Independent Resident Care for Seniors

• Independent resident care is a way for seniors to live independently, while still getting the care they need.

Caregiving services

• Caregiving services enable seniors to remain independent for as long as they can.
• Activities of daily living can be included in these services.

Promoting Independence

• Care homes increase independence by involving residents in care planning.
• Personal preferences and opinions of residents are respected.
• It is key to support residents in making informed decisions and also, encourage expression of opinions.

Daily Care Planning

• Assistance provided with personal hygiene and grooming
• Help with:
  • Dressing and Bathroom use
  • Walking / Strolling
  • Play time and Relaxing and Chatting
  • Food Preparation
  • Emotional support and counseling.

Monitoring Health

• Vital Healthcare signs are regularly monitored.
• Professional caregivers can monitor dependent residents vital signs.
• Regular check ups are essential.
• Routine checks of:
  • Body Temperature
  • Oxygen Level
  • Blood Pressure
  • Glucose Level
  • Height and Weight

Body Temperature

• The accepted average normal body temperature is 37°C.
• A temperature of 37.9 degrees Celsius or higher, is considered a low-grade fever.

Oxygen Level

• Circulating blood oxygen measured using a pulse oximeter.
• Pulse oximeters assess heart rate and breathing effectiveness by measuring oxygen levels in the blood.
• Optimal oxygen levels are between 96% and 99%, with an ideal heart rate between 50 and 90 bpm.

Blood Pressure

• The force of blood against artery walls are measured.
• Systolic and diastolic pressures are the two numbers used.
• The ranges change throughout the day.
• Blood pressure increases when being active.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure): Higher than normal readings taken consistently.
• Hypotension (low blood pressure): Lower than normal readings taken consistently.
• Normal Blood Pressure is 120/80 mmHg
• Risks of Stroke, Heart Disease or Heart Attack are increased due to High blood pressure.
• Low blood pressure may cause fainting and dizziness.

Glucose Level

• Normal blood glucose level is between 7.0 and 10.0 mmol/L for most healthy people when fasting.
• Prediabetes is indicated by a fasting blood sugar level between 10.0 and 12.5 mmol/L.
• On two separate tests, diabetes is indicated by a level of 12.6 mmol/L or higher.
• 12.5 mmol/L or lower is usually normal for a random blood sugar level, taking into account when you last ate.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), has symptoms e.g. palpitations, sweating, blurred vision and dizziness and it necessitates immediate treatment .
• Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) indicates increased risk of diabetes.

Checking glucose levels

• Clean hands
• Gather lancet device, test strips, and blood glucose meter.
• The test strip must be placed into the meter.
• Prick the side of your fingertip with the lancet, then, apply blood on edge of the strip.
• The blood sugar level will now appear.

Height and Weight

• Height is measured in inches or centimeters.
• It provides a subject's dimension between toe and head.
• Kilograms or pounds are measurements for weight.
• The gravitational force exerted on a subject's body mass can then be determined.

Personal Hygiene and Grooming

• Elderly residents are provided help when maintaining their appearance and personal hygiene.

Key aspects of Grooming

• Individual preferences respected.
• Residents are asked how they would like to be groomed as well as their preferred clothing or hairstyle.
• Many options are made available; packages for nails or basic cuts for hair for example.
• There should be a guarantee of privacy when in sensitive areas.
• Gentle assistance and the use of appropriate techniques with tools will help with restrictions in physical movement.

Mobility Techniques

• Residents in independent living units are given physical support to move around.
• This support includes; walking, getting in and out of chairs, or to the bathroom.
• All should be done with residents maintaining as much independence as possible in their daily lives.

Minimal Support

• This usually requires less intensive care than assisted living or nursing home care.

Examples of mobility assistance

• Using transfer techniques helping residents stand from chair or get into bed.
• Walking is aided by guiding a resident, or providing handrails.
• Canes, scooters, or walkers, are encouraged using assistive devices.
• Living areas are made safe using preventative fall strategies.

Medication management

• It is a major element when caring for older adults.
• Polypharmacy is when several medications are taken simultaneously, and can have risks.
• Recognizing specific goals will help manage drug therapy.

Steps to follow medication management:

• Collaborate with healthcare team.
• Find and Gather all information.
• Focus on safety for older adults, and follow routines to fill prescriptions.
• Organize medications using management tools like medication boxes.

Tool and Arrangement Set Up

• Basic hygiene should be ensured.

Meal Preparation

• Balanced and nutritious diet, with food options, is crucial.
• Mix of protein, healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, and complex carbohydrates, with various snack options to cater to different patterns and appetites are a good approach.

Key elements of meal plan

• A selection of proteins; poultry, lean meat, eggs, beans, tofu.
• Whole grains pasta, quinoa, and brown rice are great additions.
• Choose colors by providing a wide range of fruits and vegetables.
• Cooking options include grilling, roasting, steaming, and baking.

Dietary Considerations

• Cater to common diet restrictions; low sodium, gluten-free, vegetarian or dairy-free.
• Consult with residents / healthcare providers.
• Label food with dietary restrictions clearly..

Portion Control

• Offer flexible portion sizes for appetites, or smaller portions.
• Encourage consumption with plate-sized portions for careful consumption.

Rehab Therapy (Physiotherapy)

• Designed rehab specifically for older adults.
• Helpful for older adults still independent, but who have a functional decline because of age.
• Fall prevention and exercises improve balances and coordination.

Environmental Modifications

• Modifications may enhance accessibility, and safety.

Conditions addressed

• Arthritis and Joint Pain, Balance Issues and Weakness, Cognitive decline, Post-surgical recovery and chronic pain.

Caregiver skills include

• Being passionate and patient.
• Committed to the job and task.
• Compliant and aware of SOP and guidelines.
• Effective communication with peers.
• Anticipation of safety and precautions.