Common Misconceptions About Skilled Nursing Facilities

When was the last time you visited a skilled nursing facility? If it’s been a while, expect to see some changes the next time you enter one.  It used to be that nursing homes were places where the elderly went to spend their final years. But skilled nursing facilities today serve short- and long-term patients of all ages. Additionally, today’s definition of high-quality care encompasses so much more than just medical services. Residents, families, and administrators have a deeper understanding of the important role quality of life plays at every age—and it shows. 

Our guess is that if you haven’t been in a skilled nursing facility for some time, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you find. Take a look below at some common misconceptions about skilled nursing facilities—and the reality of what you can expect the next time you enter one. 

 
Misconception #1: A skilled nursing facility is nothing more than a hospital

The reality: While it’s true that skilled nursing facilities do offer in-depth medical care, they are very different from hospitals. In a hospital, patients keep mainly to their rooms until they are discharged. A skill nursing facility, on the other hand, offers opportunities for stimulation and socialization. At Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego, we provide our residents with recreational activities and a number of other amenities and services that help to create a sense of home and community. 

Misconception #2: Residents in skilled nursing facilities have no independence

The reality: Any quality skilled nursing facility will strive to help each patient achieve or maintain maximum independence. Even those residents with limited mobility or higher levels of cognitive difficulty are encouraged to make choices about their schedules, activities, health care, treatment decisions, and more. At Bella Vista, this is true for both our short-term and long-term residents. 

Misconception #3: Skilled nursing is only for the elderly

The reality: Although some skilled nursing facilities are centered only on long-term care for the elderly, that’s not true for all facilities. At Bella Vista, we provide long-term and short-term skilled nursing care for patients of all ages. Rehabilitative short-term care services at our San Diego nursing facility include pulmonary rehabilitation, wound care, and post-acute rehabilitation for brain injuries, amputations, orthopedic conditions, and more.

Misconception #4: A skilled nursing facility is the same as an assisted living facility

The reality: Assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities do both provide assistance with dressing, grooming, medication, meal preparation, and other aspects of daily living, but one significant difference between the two is the higher level of medical care available in a skilled nursing facility. The staff at assisted living facilities can only provide medication management and administration.  The staff at a skilled nursing facility, on the other hand, is able to provide medication as well as skilled nursing care and some medical treatment. 

Misconception #5: Skilled nursing facilities are sad places and residents are lonely

The reality: No one wants to think of their loved one living a lonely life in a sad place. Just the thought is heartbreaking.  But a visit to any reputable skilled nursing facility should help get that thought out of your head. At Bella Vista Health Center in particular, we’re considered among the best San Diego nursing facilities in part because of our holistic approach to wellness that addresses the mind, body, and spirit of each patient. We offer group outings, live music, yoga, and a number of other services and amenities that provide all of our residents with the highest possible quality of life. 

Looking for a skilled nursing facility in San Diego? 

You’ve come to the right place. At Bella Vista Health Center, we understand the importance of combining high quality care with high quality of life. Feel free to give us a call at (619) 644-1000 and schedule a visit to our recently remodeled 5-star facility in Lemon Grove today.  We know you’ll like what you see. 

Fun Activities to Do With Your Loved Ones in a Skilled Nursing Facility

If you have a loved one staying in a skilled nursing facility, especially a senior citizen receiving long-term care, then you probably know their wellbeing depends on family involvement. Family visits provide a variety of psychological benefits like positivity, encouragement, and hope, all of which have been proven to enhance overall health. But aside from joining a game of group bingo or catching up with the latest family news, you might not know how to spend your time during a visit. The best way to avoid boredom or awkwardness is to arrive with a plan (and supplies, if needed) for fun activities that will ensure visits are meaningful for your loved one—and you. Here are some suggestions:
 

Crafts
 

Making crafts and items by hand is a productive and creative way to spend time while socializing with your loved one. Try painting, knitting, leatherwork, stringing beaded necklaces, or making greeting cards. Working with various colors and textures is a great brain exercise, and the end products of your crafting sessions can be given away as gifts to other family members or nursing home residents. Another idea is to make seasonal or holiday-oriented decorations to brighten up your loved one’s room or common areas if the nursing facility allows it.
 

