The autumn and winter seasons can bring challenges to those who care for the elderly, even facilities with nursing home insurance. Young ones flock to warmer climates, leaving behind an aging population that is more susceptible to illness.
The colder weather also makes it difficult for those living in assisted-living facilities or nursing homes, as they may be less mobile and have trouble with their skin due to decreased circulation. This blog post will share some tips on eldercare.
Prepare the nursing home
Ensure that all equipment such as heating systems, boilers, water pumps are working properly before winter arrives so they don’t break during the season. Also, ensure that it does not get too cold inside the building by adjusting temperature settings accordingly.
Dress appropriately
Be sure to keep up with proper dressing habits while at work. Bundle up the elders because they are more prone to getting cold than younger patients. Avoid letting older people wear open shoes or sandals. This can cause injury on slippery surfaces and also make the residents susceptible to colds and other infections.
Training on emergency protocols
Ensure that all staff members are aware of emergency protocols for emergencies such as fires and power outages. Workers must be alert to assist the elderly during emergencies. Also, ensure that there are additional ways of communication available throughout the facility. Have cell phones readily accessible with local numbers programmed into them for different departments within the building.
Admission procedures during winter
Be prepared if a patient is admitted to the facility during the season. Make sure that all appropriate equipment and medications are readily available for their condition. Older people are at risk of developing complications due to a lack of resources. This could be considered a liability risk.
Provide proper gear for the winter
Ensure patients are aware of proper cold-weather dressing habits. If they live outside or come from other areas where winter is common, provide them with multiple layers of clothing rather than just one thick jacket. Replace sandals with warm footwear and boots.
Monitor the elderly closely
Properly monitor patients living outdoors over the wintertime. There is the risk of them getting frostbite or hypothermia if they are not properly dressed for outside weather, which can become dangerous in this environment. Again, this may be grounds for malpractice.
Access to shelter
Ensure that patients have access to shelter during adverse weather conditions, especially those who live outdoors but still require services like medication administration. One way to do this is to transport these older adults to a safe shelter or their homes. Alternatively, have staff provide outdoor care such as checking vitals.
Make the facility safe
If you are caring for a patient with dementia, make sure all appropriate safety measures are taken care of. Demented patients often wander off regardless of the weather conditions. So, make certain doors are properly locked or check on them regularly. Wandering patients can sustain injuries or die because of their inability to recognize a threat and feel cold temperatures.
Keep the nursing home clean
Keep up with regular personal hygiene habits even during wintertime by showering more frequently. Also, clean the facility regularly so that the environment does not become dirty. Dirty surroundings can pose health risks to older people. Remember, older people are more susceptible to getting infections.
Care beyond caring
As an insurance agent, you have the opportunity to help this industry by discussing the importance of insurance in a nursing home and living-assisted facility. Whether you like it or not, elderlies often complain a lot.
Even if the nursing home worker is doing their best to provide proper care, elders and their families would still find fault even at the minute things. So, you can use this period to protect those people who care for the aging population.
Nursing home insurance is special protection against malpractice liability and other risks. It can go a long way in keeping all parties involved, the worker, the elders, and the family members feel safe and protected.
Wrap up!
In conclusion, the autumn and winter seasons can be a time of increased care for those who are aging. Make sure to have some support system in place before it gets cold outside! Don’t forget to update insurance policies or get one as an investment.
About Caitlin Morgan
Caitlin Morgan specializes in insuring assisted living facilities and nursing homes and can assist you in providing insurance and risk management services for this niche market. Give us a call to learn more about our programs at (877) 226-1027.