Tracking Vaccinations In A Senior Living Community

Immunization records are essential records that track your vaccination history from when you were a baby to the present. It is essential for older adults, especially those 65 and older, to have an immunization record. Additionally, the record should be up to date.

This article discusses immunization records for seniors. We will discuss its importance, tracing vaccination records, and what to do if you don’t get any records. Additionally, we will discuss the best way to keep track of vaccinations in senior living communities.

Importance of vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that every year, thousands of people are hospitalized, develop long-term illnesses, and even die after contracting illnesses that could have been avoided had they been vaccinated. Older adults are especially at high risk.

Some of the vaccine-preventable diseases that prove fatal are; flu viruses (including seasonal flu), pneumococcal disease, HPV (which is a risk factor for cancer), tetanus, influenza viruses (including influenza flu), shingles, and pertussis, among others.

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The CDC ensures that the vaccines people get are safe. Some studies suggested there is a link between the flu vaccine and Guillain barré syndrome (GBS), especially in older adults. Research has shown that the exact cause of GBS is still unknown, and there is no evidence that the flu vaccine causes GBS.

Are vaccination records vital?

Most people assume that vaccines are just meant for kids, but that is not the case. Although you will receive most vaccines when you are just a few months of age, you may require booster shots when you become an adult.

Vaccination records are critical for seniors because other than health care providers in senior living communities knowing which vaccines they require, they can also give them booster shots for vaccines administered when they were younger, some of which are relatively new.

Tracing vaccination records for seniors

Unfortunately, no organization maintains vaccination records, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The only records you may find are those parents or caregivers are given when the vaccines were administered and the medical records of the clinic where the vaccines were administered. Therefore, it is up to every individual to gather their vaccination records.

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Tracing vaccination records for seniors can be a daunting task. Therefore, it would help to have a comprehensive plan on how to go about it.

To trace vaccination records for seniors, there are specific places you can check. Here are a few tips.

  1. Ask whether they have records of their childhood immunizations. Most times, the records are passed on from their parents or caregivers.
  2. Check documents they saved from their childhood; this includes any baby books.
  3. Check with their previous employers. Some employers have specific vaccination requirements, so you’ll be able to tell which vaccines the senior got.
  4. Check with schools that the seniors attended. Some high schools and colleges keep such records for several years.
  5. Check public health clinics where the seniors frequented.
  6. Consult their doctors.
  7. Check with state health departments. Some of them keep immunization records, but they may not be for people of all ages.

Once you get all the necessary vaccination records possible, take them to the senior’s doctor and request that they be compiled and uploaded on an official immunization record and other relevant registries.

After that, store all the documents you gathered in a safe place for future reference.

What if you can’t get any records?

If you tried all means but couldn’t get any records, consult your healthcare provider. There are specific blood tests that can reveal whether or not the senior received certain vaccinations.

However, there are instances when the senior will have to be vaccinated again, especially when there are no records and the blood tests do not prove that the senior is immune to specific vaccine-preventable illnesses. 

Note that the vaccines are safe whether or not the senior received them earlier. In the long run, the vaccine will reduce the risk of them succumbing to various illnesses.

Keeping track of vaccinations

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Today, most people move every few years and change healthcare providers in the process. Therefore, getting old vaccination records may prove difficult as well as time-consuming.

You must keep track of the vaccinations of seniors in senior living communities. The records should also be accurate and up-to-date.

Draw up an immunization record for each senior and store them safely together with other vital documents. Alternatively, you can ask a vaccine provider, pharmacist, or doctor for a vaccine record form and use it to fill in the necessary details for each senior.

It would be best if you had the vaccine record form present during any hospital visits. Ask the vaccine provider to sign the form any time you receive a vaccine. They will sign against the type of vaccine the senior received.

Note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently started an initiative to store immunization records. Therefore, it would be best to ask the vaccine provider to update the seniors’ information on the CDC Immunization Information System (IIS). This way, the senior’s vaccination records will be readily available on the system.

Another advantage of the IIS is that it makes it easy for a vaccination provider to determine the appropriate vaccinations for the senior. It combines all vaccination records into a single record so that they can access them easily.

Covid -19 vaccinations for seniors

Most seniors live in senior living communities. More often than not, the seniors in these settings have underlying conditions since they belong to a specific age group. Therefore, they are at a higher risk of contracting the virus that causes COVID-19.

The CDC recommends that all seniors get COVID-19 vaccines. Seniors have two options: schedule a vaccination appointment and get the vaccine from a health facility or request an on-site vaccination. Note that they may experience a few side effects after getting the vaccine, but it will be beneficial in the long run.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require senior living communities to upload COVID-19 vaccination data for their residents. Therefore, you must keep track of COVID-19 vaccination data for all seniors in your community.