Games
 

Maintaining cognitive agility is important for aging loved ones, and board games and card games are a pleasurable way for seniors to socialize while keeping their minds sharp. Popular choices include Scrabble, Boggle, Monopoly, Sorry, Uno, and Gin or Gin Rummy. And if you want to add a physical element to your game time, consider investing in a Nintendo Wii, which is an easy, interactive gaming system that has become quite popular at nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities.
 

Mini Spa
 

Just because someone is retired doesn’t mean there’s no need to relax. Everyone can benefit from a rejuvenating trip to the spa, so why not bring a mini spa to your loved one? Try hand massages with scented lotions and manicures with fun nail polish colors or designs.  Aromatherapy candles or oil diffusers with calming scents such as lavender, chamomile, or vanilla will help create a relaxing atmosphere. 
 

Storytime
 

Even if you’re already close to your loved one, they probably have plenty of stories from their long life that you’ve never heard. Now is a great time to not only listen, but also to record their stories for other family members and future generations to cherish. Bring a simple digital recorder or use an app on your phone to collect precious memories and hilarious stories. Later, you might consider transcribing the recordings and printing them in a book through one of the several publishing-on-demand services available online.
 

Outings
 

Different nursing facilities have different policies regarding outings, but if your loved one is allowed and physically able to venture out, fresh air and new scenery can do wonders for their wellbeing. Suggestions include a walk in the park, lunch at a café, a visit to a museum, a drive through the countryside, or even a trip to the mall for some new clothes or accessories. Music concerts, plays, and movies are also great ideas, but regardless of where you go, the most important thing is the time you spend together and the new memories you create.
 

Fun activities every day of the week
 

At Bella Vista Health Center, we understand the importance of providing our long-term residents with a variety of stimulating and fun activities to keep their minds sharp and spirits up. At our skilled nursing facility in San Diego, we offer live music, group outings, birthday celebrations, yoga and meditation, and a variety of daily activities for the most comprehensive care possible. If you or a loved one is looking for the best skilled nursing facility in the area, give us a call (619) 644-1000 for a tour of our 5-Star rated facility.

Difference Between Short-Term Care and Long-Term Care

Despite portrayals in popular entertainment, skilled nursing facilities are not exclusively designed for senior citizens needing long-term care. Skilled nursing services cater to diverse medical needs and a variety of patients: active senior citizens recovering from knee replacement, older seniors with chronic medical conditions, or anyone (of any age) in need of physical therapy or wound care after a car accident, for example. 
For more information on the differences between short-term care and long-term care, as well as the skilled nursing services you can expect at Bella Vista Health Center, take a look below:

 

Difference Between Short Term Care & Long Term Care

Short-term care is temporary

As its name suggests, short-term care is temporary medical aftercare following a surgery, injury, illness, or other medical condition that is expected to improve. Services typically last several weeks or a few months, or sometimes longer depending on the severity of the condition being treated.

Short-term care is goal-oriented
 

For patients in need of rehabilitation services, short-term care aims to return them home as soon as medically possible. Physical therapy is designed to relieve pain, restore function and enhance health, while providing individualized treatment programs that can be continued at home. Occupational therapy strives to equip patients with the necessary skills—and often, customized tools—for proper self-care, such as dressing, personal hygiene, and cooking.

Short-term care provides medical and custodial services

In addition to wound care, the dispensing of medication, and rehab services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy (in the case of stroke), skilled nursing facilities also offer custodial care. Skilled nursing professionals help patients with dressing, bathing, using the restroom, eating, and mobility until the patient recovers their independence.

Long-term care provides skilled nursing services indefinitely

Long-term care is ideal for seniors or others with chronic or progressive medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, permanent disabilities, dementia, or a debilitating stroke, especially when the level of care exceeds what loved ones can provide on their own. Skilled nursing facilities are staffed 24/7 by medical professionals trained to deal with any health issues that might arise, giving loved ones and patients peace of mind.

Long-term care offers comprehensive treatment

Long-term care involves medical, therapeutic, and personal care services for those with physical or mental conditions that limit their ability to function independently. In addition to addressing medical needs, skilled nursing facility staff can assist with custodial care such as personal hygiene, eating, and getting in and out of beds and chairs. While rehabilitation services such as physical and occupational therapy are the cornerstones of short-term care, they are also offered to patients receiving long-term care in order to relieve pain and discomfort, and improve mobility and functionality as much as possible.

Long-term care includes a variety of amenities

Because long-term patients may spend years in skilled nursing facilities, many places offer a variety of amenities to make the facility a “home away from home.” Such amenities include fun social activities, salon services, local transportation services, financial management, and supportive services to address the psychological and emotional needs of patients and their loved ones.
 

5-star care in a 5-star facility
 

If you or a loved one is in need of short-term care or long-term care at a skilled nursing facility in San Diego, Bella Vista Health Center can help. Our 5-star rated facility offers the highest standard of care and the most comprehensive amenities, including free concierge service for our residents and daily activities that focus on the mind, body, and soul. If you have more questions about our services, call us at (619) 644-1000  or fill out our contact form to set up a tour of our beautifully remodeled Lemon Grove facility.

Facts about Skilled Nursing Facilities

Years ago, people who were hospitalized were typically only discharged after they fully recovered, but policies and practices have changed. Now, while some hospital patients go directly home to recuperate, others require a more involved recovery program. In these cases, patients are transferred to skilled nursing facilities.

In addition to providing follow-up care for patients leaving the hospital, skilled nursing facilities also provide long-term care for patients with ongoing medical conditions that require round-the-clock care. This is where some confusion arises about skilled nursing facilities particularly in comparison to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To help set the record straight, here are some facts about skilled nursing facilities:

What is skilled nursing care?

Skilled nursing care is a high level of medical care provided by trained professionals, including doctors, registered nurses, and physical, speech, and occupational therapists. These services are available for short-term rehabilitation from an illness or injury, or long-term for patients who need frequent medical and custodial care. Skilled nursing care addresses:

• General wound care: cleaning wounds and administering antibiotics for infection

• Acute medical conditions: medical care for illnesses, infections, or injuries that threatens the patient’s health

• General rehabilitation: speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy and other services to help patients recover after an extended illness or operation

• Custodial care: helping patients with needs like bathing, dressing and eating.

• Stroke recovery: rehabilitation therapy to help patients regain motor skills and speech functions

• Parkinson’s disease care: specific care required for advanced Parkinson’s cases

• Terminal illness care: services for people living with terminal illness and requiring custodial care and medical care

Who needs skilled nursing care?

Patients might need short-term skilled nursing care if they don’t have enough help at home to recover after hospitalization, or if they have surgical wounds that require frequent attention. Short-term skilled nursing care is also ideal for patients who need physical, occupational, or speech therapy following surgery or an illness. Long-term skilled nursing care is needed when residents have chronic medical conditions that need constant monitoring and treatment.

What is the difference between skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes?

Nursing homes are long-term care facilities for people, usually senior citizens, who need round-the-clock supervision, but the care provided is more custodial in nature than medical. Some of the daily activities or services provided include helping patients in and out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, eating, and minor medical care such as help with medications. Their range of care is limited. 

Skilled nursing facilities provide care by medical doctors, registered nurses, and licensed therapists. They also offer pharmaceutical, laboratory, and radiology services. Skilled nursing facilities provide a full spectrum of services for those in need of both short- and long-term care. 

What is the difference between skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities?

Assisted living facilities usually have a nurse or other medical professional on staff, but the facilities are geared toward senior citizens who are able to maintain independence and care for themselves, with limited medical assistance. 

Skilled nursing facilities, on the other hand, are equipped to provide services for those who maintain a high level of independence as well as those who need a higher level of care. Skilled nursing facilities also provide both short- and long-term medical care for patients recovering from injuries or illnesses, whereas assisted living facilities focus mainly on assistance with daily activities. 

What amenities are offered at skilled nursing facilities?

One common myth about skilled nursing facilities is that they provide medical care and little else in the way of amenities. But this is just not true. Many skilled nursing facilities operate with the clear understanding that recovery works best when short- and long-term care serves the mind, body and spirit. At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer a variety of fun activities such as live music and group outings, plus yoga and meditation, salon services, and free concierge service for our residents. We also help residents with social services, dental and vision services, and discharge planning if needed.

Let us care for you

If you are seeking a skilled nursing facility in San Diego, you’ve come to the right place. At Bella Vista Health Center, we’re dedicated to creating a warm, welcome environment in our newly remodeled 5-star facility where all our patients feel comfortable and cared for. Our recovery programs are customized to each individual patient, and we do everything we can to ensure the highest possible quality of life for everyone who comes through our doors. To learn more about our services or schedule a tour, call us today at (619) 644-1000 or fill out our form fill.

