Benefits of Assisted Living Communities

As our loved ones age, it is only natural for daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, or maintaining the home to become more difficult. And, as their need for assistance and care increases, staying in their home may no longer be a sustainable or safe option.

A more dependable option for your aging loved one may be an assisted living community. These communities not only provide the support your loved ones need, but also offer you peace of mind knowing your loved one is well taken care of. Assisted living communities offer a home-like environment with the added benefits of personalized care, maintenance-free living, and an active lifestyle.

Personalized Care When You Need It

One of the key benefits of living in an assisted living community is the care and support provided to residents. Upon moving in, communities like The Knolls of Oxford will have their care team meet with you to develop a personalized care plan tailored to your loved one’s individual needs.

This ensures that residents receive the right amount of assistance with daily tasks while maintaining their dignity and pride. Assisted Living at the Knolls of Oxford also provides an added layer of comfort with the 24/7 presence of nursing staff, regular wellness checks, medication management, and more.

As a continuing care retirement community, The Knolls of Oxford provides multiple levels of care on one single campus including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitative services. This means that your loved one will not have to move to another community as their healthcare needs change. They can remain at The Knolls of Oxford community throughout the entire aging process.

Maintenance-Free Living with On-site Services

Assisted living communities typically manage all the mundane tasks that come with maintaining a home. This includes housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, landscaping, and more. With less time being spent on the burden of household responsibilities, residents of assisted living communities are free to spend their time and energy on the things they enjoy.

Another on-site service communities may offer is restaurant style dining. Proper nutrition is vital when it comes to maintaining the health of older adults. Chefs at the Knolls of Oxford provide three well-balanced meals a day and take into account dietary restrictions. This nutritious cuisine is served in a communal setting promoting healthy eating habits and social interaction.

Active Lifestyle

Unfortunately, loneliness and isolation are common obstacles that many seniors face and can be detrimental to their emotional and mental well-being. Assisted living communities like the Knolls of Oxford offer a vibrant and social environment where your loved one can participate in activities, outings and events that are tailored to their unique interests. Whether your loved one enjoys group exercise, playing cards, or trying a new hobby, residents will always have many opportunities to build friendships and foster meaningful connections.

If your loved one is beginning to need more assistance in their home than you can provide, it may be time to start looking into an assisted living community. The Knolls of Oxford provides a supportive and enriching environment where seniors can thrive and maintain their independence for as long as possible. From personalized care to social interaction and maintenance-free living, assisted living at the Knolls of Oxford is the quality care your loved one deserves. Call us at 513-524-7990 to schedule your tour today.

The Vital Role of Social Workers in Senior Living Communities

A social worker in a senior living community is a professional who specializes in providing support, assistance, and advocacy for older adults. They are often the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide vital care and compassion to residents. Some of the key roles social workers hold include helping residents navigate transitions, advocating for their overall well-being, and encouraging respect and resilience.

Navigating transitions

Moving to a senior living community is a significant life change that can cause feelings of anxiety or stress. Social workers help assist residents and their families by providing emotional support and assistance.

Whether it is transitioning to a higher level of care, coping with moving, or grappling with age-related health challenges, social workers provide invaluable support to residents and their families every step of the way. They offer counseling services, facilitate family meetings, and coordinate with healthcare professionals to ensure seamless transitions that prioritize the emotional well-being and comfort of the resident.

By addressing mental health concerns proactively, social workers help promote an environment where individuals can thrive emotionally, despite the inevitable challenges they may face as they age.

Advocating for the resident’s well-being

Social workers also serve as tireless advocates that seek to uphold the residents’ rights within their community. They recognize that every resident has unique interests, preferences, and needs and respect the resident’s individuality by advocating for care plans that will meet these specific requirements.

They also help ensure that the resident’s voice is heard, their rights are respected, and their choices are honored. Whether it is navigating complex healthcare systems, facilitating care plan discussions, or addressing concerns about living conditions, social workers uphold the dignity of every resident under their care.

Encouraging respect and resilience

Unfortunately, healthcare challenges often occur throughout the aging process and can have negative effects on the emotional well-being of residents. Feelings of anxiety or depression can cause residents to withdraw and socially isolate themselves. Through group activities, support groups, and one-on-one interactions, social workers can create opportunities for residents to forge meaningful connections by creating a sense of community. In doing so, they not only alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation but also nurture an environment where there is mutual support and respect.

Social workers also help empower residents and their families to become more resilient by equipping them with coping strategies and problem-solving skills that help them navigate life challenges. Whether it is coping with chronic illness, mourning the loss of a loved one, or adjusting to changes in healthcare needs, social workies help instill a sense of optimism and resilience.