Conclusion

Vaccine records are vital. It would be best to keep track of all seniors’ vaccinations in your senior living community. By doing so and keeping your information up to date, you can ensure the seniors get the vaccines they require and dodge potential complications from flu, COVID, & more.

What is the Best Way to Order Medical Supplies for My Senior Community?

If you plan to order medical supplies for your senior care home, you’ll be faced with two choices. You’ll either buy your supplies online or buy them at a local medical supply store. Local stores are convenient and easily accessible. You can walk right in, order a product, check it out, and leave knowing it’s exactly what you need. However, buying online offers even greater benefits. For example, you will:

With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why many senior living homes are replacing a trip to the local drugstore with a click onto the internet. But despite the convenience and access, ordering medical supplies online can be challenging, even to the most experienced shopper. Here are some challenges that senior care homes encounter when they try to order medical supplies online.

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Not being able to try out the product

One of the greatest challenges senior care homes face when ordering medical supplies online is that they can’t try out the items. This can be tricky, especially when buying supplies and equipment like wheelchairs, mattresses, and cushions. For the most part, they don’t have the freedom to try a product, and return it if it doesn’t match the need.

Luckily, some stores have taken online shopping to the next level. They recreate a brick-and-mortar ambiance by integrating high-res images, product descriptions, specifications, and videos for a seamless customer experience. They also provide stellar customer service, ensuring you get what you were looking for, the first time – whether it’s surgical masks, an n95 respirator, or personal protective equipment (PPE).

Not knowing the right product for a medical condition

Older adults in a senior care home or memory care facility have different medical needs. Some will need standard supplies or equipment, while others more custom solutions to fit their unique medical needs. This can pose a challenge when ordering medical supplies online.

In this case, it’s beneficial to find online stores that can help you identify the right supplies. Work with a store that provides plenty of resources and guides on different products that your residents might need. The guides and walkthroughs will point you to getting the ideal product. You can also check out an online resource site like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that provides helpful information.

Problems selecting the right incontinence products

Many seniors struggle with incontinence issues, which make incontinence products a top priority for senior homes. But the problem is that it’s hard to tell the absorbency of a pad, diaper, or pull-ups via a computer. And the worst part is that incontinence products, once bought, cannot be returned. This can pose a challenge for senior facilities, seeing they buy these products in bulk. 

The best way around this is to work with an online store with an effective customer support service department. You can also try sites that have a free sample program. They send you various products to try out and decide which one has the best style and absorbency for your needs. 

Essential medical equipment for seniors

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Senior living communities offer a range of medical supplies and equipment for their residents. But from time to time, seniors may need additional supplies to enhance their quality of life & increase customer satisfaction. Here are some types of essential medical equipment for seniors.

1.     Assistive equipment

Assistive equipment like grip bars in the bathroom and toilet risers are helpful to seniors because they protect them from falls and give them extra stability. Walkers, wheelchairs, and canes also let seniors continue being mobile as they age.

2.     Personal alert system

If a senior is living alone, they need a personal alert system that lets them contact emergency services if anything happens.

3.     Medication reminders

Reminders are essential because seniors take medication regularly. You can get an automated reminder or a simple pill counter online, depending on your budget.

4.     Hearing and vision aids

These aids help seniors remain aware of their surroundings. They are critical when the senior losses their sense of vision or hearing. Hearing and vision aids allow them to enjoy a higher quality of life.

Tips on shopping for medical supplies

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1. Talk to the patient’s doctor.

If you want to order medical supplies for older adults, you must talk to their doctor first. This is essential as you may need a doctor’s approval, especially when shopping for condition-specific equipment. Besides, the doctor may make recommendations on where to get the supplies you need. Most healthcare workers know the suppliers you need to reach out to and whether there are lower-cost options available.

2.     Consider using lending programs.

Local lending programs come in very handy when you can’t afford to buy an item outright or when you will only need a specific item for a short while. For instance, lending can suffice when a resident only needs a wheelchair for a short period after surgery. The programs allow you to hire medical equipment or supplies at a small fee, which is cost-effective. You will manage to acquire medical equipment and supplies that the elderly need at a lower cost.

3.     Keep the senior’s budget in mind.

Most seniors spend their savings on buying medical supplies. It is therefore essential to consider their budget before ordering for them. If they cannot pay for the supplies, you can seek assistance from non-profit organizations, missionary organizations, or healthcare foundations. Low payment plans also come in handy in managing the senior’s finances better.

4.     Check the technical aspects of the equipment

Consider technical aspects like the support a senior may need, height, weight, size, and accessories they prefer before you order medical supplies. For example, if you’re looking for a rollator or walker for an obese resident, you should ensure it will support their weight. Also, you want to check the hand brakes and grips and the height to avoid accidents. 

