How In-Home Care Works During COVID-19

 

At Home Senior Care During COVID-19

With the current health crisis still active, some people may be apprehensive about hiring a home health aide to come in and out of their senior parents’ house. While the vaccine rollout means that healthcare workers, seniors and those with high-risk health conditions will be prioritized, it will still be a considerable amount of time before COVID-19 risks are significantly reduced for everyone, especially seniors.

With that said, it’s important to choose an in-home care provider from a reputable senior community that enforces strong COVID-19 protocols. Here are some insights from the team at United Methodist Communities HomeWorks about the safety of in-home care.

Going virtual for key in-home care services

Face-to-face interaction is the cornerstone of in-home care services, but it’s equally important that seniors are encouraged to self-isolate. Especially when they have come in contact with people who have considerable interaction with the outside world and potential to transmit infection. To help ensure that quality of care remains high without compromising safety or increasing COVID risks, the 60-day nursing visits that are usually done in person are now completed online using virtual technology. This ensures that clients get access to the one-on-one nursing expertise they require without the risk of person-to-person contact.

Regular, thorough screening

All home health aides are screened thoroughly each day for exposure risks,  including  temperature, symptoms, and exposure risks. Protocols are also in place to help staff  lower their risks both on and off-duty, as well as in the event that a positive case occurs either among staff, their contacts or their client.

High-quality PPE and training

All home health aides are wearing high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) while working with seniors. All caregivers are fully-trained in infection control protocols and hygiene. They are also equipped with hand sanitizer, hand towels, soap and gloves at all times to prevent the spread of germs.

Modified, COVID-safe care for ill patients

Life goes on even in the age of COVID-19, with seniors requiring unrelated hospitalizations, surgeries and treatment for other illnesses. As in-home care specialists, we understand how essential it is that seniors who are ill, have experienced a fall or are undergoing rehabilitation, still receive the same high quality care, even apart from COVID-19. At the same time, we have modified our protocols to ensure that this care can take place safely with home quarantine and specialized COVID-recovery care.

New client criteria

New evaluation criteria has been introduced to all of our home health aides. This is to help make sure our teams have all the information needed to be fully aware of each new client’s vulnerability to the virus, virus exposure, and care/assistance needs, so that a comprehensive care program can be created.

Ongoing communication with loved ones and families

The pandemic has placed a lot of strain on the families and loved ones of seniors who need care, from concerns about their vulnerability to the virus to concerns about mental health and happiness during quarantine. We understand how challenging this time is both for our clients and their loved ones, and to help make this easier, we have implemented online meetings through Synzi, a tool that enables communication between caregivers and families, regardless of location.

Our home health aides in NJ will keep your loved one safe 

If you think your senior loved one’s care needs have changed and you are concerned about their wellbeing during the pandemic, then our home health aides are ready to provide your loved one with professional in-home care during COVID-19.

As a leading provider of senior care in New Jersey, we tailor our caregiving services to suit your loved one’s needs, whether they require respite care, nursing care, 24-hour care, assistance with their home and transport, or overnight care. We take COVID-19 very seriously, and have extensive protocols in place to ensure that seniors in our care get the services they rely on, while maximizing protection from the virus.

For more information on in-home care and the COVID-19 safety protocols we use to help keep your senior parents safe, healthy and at low risk for infection, contact us today or visit our website at: https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/

Originally posted: https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/how-in-home-care-works-during-covid-19/

Assisted Living Changed for the Better During COVID-19

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has put our team to the test as frontline workers, caregivers and medical personnel. We are so proud to say that our infection control expertise, the fast implementation of our health and safety initiatives, as well as our dedication to teamwork, has made senior living in Cape May County safer than ever before.

UNITEDforSAFETY™: A leading COVID-19 initiative for United Methodist Communities

Understandably, many people were concerned about moving into assisted living during COVID-19, but the team at UMC knew that seniors needed access to more help – not less – during this time. We are proud of the implementation of UNITEDforSAFETY across all of our full-service senior living communities in New Jersey.

Once the pandemic hit, our associates put their heads together and sprung into action to protect those who needed it the most. The UNITEDforSAFETY standard is a set of comprehensive protocols, procedures and equipment to combat COVID-19 and other potential health risks.  

Some examples of the UNITEDforSAFETY procedures are…

• Utilizing negative air pressure machines
• Using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified products that kill 99.9% of bacteria on a daily basis
• Regular screenings of residents, associates, visitors, and vendors
• Limiting communal activities and indoor visitation
• Enhanced cleaning of resident rooms, communal spaces, and other high-touch areas
• Mandating hand washing and strategically placing hand sanitizer stations throughout the building
• Requiring social distancing and a quarantine period if necessary 
• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as needed

Moving into 2021 with more innovative ways to connect

It is definitely possible to create a social life for seniors in assisted living during the pandemic. It isn’t easy, but we truly understand how important it is for older adults to stay active and engaged at all times. With that said, we’ve incorporated new ways to keep seniors in touch with family and friends, and to keep their social calendars full while minimizing COVID-19 risks.  

