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Nurses Make a Difference

National Nurses Week takes place May 6th through May 12th. The week kicks off on May 6th which is National Nurses Day and ends on the 12th, which is Florence Nightingale’s birthday, with the goal to recognize the contributions that nurses and nursing contribute to the assisted living community. This year’s theme is: Nurses Make a Difference: Anytime, Anywhere – Always. Honoring the unwavering commitment of nurses to their patients, and the value they provide to the unified health care team in accomplishing their medical readiness mission.

Working in the front lines is nothing new for nurses, they have fought to save lives through the decades.

Through wars, disasters, epidemics, pandemics and day to day health challenges they help family and friends navigate through unpredictable times. Nurses provide essential care to those who are suffering and ill. Nurses continually put their lives on the line while treating patients, residents, and those in need.

COVID 19 really put healthcare workers to the test. Nurses had the job of being beside the dying patients, comforting them while their families weren’t allowed near them. They had to wear PPE gear at all times, comfort the sick and dying, and deal with the stress of watching their coworkers get sick and die as well. They risked their lives each and every day, trying to save others, all while knowing the risks they faced.

At The Arbors and Ivy Assisted Living Communities, we are so lucky to have our nurses and caregivers.

Without the dedication and hard work from our nursing team we wouldn’t have been able to get back to our new normal so quickly. Our nursing team provides the best quality care, our residents are their number one priority, and they are dedicated to keeping everyone safe and healthy within our communities. The roles of nurses for the elderly have been demanding in today’s world. The type of care that the elderly need is specific to their ages, and the nurses must provide appropriate care based on their needs.

We have been very lucky as a company, our senior management team is made up of three amazing nurses who have dedicated their careers to providing the best care possible for our residents. Ed Walters-Zucco, RN our Regional Nurse, Lisa Holt, RN our COO and Nellie Vieira, RN our Regional Executive Director. We have always felt having nurses on our senior management team has allowed us to make decisions that prioritize the quality of care for our residents. Decisions are made with an extra level of empathy and compassion with the nursing perspective in the forefront.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Ed Walters-Zucco, RN, our Regional Nurse for The Arbors and The Ivy Assisted Living Communities. Ed started working for The Arbors Assisted Living in 2004. Since then, Ed has been a RCA, a Resident Care Director, the Director of our home care company (Integra Home Health) and is now our Regional Nurse for the entire company. Ed is about to embark on his 20th year with us.

We asked Ed why the nursing role is so important in Assisted Living?

“Nurses in assisted living are so important because they are responsible for the overall well-being of all residents, which includes their physical, mental, and social health. Nurses in assisted living are case managers, working to coordinate all care and services required to care for our residents. Nurses in assisted living are educators, responsible for educating residents, family, and staff on many different health topics, including transitioning to assisted living, disease processes, and end of life care. Nurses in assisted living are also caregivers providing hands-on care to our residents, and providing nursing support when someone is ill. Nurses in assisted living become an extension of the resident’s family, often sitting, and talking with residents, being there to listen to any problems the resident may have.”

How do you feel you make a difference in our residents’ lives?

“I have had the pleasure of working in assisted living for many years now, and my favorite most rewarding moments are when I can help a family and/or resident navigate a challenging situation. When the family and residents put their faith and trust in me to do right by them, it’s an amazing feeling to work alongside them towards a solution. I have sat with residents on hospice and held their hands as they have taken their last breath. To me there is no greater gift that a nurse can receive than having the opportunity to be at the bedside to comfort and ease someone’s passing at their most vulnerable time. I have sat and cried with families and shared memories of their loved ones after they have passed. I have sat in meetings with other care providers and advocated for our resident’s care and quality of life right alongside the family.”

How do you make a positive impact being a nurse in a community?

In assisted living we have the opportunity daily to impact our resident’s life in a positive way. We have the chance to build amazing relationships with our residents and families, you don’t often see that in other care settings. In hospitals it is about fixing a medical condition, and in nursing homes it is very care/task oriented, in assisted living we get the chance to take a more holistic approach and care for our resident’s mind, body and spirit.”

We are proud of our nursing team. They get things done, they work collaboratively with other doctors and healthcare clinicians, they keep open lines of communication with our residents and their families, they care about people and they are the glue that holds the team together!

