Try: Before you go call and make an appointment don’t be afraid to ask questions ask the staff to explain anything you see and hear that you don’t understand for example if you hear a person calling out it may be because they are confused and not because they are being hurt or neglected ask who to call if you have further questions and write down the name and phone number talk to residents and family members about the care and their experience don’t go into resident rooms or care areas without asking the resident and nursing home staff first residents have a right to privacy after your visit write down any questions you still have about the nursing home or how the nursing home will meet your needs information references "guide to choosing a nursing home" by centers for medicare and medicaid services 2008 available at www medicare gov

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Nursing home checklist housing moving

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Foot cramps have many causes some of the most common causes for foot cramps are #stress or fatigue in the foot – an overworked foot is often susceptible to foot cramps #poor circulation – foot cramp is caused by lack of oxygen being carried to the foot #lack of potassium – this important mineral found in salt helps regulate body chemistry and keep you foot cramp free #dehydration – lack of water in the muscles contribute to foot cramps #changing hormone levels – foot cramps may occur while muscle tissue adjusts to these changes #pinched nerves – caused when the electrical impulse from the brain cannot reach the muscle this can cause foot cramps numbness and other symptoms #alcohol or tobacco use – since both lend to dehydration poor circulation and toxicity these are a triple threat for foot cramps #nutritional deficiency – a healthy diet complete with all essential nutrients can keep muscles and nerves functioning normally #environmental toxicity – certain "poisons" we encounter via factories contaminated water etc may play a role in increased foot cramps #chemical sensitivity – some prescriptions may change the conditions in the body and make foot cramps more likely information references "how foot cramps are caused and how you can relieve them" 2007 available at www footcare-central com

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Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

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References: n/a

Keywords: Foot cramps dehydration hormones pinched nerve alcohol tobacco cigarettes chemicals environment

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Pain is the body’s way of telling you something is damaged imagine for example spraining your ankle the nerves send electrical signals from the damaged muscles to the brain pain from damage to a muscle or a joint is called musculoskeletal pain but sometimes the nerves can be damaged this may be a result of an injury or a disease such as diabetes this is called nerve or neuropathic pain all pain is not the same and nerve pain treatment is different from muscle pain treatment that’s why it’s important to understand the source of your pain below are some of the differences between nerve and muscle pain differences between nerve and muscle pain nerve pain tingling or pins and needles burning numbness stabbing electric shock-like or shooting muscle pain aching swelling muscle tenderness or cramping stiffness another difference between nerve pain and muscle pain is that muscle pain is a protective form of pain it sends a warning signal that an injury occurred the pain tells you that more activity might be harmful nerve pain however is a non-protective form of pain this kind of pain will not necessarily be improved by changing or limiting your activities in fact with diabetic nerve pain decreasing your activity level is a problem it makes it harder to manage your diabetes it’s important to be physically active to keep your blood sugar level under control information references "nerve pain vs muscle pain" 2011 available at www diabetespainhelp com

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Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Touch, So-So Touch, Poor Touch

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Nerve pain muscle pain pain blood glucose problems

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: A walker is a three-sided metal frame with four legs you may need to use a walker because your legs are not strong enough to walk without support you may also need to use a walker if you are weak or have balance problems things to consider be sure the walker has rubber grips for the hands make sure it has nonskid rubber tips or wheels to keep you from sliding you can buy walkers at medical supply stores there are many kinds of walkers selecting the best walker may depend on your health problem and where you plan to use the walker decide if you need a walker for indoor use outdoor use or both some walkers have a lightweight metal frame that is easy to lift as you walk the front legs of the walker frame may have wheels to help you move easier other walkers have a heavy metal frame and are pushed forward with each step these walkers usually have four sturdy wheels and may have hand brakes walkers may come with different parts most walkers can be adjusted to make them taller or shorter some walkers have built in seats some walkers can be folded for travel or storage a metal basket can be attached to many walkers a basket can hold the things you want to take with you such as a purse or book information references "how to choose and use a walker" 2011 available at www drugs com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Walker mobility medical supplies