The role of a social worker far surpasses what is outlined in their job description. Their commitment to compassion, advocacy, and empowerment is truly invaluable to those they care for. In a world where human connection is a necessity, social workers are the unsung heroes who help create thriving senior living communities.

Assisted Living vs. Private Duty Care: How to Make the Most of your Money

a nurse talking to a woman

There comes a time during the aging process where normal daily activities become more difficult and require more assistance. This often requires older adults and their families to make a decision about where they should be living and how to receive the appropriate care. However, many seniors fear losing their independence and are hesitant about leaving their homes. Often, seniors are faced with deciding whether to move to assisted living or pay for private care in their home. This situation can be a sensitive matter for many older adults, and one that involves many different factors.

Difference between Senior Home Care and Assisted Living

Senior home care is a popular option for older adults who need more assistance but don’t want to leave their homes. Depending on the company, most senior home care services offer assistance with daily living such as bathing, getting dressed, toileting, medication management and household tasks like meal preparation, cleaning and transportation to medical appointments. Many senior home care companies have minimum hour requirements for the week and minimum hour blocks for the day. Depending on the needs of the senior, these hourly rates can become quite costly. However, for those who require small amounts of assistance, home care companies might be a better financial option. Generally, home care companies charge between $25 and $30 an hour, with 3-4 hour daily minimums and a minimum of 8 hours per week.

Assisted living generally offers the same services as senior home care, but requires an individual to move from their homes. At The Knolls of Oxford, Assisted Living offers 1-2 bedroom apartments that are attached to the main building. Assisted Living services include three meals daily, full time activity staff, medication assistance, daily help with bathing, dressing, toileting, and bed making. AL staff also complete reassurance and spot checks every 2 hours even during the nighttime. In addition, weekly housekeeping and laundry services are included in the monthly rent. Most importantly, and unlike many home care companies, Assisted Living residents have access to a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, and state tested nursing assistants at all times.

Which Option is Right for You?

There is not a “one size fits all” solution to senior care. Each family and each resident have their own values and non-negotiables when it comes to deciding which type of care is the best fit. However, there are a few factors that should be carefully considered throughout the decision-making process. These include safety, access to care, ability to manage activities of daily living, financial resources and connections to other people and socialization.

Safety is a key element in deciding whether a resident should bring in home care or make the transition to assisted living. Some questions to consider include: Can I bathe, dress, and take care of my daily needs in a timely and safe manner? Does my loved one have the cognitive capacity to make sound decisions? Is my loved one at high-risk of falling?

While maintaining independence is an important part of healthy aging, it can also be misunderstood. If a senior lives independently at home, but is isolated and lacks daily socialization, it can have a profoundly negative impact on both their mental and physical health. In fact, according to the National Institute on Aging, isolation and loneliness are linked to higher risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, and even death.

Cost Comparison

It’s no surprise: Aging is expensive. Unexpected health needs can deplete financial assets very quickly. That’s why it’s important to know your options as you decide which healthcare situation best suits your needs. At The Knolls of Oxford, the following services are included with Assisted Living:

  • 3 meals daily
  • Full time activity staff
  • Assistance with medications
  • Assistance with meal set up
  • Assistance with bathing twice a week and as needed
  • Daily dressing and grooming assistance
  • Assistance with incontinence care
  • Reassurance and spot checks 24 hours
  • Bed making, doing dishes, tidy-up, taking trash out
  • Reminders for meals, activities and personal care
  • Personal laundry weekly and as needed
  • Social and recreational programming
  • Weekly housekeeping
  • Assistance with arranging off-campus transportation
  • 24 hour emergency response by licensed nurses
  • Complete maintenance
  • Wheel chair escort throughout the building

While the cost of Assisted Living is higher than living independently, it’s important to consider your quality of life and the financial resources needed to fund private duty home care. As your need for care increases, the cost to provide at-home care can quickly surpass the cost of Assisted Living, which can often provide more comprehensive services.

Assisted Living at The Knolls of Oxford

While we want all residents to live independently for as long as possible, Assisted Living can offer peace of mind for many residents and their families, in terms of finances, physical safety, and overall well-being. If you’re interested in learning more about Assisted Living or private duty care, please contact The Knolls of Oxford at 513-524-7990.

Everything You Should Know About Parkinson’s Disease

two people holding hands

The month of April marks Parkinson’s Awareness Month and provides a great opportunity to learn more about the disease. According to the National Institute on Aging, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. PD is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects the area of the brain that controls movement. Parkinson’s can cause changes within the brain that can begin to interfere with cognition, judgement, posture and facial expressions.

