By Rachel Reed
I come from a family of nurses, so when Nursing Appreciation Week comes around every year, my heart is already full of thankfulness and gratitude for nurses. I can look back on my earliest memories of my grandmother, Sally Ryland, in her white nurse uniform, digging through her bag for Campho Phenique, which she put on any of my scratches and sores–it was her go-to, her cure-all, along with Vick’s VapoRub.
Sally, my Granny, began her nursing education at age 26 and graduated from UCLA with an A.S. In Nursing at age 28. After that, she worked at a convalescent center for a year, from 1965-1966. Granny was then hired by Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles as a floor nurse, where she worked from 1967-1969. She moved to Fresno in 1969 and worked as a floor nurse, charge nurse, and House Supervisor at Sierra Community Hospital. After that, she worked at the new Kaiser Permanente built in Fresno. She ran the ICU and also worked as the House Supervisor. Following that position, she went to work at Fresno Community Hospital in the Renaissance Adolescent Center from 1986 until she retired in 1996. Granny worked as an RN for 30 years, from 1966-1996. During that time, she also obtained her B.S. and Master’s Degree at Fresno State and was a licensed LFMT and Certified Drug & Alcohol Counselor. Granny worked many weekends and evening shifts, from 3-11 pm, for years while working on her other degrees, licensing, and certifications.
Not only do I have her legacy of nursing, but I have that of her sisters, as well. Aunt Becky and Aunt Alta were both RN’s. Aunt Janice and Aunt Bernetta were both CNA’s. Aunt Cathy was an LVN. Gran’s daughter, my Aunt Laura, is a retired RN. My own sister, Rebecca, is a nationally certified oncology nurse.
My family of nurses has taught me so many things. First of all, a good nurse is a caring nurse. Nurses are hardworking, intelligent, fast-thinking, and honorable. A good nurse is worth more than any hospital can pay her. She is, in fact, worth more than diamonds or rubies, any precious metals, luxury hotels, or vehicles. A good nurse deserves more than we can offer her, so treat her well. Respect her. Listen to her. Give her your time and attention–she knows what she is talking about, and she has something to say. A good nurse is where I come from. If I didn’t pass out at the sight of blood, I would probably be one.
To all of the nurses out there–I see you and I honor you this week.
To my family of nurses–I thank God for your loving care every single day, and for the legacy of love I have because of you. Thank you.
We have an important update to share regarding one of our co-founders, David Reed. After much consideration, David has decided to accept a new opportunity with a healthcare organization in the hospice field. While we’re thrilled for him as he takes this next step, we want to be completely transparent about what this change means for Assured Senior Living Solutions.
With David stepping into his new role, he will no longer make senior living referrals through Assured Senior Living Solutions. This helps maintain transparency and ensures there is no overlap with his hospice responsibilities. We take compliance and ethical standards very seriously, and David’s new role will be completely separate from our operations.
Rachel Reed will now be the main point of contact and the driving force behind Assured Senior Living Solutions. She has always been a dedicated partner and will continue providing the same compassionate, personalized guidance our clients have come to expect. We remain committed to helping families navigate senior care options with integrity and heart.
At Assured Senior Living Solutions, our priority remains the same—to guide you in finding the best possible care for your loved ones. As David embarks on his new journey, we thank you for your ongoing trust and support. We wish him well as he dedicates himself to helping families in a different capacity.
If you have any questions or concerns about this transition, please feel free to reach out. We’re here to ensure a smooth experience for all our clients and partners.
When exploring senior care options, time is a critical factor to consider. Understanding the differences between residential care facilities and assisted living facilities is key to making the best decision for your loved one.
Residential care facilities, often referred to as board and care or 6-bed care homes, typically have a license to accommodate only up to six residents at a time. This smaller setting can offer a more intimate and personalized level of care but may limit your options based on location, care requirements, and budget. On the other hand, larger assisted living facilities have a higher likelihood of having availability to meet your needs at any given time, offering more flexibility in senior care options.
