The Heart of the Holidays

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The Power of Connection: Welcoming Holiday Visits for Our Residents

As we enter the holiday season, it’s a special time to come together, celebrate, and reflect. At Quality Care of Howell, we know the holidays are especially significant for our residents, and family visits play an essential role in enriching their experience here. During this season, a visit from loved ones offers much more than a moment of cheer – it reinforces the social bonds, familiar warmth, and sense of community that are vital to our residents’ emotional well-being. In this newsletter, we’re focusing on the importance of holiday visits and how families can make the most of them.

Why Are Holiday Visits So Important?

The holiday season is a time of celebration, traditions, and loved ones. For our residents, this season can bring many cherished memories and even some bittersweet emotions. Having family and friends visit over the holidays can bring joy, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide a sense of continuity and normalcy.

Emotional Well-being
Social connection plays a critical role in mental health, especially among seniors. Visits from family and friends uplift our residents and bring back joyful memories. A simple hug, shared laughter, or time spent reminiscing can create a profound sense of belonging and happiness, reducing loneliness and improving mental health during this special season.

Strengthening Family Bonds
Spending time with family and friends is particularly meaningful for those in assisted living, as it reinforces the family bonds that remain so dear. The holiday season offers an opportunity for family members to reconnect with one another and show appreciation for their loved one. Every visit strengthens relationships and offers moments of togetherness that enrich our residents' lives.

Stimulation of Memory and Cognitive Health
Engaging in conversations and activities during a visit can have positive cognitive effects. Discussing past holidays, sharing family stories, and going through old photographs are wonderful ways to stimulate memory and cognitive function. The of familiarity and comfort brought by family interactions can help with memory retention and overall mental agility.

Reinforcing a Sense of Belonging and Purpose
The holiday season emphasizes belonging, and having a community of support is essential for everyone. When residents see their family visiting, it reinforces their sense of purpose. They feel needed, valued, and loved – knowing that their presence makes a difference to others as well.

How Can You Make the Most of Your Visit?

While any visit can brighten a resident’s day, here are some tips to make holiday visits even more memorable and meaningful.

Bring Along Holiday Traditions
Do you have a holiday tradition that your loved one always enjoyed? Bring a part of that tradition to them. Whether it’s decorating a small tree, baking cookies, or sharing holiday music, familiar rituals can warm their heart and create a sense of continuity.

Capture New Memories
Take photos or videos with your loved one during the visit. These moments can be cherished and shared again, creating lasting memories for both the resident and their visitors. Consider making a holiday scrapbook together, with each family member adding something special.

Get Involved in Community Activities
Quality Care of Howell offers a variety of holiday activities and events. Joining your loved one in these activities can help them feel engaged and add to the shared experience. Check with us for events happening during your visit, from holiday dinners to festive crafts and games.

Engage in Simple and Enjoyable Activities
Whether it’s watching a holiday movie, singing carols, or sharing a holiday meal, find activities that your loved one enjoys. It doesn’t have to be elaborate – sometimes, the simplest moments are the most treasured.

Share Cards, Letters, and Messages from Other Family Members
If other family members aren’t able to visit, bring their letters or cards to read together. This gesture reminds our residents that even family far away are thinking of them and keeping them close in spirit.

Supporting Each Resident This Holiday Season

At Quality Care of Howell, we’re committed to fostering a welcoming, supportive, and festive atmosphere throughout the holiday season. Our staff will be on hand to help coordinate visits, facilitate meaningful holiday activities, and ensure each resident feels connected to their loved ones and community. Our staff is ready to assist with safe and comfortable visiting arrangements to make every moment count.

This holiday season let’s work together to make each visit meaningful. A little bit of time, laughter, and love can go a long way in enhancing the lives of our residents. We encourage families to visit and share the joy and warmth of the holidays with those they hold dear.

Thank you for helping us create a holiday season filled with love, togetherness, and joyful memories at Quality Care of Howell. Here’s to making this season one of warmth, connection, and cherished moments for all our residents.

Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season,
Quality Care of Howell Assisted Living

Understanding Blood Pressure and Its Importance in Senior Care

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At Quality Care of Howell, we prioritize the health and well-being of our residents, and one of the most critical health markers we monitor is blood pressure. Understanding what blood pressure is, why it matters, and how to take an accurate reading is essential for both caregivers and residents alike. In this edition of our newsletter, we will focus on the basics of blood pressure and the importance of accuracy in its measurement.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of your arteries as the heart pumps. It is one of the vital signs that indicate the general health of an individual’s cardiovascular system. Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers:

Systolic Pressure: The top number, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.

