The Formula to a Seniors’ Health and Happiness
While the health and happiness of a senior is influenced by a variety of factors, and there isn’t a single formula that guarantees well-being for all seniors, as individual needs and circumstances vary.
As we have learned in so many cases over the years, the formula to a seniors’ health and happiness usually comes down to having the proper nutrition, spiritual or other mental stimulation and some social connection. When one or more of these area are lacking, a senior may decline quickly. When all are present and engaging; a senior can truly thrive. We know this and apply this to all we do at Country Manor retirement residence.
In our experience at Country Manor, we believe the key elements that can contribute to the health and happiness of seniors are Physical Health such as Regular exercise by engaging in physical activity helps maintain mobility, strength, and overall health. Country Manor’s Life Enrichment Director has daily fun exercise classes and walking groups. Have a look at our Monthly Social and Activity calendar for more detail.
Having a Balanced nutrition, a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is essential. Country Manor’s Food Services Manager places great emphasis on proper nutrition and diet; to the extent that we, as much as possible, refrain from preparing foods that are processed, come from a can or box or are in “powder” form. Soups made from scratch daily are a good example.
Regular health and medical monitoring and check-ups seniors should visit their healthcare providers for routine check-ups and screenings. Retirement Homes in Ontario are required to conduct a thorough Assessment and from this develop a dynamic Plan of Care for each resident.
A care plan and assessment in a retirement home, also known as an assisted living facility or a long-term care facility, are essential components of providing personalized and comprehensive care for residents. These tools are used to ensure that residents’ physical, medical, emotional, and social needs are met to enhance their overall well-being and quality of life.
An initial Assessment is when a resident first enters a retirement home, a comprehensive assessment is conducted. This assessment typically includes a review of the resident’s medical history, physical and cognitive capabilities, emotional and psychological state, medication requirements, dietary preferences, and other relevant information. The purpose is to gather baseline data about the resident’s needs.
Ongoing Assessments are then performed to track changes in the resident’s health and well-being. These assessments can be scheduled at specific intervals or triggered by changes in the resident’s condition. Ongoing assessments help in identifying new care needs or adjustments to the care plan.
The types of assessments conducted should include a Medical assessments by healthcare professionals,
Cognitive assessments to evaluate memory and cognitive functioning, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) assessments to determine a resident’s ability to perform basic self-care tasks and Social and emotional assessments to gauge the resident’s social and emotional needs and well-being.
The Plan of Care
Based on the assessments, an individualized care plan is developed for each resident. This plan outlines the specific care and services that the resident requires, including medical care, assistance with daily activities, medication management, social and recreational activities, and dietary needs. The plan of care will include goals and objectives for each resident, customized. The care plan includes specific goals and objectives to address the resident’s needs and improve their quality of life. For example, if a resident has mobility issues, the care plan may include goals for physical therapy to improve mobility. The plan of care is a collaborative effort involving healthcare professionals, caregivers, social workers, and the resident’s family. It is important to have input from all relevant parties to create a holistic and effective care plan. They require regular review: Care plans are not static; they are regularly reviewed and adjusted as the resident’s needs change. This ensures that the care provided remains relevant and effective. A key consideration is effective communication between the care team and the resident’s family is crucial to keep them informed about the resident’s progress and any changes in the care plan.
In summary, a care plan and assessment in a retirement home are critical tools for ensuring that residents receive the appropriate care and support tailored to their individual needs. These processes help maintain and improve residents’ overall well-being and quality of life as they age.
Medication management and proper management of medications as prescribed by healthcare professionals is crucial. Nurses, RPN nurses and PSW personal support workers can assist in this process.
Mental Health is vital at this stage of life. Social engagement and staying connected with friends and family can combat loneliness and promote mental well-being. This should also include cognitive stimulation, by engaging in activities that challenge the mind, such as puzzles or games, can help maintain cognitive function.
It is important to recognize that moving into a retirement home offers numerous benefits such as access to healthcare services, assistance with daily activities, companionship opportunities, and an overall improved quality of life. Each individual’s circumstances are unique; therefore, careful consideration should be given before making this significant life transition. Country Manor is here to help.
