As an older loved one ages, it can be challenging to decide on their care. Facilities may look the same on the surface, but there are essential differences between skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities. While it may be most important to you that your loved one receives the best medical attention, it is also necessary that your senior feels comfortable in their environment.
A common concern that seniors have is losing their independence and freedom when they leave their homes. However, assisted living communities work hand-in-hand with skilled nursing facilities to promote independence and improve residents’ quality of life.
After a senior is hospitalized and needs rehabilitation, one may assume that they must transition to a skilled nursing facility. And this is often the best option for short-term dedicated medical care.
Some assisted living communities also provide rehabilitation services to their residents on-site. Rehabilitation in an assisted living community can provide care at all levels as a senior ages.
What is a skilled nursing facility?
A skilled nursing facility offers professional medical expertise and services. Picture a clinical setting, where licensed nurses care for wounds and other injuries, distribute medication, and provide rehabilitation to their patients. Patients typically share rooms with other patients at a nursing facility and can receive services 24 hours a day.
Patients are monitored closely for their health and safety. Because their focus is on medical needs, skilled nursing facilities can often feel similar in atmosphere to a hospital.
While a skilled nursing facility offers quality medical services, they often lack socialization offerings. Their primary focus is on a safe and secure environment for their patients, not on activities and life enrichment.
Is a community setting for memory care the best for your loved one?
A community setting is often an excellent option for seniors struggling with memory loss or other age-related ailments. They offer high-quality care and can quickly adapt to changing needs. You may not know this, but many assisted living and memory care communities provide around-the-clock care, by licensed nurses.
At The Kensington Falls Church, residents receive individualized care based on their specific needs. For instance, a senior in the early stages of memory loss may only require minimal assistance and rehabilitation, allowing them to remain in the assisted living community. Yet, as their memory loss progresses and they need more help, they have the opportunity to move over to the specialized memory care community within the same campus.
Seniors can choose to live in a suit or have a room of their own. The living space is comfortable and home-like. The atmosphere provides an engaging environment for socialization and emotional health. The activities that seniors can participate in are often based on their interests and abilities.
On-site rehabilitation and clinical support, all-in-one
When you choose The Kensington Falls Church, your loved one will have an opportunity to recover, thrive, maintain wellness, and build friendships. All of this can be done within one community with an on-site rehabilitation center and clinical support.
Whether your loved one is recovering from a fall, injury, cardiac trauma, or is dealing with the symptoms of memory loss, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, or MS, our partnership with Genesis rehab can help.
Genesis rehab provides multiple types of therapies and programs for our residents, strengthening those with illnesses, recovering from an injury, or transitioning from a hospital or other skilled nursing facility.
Speech therapy
One type of speech therapy offered through Genesis is LSVT LOUD therapy, which is beneficial for those with Parkinson’s disease, MS, who have had a stroke, or other neurological conditions.
Speech therapy is essential not only for those struggling with their voice but who are also having issues swallowing.
Physical therapy
Seniors often need physical therapy to help them build strength and mobility. The need for physical therapy may be due to something as simple as aging, or more serious, such as a fall, stroke, or neurological disorder.
Energized Fitness for Parkinson’s is a high-energy fitness program that takes place in a social setting, which can be a fun and engaging way for seniors to improve their strength.
Occupational therapy
Just as seniors need help strengthening their muscles, they often need to improve their physical movements. Strengthening their movements will help them complete daily tasks such as getting dressed. Occupational therapy will also help seniors regain coordination and work through memory exercises.
Positive Approach to Care (PAC)
The Positive Approach to Care (PAC) philosophy was established by Teepa Snow, an educator and occupational therapist with more than 30 years of experience working with people who have dementia.
The Kensington Falls Church offers PAC training for loved ones of seniors, which is led by Director of Memory Care and PAC Certified Trainer Tonya Embly.
“The Kensington Falls Church utilizes PAC training and education throughout our building as a practical and compassionate approach to care,” Tonya says.
In her training, she dives into the different aspects of PAC, how we use it, and how you can implement these practices in your own interactions with your loved one.
Seniors Pursuing Active (SPA) Living
This health and wellness program is suited for more independent residents and helps them regain or maintain their fitness.
SPA Living can include a combination of seminars and exercise classes focused on both mind and body, led by the expertise of physicians, residents, healthcare providers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, and exercise physiologists.
It provides resources, motivation, and encouragement to help seniors find personal wellness and promote their independence.
Brain Fitness
Residents who show mild signs of memory loss would benefit from this program, helping them with mental flexibility and cognitive health.
The Kensington’s expert attention, and devotion to loving care
The Kensington Falls Church is different from other communities because We Promise to love and care for our residents as if they were our own family. While maintaining a safe and secure environment, we take pride in offering seniors the best medical treatment while still making them feel at home.
It’s important to our staff that our residents are comfortable, healthy, building lasting friendships, and engaging in hobbies and activities. We know that life enrichment is essential in mental and emotional health and the well-being of your loved one.
For more information about our assisted living community or memory care community, reach out to us anytime. We are here to answer any questions you have to help in providing your loved one with the best care possible.
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To learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care at The Kensington Falls Church, click below or give us a call today for any questions. We promise to love and care for your family, as we do our own.