Seniors today are more active than ever, with advancements in medical treatments allowing even more people to stay healthy well into their 70s, 80s, and beyond. However, a large part of this is down to regular doctor’s visits and check-ups to monitor a senior adult’s overall health and wellness. Family members and caregivers should ask a couple of important questions about senior medical care during these visits so that they can stay updated and give their loved one the support necessary to live a fulfilling life in retirement. These questions can also help determine whether or not a senior needs more comprehensive long-term care, such as a skilled nursing care program.
Skilled nursing care is just one of the many programs and services we offer at Buckner Retirement Services. We offer different levels of care to help with a wide range of medical needs. Our medical professionals and senior care experts work with you to determine the right level of care necessary for your loved one to stay comfortable. Call our courteous staff today at 214.227.7182, and we can tell you more about all the different Buckner Retirement Services communities and what they offer.
5 Important Questions About Senior Medical Care
As a caregiver, accompanying your senior parent or loved one to the doctor is one of the main responsibilities in ensuring that they stay healthy. Quality follow-up care only happens when a senior’s caregivers are aware of the medical needs of the person under their care. Many seniors are dependent on friends and family members to act as a major part of their health safety net. Some key questions to ask during doctor’s visits include:
- What are the doctor’s thoughts on my senior loved one’s current condition?
- What changes should I watch for?
- How can my senior stay active and engaged?
- Where can I get support and advice about caring for a senior?
- Does my senior need more skilled nursing services?
The answers to these questions about senior medical care should give a caregiver most of the information necessary so that they can provide the best possible care for their loved one while also maintaining their own mental health and avoiding burnout.
However, It is entirely possible that family members will no longer be able to handle the day-to-day requirements of caring for their loved one if a senior’s health declines or needs to be managed with certain medications and therapies. This is not a failure of any sort, as there are certain procedures that should be left to professionals. In this case, skilled nursing care is a great option for seniors who want to enjoy their independence while having access to the necessary medical services.
What Is Skilled Nursing Care?
Skilled nursing care is a type of health care service provided to seniors living in assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, and other senior residential settings. It is more comprehensive than traditional home health care services and can only be delivered by nurses or other medical professionals who have specialized training and experience in providing skilled nursing care.
Skilled nursing care can include a wide range of services depending on the patient’s individual needs. These may include:
- Administering medications
- Monitoring vital signs
- Performing wound dressing changes
- Providing physical therapy
- Helping with mobility and daily activities
- Providing nutrition counseling
- Monitoring cognitive function
The goal of this type of care is to help seniors remain safe and healthy while managing any chronic medical conditions they may have. For some seniors with more complex medical needs, skilled nursing staff may be able to provide more intensive interventions such as tube feeding or wound management. Certain types of treatments may require special certifications from nurses who are specially trained in those areas.
Learn More About Skilled Nursing Care at Buckner
If your parent or other senior loved one is in need of skilled nursing care, Buckner Retirement Services is a leading provider of this type of service. We offer skilled nursing care and a number of other senior living options in our lively, welcoming communities. We take the time to get to know your loved ones and their lifestyle needs, ensuring that we can find a continuum of care that allows them to fully enjoy their golden years. To speak to our friendly staff about the options for your senior, contact us at 214.227.7182.