Nurses Are Key to Healthy Senior Living

Every year, National Nurses Week focuses attention on the diverse ways the over 3 million nurses in America work to save lives and to improve the health of millions of individuals. This year, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has selected “Culture of Safety ” as the theme for 2016. Annually, National Nurses Week begins May 6 and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale. During this week, nurses are honored by communities such as ours for their hard work, diligence, and kindness.

“Nurses bring so much to senior living. Their attention to detail, care, and compassion often make the difference in our residents lives,” said Linda Mather, RN, CALN, vice president of resident care for ISL.  “It never ceases to amaze me what they do- day in and day out in all our communities, they are the conduit between resident, family, and physicians.”

The work nurses do in a senior living community varies widely. What is most valuable is the ability of a skilled and trained nurse to observe changes in a resident’s condition. In caring for seniors, it is critical to be alert, as conditions can change very quickly.  Nurses are well equipped to communicate information to the doctor or family when further evaluation is needed. They care for more than the resident; they are caring for the families.

A key goal in senior living communities is to promote aging in place; maximizing on the purpose and quality of life for residents. Properly managed, care by nurses plays a significant part in the health and wellness of residents. Using nurses along with other professional and licensed care staff helps residents enjoy a life of independence and dignity. Together nurses and family work in collaboration with others to assist residents in a better quality of life.