7 Tips for Choosing a Rehab Facility

Choosing a rehabilitation center where your loved one can recover from an injury or illness is an important decision. The facility you decide on will play a major role in how quickly your family member rehabilitates back to their personal best, as well as the quality of care he or she receives along the way.

There are many rehab facilities in San Diego that offer similar services, which can make choosing one a difficult task. How can you tell which rehabilitation centers will provide the compassionate, high-quality care your family member needs, and which ones won’t? As you consider your options, the following criteria will help you choose the best facility for a safe, comfortable, and therapeutic recovery. 

1. Choose a licensed and certified facility.

When searching for a rehabilitation center, limit your searches to those with state licensure and certification by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid; these serve as important indicators of the quality of care a facility provides. Look for a facility with a four or five star rating.

2. Determine whether patients receive customized treatment plans.

No two patients’ road to recovery is the same, so avoid rehabilitation centers that use a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. The plan of care should be developed by an interdisciplinary team of medical specialists with input from the patient and his or her caregivers.

3. Consider cost and whether your family’s health insurance is accepted.

Ask each rehabilitation center about how billing is handled. To ease the financial burden, limit your options to facilities that accept Medicare/Medi-Cal or the private insurance coverage your loved one carries.

4. Tour facilities in person to evaluate the atmosphere and lifestyle.

Take a tour of each of the rehabilitation centers on your list and ask to see patient rooms and common spaces. Make a mental note of the cleanliness, comfort, and privacy, and inquire about social events, activities, and access to religious services.

5. Look for a facility with medical staff available 24/7.

Having a board certified physician on-site and available at all times is a good indicator that a rehabilitation center has its patients’ safety and wellbeing at top of mind. 

6. Consider the type of rehabilitation your loved one needs. 

Whether your family member requires physical therapy following back surgery or speech therapy after a stroke, be sure the facility you choose offers the type of rehabilitation he or she requires with staff who are specially trained to help patients in these areas.

7. Inquire about how much therapy the patient will receive.

The best rehab facilities in San Diego will provide between one and three hours of therapy each day, spread out at different times. The therapy should be progressive as the patient gains strength and focus on specific goals for functionality and independence.

If your loved one is in the hospital, you may be tasked with making medical decisions on their behalf. Among them will be deciding where to send him or her for rehabilitation following release. Bella Vista Health Center makes this choice an easy one. 

Our five-star rated rehabilitation center offers customized programs of care tailored to each patient’s individual needs. During their stay, patients enjoy comfortable accommodations at our recently remodeled facility, 24-hour access to medical staff, and added perks like delicious meals, social activities, local transportation, and salon services. 

Visit our location in Lemon Grove to see for yourself how Bella Vista Health Center can help rehabilitate your loved one back to his or her personal best.  Give us a call at (619) 644-1000  or fill out our form fill to schedule a tour. 

How to Find The Best Assisted Living Facility

The decision to move your loved one into assisted living is never an easy one. Many seniors are reluctant to give up their freedom and the comforts of home. Even in an ideal situation, where your loved one chooses to make the move to assisted living, grief and feelings of loss are common. 

The best assisted living facilities will be sensitive to the emotional upheaval such a life change can cause for an aging adult, and do everything they can to make the transition into long-term care smooth and comfortable. In addition to a compassionate intake staff, there are a few other things to look for that distinguish the best assisted living facilities in San Diego from the rest. 

A comfortable, welcoming atmosphere

First impressions are important. Walking into a facility, does it feel like home? Some people prefer a cozy, quiet environment, while others enjoy a large, busy place buzzing with social activities. Request a tour of the resident rooms and common areas. Whatever your loved one’s personal preference, the facility should also be safe, secure, clean, and well maintained. 

Attentive providers and professionals

The best assisted living facilities staff warm, caring providers and professionals who go above and beyond to ensure each resident feels his or her future will be provided for. Are these people genuinely friendly, and do they take time to speak with you? Observe how they interact with current residents. If caretakers appear stressed or overwhelmed, you may want to take your search elsewhere.

Resident safety is top priority

Look for an assisted living facility with skilled nursing staff and a physician on-site 24 hours a day. As you tour the premises, take note of whether the entrances and exits are secured, if the hallways have handrails, and whether the doorways are wide enough to accommodate a walker or wheelchair. A sprinkler system, smoke detectors, and an emergency call system in the resident rooms are essential.

