Month: April 2019

Independent living and assisted living can sound deceptively similar, but there are actually many differences. We want to make sure you or your loved ones are getting the right amount of care and comfort as they age, so we thought we’d clear up some of the main differences between independent living and assisted living.

Most of the differences between independent and assisted living are about how much care is provided for the residents by the community’s staff. Those in independent living should still be able to take care of their everyday needs, while those in assisted living may need help with basic tasks like washing and dressing.

Here are some of the services provided in assisted living that usually aren’t available in independent living:

Memory care

Those with dementia or Alzheimer’s can get the memory care they need in assisted living. Activities are provided that are designed to help control the symptoms and slow the progression of these conditions. Staff will also be trained to assist memory patients and extra safeguards may be put in place to protect the patients.

Medication management

Some seniors may need help with taking and managing their medication. Medication management is provided by assisted living care staff to ensure that residents are taking the correct dosage at the right time.

Transport

If assisted living residents need to leave the complex for a hospital appointment or to visit family, for example, then they may be provided with transport by the facility. This allows residents to have a sense of freedom outside of the community while still keeping them safe.

Rehabilitative care

Assisted living patients may have additional needs if they have had an illness, injury, or surgery. Most assisted living communities provide rehabilitative care to get patients back on the feet and to improve their mobility during recovery.

On-call assistance

For anything else residents need, like help with chores or with getting dressed, assisted living care staff and nursing staff are on-call around the clock whenever they are needed. So, residents can always get the assistance and support that they need.

Here at Bermuda Village, we offer both independent living and assisted living services and apartments, so you can always balance the level of care you need with the level of independence you want. Our community is set within the Bermuda Run Country Club and has been voted one of the best places to retire. Contact us if you would like any more information.

As we age, we will have slightly different requirements when it comes to our home environment. Many older people move into single-story homes so that they don’t have the challenge of walking up and down stairs several times a day. You might need to install grab rails in the bathroom and flooring that is less slippery. Changes like these help us to avoid common risks we might face in our homes.

For people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, these risks are even greater. Alzheimer’s can affect both cognitive and motor functions, making accidents all the more likely. So, if you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, home safety should be one of your top priorities. Here are some safety tips to help you prepare your home for Alzheimer’s care.

Remove locks from interior doors

You should remove the locks from bathroom doors and any other rooms that have locks on interior doors. Someone with Alzheimer’s might lock the door behind them and then be unable to get out, causing them a lot of distress and potential injury.

Keep medication out of reach

Your loved one probably has different medications to take throughout the day. It is important to support them with their medication regime and keep everything locked away or out of reach in between times. They may forget that they’ve already had their dose and end up taking too much.

Remove trip hazards

Floors should be kept as clutter-free as possible to avoid tripping. Eliminate any loose wires by repositioning appliances or tacking the wires to walls. You may also need to reposition any furniture that juts out.

Make sure your home is well-lit

Light your home well, especially in hallways and around the stairs if you live in a multi-story property. You may need to leave lights on at night so that it is easier for your loved one to find their way if they need to use the bathroom in the night.

Cover hot surfaces

Alzheimer’s sufferers are prone to burning and scalding themselves on hot surfaces, flames, and hot water. You can install safety covers around heaters to cover these hot surfaces, add safety knobs to stoves, and keep things like matches and lighters locked away. Also, lower the temperature of the hot water on your water heater settings.

You can visit alzheimers.net for more tips on Alzheimer’s home safety. At Bermuda Village, we provide various levels of care depending on the condition and abilities of our residents, from independent living to assisted living and rehabilitative care. Get in touch if you need additional care support in Bermuda Run.