When it comes to Alzheimer’s, the timing of transitioning your loved one into a care facility can be particularly challenging. The decision often revolves around safety—both for the person with Alzheimer’s and their caregiver. Critical questions include: Can the caregiver continue providing safe home care? Is the home environment safe for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia? Does your loved one require a secured and controlled environment, or specialized memory care and activities?
It's also essential to consider your loved one's ability to adapt to a new living environment. Waiting too long might make the transition more challenging. Regardless of when you decide to make the move, it’s crucial to approach the process with patience and seek support from others.
Assisted living facilities offer a wide range of care levels, from residents who are mostly independent to those requiring significant assistance. One advantage of moving to an assisted living facility while your loved one is still relatively independent is the potential for lower initial costs. Additionally, the staff can get to know the resident in every stage of life, which helps build strong relationships and ensures continuity of care. However, it’s important to note that senior care options in assisted living facilities might be more limited if your loved one needs a high level of care at the time of admission.
Residential care homes, or 6-bed care homes, provide a more intimate setting, which can be ideal for individuals who require a higher level of care. These homes offer a variety of living arrangements, including private rooms with private bathrooms, private rooms, or shared rooms. This type of environment might be better suited for someone who is advanced in the aging process and requires more individualized attention.
The best time to explore senior care options and transition your loved one into an assisted care facility is before a major health crisis occurs. If your loved one requires increased oversight, is having more accidents, or experiencing frequent falls, it may be time to consider moving to a care facility before a significant health issue arises. As mentioned earlier, if it’s no longer safe for your loved one to stay at home, it’s time to look into appropriate senior care options. Learn more about senior living options here.
Don't wait until a crisis arises. Contact us today for a free consultation and personalized guidance on the right time and care setting for your family’s needs. Let us help you make the best decision for your loved one's future. Give us a call at (559) 283-2576 today.
We're very excited to share that The Business Journal in Fresno recently published an Executive Profile highlighting Rachel Reed. Visit the link here to view the full issue.
Please join us on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, and connect with us over lunch! Learn more about Assured Senior Living Solutions & Meet the owners David and Rachel Reed!
Date: 8/16/22 Time: 11:45 (after The Aging Network Meeting)
Location: The Hyatt Place on Coffee Road
Please make sure to RSVP! Lunch will be provided.
Don't miss the official launch party celebrating Assured Nursing Solutions on April 7th at 4 p.m. This event will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott at 1450 Shaw Avenue in Clovis. The Ribbon Cutting is scheduled at 4:30 p.m.
When you’re caring for someone who takes prescriptions, it’s important to establish good habits and medication practices. As you observe changing behaviors in your loved one, it’s easy to overlook something as simple as medication.
Consider the following suggestions for routine medication practices.
Establish a trusted doctor relationship
Regular visits to the doctor help ensure that the proper medication is being used, the correct dosages are being given and that there are no contradictions with the various prescriptions (such as two medications that counteract one another).
If you have questions or concerns about the medications that are prescribed, ask the doctor for clarification. Be sure to also understand functions, and side-effects of all prescriptions.
Storage and handling
Make sure all medication is locked away, out of reach of small children and other vulnerable people and pets. Always keep the labels on the pill bottles and double check to make sure the label matches the drug and dose that was prescribed.
It’s also important to review storage instructions as each medication could have different requirements. Be sure to read and follow instructions for refrigeration, light, moisture, etc. If medications aren’t stored properly, their effectiveness may be jeopardized.
If you’re loved one is independent, you may determine they are capable of handling their own medications. With dementia, however, they may confuse medications, or the instructions for taking them. It’s a good idea to manage the medications for your loved one and to regulate their administration.
While pill boxes may be an effective practice for some, people with dementia may confuse what day it is and fail to take their medications, or wind up taking them twice. If you are going to use weekly pill boxes, make sure you are helping to ensure proper doses are taken on appropriate days.
