Aging in Place: When is the Right Time to Right Size? Deciding whether to continue to live in the home we have lived in for decades is a difficult decision. Not only are there financial considerations to think about, but we also need to factor in health and safety issues, such as whether our home can be easily navigated as we age. If we are caring for an older loved one, we may wonder if the home they’re in right now is still right for them based on the changing needs of their health and care. As the holidays approach and family comes together, it may be the right time to have the “Right Sizing” conversation with a loved one that could open the doors to knowing if it is the right time for them to move. Read more
Caring relationship development in the nursing home in Shanghai: A dyadic qualitative study Caring relationships between older residents and nurse aides are fundamental in terms of service delivery in nursing homes. However, little is known for the nuanced dynamics of this relationship in China. The purpose of this study is to explore how caring relationships develop between older residents and nurse aides in the nursing home setting in urban China. Informed by the dyadic perspective, this study illustrates the development process and relational nuances by simultaneously eliciting residents’ and nurse aides’ perceptions. This qualitative study purposively sampled 20 matched resident-nurse aide dyads (N= 40) in a government-sponsored nursing home in Shanghai. Participants participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews from January to June 2017. Thematic analysis was performed. The findings reveal that the caring relationship began with nursing home assignment and primarily focused on instrumental assistance. Gradually, emotional involvement grew within dyads and reciprocity emerged. Based on different dyadic perceptions, this study conceptualized four types of caring relationships: (a) parent-child alike, (b) mutually respectful, (c) solo performance, and (d) reasonably detached. The findings suggest that residents and nurse aides could have different views on caring relationships, which further influenced the relationship development. The four types of caring relationships shared some similar traits while differentiating from some of the common types of interactions found in the existing nursing evidence across the world. Chinese filial tradition also influenced the relationship dynamics. Read more
Reducing the Stress of a Transition to Assisted Living The decision to move a loved one to assisted living can be one of the hardest a caregiver can make. However, if we are caring for a loved one with a chronic disease, particularly Alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia, it may become necessary to consider assisted living placement if we lack the time, resources or support to continue caring for a loved one at home. Shifting a loved one’s care to an assisted living facility may seem as if it will relieve many of the stresses of caregiving such as anxiety, depression or feeling overburdened. However, studies show that assisted living placement can instead change the type of stressors a caregiver experiences rather than eliminate them. Read more
Home Buying in a Retirement Community: Downsizing the Family Home When it comes to senior living options, there are a number of housing options available for today's older adult population. While some older adults will require the care and attention of nursing homes or assisted living communities, there are others who don't require as much, or any, care, but who instead want to be in a community of their peers. These retirement communities can provide us with a great opportunity to meet and participate in activities with others that we need to live the healthy and balanced lives we deserve well into our golden years. Read more
Why the Fair Housing Act Matters Many people have heard of fair housing, but don’t truly understand their rights under the Fair Housing Act. Whether we are renters or buyers, we should familiarize ourselves with and know the Fair Housing Act so we can better understand federal fair housing policies and laws, and what our rights are. Read more
Choosing an Assisted Living Facility Do you need help with the activities of daily living such as bathing, cooking meals and cleaning the house, but are looking to remain independent as possible? If so, assisted living may be right for you. Assisted living facilities can provide round the clock care and support. A good facility will put together a plan that marries the best of independent living with supportive personal care services. Read more
4 Tips to Help a Loved One Manage Stairs If a loved one has mobility issues, a flight of stairs can sometimes seem like an insurmountable obstacle. At the same time, being able to move freely and safely throughout the home is imperative for a loved one's independence. In addition, the social and emotional benefits of leaving the home from time to time should not be neglected just because a few stairs are in the way. Read more
Saving For Down Payments Are you tired of renting? Do your rent payments continue to get higher? Are you interested in purchasing your own home, but feel it’s too difficult to save up the money for a down payment? You are not alone. Many renters feel money is the top reason they haven’t been able to purchase a home yet. Read more
Personal Care Aides in Assisted Living and Similar Residential Care Communities An Overview From the 2010 National Survey of Residential Care Faciliti The Problem: Personal care aides (PCAs), along with other direct care workers, provide the majority of hands-on care, including helping with activities of daily living (ADLs), for individuals living in assisted living facilities and similar residential care communities (RCCs); however, direct care workers in various long-term care settings have demonstrated that recruitment and retention is a great challenge because of low pay, inadequate training, high work demands, and lack of benefits. Residential care communities are increasingly becoming an important source of long-term care for older Americans, particularly for those with dementia. More than 95% of residential care communities had one or more personal care aide, yet little is known about personal care aides working in residential care communities. Read more
Examining Direct Service Worker Turnover in Three Long-Term Care Industries in Ohio This is the first study to examine direct service worker turnover and its predictors across three provider types: nursing homes, home health agencies, and providers of services for the developmentally disabled. Stratified random sampling procedures were used to select provider types across five geographic regions in Ohio. Data were collected from administrative staff. Findings indicated that annual direct service worker turnover did not significantly vary by provider type (mean = 33%). Predictors of turnover related to job burnout, negative social support, and region. Policymakers can promote practices to lower direct service worker turnover such as addressing burnout and increasing support. Read more