• Color-Coded Levels of Socialization. Our color-coded zones allow our associates to understand what guidelines are in effect (i.e. outdoor visitation, dining, socialization, and limited indoor visitation with PPE required).

• Zoom Calls. All residents have access to iPads, tablets, and computers, along with technological assistance from our associates. Not only can residents more easily connect with their families, but they could also join Zoom sessions with their fellow residents for group social activities. 
• Theme Days. With proper health and safety guidelines in place, there’s no reason why our residents can’t participate in themed activities like “Disney Day” or “Pajama Day.” At UMC at The Shores, we love our fun theme days and will keep them coming in the New Year! 

Leading the way in community safety for seniors in Cape May County

Today, we are more than ready to bring your loved one into our community. We’ve come out of 2020 a stronger, more proactive, and COVID-aware community that works harder than ever to prioritize senior health and safety, as much as senior independence.

To find out more about our senior living community in Cape May County, contact us today or visit our website at: https://theshores.umcommunities.org/

Originally posted: https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/assisted-living-changed-during-covid-19/

5 Fun & COVID-Safe Halloween Traditions for Families

 

It’s a spooky season! Even with a pandemic in effect, it is still possible to carry on fun traditions central to this exciting time of year. With Halloween just around the corner, you can definitely still take out the decorations, plan costumes, and stock up on candy. People of all ages can enjoy this holiday, so it’s time to start some new, COVID-safe Halloween traditions with the family.

1. Visit a pumpkin patch. While it is possible to buy your Halloween pumpkin from the grocery store, choosing it from a pumpkin patch is a fun day out that the whole family can take part in. With COVID-19 still among us, it’s important to call ahead or visit the website of the pumpkin patch before visiting. Duffield’s Farm near UMC at Pitman has new rules and procedures in place to keep all visitors safe, while they enjoy timeless traditions like hayrides, apple picking and pumpkin picking. 
2. Have a classic Halloween movie marathon. In the week leading up to October 31st, pick one Halloween movie to watch each night at home. It’s a sure-fire way to get into the Halloween spirit, plus you’ll never get sick of watching the classics. We recommend starting with It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. If your kids are older they’ll enjoy movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Ghostbusters, and The Addams Family. Your preferred streaming service should have a wide selection of Halloween-themed movies for people of all ages, so check it out and start planning your movie marathon now!
3. Host a haunted backyard. Instead of decorating the inside of your home like a haunted house, move the decorations outdoors. Hosting a haunted backyard is more COVID-safe, and a great opportunity for long-lost friends and family that live elsewhere to come by for some Halloween fun. You can still go all out with decorations, fog machines, spooky soundtracks, and scary window projectors, or opt for a more kid-friendly version.
   Whichever option you choose is guaranteed to fright and delight all who enter! With masks and proper social distancing in place, there’s no reason why close friends and family can’t stop by for a quick spooky tour. Don’t forget to have each member of your immediate family pop-out to give visitors a scare! 
4. Tell scary stories by candlelight. Who doesn’t love a classic ghost story? Light some candles, gather your immediate family in the living room, turn off all the lights, and share your best spooky tale. As each person finishes, have them blow out a single candle. So when it’s time to tell the final story, only one light is left. Perhaps a special prize is in store for the person who tells the scariest story.
5. Bake delicious Halloween-themed treats. Cookies shaped like ghosts, pumpkins, and black cats; orange and black cupcakes; and even spooky cheesecake – check out this great list of 81 Halloween treats to bake at home. Baking delicious treats with family is a great way to bond, make unforgettable memories and get into the Halloween spirit. 

Halloween Fun Near UMC at Pitman 

As mentioned before, Duffield’s Farm is open and operating under new COVID-safe guidelines. This means Halloween fun is far from cancelled this year! The best part? This farm, that hosts hayrides, apple picking and pumpkin picking, is only ten minutes away from our Pitman location. 

For more information about UMC at Pitman, or if you have any questions about our other communities across New Jersey, please contact United Methodist Communities and book your visit today. 

Original content posted on  https://umcommunities.org/blog/5-fun-covid-safe-halloween-traditions-for-families/

Senior Care of the Future: What it Could Look Like

 

People today are living longer than ever before. Thanks to advances in healthcare, ever-expanding knowledge in nutritional needs, and continuous improvements in medical technology, our lifespans have increased. It’s even been predicted that by the year 2050 one in six people will be older than 65 years old!

While we can certainly celebrate the fact that many of us will enjoy long, fulfilling lives, our increased life expectancy raises questions around senior care. What is the best way to care for a growing population of older adults?