Follow instructions
It’s important to always take medications as prescribed. If you don’t, you could risk their being ineffective. Or worse, improper administration could be harmful. Serve a small snack if food is recommended. Use calendars, alarms or other devises as reminders. If you own a smart phone or tablet, for instance, set an alarm to alert your loved one when it’s time to take their medication.
When reviewing instructions, it’s a good idea to also check expiration dates. If medications are outdated, or no longer in use, talk to the prescriber for proper disposal.
Disposal
Old practices, may no longer be best practices. Medication should not be trashed or flushed down the toilet, but rather taken to drop-off sites. Talk to your doctor about disposal sites near you.
Up-to-date lists
Always carry a list of the medications your loved one takes. In case of an emergency it’s important that first responders have this information in addition to any allergies. This will also prove to be helpful at your doctor visits. Ensure the list is always up to date and present when you are away from home. But also keep a master list at the house for anyone who helps to provide care in your absence.
Clarity is key when it comes to medication practices. Whenever there is uncertainty, don’t hesitate to question prescribers, pharmacists and other professionals so you are equipped to provide the best care.
Contributed by Leah Bigham
Contact us if you have questions about your loved one's medication management and we can refer you to sources of help or advice.
Because we know how easy it is to become isolated and experience loneliness or even depression, we have compiled a list of activities that are accessible for the entire family—adults, kids and seniors. We tried to find activities that are free or are low cost in the Fresno/Clovis area.
Movies: The movie theatre off Shaw and Villa in Clovis has great ease of access and is only $3, all day, every day. Movies are a GREAT option during our extreme summer heat. Check out their web site for a list of current showings:
Farmer’s Markets: There are several excellent local farmer’s markets that provide opportunities for entertainment, exercise and amazingly fresh food. Additionally, it’s a wonderful opportunity to give back and support local businesses. Check out their web sites for more information:
Old Town CLovis: Friday nights and Saturday mornings http://oldtownclovis.org/farmers-market
Vineyard Farmer’s Market: Wednesday’s and Saturday’s http://www.vineyardfarmersmarket.com/
Riverpark Farmer’s market: Tuesday’s
https://www.riverparkfm.com/
For a taste of local history and culture, check out:
Forestiere Underground Gardens
http://www.undergroundgardens.com/
Meux Home Museum
http://meuxhomemuseum.org/
Fresno ArtHop
http://fresnoartscouncil.org/
Concerts at Sierra Vista Mall
https://www.sierravistamall.com/event/sierra-nights-live-summer-concert-series/2145505718/
This list is in no way comprehensive—in fact, we’ve just touched on a few local opportunities for socialization with the whole family. If you have additional suggestions, please email us at rreed@assuredsls.com, or comment below. If you try out any of these events/activities, please let us know what you loved best!
Minimizing Sleep Disruptions
People with Alzheimer’s Disease often have trouble sleeping through the night. There are some things we as caregivers can do to encourage uninterrupted rest.
Bedtime routine
Much like getting your loved one ready for the day, it’s important to develop a bedtime routine. If they fall asleep after an episode of confusion or agitation, their chance of waking before morning is likely to increase. Routines are essential to minimizing stress, agitation, confusion and disorientation. A standard bedtime routine may include the basics such as a nutritious meal, medication maintenance, a change of clothes and a trip to the restroom. You may also want to include one of the following types of activities to personalize their routine:
• Watch an episode of their favorite TV show
• Read a book
• Tend to the needs of pets or small children they care about
• Enjoy a cup of caffeine-free tea or coffee
• Start/complete a crossword puzzle
When considering what to include, reflect on their lifelong traditions. They will likely enjoy adopting the same types of activities. Try to begin their routine about the same time every night.
A lack of activity during the day, could cause restlessness in the evening. It is important to incorporate exercise and activity throughout the day, being careful not to wear them out too early. Consider a daily exercise routine, outings or hobbies like gardening. Discourage naps, or limit them if you can.
Reassurance
Individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia need constant reassurance throughout the day and nighttime is no exception. While some will insist on an independent trip to their bedroom, others may desire company. To respect their privacy and independence offer your assistance.
