Nazareth Home Clifton was honored at the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities’ Quality Awards Banquet with the Best of Kentucky – Nursing and Rehabilitation award. Director of Nursing Alison Snow was also recognized as a Top 10 Nursing Excellence winner.

“Receiving the Best of Kentucky award is such an honor, and we are proud of the expertise our nursing, therapy and care team brings to elders each day,” said Lisa Biddle-Puffer, administrator of Nazareth Home Clifton.

The Best of Kentucky – Nursing and Rehabilitation honorees were selected based on CMS star ratings of four or higher and satisfaction surveys of residents and families.

“It is a privilege to honor caregivers for the outstanding care and devotion they show every day to their residents. These honorees are an example of the many Kentucky providers and caregivers delivering quality care,” said KAHCF Board Chair Chris Page. “This recognition is a testament to their dedication to their residents.”

More than 800 long-term care providers met during the meeting. General sessions offered panel discussions with the ambulance association and the office of inspector general. Other topics of the day included hiring and retaining quality staff, and breakout sessions on a variety of issues facing long-term care providers. More than 100 vendors exhibited during the Expo showcasing the latest innovations to providing quality care.

The week was capped off with the Quality Awards Banquet. The Association honored 23 facilities with the Best of Kentucky – Nursing and Rehabilitation Award, along with the Top 10 Caregivers, Nurses and Supportive Care staff awards.

Across the U.S., over 54 million people, primarily women, are faced with the challenge of providing care to their older family members. These are the unsung heroes of today, supporting the elders we love.

While caregiving can be rewarding, research suggests that a caregiver’s health and overall well-being can be affected by the physical and emotional strain. As a caregiver, it’s important to find ways to make it less stressful.

Don’t do it alone

• • Ask family and friends for help. Set up family conferences, seek suggestions from each other and talk through disagreements.
  • Seek wisdom from other caregivers.
  • Involve (to the best of their ability) the person you’re caring for.
  • Learn about your loved one’s illness and be informed. Find specialists for information and guidance.
  • Tap into local resources and support groups.

Take time out

• • Take time away from caregiving, and don’t neglect your personal and professional needs.
  • Get lots of rest and exercise.
  • Enjoy relaxing music.
  • Eat nutritious meals. Accept offers from friends to provide lunch or dinner.
  • Visit with friends, and plan leisure activities.

Be self-aware
Think carefully about how much care you can realistically provide without harming your health. Keep in mind that if you take on too much, you will eventually burn out or develop a serious health condition leaving you unable to care for anyone. Beware of the following signs and seek help if any of these persist.

• • Anger or fear
  • Tendency to overreact
  • Feeling depressed, isolated or overburdened
  • Thoughts of guilt, shame or inadequacy
  • Headaches
  • Digestive issues, weight loss or gain
  • Trouble sleeping or fatigue

Remember that while caregiving is tough, it can be a time to heal old wounds, end conflicts, improve relationships and serve a loved one. And with a little time, experience and help from others, you’ll get the hang of it.

For more tips on caregiving, contact us. We are here to help.

Long-term care provides around-the-clock services for someone based on their health requirements. Our experienced team offers a full spectrum of compassionate care customized by each person’s individual needs and wants. At Nazareth Home, we respect and understand that elders and their families are placing their trust in us to provide quality care and honor their choices.

Throughout October, we have been celebrating patient-centered care, also known as person-centered care. This type of care is designed to help elders thrive. It embraces flexibility, self-determination and personal choice.

At Nazareth Home, this approach is an extension of our mission and core values of compassion, respect, cooperation, spirituality and excellence. Person-centered care is a holistic approach that focuses on enhancing elders’ health and well-being, which includes: social, spiritual and physical wellness.

“Whether someone needs short-term rehabilitation, full-time nursing or end-of-life care, our focus is always compassionate and person-centered,” says Executive Director Mary Haynes. “All the ways we provide care have one thing in common; the elder or patient is in the driver’s seat. Their individual needs along with their likes and dislikes come first.”

Compassionate person-centered care creates an environment where the elder decides their day. When they go to bed and when to wake up, it’s their choice. They can eat what they want and when they want. They decide what their daily schedule looks like, from doctor’s appointments to activities. Just as in the rest of their adult lives, the elder determines their day and decisions with open communication between family members and caregivers.

At the center of person-centered living is relationship building. It starts with getting to know the elders and their life stories. What are their backgrounds? What are their interests? What makes them feel happy? These are just a few of the questions we ask as people move from their home to Nazareth Home. And throughout their stay, we keep the lines of communication open among elders, caregivers and family members.

Person-centered care and this living philosophy encompass the activities and services planned according to each resident’s personal preferences and values. This approach honors each elder’s choice, dignity and individuality, which enhances quality of care and well-being.

Nazareth Home welcomes you to stop by for a tour and learn more about our person-centered approach. For information about admissions or rehab services, call 502-459-9681, or visit our contact us page. 

“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.” – David Bowie

September is Healthy Aging Month. This annual health observance was created to focus on the positive aspects of growing older, and the importance of taking control of your health. At Nazareth Home, we promote staying active and vibrant as long as possible. Here are a few tips for healthy aging:

Eat Well
The old adage, “You are what you eat.” has a lot of truth to it. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, reduce your sodium and keep a diet full of fiber. At Nazareth Home, regardless of dietary situations, we work to provide specific nutritional meals to elders that meet daily requirements.

Not living at Nazareth Home yet? We also offer Meals for Elders, home-cooked meals for those maintaining their independence, and a healthy lifestyle at home.

Know Your Medications – Less Can be More
While medications do often help maintain health and wellbeing, studies have repeatedly shown that lots of older adults end up suffering from problems related to medication.

“More is not always good. Reducing medications as we age can often be beneficial. In many cases less is best,” says Dr. Bonnie Lazor Medical Director of Nazareth Home.

Elders are more susceptible to adverse effects of medications, especially opioids. Nazareth Home developed a ‘Menu of Personal Comfort Items’ to distribute to elders that promote alternatives to medication for discomfort and pain. The menu includes ‘comfort items’ such as a visit from a therapy animal, a massage or a warm blanket.

While some medications are necessary, it’s always a good idea to create a comprehensive list of all medications being taken. Review the Beers List of Potentially Inappropriate Medications for Older Adults. If you have any concerns, make sure and talk to your doctor before you stop taking a medication.

Get Moving
Regular exercise is one of the greatest keys to physical and mental wellbeing. Whether it’s Tai Chi, water aerobics at your local gym or simply going for a walk, staying active boosts your mood and your overall quality of life. The key is to find something you enjoy and keep it up.

Nazareth Home offers multiple exercise classes for different skill levels throughout the week. These classes are great for elders social wellbeing too.

Reduce Stress
Find healthy ways to manage stress. Take care of yourself when you are stressed by getting enough sleep, exercising and eating nutritious foods. Talk to a loved one or counselor about your stress, and try some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation.

Research shows that people who are more religious or spiritual are better able to cope with stress, heal faster from illness and experience increased benefits to their health and wellbeing. Elders can attend prayer meetings and Mass at Nazareth Home, along with many other social activities to keep them engaged.

Embrace Aging
Aging is something no one can run from or avoid. Embrace the process and tune into your thoughts and emotions. Ensure they are positive and affirming. Focus on what you can do instead of any limitations you may have. Relax and enjoy the journey to becoming who you should have always been.