Nurses Week: Inside Senior Nursing Care
Did you know that 1 in every 100 people is a nurse? With over 4 million nurses in the United States, nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the nation, and its impact on healthcare is profound (AACN). As we celebrate National Nurses Week from May 6th to May 12th, Benchmark Senior Living wants to honor the incredible difference these dedicated professionals make in the lives of seniors. With this year’s theme “Nurses Make the Difference,” let’s take a closer look at the pivotal role nurses play in senior care.
Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home: Understanding the Difference
Before exploring a day in the life of a senior care nurse, it’s important to understand the different types of senior living facilities. Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, provide comprehensive medical care including 24-hour supervision, rehabilitation services, and assistance with daily activities. Services may include medication administration, utilizing mechanical or electrical lifts for transfers, monitoring vital signs, blood sugar levels, and nutritional intake, as well as managing chronic diseases (NIH). Among these diseases, Alzheimer’s is one that skilled nursing commonly cares for. Although not a skilled nursing facility, Benchmark Senior Living’s Mind and Memory Care communities set the standard high for this care, offering specialized programs and environments designed to meet the unique needs of individuals living with memory impairment.
Assisted living caters to individuals who may require some assistance or services, but not to the extent provided in skilled nursing care or a nursing home. These senior living communities provide a balance of independence and assistance, and residents often enjoy independent living in their own apartments while benefiting from supportive services and social activities, such as scheduled rides to medical appointments, healthy meals, coordinated outings for shopping or fun, extensive programming opportunities, and seasonal community events. At Benchmark Senior Living communities, this also includes a wide array of social engagements, educational classes, and club meetings to foster connections and interests. Additionally, residents enjoy ample common areas to expand their living space, restaurant-style dining with 3 nutritious meals per day, and access to on-site fitness and other services.
Assisted living communities are designed to enhance the quality of life for residents while promoting independence and well-being. According to the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), assisted living is a safe and high-quality long-term care option for seniors. Studies show that residents and their families are overwhelmingly satisfied with the care provided in assisted living communities, highlighting the positive impact these facilities have on residents’ lives. Benchmark Senior Living’s communities have consistently been recognized for Best Assisted Living, Best Memory Care, Best Independent Living, and Best Continuing Care Retirement Community for U.S. News & World Report’s Best Senior Living, voted for by our residents and their families. This year, 44 of our communities have been honored for their outstanding performance, resulting in a total of 62 awards.
Behind the Scenes: A Nurse’s Daily Routine
Nurses embody care and compassion in every interaction, especially those caring for seniors. A typical morning can start with getting updates on any events over the evening. A nurse’s day can also include assisting residents with their medications, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring they are ready to take on the day looking and feeling their best. The bond that forms over time between nurses and residents is priceless, built on trust and genuine friendships developed over weeks, months, and sometimes years of care. Every day at Benchmark Senior Living, these heartfelt connections are on full display, showcasing our unwavering commitment to fostering compassionate relationships within our communities.
Nurses influence individualized care plans throughout the day to meet residents’ unique needs while promoting independence because resident safety is our top priority. They coordinate care with other specialties, including physical and occupational therapy, and are available to address questions or concerns from residents and their families. This commitment reflects Benchmark’s culture of caring, where associates are not just employees but essential members of the team who are called to care. Beyond providing medical assistance, nurses serve as companions and advocates for residents, addressing not only their physical health but also their emotional and social well-being. Their dedication and commitment to resident’s well-being create a nurturing environment where residents feel valued and supported.
The Power of Teamwork
While nurses are a big part of the forefront of senior care, they are also part of a larger, dedicated team. At Benchmark Senior Living, every associate plays an important role in creating a supportive, compassionate (and fun!) environment for our residents to thrive. From certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to administrative and front desk associates, kitchen and cleaning staff, and activities directors, every staff member contributes to creating supportive and compassionate care for residents to thrive. This collaborative effort ensures that the diverse needs of residents are met with comprehensive, thoughtful care. At Benchmark communities, it’s common for staff to know each resident on a personal level, from their favorite sweet treats and birthdays to their families and most cherished memories.
Nurses Week Ideas
As we celebrate Nurses Week, let’s express our gratitude to these exceptional individuals who make a difference in the lives of seniors every day. Some Nurses Week gifts and ideas for this national nurses week include sharing how nurses have impacted the lives of you or a family member, and posting your story and gratitude on social media. Many big companies and local businesses offer discounts or special deals for nurses this week, reposting or sharing these is a great way to show nurses you are thinking of them. While sending treats or giving small gifts are fun ways to give thanks, there’s no need to spend money and a heartfelt thank you card or personal conversation with a nurse in your life is the perfect way to say thanks this National Nurses Week.
Thank You From Benchmark
As we reflect on the invaluable contributions of nurses during Nurses Week and beyond, let us express our gratitude for their unwavering compassion and dedication. At Benchmark Senior Living, our culture of care extends across each of our communities and deep within our organization itself. Working in senior care is not just another job- it’s a calling filled with meaning and fulfillment. We recognize and celebrate the bonds nurses form with residents and families, the joy they bring to each interaction, and the difference they make in the lives of seniors. Happy Nurses Week to all the remarkable nurses who truly make a difference!
Sources:
https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-workforce-fact-sheet