Parkinson’s disease is common among older adults, in fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, PD affects nearly two percent of older adults over the age of 65 and is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. While the symptoms of PD can look different depending on the individual, there are some commonalities in most cases of Parkinson’s.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Symptoms of PD can begin gradually and often get worse as the disease progresses. However, in the beginning stage of the disease, the symptoms can be so subtle that they often go unnoticed. People with PD may have difficulty walking and talking, and also experience mental and behavioral changes, such as depression and fatigue. According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms can include the following:

  • Tremor. A tremor, or shaking, usually begins in a limb, often your hand or fingers. You may rub your thumb and forefinger back and forth, known as a pill-rolling tremor. Your hand may tremble when it’s at rest.
  • Slowed movement (bradykinesia). Over time, Parkinson’s disease may slow your movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Your steps may become shorter when you walk. It may be difficult to get out of a chair. You may drag your feet as you try to walk.
  • Rigid muscles. Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can be painful and limit your range of motion.
  • Impaired posture and balance. Your posture may become stooped, or you may have balance problems as a result of Parkinson’s disease.
  • Loss of automatic movements. You may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk.
  • Speech changes. You may speak softly, quickly, slur or hesitate before talking. Your speech may be more of a monotone rather than have the usual inflections.
  • Writing changes. It may become hard to write, and your writing may appear small.

Causes and Risk Factors

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “there are no biomarkers or objective screening tests that indicate one has Parkinson’s disease.” However, there are some environmental and genetic factors that are linked to this disease. In addition, researchers have suggested that some specific genetic mutations are directly related to Parkinson’s disease. Experts believe that the majority of Parkinson’s cases are caused by a combination of environmental exposure, such as pollution and pesticides, and genetic makeup. While researchers are still gathering data on the causes and risk factors of the disease, here’s what we do know:

Age. The biggest risk factor for developing Parkinson’s disease is progressing age. Most people begin recognizing symptoms of PD at 60.

Gender. Men are more are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with PD than women.

Genetics. Those with a family history of Parkinson’s disease are more likely to develop the disease compared to those who no family history of the disease.

Environmental causes. Medical experts believe that exposure to toxins, especially farming chemicals and heavy metals, detergents, and solvents are linked to the disease. However, it is unlikely that most people who develop Parkinson’s disease do so primarily due to environmental toxins.

Head trauma. Repeated head traumas, due to sport injuries or accidents, have also been linked to Parkinson’s disease. However, researchers are still studying the impact of head trauma on the development of Parkinson’s disease. While experts aren’t sure if head trauma can cause PD, there is thought that two could be related.

Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

Treatment for Parkinson’s disease is usually based on an individual’s symptoms, as there is no medication to reverse the effects of the disease. Treatments often include a variety of medications designed to manage tremors, stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Lifestyle changes are also suggested to help minimize symptoms. Exercise and therapies to help improve flexibility and balance, and reduce rigidity are often helpful for PD patients.

In more severe cases, surgery can be a helpful treatment option. Depending on the individual, lesion surgery, deep brain stimulation and neural grafting or tissue transplants can provide comfort and help ease the symptoms. It’s important to remember that surgery is designed to help with symptoms, but cannot reverse the effects of the disease or stop its progression.

Navigating Life with Parkinson’s

Receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be difficult for everyone involved. As part of the diagnosis, the biggest challenges can be managing overall health and wellness including managing medication appropriately, getting enough exercise while remaining flexible, and managing stress and anxiety. Managing Parkinson’s can feel like a full-time job. Transitioning into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) can help carry the burden of the disease by providing additional support and high-quality medical care. Here are a few ways CCRCs can help manage life with Parkinson’s disease:

Health and wellness-One of the most important elements in maintaining independence with a Parkinson’s diagnosis is to focus on overall health and wellness. CCRCs can provide medical teams to help with medication managements, individualized care, and provide nutritionally balanced and healthy meals.

Physical exercise- Experts recommend consistent exercise routines for those living with Parkinson’s. Physical activity can help slow down the progression of the disease and improve motor function. Most retirement communities have recreation facilities that offer daily group exercise classes and individual fitness programs to help increase flexibility.

Support groups- Stress and anxiety can actually make Parkinson’s symptoms worse. CCRCs can help manage stress by offering support groups, individual counseling, music therapy and social programs.

Managing Parkinson’s at The Knolls of Oxford

Those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease are likely to need both physical and emotional support. At The Knolls of Oxford, our staff are highly skilled in caring for those with Parkinson’s in many ways, such as providing medical attention and offering activities designed to promote physical and mental wellness. If you’re interested in learning more about our offerings, please contact us!