Fourth of July Nursing Home Activities
Posted on July, 01, 2018 by admin
Fourth of July celebrations are often one of the highlights of the summer. For nursing home residents, however, the fourth of July can be a difficult day if they feel that they are being left behind while the rest of the country celebrates. As an STNA, you’ll have the opportunity to help to make the Fourth of July a happy day for all of your residents. Below, you’ll find a few suggestions for making the most of the day.
1. Wear red, white, and blue
By wearing red, white, and blue on the fourth, you can remind your residents of the importance of the day and can establish a celebratory atmosphere right away. In addition, you can encourage your residents to select their own patriotic outfits to make the day feel special.
2. Play patriotic music
In common areas where music is played, consider playing a patriotic CD with American favorites like the Star-Spangled Banner and Yankee Doodle. This music will remind your residents of happy memories. For extra fun, you could host you own patriotic karaoke night.
3. Watch the fireworks
If fireworks can be seen from your nursing home’s property, you could place chairs and blankets outside and encourage your residents to watch the fireworks together. If not, be sure to turn the fireworks on TV and play some festive music while you watch. You could also serve red, white, and blue treats like parfaits with blueberries and strawberries or cupcakes iced with the flag.
As an STNA, you are intimately involved in the day-to-day lives of your residents. By taking action to make holidays special, you can help your residents to feel that they have something to look forward to. In addition, sharing good times with your residents can improve your relationships. As a result, your residents may be more inclined to cooperate with you. In addition, you’ll have the privilege of getting to know your residents for the unique individuals they are.
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Caring for an Aging Population
Posted on January, 20, 2017 by admin
As an STNA, you will likely care for some elderly patients. This is due, in part, to the fact that the United State’s population is getting older each year. In fact, by the year 2060, the number of Americans over aged 65 or older will be more than double what it is today. This means there will be about 96 million individuals aged 65 or older in the United States by the year 2060. When caring for elderly patients, there are a few important tips you should always follow.
1. Be Gentle!
Elderly individuals are often more susceptible to injury than younger individuals. This is primarily because aging leads to brittle bones and thinner, less elastic skin. Our bones become more brittle as we age because they lose the minerals, such as calcium, that keep them hard and strong. Our skin becomes thinner and less elastic as we age because it loses collagen. As a result of their brittle bones and thin skin, elderly patients may be injured by events that would not injure a healthy young person. For example, the removal of medical tape from skin may cause a wound. By taking your time in treating your elderly patients and being as gently as possible, you can help them to stay safe!
2. Speak Up!
If you believe your elderly patient is ignoring you or not paying attention, try speaking up. Many elderly patients suffer from hearing loss. If you detect hearing loss in a patient, you may wish to recommend that he or she see a doctor. Being outfitted with a properly-functioning hearing aide can greatly increase a hard-of-hearing patient’s quality of life.
3. Be Patient!
Everyday tasks that are easy for healthy young people may pose a serious challenge for the elderly. This is because our muscles lose a great deal of their strength once we are over the age of 65. If a patient needs to rest in the middle of a task, be as accommodating as you can be. On a related note, don’t jump right in and take over the task unless you are asked to do so. Taking away a patient’s independence can greatly harm his or her morale. Instead, just be patient and help when asked.
As you care for elderly patients throughout your career, we hope you’ll follow the tips outlined above. Best of luck as you begin your long as successful career as an STNA!
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