Diastolic Pressure: The bottom number, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

For example, if your blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, the systolic pressure is 120, and the diastolic pressure is 80.

Why Blood Pressure Matters in Senior Care:

Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is essential for overall cardiovascular health. In senior citizens, blood pressure can fluctuate due to various factors such as diet, medications, stress, and underlying health conditions like hypertension or heart disease. Proper blood pressure management helps reduce the risk of serious health issues, including:

Heart Attack: High blood pressure increases the strain on your heart, leading to a greater risk of a heart attack.

Stroke: Elevated blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain, making stroke more likely.

Kidney Damage: High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney disease.

Cognitive Decline: There is evidence suggesting that poorly managed blood pressure can contribute to cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.

In an assisted living setting like Quality Care of Howell, regularly monitoring residents’ blood pressure is crucial for early detection of potential health issues. This allows us to work with healthcare professionals to adjust treatment plans or medications as needed to ensure residents remain in optimal health.

The Importance of Taking an Accurate Blood Pressure Reading.

Taking an accurate blood pressure reading is a fundamental part of senior care. Incorrect measurements can lead to improper treatment decisions, such as unnecessary changes to medication or missed warning signs of high or low blood pressure.

Here’s why accuracy matters:

Misleading Readings: A falsely high or low blood pressure reading can result in incorrect treatments, potentially leading to complications like dizziness, fainting, or even increased heart strain.

Medication Management: Many residents rely on medications to manage their blood pressure. Accurate readings help healthcare providers determine the effectiveness of these medications and whether adjustments are needed.

Early Detection: Accurate readings allow caregivers and healthcare professionals to detect trends in blood pressure that could signal early warning signs of more serious conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or kidney failure.

1.Prepare the Resident: Ensure the resident is relaxed and seated comfortably, with their feet flat on the ground and back supported.  The resident should rest for about 5 minutes before taking a reading. Encourage the resident to avoid caffeine, smoking, or exercise for at least 30 minutes before taking a reading, as these can raise blood pressure.

2. Proper Arm Positioning: Use the upper arm for the most accurate reading. Position the arm so it’s at the same level as the heart. The arm should be supported, either on a table or armrest, with the palm facing upward. Make sure the arm is free of any restrictive clothing, such as rolled-up sleeves that might interfere with the cuff.

3.Apply the Blood Pressure Cuff Correctly: Use the right size cuff to fit the resident’s arm. A cuff that’s too small or too large can result in inaccurate readings. Place the cuff around the upper arm, about an inch above the bend of the elbow. The cuff should be snug but not tight.

4. Take the Reading: Use a reliable, properly calibrated blood pressure monitor. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to take the reading. If using a manual device, make sure to listen carefully with a stethoscope for both the systolic and diastolic beats. Record the reading immediately, noting the exact time and any relevant factors (e.g., medications recently taken, or if the resident felt stressed or anxious).

 5. Repeat for Accuracy: If the reading seems unusually high or low, wait a few minutes and take another reading on the same arm. If necessary, check the other arm to ensure consistency.

Tips for Caregivers

Always remain calm and professional during the process to help the resident feel relaxed.  Double-check the equipment before use to ensure it is functioning correctly. Keep a record of each resident’s blood pressure trends and report any significant changes to healthcare professionals promptly.

At Quality Care of Howell, we are committed to providing exceptional care for our residents, which includes regular and accurate monitoring of vital signs like blood pressure. By following these best practices, we can ensure that our residents receive the appropriate care and that their health is closely monitored to prevent serious complications. Caregivers play a crucial role in this process, and proper technique is essential for accuracy and resident safety. By paying close attention to blood pressure readings and maintaining a high standard of care, we help promote a healthier, safer living environment for everyone at Quality Care of Howell. Let’s work together to keep our community safe and thriving!

Meet the Owners of QCOH: Buolus and Jezail Ghraib.

Buolus and Jezail Ghraib, owners of Quality Care of Howell, bring a legacy of hard work, dedication, and family values to the assisted living community. Both born and raised in Palestine—Buolus from Nazareth and Jezail from Ramallah—they migrated to Michigan 50 years ago with dreams of building a better life. The couple has three children, Lillian, Fadie, and Nidhal, as well as a son-in-law, Ted, husband of Lillian. They are also proud grandparents to Alexandria and Gabriella, the daughters of Lillian and Ted.

