We all want to be independent as long as possible, but sometimes we need a little help. If you or someone you know is considering assisted living centers in Venice, FL, it’s important to understand what services will be available and how they can make your life easier. With that in mind, here are some ways assisted living centers can reduce emergency room visits:
Diagnostics
Diagnostics is the first step in determining the cause of a medical problem. It involves taking samples from the resident’s bodies and testing them to rule out any health issues causing their symptoms. For example, if you’re experiencing chest pain, your doctor might take blood or perform an electrocardiography (ECG) test to determine whether there is an issue with your heart rhythm. If it turns out that you have high cholesterol levels, they’ll recommend diet changes or medication to help lower them.
Diagnostics can also help determine when it’s safe for a resident to go home after being hospitalized and/or if they need more intensive care than what assisted living can provide. This can prevent unnecessary emergency room visits or admissions into other long-term care options and save time and money for all parties involved!
Medical Services
Assisted living centers offer medical services to residents, including physical, dental, and speech therapy; nursing care; psychological services; and social services. Licensed medical professionals provide these services.
Medication Management
Medication management is an integral part of senior care. A study by the National Council on Aging found that medication errors were responsible for more than 100,000 emergency department visits annually and 4,500 deaths in the U.S., making it one of the leading causes of injury in older adults. And a report by the Commission on Long-Term Care Quality Improvement concluded that preventing falls can save billions of dollars annually by reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and readmissions.
Assisted living centers offer many ways to help with medication management, including:
- Daily check-ins from the team are available at all times to help take medications or assist residents with their daily activities.
- Personalized pillboxes, so each resident knows where their medications are at all times (and no more lost pills!)
- The collaborative approach between the team and family members when it comes to managing medications
Exercise Classes
Exercise programs can be a great way to help reduce pain and improve your mobility, as well as help you lower your risk of falls. Exercise classes provide an opportunity for socialization and physical activity in a group setting, which can have additional benefits such as a reduction in depression and anxiety. Other potential benefits of exercise include weight loss, improved sleep quality, mood enhancement (and reduction of symptoms associated with depression), and improved balance.
Proper Nutrition
When it comes to improving your health, nutrition is the most important factor. The right diet can help you prevent disease and improve your quality of life. It’s also an important part of preventing falls, reducing infections, and depression—all things that can lead to emergency room visits or hospital stays.
In assisted living centers, residents are given personalized meal plans that are designed by registered dietitians based on their specific needs. This helps ensure that residents receive the vitamins and minerals they need for good health.
Conclusion
These are just a few ways assisted living centers can help residents avoid high-cost emergency room visits.
Good news: Assisted living centers are becoming increasingly prevalent across America today due to their ability to help residents get the proper care and services in a convenient setting without having to worry about being alone or having no one nearby if there is an emergency requiring immediate attention.
