We understand that making the transition into higher levels of care can be a big change for seniors, especially amid the current COVID-19 pandemic. That is why we are proud to take the extra initiative to make as smooth a transition of care as possible. *Please note this video content was taken prior to the onset of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Impact
One fact remains clear about this pandemic. COVID-19 has the highest mortality rate for senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that Healthcare organizations need to make swift and safe transitions a priority. That is why we have been dedicated to implementing specific procedures and processes to help patients and their families navigate the healthcare system, ensuring that safe transitions can be made anywhere it is needed while putting families minds at ease.
The Decision to Transition
The process of choosing the right assisted living facility for your loved ones can be overwhelming and scary. Fear, guilt, and anxiety are just some of the many emotions associated with the decision process. With the additional stress of the COVID-19 global pandemic and all of the unknowns associated, the decisions almost seem impossible to make. Keeping this in mind, our services begin with the Community Relations Counselor, the first person to meet and interact with seniors and their families, the entire transition of care is designed to provide a one-on-one approach in learning of the resident’s needs and appropriately addressing them. The Community Relations Counselor works to make the best decisions for a resident’s transition, with consideration to both the individual as well as their surrounding family. The very next person the senior and their family will meet is the Resident Concierge.
Creating a Smooth Transition of Care for the Resident
Once the decision to join the community is finalized, the Resident Concierge strives to provide a familiar face, ensuring a smooth transition into the new community. A recognizable concierge can often make all the difference for a senior accomplishing the daunting task of relocating into a new home and can help them navigate this sometimes frightening experience.
A pre-care conference is next held in order to provide the “WOW moment” that Spring Hills believes each resident is entitled to. The Resident Concierge position dramatically increases the opportunity for a resident to be pleased with their new home, and becoming intimately aware of each of the residents’ personal needs in terms of their transition.
With COVID-19 restrictions, this relationship is increasingly important as families are currently not allowed into facilities to help with move in and residents are required to quarantine for 14 days upon move-in. After the 14 day period, families are then able to meet outside in half-hour increments Even from behind the masks and PPE, our staff has managed to ease the process for many individuals.
Just recently, Community Relations Counselor Kathryn South from our Spring Hills Matawan, NJ location was able to create a welcome sign for a memory care patient. After discovering he went to Marist College, grew up in Flatbush, Brooklyn and loved the New York Yankees, she compiled a sign with images of each so he would have a sense of comfort, and some decorations, in his new space. “Getting involved allows [you] to better understand each and every resident”, says Kathryn. This understanding and individualized approach allows her “compassion to shine though” even in a time that is so demanding and constantly evolving.
Creating a Smooth Transition of Care for the Families
Spring Hills has laid the groundwork rooted in caring with a commitment to quality, not only to residents but to their families, to best ease the stress and anxiety of the transition process from home to assisted living and memory care services. From the first call, families can feel comforted that their loved ones will receive the best possible care. Even with all of the COVID-19 restrictions in place families are highly encouraged to “join in the journey” says Community Relations Counselor Marisa Visone from Spring Hills Assisted Living in Matawan, NJ. Just because families are required to be distanced physically does not mean they can’t be involved in the process.
Spring Hills aims to keep in constant communication. Want to see pictures and daily updates? Visit the SMILE app, a go to happy place for the family to follow up on the resident’s daily activity, happenings in the community, menu, upcoming events and pictures helps them feel they are still part of their everyday life. Want to see a loved one and their new home? Zoom meetings can be set up upon request. Want to discuss a loved ones needs? Care Conferences are meetings scheduled to discuss the resident’s needs between the family, Resident Concierge and Director of Resident Care.
Miscommunication amongst healthcare providers can lead to a poor transition of care. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, “Transitions increase the risk of adverse events due to the potential for miscommunication as responsibility is given to new parties.” Caregivers play such a critical role in ensuring a smooth transition of care because they take on the responsibility of providing the patients current medications, allergies or other health issues.
You are not the only person, or family who may be needing to transition a loved one now or in the future, and we know how difficult the decision and transition can be. We are here to guide you through the process, answer all of your questions and give your loved one’s the personalized are they need.
About Spring Hills:
All Spring Hills Senior Communities’, Home Care Services, Assisted Living Communities, Post-Acute Care Communities and Poet’s Walk Memory Care Communities offer a distinctive and innovative approach to home care services, assisted living, and Alzheimer’s care as led by Alexander Markowits, President/CEO. Signature Touches is the company’s holistic approach to offering individualized care and services that are designed to meet the needs and preferences of residents and clients. For more information about their Caring with a Commitment to Quality dedication to senior living, visit www.springhills.com or www.poetswalk-springhills.com.
At Spring Hills Senior Communities, we are proud to continue to serve you through the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more, contact your local community.