Are you moving to assisted living? No matter where you are, it’s important to protect your privacy. Seniors are at higher risk for breaches in privacy, including sensitive health data. Follow these tips to help protect your private information in assisted living.
Understand Your Rights You might know about patient privacy in a healthcare context. However, privacy rights extend into assisted living and other senior communities as well. Each resident has the right to dignity and privacy, both of which are essential for a high quality of life. Staff and Confidential Information Confidentiality is one of the most important aspects of privacy in assisted living. This means that staff members should never share your information with anyone else. The only exception to this is if you’ve approved a loved one to gain access to your information. Access to Your Records and Documents Along with confidentiality, you should have access to any of your records or health plans upon request. Assisted living communities are required to keep records accessible to residents. You deserve to know what’s involved in your care. Learn About Privacy Differences: Assisted Living vs. Independent Senior Living Some senior living communities are designed to help residents with activities of daily living. This means you may not get the same privacy as a resident in an independent living community. However, staff members should still follow confidentiality rules. Assisted living communities might monitor residents for safety and health reasons. There may be cameras in common areas and locks on doors. This is for your protection, not to infringe on your privacy. Other than monitoring you for safety and security, assisted living communities should not invade your privacy. You should still be allowed to have private visits with loved ones and plenty of alone time when you want it. In independent senior living, residents naturally have a higher degree of privacy. You can expect your personal activities and residence to be completely private. This means no one else should have access to these pieces of information and places without your permission. Know That You Can Maintain Personal Autonomy You have the right to personal autonomy, regardless of age or medical status. This means you should have a say in all of your care decisions. Know that you have the right to refuse any activity or amenity at any time, and staff members should back you up on this. Autonomy is the most important part of your privacy as an assisted living resident. Ensure your loved ones are familiar with staff members so that you have extra support on the outside. Every Assisted Living Resident Has the Right to Privacy Privacy and dignity are your rights as a resident in assisted living in Phoenix. Know the laws in your state and practice speaking up for yourself. You don’t have to give up your privacy to enjoy the benefits of assisted living.
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For many seniors, there comes a time when they feel they are not living life on their own terms, and routine, day-to-day activities start becoming more difficult. To determine if assisted living is the right choice for a parent or spouse, experts say you need to consider the amount of care they require on a daily basis. If it is more personal care than he/she can get (or afford) with in-home services or in an independent living community, yet they don’t need 24-hour medical care and supervision, assisted living is the ideal option.
People often confuse assisted living with nursing homes; however, they are not the same thing. Nursing homes provide around-the-clock skilled nursing care while assisted living provides help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) to enhance residents’ quality of life within a residential setting. While some families may experience sticker shock when first learning the cost of assisted living, you need to consider everything it includes. For example, MorningStar of Albuquerque’s monthly fee includes property taxes, utilities, security system, and the cost of maintenance inside and out. Daily meals are included in the fee as is housekeeping, scheduled transportation and an array of activities, entertainment and outings. At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we like to think of assisted living as providing seniors “a little help from friends” to enable them to live life as independently as possible. Our beautiful community on the northeast side of the city offers assisted living suites in a choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans. Onsite amenities include a full salon, bistro, theatre, fitness room, massage room, and fireside patio. For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to meet the needs of our most tender residents. Along with assisted living and memory care, we also offer respite care (short recuperative stays) or trial stays (up to a full month) so you can see if we are a good fit. For trusted assisted living Albuquerque, NM seniors can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost one-third of all seniors live by themselves. In terms of numbers, that’s nearly 14 million seniors. Experts say living alone doesn’t necessarily mean an individual is lonely, but it often is the case. Not to mention, the pandemic certainly made matters worse as many seniors self-isolated from family and friends.
Whatever the cause of loneliness, research shows it takes a toll on people. In fact, a study from Brigham Young University reports loneliness can be as deadly as smoking or obesity. Study authors explain senior isolation “may complicate existing conditions, encourage an unhealthy lifestyle, and affect cognition.” The American Psychiatric Association says seniors who report feelings of loneliness are more susceptible to depression and poor health habits including excessive drinking, smoking and lack of exercise. Research from the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging found the “risk of Alzheimer’s nearly doubled in lonely adults, and mental decline was faster.” Senior living communities like MorningStar of Albuquerque provide residents a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community. Along with extensive care services, we offer a broad range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social connectivity. Programs range from physical exercise classes to art classes, trivia and card games, clubs and more. We tell residents if we do not offer something you wish to pursue, start a club and encourage others to join. Assisted living residents receive a range of services such as 24/7 care managers, certified med care managers and scheduled health & wellness evaluations. A licensed nurse is onsite during weekdays and on-call 24/7. Furthermore, MorningStar helps families arrange auxiliary care services to deal with other health concerns on an as needed basis. We believe every moment you are alive is an opportunity to grow, set new goals, dream new dreams, and do better. MorningStar is committed to excellence and helping seniors have better lives. If you are looking for the best retirement homes Albuquerque offers, we encourage you to learn more about MorningStar. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest senior living in Albuquerque. Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-isolation-facts |
MorningStar
MorningStar Senior Living offers assisted living, memory care and respite (short-term) care. Our communities have graciously-appointed assisted living suites, as well as beautiful and spacious private suites for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Morningstar Senior Living's award-winning architecture, together with amenities that foster a lifestyle of comfort and wellness, make our residents’ retirement years as carefree as possible. Our activities and programs are enriching, and our care services first-class, but what truly sets us apart from other senior living communities is the love beneath our roof. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in your area, contact us to schedule a tour. Archives
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