Conclusion

Self-dependence is very crucial for the well-being of seniors in a community. Choosing the right medical equipment encourages independent living and motivates them to get better. If you work in senior community service or senior living communities, you can empower older adults by giving them the best medical supplies. This way, they will regain their confidence, stay happy and healthy. 

The Best Ways to Ensure Quality of Life to your Assisted Living Community

The benefits of assisted living services extend beyond activities of daily living. These homes open the world of opportunities and greater freedom for seniors. That’s why millions of families move their loved ones to these homes when home care is no longer a viable option.

As a service provider, you are always on the lookout for ways to enhance the level of care in the facility. This can pose a unique challenge because of varying needs of the elderly. But ensuring quality of life in your assisted living community doesn’t have to be complex. A few simple steps can help you deliver the best experiences to all the residents in your home.

The Best Ways to Improve Resident Care:

Address loneliness

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A study by the Brigham Young University found that loneliness can be as deadly as obesity or smoking. Senior isolation may encourage an unhealthy lifestyle, complicate the existing condition and affect cognition. It may also lead to higher cases of elder abuse as perpetrators take advantage of their isolation to scam, steal or injure them. Other studies show that Alzheimer’s almost doubles in lonely adults and that their mental decline was faster.

Going by these studies, addressing loneliness is one of the best things you can do in your senior living facility to ensure the quality of life. Great ways of preventing loneliness include:

·      Promoting social interaction

·      Encouraging a sense of purpose

·      Showing them that they are loved

·      Integrating physical activities like stair climbing, walking, and other age-appropriate workouts to keep the older adults in a solid mental, emotional and physical shape.

Hire enough staff

Staffing is one of the most tangible and crucial elements to ensure high-quality care. Everyone is happy when a facility has an adequate staff-to-resident ratio. But when the facility is understaffed, the team gets overwhelmed and becomes unwilling to offer assistance with activities of impaired adults. They may also become abusive out of their frustration. That’s why you need to hire adequate staff. But it's equally essential to onboard trained staff with a good grasp of residential care.

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Embrace new technology

Seniors may have shied away from technology in the past, but not anymore. The baby boomer generation is now widely adopting technology to keep in touch with their loved ones, manage their finances, alert caregivers in case of an accident, etc. They are using laptops, phones, and smartwatches for daily interactions and other activities. There are many other technologies that you can embrace to ensure your assisted living residents have a better quality of life, these include:

Personalize rooms

Personalization is critical, especially in memory care homes. It helps staff know the residents, their preferences, family, and special memories of travel and a well-lived life. It is also vital in the case of residents suffering from conditions like expressive aphasia and dementia. Usually, these people can’t tell their own life stories so their possessions that represent their activities, achievements, and memories can communicate about their past.

For this reason, it is a good idea to allow residents to bring some of their unique and favorite belongings and items with them as they move into the care facility. These possessions will not only aid with care but also help the residents feel at home. In addition to this, you may want to customize the rooms to fit the needs of the residents. Since no single resident has the same need as the other, it pays to understand the needs of each one of them and modify their spaces accordingly. And don’t forget the outdoors and common spaces too. A few things you can do in this regard include:

Provide lots of fun, social opportunities

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Spending time and maintaining relationships with others is essential to a senior’s mental and emotional well-being. It can prevent depression which is common with seniors. Studies by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 7 million adults in the US, 65 years and older suffer from depression each year. And while many aspects lead to depression, isolation and inactivity tend to be the biggest contributors.

Alzheimer’s Association recommends socialization to help seniors maintain brain activity. As such, providing lots of fun and social opportunities in your facility can be a great way to improve the level of care in your homes. Here are a few recommendations for social activities.

Make tidiness a priority

One of the main reasons seniors move from home care to assisted living is to get help with laundry and housekeeping. Providing stellar personal care services is essential, but ensuring that the rooms and surrounding area are in tip-top condition is also crucial. Assisted living homes always need to be clean to create a healthy environment for residents and caregivers. Hiring professional cleaning services can be a great way to ensure your facility stays clean. A clean facility offers plenty of benefits, including:

Emphasize providing quality meals and dining experience

Dining isn’t just an essential part of a senior’s social life in an assisted living community, it’s an important pleasure for them as well. Residents enjoy nice meals in a good dining setting. They also need well-balanced meals as part of their health care. When it comes to resident care, it is the simple things that matter, like eating what they want, when they want, and where they want.

While providing meals for the elderly, it’s vital to take note of their varying health needs. For instance, seniors with heart disease need to avoid processed meals and high-fat dairy products. Instead, they should eat high-quality proteins, healthy fats, colorful veggies and fruits, and low-fat dairy products. In addition to nutrition, you want to create an appealing dining atmosphere that makes residents eager and willing to enjoy their meals.

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