Researchers are studying attitudes towards telehealth technologies that improve the quality of care older adults receive, and the senior living industry itself to determine what the future of senior care might look like. Here are some of their findings and predictions:

Attitudes about assisted living are becoming more positive. Many of us have had difficult conversations with our aging family members about senior care, and many of us have received expected resistance. But there’s evidence that seniors are starting to feel more positive about community-based care facilities because they’re able to retain their independence, their freedom, and feel more supported. They much prefer a community-based approach  over a rigid, highly-structured approach. As more care communities pivot towards a community-based model, older adults will be more willing to enter assisted living.

Technology will play an essential role in senior care. At United Methodist Communities, we use technology to deliver the best care to our residents. Two-way video telehealth calls with primary caregivers, monitoring vitals with a secure app, and AI-powered (artificial intelligence)fall prevention are just a few technologies we use to administer the most efficient and convenient care. Seniors can also use digital tools to set medication reminders, have questions answered by specialists, and share data like daily blood pressure readings with their physician instantly.

Acknowledge that there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to senior care. Much of the resistance that older adults have toward assisted living has to do with their individuality. They want to live somewhere that accommodates their unique routines. Older adults still enjoy their freedom, and they’re averse to strict schedules with no flexibility. With that said,  assisted living communities are now acknowledging that a blanket approach is not ideal. Instead they’re creating environments where residents can thrive, live life on their own terms, and retain all of the qualities that make them unique. 

Senior Living at UMC Collingswood 

Assisted living facilities must prepare for an increasing older adult population and make the necessary adaptations. When looking at senior living communities for you or for a loved one, here are some helpful questions to ask:

• Do you have a resident-directed approach to assisted living? Can you tell me about it?
• How do you support the individual needs of each resident?
• How are you using telehealth to improve the quality of healthcare?
• What other technologies do you use that enhance quality of life?
• Can you tell me about your onsite security and safety?

Assisted living facilities like our community at Collingswood should have satisfactory answers for each question. They should also  share examples of everything they’re doing to support current residents, while transitioning into senior care of the future.

For more information about senior care at UMC Collingswood, or any of our other communities across New Jersey, please contact United Methodist Communities today to book your visit. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/covid-19-update/senior-care-of-the-future-what-it-could-look-like/

What is Telehealth and How Can I Take Advantage of it?

 

As we continue dealing with COVID-19 and advising older adults to stay home whenever possible, New Jersey telehealth services have become an important part of many peoples’ everyday lives.Telehealth is defined as the administration of healthcare and health-related services via telecommunication technologies.

Examples of telehealth services include  routine medical check-ups from home via video conference with your doctor, using an app to monitor your blood pressure, and using an online portal to request medication refills. By using this technology, we are able to connect patients to their healthcare providers quickly, safely, and from the comfort of home. 

More Benefits of Telehealth Services

Healthcare providers can see more patients virtually versus in person, which means  patients enjoy shorter waiting times and eliminate travel time. We’ve all experienced long waits in doctor’s offices, but with virtual appointments both healthcare professionals and patients benefit from efficient time management.

Telehealth services allow doctors to connect with and provide care for patients who have limited mobility and difficulty attending in-person appointments. For older adults who have mobility issues, going to a doctor’s appointment poses certain risks and can be physically and emotionally exhausting. 

Medical professionals have integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) into certain telehealth practices. By using AI doctors can analyze, screen, and treat certain medical conditions remotely, monitor for falls and other injuries, reduce in-person contact for vulnerable people, and patients can have AI-powered conversations to find answers to their questions. 

Most importantly, telehealth improves patient satisfaction. The nationwide pharmacy chain, CVS, has a telehealth service called MinuteClinic, and a recent survey of their patients reported a satisfaction rate of up to 99%.  

We’ve seen a surge in telehealth services since the start of COVID-19. Pivoting to technology-enabled healthcare may feel daunting to some people, especially older adults, but with proper support and guidance they can enjoy the benefits and convenience of telehealth.

Virtual Healthcare Through United Methodist Communities 

UMC is proud to be a licensed New Jersey telehealth provider and we’re working with trusted partners to ensure our residents continue receiving the best medical care via remote patient monitoring, video consultations, remote treatments and more. 

Some of the ways we’ve been supporting our residents using telehealth include:

• Wearable patches that monitor vitals like heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. The real-time data from the patches is transmitted to a secure smartphone app, where clinical associates can track it and be alerted to any changes.
• Two-way live video conferences that connect patients to onsite staff, primary physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers anywhere in the country. These live video calls also keep our residents connected to their family members, which provides great emotional support when in-person visitation isn’t possible.
• Fall prevention technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) motion analysis predicts when a resident intends to leave their bed or chair, 31 to 65 seconds before they get up. Alerts are then sent to  the monitoring associates on the floor to detect and prevent falls.

Telehealth has become an integral component of resident care in the wake of COVID-19. Our goals are to continue improving health outcomes through virtual healthcare, reduce costs associated with traditional healthcare, and to maintain the level of healthcare that all residents deserve.

For more information about UMC and how we’re using technology to support our residents with their virtual healthcare journeys, please contact us today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/what-is-telehealth-and-how-can-i-take-advantage-of-it/