We want to take this time to recognize and honor our exceptional nurses for the selfless and undefinable impact they make on all of us. They are the backbone and the front lines of our assisted living communities. They have shifted and redefined what being a nurse post pandemic looks like as “the new normal”. Our world in healthcare has shifted dramatically over the last few years and will continue to do so as the shortage of staff takes its toll on our industry.

How can you celebrate a nurse in your life?

  1. Write a thank you note, show your appreciation with a kind gesture.
  2. Give a gift card, or supply a sweet treat to say thank you!
  3. Offer a listening ear, check in to see how your nurse hero is doing.
  4. Cheers to Nurses, plan a small celebration!
  5. Take something off their plate, offer to help with something small to check off their to do list!
  6. Support their career growth as they evolve in the healthcare industry.
  7. Be an ally, connect with your local nurse and show your support!

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Assisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

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This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

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If you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Community: What You Need to Know Before You Begin Your SearchHave you decided that assisted living is the best option for your elderly parent, and now are feeling overwhelmed on how to begin your search for the right community?

This guide will go over what you need to know before you make a decision.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Costs and AffordabilityAre you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

This guide will answer questions you may have about the costs of assisted living and recommend resources to help you pay for it.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Having “The Talk” With Your Parent: It’s Time for Assisted Living
Talking to your aging parent about moving to an assisted living community isn’t easy.

Often, many adult children avoid bringing it up because it can be a sensitive topic.

This guide will provide you with helpful tips and insight on how to have a productive conversation with your parent and siblings regarding your parent’s future.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-The Challenges of Aging: How to Handle Your Aging Parent’s Difficult BehaviorsDifficult behaviors in elderly adults are very common. They may be an expression of frustration your loved one feels or a symptom of early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This guide will provide you with skills and knowledge on how to handle difficult behaviors your aging parent may be experiencing.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Becoming a Family Caregiver: What You Need to Know Before Deciding to Take Care of a Loved One
Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience. It also has its challenges.

There are many questions to answer before making the decision to take care of a loved one.

This guide will provide answers to questions you may have on this topic.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Helping Your Parent Manage DepressionIs your parent or loved one depressed, or just in a bad mood?

What does medication and illness have to do with depression?

How can you help? In this guide, you will be provided with answers to the difficult questions you may have about depression.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Is It Depression? A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Depression in Aging AdultsHas your aging parent recently lost interest in activities they used to enjoy? Have you noticed a change in their mood and behavior?

This guide will provide you with resources and tools on how to identify depression, what are the common causes of depression, and how to promote mental health in your aging loved one.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Does your loved one need more support than what they are getting? Would they benefit from some assistance with daily activities?

In this guide, you’ll find answers to the most common questions asked about assisted living.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Why We Chose the Arbors Assisted Living and Memory Care: A Collection of Stories from Residents Living at The ArborsWhere do you start searching for assisted living or memory care communities?

What qualities in a community should you look for? How do you know you made the right decision?


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-7 Warning Signs It’s Time to Make the Move to Assisted Living
Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

Choosing an assisted living community is a big decision. Learn how to find the right one for you and your loved one.


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Guide-Getting Your Affairs in Order
No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

Yet older adults are among the most vulnerable during a crisis. That’s why it’s critical that seniors, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Guide to Making the Move to Assisted Living
Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Solutions to Common Caregiving ChallengesIn this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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How Moving My Loved One to The Arbors Eliminated My Caregiving ChallengesHave you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

Have you stopped getting together with friends, either because you don’t have the time or you’re too exhausted? Are you becoming the invisible second patient?


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-When is the Right Time for Memory Care?In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-What to Look for in a Memory Care CommunityIn this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how healthcare professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Brothers and Sisters
Navigating adult sibling relationships can be a challenge, but coming together for the sake of your parent is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn about common sibling conflicts that arise when caring for parents, strategies for getting siblings on board, and where to turn to for help.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-The StandoffAssisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-11 Most Common Caregiving Challenges
A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

You’ll learn about the true costs of being a family caregiver, common family conflicts that can occur when caring for parents, and some of the unexpected challenges of caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Checklist_ Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-What is Assisted Living Really LikeIf you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Cost Comparison guide

You’re probably wondering how much the different senior living options compare to your current situation.
If you do, then this guide is exactly what you need.


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