With a strong work ethic, Buolus and Jezail worked various jobs to support their family while building their professional careers. Today, they manage Paul and Associates Real Estate Services, their real estate and appraisal firm in Downtown Northville. Jezail is a licensed Realtor and serves as the office manager, while Buolus is a licensed real estate broker and has been a commercial real estate appraiser for over 30 years.

In 2014, the Ghraib’s, along with their son Nidhal, began planning Quality Care of Howell. Their motivation stemmed from personal experience, having struggled to find quality care for their own parents in their later years. This inspired them to create an assisted living facility with a mission to provide compassionate, family-like care for residents in the Howell community.

Outside of work, Buolus and Jezail enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, and working out together. They most recently returned from a European cruise, where they visited Italy, Turkey, and Greece.

Buolus and Jezail are proud to offer senior housing that reflects their family’s values—treating all participants of our community as if they are part of their own family.

Article written by Nidhal Gharib

Embracing Assisted Living: Thriving in Your New Home

Transitioning to assisted living is a significant change, yet it marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities and support. Embracing this change with an open mind can lead to a fulfilling and enriching experience. The key is to focus on the positive aspects and engage actively with your new environment. This article shared via Quality Care of Howell will help you not only accept the transition but also thrive in your new home.

Focus on the Benefits

Focusing on the benefits of moving to assisted living helps maintain a positive outlook. This transition offers increased safety, healthcare access, and a supportive community, enhancing your quality of life. Assistance with daily tasks frees up time for enjoyable activities, and social opportunities improve mental and emotional well-being. Viewing the move as a step towards a more supported and enriched lifestyle helps sustain a positive mindset, making the transition smoother and more fulfilling.

Digitizing Important Documents

Digitizing important documents keeps your paperwork organized and accessible. Using a mobile scanning app, you can quickly and easily scan a document with your device’s camera and convert it into a PDF. This digital approach minimizes clutter and ensures essential information is readily available whenever needed. With your documents digitized, you can feel more secure knowing they are safe and accessible in your new environment. This adds convenience and peace of mind to your assisted living experience.

Exploring Your New Home

Taking the time to explore your new home helps you become familiar with the facility. By walking around and noting key areas like the dining room, activity centers, and medical offices, you build a mental map of your surroundings. This familiarity reduces feelings of uncertainty and smooths the transition.

Introducing yourself to neighbors and staff during these explorations helps build connections. The more you explore, the more comfortable and confident you will feel in your new home.

Communicating with Staff

Communicating your needs, questions, or concerns to the staff ensures you receive the necessary care and support. The staff is there to assist you, so don't hesitate to speak up about your preferences or issues. Clear communication helps them understand your needs and provide appropriate assistance. Regular interactions build rapport, making it easier to express yourself. Effective communication ensures your transition is smooth and comfortable, enhancing your overall experience in the new environment.

Participating in Mealtime

Participating in mealtime with other residents reduces feelings of isolation. Shared meals provide opportunities to socialize and build friendships, enriching your daily life. Engaging in conversations during meals allows you to learn about others' experiences. By joining communal meals, you integrate more fully into the community, enhancing your sense of belonging. These interactions foster meaningful relationships, making your new environment feel welcoming and supportive, which greatly improves your overall well-being.

Getting Involved in Activities

Getting involved in activities and social programs helps keep you active and socially engaged. Assisted living facilities often offer a variety of programs designed to cater to different interests and abilities. Participating in these activities can introduce you to new hobbies and passions, providing a sense of purpose and enjoyment. These programs also offer regular opportunities to interact with other residents, fostering social connections. Staying active through organized activities is key to maintaining physical and mental health.

Visiting On-Site Amenities

Visiting on-site amenities like libraries allows you to explore all that the facility has to offer. These amenities provide spaces for relaxation, learning, and socializing, contributing to a well-rounded living experience.

 Taking advantage of these resources can enhance your daily routine and provide enjoyable pastimes. Whether it's borrowing a book, participating in a reading group, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, these amenities offer valuable opportunities. Exploring and utilizing these resources can enrich your life in assisted living.

In your new assisted living community, you have the chance to build new relationships and enjoy a variety of activities and amenities. Embracing this change with a positive attitude can significantly enhance your experience. Remember, the support and opportunities provided are there to help you live comfortably and happily. This offers the potential for a rewarding life.

Article written by Jim McKinley