Delicious and healthy meals

The best assisted living facilities work with a registered dietitian to offer a variety of menu options that are delicious and accommodate the changing dietary needs of aging adults. Ask to see the menu and sample the facility’s food; inquire as to how many meals and snacks residents receive each day. Can residents choose when they eat, or are there designated meal times? 

Access to rehabilitation services

Even if your loved one is healthy today, it’s comforting to know that the assisted living facility you choose offers rehabilitation programs on-site if the need arises. Services to look for include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Be sure to ask about how treatment plans are customized to each resident’s needs.

A wide variety of social activities

Top assisted living facilities acknowledge the importance of socialization for aging adults. Is there a monthly events calendar posted? As you tour the facility, look for current residents engaged in activity. Do they appear happy? Off-site outings, birthday and holiday celebrations, religious services, and visitor hours are all things to inquire about on your tour.

Selecting an assisted living facility is a big decision, and one that will have a significant impact on your loved one’s health and happiness. At Bella Vista Health Center, we make the transition to long-term care as smooth as possible by providing a comfortable and nurturing atmosphere for all residents. With attentive staff, advanced safety measures, appetizing and healthy meals, rehabilitation programs and ample opportunities for socializing, we offer residents the compassionate care and quality of life you expect from one of the best assisted living facilities in San Diego.

Give us a call at (619) 644-1000  or fill out our form fill to schedule a tour of our recently remodeled, 5-star facility in Lemon Grove. You’re going to love what you see.

What are Post-Acute Care Services?

Decades ago, someone suffering a medical emergency such as an accident or sudden illness would spend a considerable amount of time in the hospital recovering after surgery or treatment. Modern healthcare costs have made extensive hospital stays unfeasible, but for most patients in this type of situation, quick recovery is unrealistic. 

As a skilled nursing facility in San Diego, we at Bella Vista Health Center help fill in the gap by offering post-acute care services to address patients in need of specialized follow-up care. Here’s an overview of post-acute care services, and how we can help.

Which conditions can be treated with post-acute care?

The conditions treated with San Diego post acute care services include—but are not limited to—strokes, pulmonary diseases, orthopedic fractures, hip fracture/replacement, knee or other joint replacement, cardiac or respiratory ailments, severe wounds, and post-tracheostomy recovery.  

What is the goal of post-acute care?

San Diego Post Acute Rehabilitation providers treat major health episodes through therapeutic, rehabilitative or skilled nursing services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, along with basic medical care. Although the main goals for post-acute care are stabilization and recovery, providers also address self-care tasks for improved mobility and pain management, and offer tools and strategies to prevent further complications. And while providers allow patients to recover at their own pace, they also strive to help patients regain their independence and return home as soon as possible. 

Who provides post-acute care services?

Entities that provide post-acute care services include transitional care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care providers. Skilled nursing facilities such as Bella Vista Health Center offer post-acute care from a full spectrum of professional healthcare providers including physicians, registered nurses, certified therapists, social workers, and support staff.

What do skilled nursing facilities offer in addition to post-acute care?

Skilled nursing facilities strive to help patients recover in the most comfortable and supportive setting possible, which is why many offer custom care plans and amenities such as pharmacy services, individualized meal plans, transportation services, and patient/family training and education. Many skilled nursing facilities also offer planned activities, social functions, and outings when possible to heal the spirit as well as the body.

What are the benefits of post-acute care?

Full recovery at an individualized pace is the primary benefit of post-acute care services, but it’s not the only one. Studies have shown that patients receiving post-acute care after a major health episode see greater and more rapid clinical improvements compared to patients discharged to their homes. Also, coordination between hospitals and post-acute care providers helps to reduce readmissions to the hospital.

Post-acute care services you can count on

At Bella Vista Health Center, our highly skilled and reliable staff includes internal physicians, critical care physicians, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychiatrists, and registered dieticians.  The compassion and reliability of our team are just a couple of reasons our patients feel comfortable, safe, and ready to focus on recovery. 

If you have recently suffered a medical emergency and are in need of post-acute care services in San Diego, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 to tour our beautiful, recently remodeled 5-star skilled nursing facility, or fill out our contact form.

What is a Skilled Nursing Facility?

