Special Offer for a Limited Time:

Move in today, and we’ll honor your current lease terms for a comparable residence in one of our independent living communities. Get more details.

Careers

Choose a Short-term Stay this Winter

Posted by SALMON Health on December 22, 2020

In addition to beautiful snowy days, ice skating and hot chocolate, winter months in Massachusetts also mean inclement weather, unsafe road conditions and home maintenance. These types of situations can become dangerous for older adults. A short-term winter stay in a health and retirement community could be exactly what an older adult needs. Short-term stays ensure maintenance-free living, as well as a team of staff members who can provide clinical support, engagement and more.

Below are three reasons why a short-term stay in a health and retirement community may be beneficial.

  1. Safety is a priority.

COVID-19 has been stress-inducing for everyone, including older adults as well as their families and friends. Now may be an appropriate time to try a short-term stay in a new community. Many health and retirement communities are taking extra precautions to ensure that Residents are well taken care of and offer safety measures that are difficult to place in individual homes. At SALMON’s communities in particular:

  • Staff follow strict infection prevention and control protocols including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Regular COVID-19 testing of staff and Residents exceeds state minimums.
  • Residents are offered engaging activities and communal dining in a clean, safe and healthy environment based on state requirements.
  • Sanitation is a priority through the use of electrostatic foggers, backpack sprayers, microfiber mops, enhanced air purification systems and more.

Older adults can rest assured that they will be well taken care of during a short-term stay. They may find that not having to worry about sanitation, PPE and COVID-19 testing on their own is a relief.

  1. Staff can provide clinical support during the winter months.

Victor-daniel-giraldo-lypfk8uuhjc-unsplash

Health and retirement communities are equipped with professionals who specialize in rehabilitative, nursing and restorative care, therapeutic recreation and Alzheimer’s and dementia care. In the event these services are needed, staff is available to care for and assist individuals in any way possible.

In addition to this care, Residents can expect a home-like atmosphere, assistance with daily living activities including, but not limited to, bathing, dressing and grooming, as well as housekeeping, linen and laundry services.

Alzheimer’s and dementia care focus on the specialized needs memory issues require. Alzheimer’s and dementia specialists not only offer clinical support but established, healthy routines, carefully planned stimulating activities and events.

  1. There are more opportunities for engagement and social support.

Staying at a health and retirement community means older adults have the opportunity to interact with similarly aged individuals who may share values and experiences in life. Being able to connect with those in comparable situations is important. Social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help people better regulate their emotions, increase self-esteem and even improve the immune system.

In addition to personalized and spontaneous connections, engagement departments offer fun activities for anyone who wants to participate. Some activities may include:

  • Arts and crafts
    • Knitting and crocheting
    • Painting
    • Ceramics
  • Board games, card games and puzzles
  • Cooking and baking classes
  • Discussion workshops
  • Online courses
  • Exercise classes
    • Chair exercises
    • Yoga
    • Outdoor walking and hiking

Participating in engaging activities is extremely beneficial for older adults. Studies have proven that increasing engagement and social support leads to enhanced mental and emotional well-being, physical vitality, better personal relationships, improved brain function and memory, greater mobility and a decrease in stress and anxiety.

In addition to the benefits for the individual trying a short-term stay, respite care can offer some relief for those who are caregivers at home. Many caregivers experience burnout, and a short-term stay serves as a much-needed rest. To learn more about respite care and how it can benefit individuals, check out What is Respite Care? Everything You Need to Know.

SALMON Health and Retirement