ones with much-needed social connections, activities, and care that can help them feel happier and healthier, stimulate their minds, and even potentially slow some of the negatives associated with aging – ever heard of “you’re only as old as you feel”? Your loved ones enjoy all these benefits while you, the caregivers, can take a breather to recharge, deter burnout, and greatly reduce your own risk of depression. We understand it’s not always for a glamorous vacation, but everyone deserves a break without feeling guilty or anxious. Plus, enjoy the added security of knowing trained professionals are available to handle any needs that may arise.

Short–term stays usually cost between $150 and $250/day, and they typically include 24/7 staffing and on-call nurse coverage, daily meals and snacks, individualized and group activities, assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, dressing, etc.), medication assistance, and more, depending on location. To get pricing and learn more about an Edgewood Short-Term Stay program near you, visit our Find a Community page.

2. Improved the Quality of Your Life Without Moving out of Your Home.

A smiling senior woman is sitting at a table playing cards and having coffee in a senior living community activity room with other senior residents.

Imagine living alone and rarely interacting with others, not by choice but by circumstance and lack of resources. Would you feel lonely and isolated? Afraid? Now imagine that you don’t have the ability to explain that you’re lonely and need more assistance, or maybe you don’t fully grasp the severity of your situation. This is the reality for an estimated 800,000 individuals in the United States who are living alone with Alzheimer’s. And for those 40 million+ family caregivers who have tried to convince someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia to move out of their home, you know exactly how difficult that is.

Connecting with others in short-term services can help your loved one feel less isolated and more engaged with the world around them. Social activities may lower the risk of some health problems and improve well-being. Adult Day Services can offer an easy and affordable first step to get your loved one the interaction and support he or she needs without the hassle and fear of a permanent move.

Adult Day Services usually range in price from $15 – $25/hour, with some communities also offering half-day (4 hours) and full-day (8 hours) rates. The cost typically includes 24/7 staffing with more one-on-one interaction, meals and/or snacks, individualized and group activities, limited assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, dressing, etc.), and medication assistance based on location. To get pricing and learn more about an Edgewood Adult Day Services program near you, visit our Find a Community page.

A senior woman is being cared for in a senior living community by a female doctor or nurse practitioner. The two women smile at each other while the doctor or nurse practitioner places her hands gently on the senior woman’s shoulders.

3. More Eyes on Your Loved One’s Health.

Family caregivers often express feelings of guilt or “giving up” on loved ones when they no longer can or want to care for them entirely on their own. We see it differently. You’re not giving up, you’re asking for a hand; it just so happens those helping hands belong to an entire network of specially trained, experienced and knowledgeable professionals. Having more trained eyes on your loved one can offer an invaluable benefit in identifying changes in health status, cognition, and other key indicators that may trigger earlier and better interventions. Together as a team, we will work to provide the best outcomes for your loved one, with the needed interactions and feelings of belonging, while you take care of yourself and your other responsibilities in the short term.

There are many reasons that short-term solutions may be the best option for you or your senior loved one. One of the most important reasons to remember is that you must give yourself some grace! You can’t be everything to everyone and still provide yourself enough care and “me” time. To find out more about your local short-term, in-home, or residential senior healthcare solutions, click here.