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Is the floor plan well designed and easy to follow are doorways hallways and rooms accommodating to wheelchairs and walkers are elevators available for those unable to use stairways and handrails to aid in walking are floors of a non-skid material and carpets conducive for safe walking does the residence have good lighting sprinklers and clearly marked exits is the residence clean free of odors and appropriately heated cooled what is the facility facility’s means of security if a resident wanders are the common areas in general attractive comfortable and clean is there an outside courtyard or patio for residents and visitors and assistance getting there does the residence provide ample security and is there an emergency evacuation plan are private rooms available and or double occupancy units for sharing with another person does residence have furnished unfurnished rooms what is provided or what can they bring may they decorate their own rooms is there adequate storage space is a 24-hour emergency response system accessible from the unit are bathrooms private with handicapped accommodations for wheelchairs and walkers do all units have a telephone and cable tv and how is billing handled information references "nursing home checklist " available at www carepathways com

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Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Nursing home checklist housing moving

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: It’s a good idea to have a checklist on hand when visiting different nursing homes to help make a final decision use this checklist to document first impressions of the facility do you like the facility facility’s location and outward appearance is the facility convenient for frequent visits by family and friends are you welcomed with a warm greeting from the staff does the staff address residents by their names and interact with them during your tour do you notice the residents socializing with each other and do they appear content can you talk with residents about how they like living there and about the staff is the staff appropriately dressed friendly and outgoing do the staff members treat each other in a professional manner are visits with the residents encouraged and welcome at any time what percentage of the rooms beds is available is there a waiting list if so how long do they estimate it will take to be admitted information references "nursing home checklist " available at www carepathways com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Nursing home checklist housing moving

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: What are the residence residence’s practices and philosophy regarding staffing what are the hiring procedures and requirements for eligibility are criminal background checks references and certifications required is there a staff-training program in place and what does it entail is staff courteous to residents and to each other are requests for assistance timely is the administrator or appropriate staff person generally available to answer questions or discuss problems and would you be comfortable dealing with them on a daily basis does the facility have a volunteer program or is it affiliated with any student clinical programs information references "assisted living facility alf checklist " available at www carepathways com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Assisted living facilities checklist housing moving

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Does the residence provide three nutritionally balanced meals a day seven days a week and how does the menu vary from meal to meal what about special diets; does a qualified dietitian plan or approve menus are resident resident’s weight routinely monitored are residents involved in menu planning and may they request special foods are common dining areas available and when can residents eat meals in their units does dining room environment encourage residents to relax socialize and enjoy their food are meals provided only at set times or is there some flexibility are snacks available how many meals are included in the fee if a resident becomes ill is tray service available can residents have guests dine with them for an additional fee is there a private dining room for special events and occasions if desired information references "assisted living facility alf checklist " available at www carepathways com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Assisted living facilities checklist housing moving

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Can the facility provide a list of available services and are residents and families involved in developing the service agreement who provides these services what are their qualifications is staff available to provide 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living adls if needed adls include dressing eating mobility hygiene grooming bathing toileting incontinence does residence have programs for alzheimer alzheimer’s other dementias and other specialized areas is staff available to assist residents who experience memory orientation of judgment losses how are medical emergencies handled does the residence have a clearly stated procedure for responding to medical emergencies is there an arrangement with a nearby hospital do staff supervise assist a resident in taking medicine may resident take own medications does the residence residence’s pharmacy provide delivery consultation and review of medicines does staff assist in making arrangements to have nursing and other medical care do a physician nurse make regular checkups or to what extent is medical care available are physical occupational or speech therapy services available and is there a staff person to coordinate home care visits from a nurse physical therapist occupational therapist etc are housekeeping linen service and personal laundry included in the fees or are they available at an additional charge are on-site laundry facilities available and convenient does the residence provide transportation to doctors offices the hairdresser shopping and other activities desired by residents and can it be arranged on short notice are pharmacy barber beautician and or physical therapy services offered onsite information references "assisted living facility alf checklist " available at www carepathways com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Personal

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Assisted living facilities checklist housing moving

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: What kinds of group individual recreational activities are offered and who schedules them is there an organized activities program with a posted daily schedule of events do volunteers and family members come into the residence to participate conduct programs does the facility schedule trips or go to other events off premises do residents participate in activities outside of the residence in the neighboring community are the resident activity social areas appropriate and desirable to the prospective resident are there supplies for social activities hobbies games cards crafts computers gardening are religious services held on the premises or arrangements made for nearby services are there fitness facilities as well as regularly scheduled exercise classes does the residence create a sense of community by allowing residents to participate in certain activities or perform simple chores for the group as a whole are residents pets allowed in the residence does facility have pets and who cares for them information references "assisted living facility alf checklist " available at www carepathways com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Social

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Assisted living facilities checklist housing moving

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed