Long-term care homes have evolved over the years to provide comprehensive and personalized care for individuals with complex and fragile health conditions. While the focus has shifted towards more individualized and person-centred approaches, these facilities still encompass essential medical aspects. This article explores the dual nature of long-term care homes as both a home and a medical facility, highlighting the medical services provided, the evolving approach to dementia care, and the importance of creating a homely environment for residents. This article explains the medical care in Nursing Homes.
The Medical Care in Long-Term Care
Long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada, offer 24/7 care through the employment of dedicated healthcare professionals. These professionals include Personal Support Workers and Registered Nurses. These professionals play a vital role in managing residents’ health by administering medications. They provide wound care and skin care, and coordinating medical procedures such as bloodwork, ECGs, and X-rays.
Residents entering long-term care homes bring their medications from home or hospital. Once they arrive, all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, are managed by the home. Nursing staff meticulously review each medication pass and ensure that residents receive their medications at the appropriate times. Additionally, long-term care homes have medical directors and nurse practitioners who regularly visit the facility to assess and prescribe treatments for residents facing acute medical situations.
The provision of medical care extends beyond medication administration. Staff members are trained to administer medications through various routes, including orally, subcutaneously, and via CADD pumps. This expertise enables them to meet the complex medical needs of residents. Although certain medical procedures such as IV antibiotic treatment, blood transfusions, and dialysis. This may require residents to receive care outside the home, the ongoing presence of medical professionals and the administration of medications and treatments within the home still classify it as a medical facility.
The Evolving Approach to Dementia Care in Nursing Homes
In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the unique needs of individuals with dementia. Given that the majority of residents in long-term care homes have some form of dementia, the approach to care has shifted towards a more personalized and flexible model. This shift recognizes that medical care alone is not sufficient to provide a fulfilling and meaningful life for residents.
Person-centred care has become the foundation of dementia care in long-term care homes. It involves tailoring care plans to meet individual needs and preferences, promoting autonomy, and fostering a sense of purpose and dignity. The focus is on enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life of residents, while still addressing their medical requirements.
Under this new approach, staff members engage in meaningful interactions with residents, taking the time to understand their preferences, interests, and life stories. By incorporating these elements into daily care routines, staff can create a more positive and engaging environment for residents.
Furthermore, long-term care homes now offer specialized programs and activities that cater to residents with dementia. These activities aim to stimulate cognitive function, promote social interaction, and maintain a sense of normalcy and routine. Examples include reminiscence therapy, music therapy, art therapy, and pet therapy. Such activities not only improve residents’ mental well-being but also contribute to their overall health and happiness.
Creating a Homely Environment
While long-term care homes provide medical care and support, they also strive to create a homely environment for residents. This is an essential aspect of ensuring their comfort, security, and overall well-being.
Residents in long-term care homes stay for extended periods, often forming close bonds with staff members. These relationships foster a sense of familiarity and trust, enhancing the personalized care experience. The staff-to-resident ratio in long-term care homes is typically higher than in hospitals, allowing for more individualized attention and care.
Personal belongings and family photos play a crucial role in creating a homely atmosphere within long-term care homes. Residents are encouraged to bring personal items from their previous living spaces to decorate their rooms, making them feel more comfortable and connected to their past. This personalization helps to create a sense of identity and belonging, mitigating feelings of displacement that residents may experience.
Communal Spaces
Moreover, long-term care homes invest in creating comforting and inviting communal spaces that resemble a home-like environment. Common areas are designed to be warm, comfortable, and suitable for socializing and engaging in activities. This approach helps to foster a sense of community among residents, encouraging social interaction and reducing feelings of isolation.
Conclusion
Long-term care homes strike a delicate balance between being a home and a medical facility. While the focus has shifted towards person-centred care and enhancing the quality of life for residents, the provision of essential medical services remains a core aspect of these facilities. The medical care provided by dedicated healthcare professionals, the administration of medications and treatments, and the presence of medical directors and nurse practitioners all contribute to the classification of long-term care homes as medical facilities.
Simultaneously, efforts to create a homely environment through personalized care, the inclusion of personal belongings, and the design of communal spaces contribute to the home-like atmosphere that long-term care homes strive to create. Balancing these aspects ensures that residents receive the necessary medical attention while also enjoying a sense of belonging, dignity, and quality of life.