Archive for April 18th, 2011
Posted on April 18, 2011 - by Nurse Virginia
GOING INTO A NURSING HOME DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN THE LAST STOP FOR THE ELDER
The usual move into a Nursing Home is often looked at, as the last home for that elder. But that is not always the case. When the elder has been living at home and now moves into the Nursing Home they gain many services.
Myrtle brought Bill into the Nursing Home in a wheelchair because he had had several nasty falls. Bill had also recently lost quite a bit of weight. He had a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and was now in the mid-stage of the disease. After Bill started falling at home he just seemed to go down hill.
The Nursing Home has many resources available.
On admission the nurse did a full assessment of Bill’s condition and the Therapy department completed an assessment as well. The dietitian followed his meal intake and provided supplements. Bill started working with physical and occupational therapies twice a day to build strength and increase balance.
The elder will have a personal diet developed for them while in the Nursing Home. The nursing assessment will include a total body assessment looking at the skin for any thing unusual. The Nursing Home may even have a wound nurse on staff trained in healing the most stubborn wounds with the latest treatments.
Whether it is a psychological problem which is identified by the social worker’s assessment or a foot problem noted by the nurse, help is not far away. Nursing homes have access to physicians from dentist to podiatrist.
Bill goes home.
Much to her surprise after only two months Myrtle received a call from the Nursing Home saying Bill could go home in three days.
When Bill left he walked out next to Myrtle, his balance problems resolved at least for now. His appetite was back and they said they would be stopping at his favorite hamburger place on the way home.
Virginia Garberding, R.N.
Director of Education, The Wealshire, Lincolnshire, Illinois
Author: Please Get To Know Me – Aging with Dignity and Relevance
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