Moving From Assisted Living to Nursing Homes

Some people use the terms “nursing home” and “assisted living” interchangeably, but these are very different facilities offering different levels of care. An assisted living facility generally offers active seniors a safe living environment in a community setting but with private quarters. They receive regular wellness checks, enroll in meal plans, and have access…

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Depression and Mental Health in Assisted Living

Aging is not an easy process for anyone. As life expectancy increases due to healthcare advances, more and more people are living longer and enjoying more time with their family, friends, and favorite activities. Sadly, the “golden years” also commonly involve comorbidities, mobility problems, and complex medication regimens that make it difficult or dangerous…

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What Are the Stages of Bedsores?

Bedsores cause more than just pain and scarring, they can also lead to infection, sepsis, and death, especially in elderly nursing home residents and those with compromised immunity. Bedsores—or pressure sores—develop in patients, paralyzed individuals, or nursing home residents with mobility problems. Recognizing and promptly addressing bedsores with appropriate medical treatment is essential to…

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At What Age Is It Considered Elder Abuse?

The nation’s elderly residents deserve high-quality care with compassion and respect for their human dignity. Sadly, as many as one in five elders reported abuse between 2020 and 2022. This spike in abuse cases occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic while reporting in previous years showed abuse rates at one in ten elderly Americans. The…

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How to Prevent Nursing Home Injuries 

Our nation’s elderly are vulnerable to life-altering impacts when they suffer injuries. Sadly, a hip fracture often leads to a serious decline in overall health due to the need for surgery, immobilization, and decreased independence. Falls are the most common cause of nursing home injuries and the second-leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, largely…

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How to Choose the Right Nursing Home

As families, we care for our elderly family members for as long as possible, but often a time comes when their care needs exceed the family’s capabilities. That’s when families either turn to their elderly loved one’s pre-chosen nursing home facility plan or begin seeking a nursing home to care for their family member….

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The Seven Forms of Elder Abuse

Our aging loved ones are entitled to more than just the basics of care, they also deserve compassion and respect for their human dignity. Nursing home caregivers and others who care for the elderly have the duty to provide diligent care, humane treatment, and respect for the individual’s feelings and sense of well-being. During…

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Common Elder-Fraud Scams

Elderly citizens are vulnerable to fraud and scams, with results costing an estimated $2.9 billion in annual losses. In addition, authorities believe these losses are underreported because many elderly scam victims are too embarrassed or ashamed to report their losses. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the overwhelming majority of fraud…

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Can a Nursing Home Evict a Resident for Refusing Medical Treatment?

Nursing homes must follow Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations guaranteeing protection of a resident’s rights. Those rights include the right to safety, humane treatment, and the protection of their human dignity. Under these guidelines, there are only six reasons a nursing home can evict a resident. If a nursing home facility…

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Nursing Home Visitation Rights

Nursing homes exist to provide skilled care for elderly residents who are no longer able to care for themselves without assistance or whose care needs exceed the ability of their families. A nursing home provides 24-hour care, seven days per week for residents. The vast majority of nursing home residents have Medicare or Medicaid…

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