When you’re in the process of making complex healthcare decisions, the last thing you need is to get tangled up in confusing terms and vague definitions. In particular, trying to determine the right choice of living facility for your loved one becomes a frustrating experience if you’re unclear about the difference between a skilled nursing facility and a nursing home. While the two types of facilities have some similarities, there are crucial differences that patients and caregivers need to know when discussing healthcare options. Here’s an overview of what defines a skilled nursing facility and what kind of services and care you can expect:

Patients remain under medical care

At a skilled nursing facility, services are provided by medical doctors, registered nurses, and licensed physical and occupational therapists. In addition to medical care, skilled nursing facilities also offer pharmaceutical, laboratory, and radiology services. 

Nursing homes, in contrast, may have certified professional health care workers on staff, but they are more often run by charitable and private organizations, and don’t provide the full spectrum of care that a skilled nursing facility does.

Short-term and long-term care 

While most people assume skilled nursing facilities are designed primarily for long-term senior care, they address a wide variety of medical conditions that require short- or long-term care. Other services provided by skilled nursing facilities include:

• Stroke recovery

• Parkinson’s care

• Terminal illness care

• Rehabilitation after surgery or illness

Comprehensive rehabilitation services

For patients requiring short-term care, skilled nursing facilities offer comprehensive rehabilitation following surgery or an extended illness. Rehabilitation care includes physical therapy to restore strength and balance, occupational therapy to improve everyday independence, and speech therapy to address communication issues after a stroke or other brain injury. learn more about our Stroke rehabilitation program in San Diego

Custodial care provided

Skilled nursing facilities are ideal for long-term custodial care for seniors who need around-the-clock nursing care for medical conditions or close supervision when dementia is a concern. Other services for seniors include assistance with meals, medication, personal hygiene, getting in and out of bed, and other daily activities. These services are typically provided at nursing homes as well, but the primary caregivers are certified nursing aids. At a skilled nursing facility, these services are provided by skilled, licensed professionals. 

Skilled nursing facilities are licensed and regulated

One of the main differences between skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes is that the former is licensed and regulated by the state’s Department of Health Services, while the latter is not. Some of the requirements for licensing include adequate staff and equipment to provide skilled nursing care, along with a transfer agreement in place with hospitals in the event a patient needs emergency care. Licensing is also required for a facility to be certified by Medicare and Medicaid.

Skilled nursing facilities offer a variety of social activities

In an effort to distinguish themselves from “impersonal” hospital settings, many skilled nursing facilities offer a variety of social activities to keep residents active and raise their spirits. Activities can include birthday celebrations, live music, organized games, art classes, yoga, and even group outings. Social opportunities are especially important for patients receiving long-term care because they are vulnerable to feelings of isolation and disconnection.  

Are you looking for a skilled nursing facility in San Diego?

At Bella Vista Health Center, we strive to create a comfortable and nurturing atmosphere where residents and guests feel informed and safe. Our 5-Star rated facility was recently remodeled and features the highest quality care plus perks like free concierge service, salon services, local transportation, nutritious and culturally diverse meals, and social activities that focus on the mind, body and spirit. We welcome you to stop by our location in Lemon Grove today. Or give us a call at (619) 399-7920 for more information about the services we provide. 

We look forward to hearing from you. 

8 Benefits of Living in a Nursing Facility

One of the most complicated decisions in an adult’s life involves the transition from living independently at home to moving into an assisted living facility when full autonomy is no longer feasible or safe. Much of the stress stems from the idea of change and the fear of a loss of independence. But for many people, the transition turns out to be an extremely beneficial one. Take a look at these 8 benefits of living in a nursing facility:

1. Help with daily tasks

One of the main reasons seniors are unable to live on their own is the increasing difficulty of completing basic tasks such as bathing, dressing, administering medicine, and running errands. Nursing facilities provide assistance in these tasks and many more, relieving seniors of a burden that causes unnecessary stress.

2. Balanced stimulation

When a senior is living alone at home, boredom and lack of cognitive and physical stimulation can have a severely negative effect on their overall health. Conversely, a senior who moves in with their adult children and young grandchildren can experience overwhelming stimulation that’s equally negative to their health. Nursing facilities, on the other hand, assess residents’ capabilities and adjust their environment for the right amount of stimuli for optimal mental and physical health.

3. Active socialization

Aside from boredom, one of the primary emotional burdens of living alone is loneliness. Even seniors who live with family are often removed from regular socialization with their peers. Nursing facilities are jam-packed with fun, organized events to encourage a robust social network, and participating in such activities has been proven to stave off depression in older adults and offer other overall health benefits as well.

