HEALTH & BEAUTY
SAFETY MOTION-ACTIVATED LIGHTS
ALARMS AND BUZZERS
Dolan places motion-activated lights under residents’ beds and along the hall to the bathroom to reduce nighttime falls, according to Dolan-Boschert.
Many long-term care facilities are going high-tech with memory care. Here are just some of the
PERSONAL TRACKING Some long-term care facilities use individual trackers to eliminate wandering, but that’s not the only way technology can be used to keep residents safe. Dolan is currently testing the use of Fitbits to monitor heart rates, activity levels and sleeping patterns, according to Dolan-Boschert.
These can help keep doors and exits secure, but that’s just the beginning of their usefulness. Dolan puts individual buzzers on residents who recently had a hip fracture or other injury that impedes movement. “They may not remember that they can’t bear weight,” McGillick explains. “The alarms let staff know they’ve gotten up.” She adds that it’s a temporary precaution because too many alarms or buzzers going off could agitate or trigger residents.
MUSIC “Listening to music has a wonderful impact and is tied to memory,” McGillick says. “Providing residents with iPods programmed with songs they or their families have selected gives them comfort and stimulation.”
INFRARED CAMERAS
ways they’re using technology to keep residents safe.
Provision Living offers the option of having infrared cameras installed in residents’ rooms. The camera system is HIPAA-compliant and maintains privacy while monitoring gait and balance. The system informs staff if there are any changes or the resident falls. “Staff are alerted immediately, and the camera allows them to see exactly what happened,” DeSmet says, adding that the monitoring system also can let them see changes in heart rate or respiration.
MEDICATION DISTRIBUTION McGillick says Dolan uses a system that provides staff with residents’ pictures and a list of their medications at distribution time, greatly reducing medication errors.
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“The best decision my husband, and I made three years ago was to move to Brookdale. The whole experience has given us new friends and a great staff who treat us like family. This move allows us to maintain our busy lifestyle, including travel and entertaining. I recommend Brookdale to all my friends, who I hope to have as future neighbors.” — Elaine N., Resident
Brookdale Creve Coeur offers you • Experienced, consistent management team • Progressive levels of care, ancillary services and customizable wellness programs • Transportation options for doctor appointments, as well as volunteering, religious services and more • Spacious apartments with 12 floor plans to choose from
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brookdale.com NOVEMBER 21, 2018 | townandstyle.com
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