Before you turn the lights out, assure them that you are available if they need anything and that you will see them in the morning to minimize concerns that they will be left alone.
Cultivate a safe and comfortable environment
To create a comfortable environment, remember the five senses. Ensure they don’t go to bed hungry, for instance, by offering a light snack before bedtime.
Is it too loud in the next room? Its it too quiet? Consider turning down your television set and hush small children at play. Or if they prefer noise, offer soothing music to help them relax.
Are the blankets on the bed too heavy? Is it warm enough? Are their pajamas too confining? Observe your loved one’s reactions to their environment and try correcting the things that pose frustrations.
Make sure hallways and rooms are equipped with night lights to help navigate through the darkness. Complete darkness could increase the chances of falls or injuries, but it may also spark fear and confusion if they can’t see their surroundings.
Investing in a monitor will allow you to observe your loved one’s activities in the middle of the night. These devices can help to minimize the number of times you intervene and increase their chances of getting back to sleep. If you need to intervene, gently remind them that it’s not time to get up and help them back to bed. Again, confirm that they’re comfortable and reassure them that you will be there when they wake in the morning.
Medication & Doctor’s Visits
Though you may want to delay medication as long as possible, sometimes there are underlying issues that need temporary attention. An early visit to the doctor could reveal unforeseen issues that your loved one may not be able to communicate.
Disruptions in sleep patterns can be a result of a urinary tract infection, for instance. Medical attention could minimize, if not eliminate multiple sleep disruptions. A lack of sleep could also indicate necessary changes to current medications he/she may be taking. Involve the professionals in these decisions to encourage uninterrupted sleep.
Remember, there is no guarantee to get them to sleep through the night. But you will rest better, knowing you’ve done what you can by keeping these suggestions in mind. And once you find something that works, be flexible, knowing their preferences can change as the disease progresses.
Contributed by Leah Bigham
It’s not uncommon for caregivers to get caught up in the task of taking care of their loved one and altogether forget about their own needs. The problem with this is layered, but at its core, caregivers can’t properly care for someone if their needs aren’t being met first.
It may sound selfish on the surface, but taking time out for yourself is the best thing you can do for your loved one. Without self-care, you risk over-exerting yourself, which is common for caregivers. And they often do so without even realizing it. It’s imperative to replenish the energies that are depleted in the caregiving process. Without this important respite, caregivers have little left to offer and their caregiving efforts fall short at the expense of their loved one.
Some of the indicators that you aren’t getting the care you need will show in the form of stress, depression, feelings of being overwhelmed, anxiety, fatigue and burnout. If you have reached this point in caregiving, you may come off as short, detached, stressed, and even annoyed to your loved one.
People who suffer from dementia are already prone to these types of symptoms. When you become subject to them, too, it can easily intensify their stress and agitation.
Taking the time to meet your own needs—be it down time, entertainment, a break from the mundane, ordering food in, or simply taking a bath—could alleviate these types of tensions for you both.
Here are a few ideas to take time for yourself as they relate to caregiving:
In addition to meeting your personal needs, it’s important that you are constantly learning new insights to the task at hand. Connect with your community resources to see what is available in the way of education. Take advantage of these resources and carve out the time you need to participate in them.
Connect with Assured Senior Living Solutions to learn about these types of resources:
In addition to the community resources, don’t be afraid to lean on your own family and friends for relief. If they make themselves available and you are in need of a break, don’t hesitate to take them up on the offer.
It has been observed that caregivers’ health will suffer in the shadow of their dedication to caring for their loved one, if they neglect taking care of themselves. For your own well-being and that of your loved one, take advantage of the resources available. Give yourself the care you need and see to it that you develop some sort of regularity.
Whether it’s a couple hours a week, a bimonthly getaway or daily relief so you can maintain a full-time job, connect with the resources that will ensure your loved one is cared for, without you having to give up your life, your health or your peace of mind.
Contributed by Leah Bigham