4. Housekeeping services

Even if your loved one is fiercely independent in their own home, hardly anyone would balk at the idea of never having to scrub a toilet again. Nursing facility staff takes care of all cleaning duties and laundry services—just like at a hotel—leaving seniors free to fill their time with activities, social experiences, and relaxation.

5. Food preparation

Between arthritis, weakened eyesight, and occasional forgetfulness, cooking meals can be a difficult—and sometimes dangerous—responsibility for seniors, even when cooking for one. Ensuring that they’re getting sufficient nutrition is also a challenge, which is why nursing facilities provide meals and snacks throughout the day and have dieticians on staff to ensure residents are getting the most out of each meal.

6. Safe environment

Even with minor home modifications, living alone can be very unsafe for seniors. Nursing facilities offer a thoroughly safe environment with grab bars, emergency call boxes, properly functioning smoke detectors and other safety equipment. Round-the-clock supervision also helps prevent against injuries, financial abuse, and other types of fraud, which seniors are particularly vulnerable to when living independently.

7. On-site health care

Nursing facility residents and their families have peace of mind with on-site health care services and 24-hour health monitoring services. While many seniors still choose to see their regular off-site doctor for non-emergency appointments, facility staff can help with daily administration of prescriptions, emergency medical treatment, and general health advice when needed. 

8. Specialized health care

Seniors with serious health conditions will find a level of care at nursing facilities far beyond what they would have on their own or living with family. In addition to providing care for people with conditions such as Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, cancer, and diabetes, many nursing facilities offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to promote a high quality of life and overall wellbeing.

Transition can be a wonderful thing. Let us help make sure it is.

At Bella Vista Health Center, we provide top-notch service and care, offering residents a comfortable, safe, and therapeutic experience in our recently remodeled 5-star facility in Lemon Grove. If you or a loved one is looking into making the transition from independent to assisted living, come visit us or contact us for more information on the services we offer.

The Importance of the Caregiver / Patient Relationship

Caregiver / Patient Relationship

Being a caregiver to seniors or people with illnesses or injuries that require assistance means more than taking care of medical-related tasks and helping out around the house. It is a relationship that can have a significant influence on the patient’s quality of life. Finding someone to care for you or your loved one should involve careful consideration and thorough research. And while extensive experience and glowing references are valuable, the right choice in caregiver comes down to their ability to forge a strong relationship with the patient. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Trust and security

Some patients are not thrilled with the idea of assistance even if they know it’s needed, so they might accept the bare minimum of help, especially when it comes to personal care needs such as dressing or bathing. But when a patient develops trust in their caregiver, they are usually more receptive to receiving the help they need. Additionally, stress and discomfort can negatively affect recovery efforts and quality of life, so it’s vital that seniors and patients feel safe and secure in their surroundings.

2. Social stimulation

If a senior or patient is confined to home or a care facility, socialization can be limited. A positive relationship with a caregiver can make a huge difference in a patient’s companionship needs, and not just from an emotional standpoint. Talking, playing cards or board games, making crafts, and other activities provide important mental stimulation, especially for seniors.

3. Open communication

For various reasons—including shyness, fear, denial, or a private personality—some seniors or patients might be hesitant to share health or other concerns with their caregiver. A strong relationship with a caregiver can open up lines of communication so the patient is more willing to discuss concerns that could lead to further health complications or emotional distress if not addressed. This aspect of the caregiver relationship is especially crucial if the senior or patient doesn’t have close relationships with family members or isn’t particularly communicative with their doctor.

4. Health benefits

It’s well known that patients who need short-term care due to an injury or illness can recover faster if they are not burdened by stress, emotional discomfort, or social isolation. But beyond that, researchers have found that patients with dementia score better on functional and cognitive tests when they receive personalized, positive care. So while compassionate caregivers aren’t quite cures for disease, they might be the next best thing.

Compassionate caregiving is our top priority

At Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we understand the importance of strong caregiver relationships, and our staff is skilled and experienced in the art of love. We make it a point to get to know our patients, to spend time with them, and to create healthy bonds that support recovery and a high quality of life. We offer both top-notch medical care and stimulating socialization to meet the needs of all our patients and residents. If you have questions about the services we provide or you want to schedule a tour of our 5-star skilled nursing facility, call (619) 399-7920 today.