Category Archives: Nursing

What is Podiatry??

April is National Foot Health Awareness Month

Taking care of your feet has an impact on your health.  So when we need care for our feet, why should one seek the help of a Podiatrist?  First of all, feet are a very complex part of the body.  They carry us throughout our day, while acting as shock absorbers and balance for our bodies.  Our feet require good care.  A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine or DPM, is a medical expert that has spent many years and countless hours training in the care of the foot and ankle.  DPM’s are uniquely qualified to take care of this part of the body.  Podiatrists have many fields of specialty, such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics and diabetic care. 

At Copperfield Hill there is a monthly podiatry clinic.  Podiatry visits can include: 

~ Comprehensive foot evaluations

~ Nail and callous management

~ Diabetic foot exams

~ Medical equipment evaluations (braces, shoe inserts, diabetic shoes)

These visits are billed to insurance and are routinely covered as office visits by Medicare.

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /Nursing /Senior Living /

Services Offered at Copperfield Hill

When we talk about senior services, the question often arises:  What services do you offer?  Many senior housing communities offer services.  Services can be anything from housekeeping to more complex nursing services like medication management.  However, there are a variety of needs for a variety of people.

At Copperfield Hill, we provide an array of services that help individuals maintain a level of independency and security.  Copperfield Hill offers customized senior living for their residents. 

Our community amenities include: 

  • Transportation
  • Healthy Menu Options
  • Spiritual Enrichment
  • Daily Activities 

Additional services can include: 

  • Housekeeping
  • Meal Plans
  • Oxygen Management
  • Diabetic Management
  • Catheter Care
  • Colostomy Care

There is no “one” blueprint for our residents.  Each individual has a distinct set of wants and needs.  We are here to provide a customized plan and program to meet those wants and needs.  For that reason, we remain a vibrant and active community.  Our residents are proof of that!

Posted in About Us /Assisted Living /Community Amenities /General Information /Independent Living /Memory Care /Nursing /Senior Living /

ASK THE EXPERT // A Healthier You!

Our health is important.  You can definitely be an active participant in your journey to a healthier life.  In February, the American Heart Association spotlights on heart disease to raise awareness to the number one health risk in our country. 

Let’s face it, your heart is an amazing thing.  It keeps all the systems of the body going, beating day in and day out, pumping blood 24/7.  Oxygen and nutrient rich blood is delivered to our bodies organs and tissues—it then carries away waste.  Your heart carries out all of its work and relies on its own electrical system to do so.  

Overall, we can help our hearts by taking care of our bodies.  Everyday actions to keep you healthy include: 

Eat well – Eat a balanced and healthy diet.  Avoid fats, sugars, alcohol and caffeine.  Eat whole foods, not processed foods.  Don’t overeat.  Keeping a healthy body weight goes hand in hand with good health.

Get moving and keep moving – Not only does exercise help you burn calories, it is a great way to reduce stress.  Whether you walk, do yoga or chair exercises, exercise is great for you.

Get enough sleep – Sleep struggles affect many things, our mood and heart health among them.  It can be a vicious cycle when we lose sleep and then feel tired, cranky and unwell from lack of sleep.  Try some relaxation techniques, minimize alcohol and caffeine intake, limit screen time and go to bed at the same time each night.  Good sleep is a building block to good health. 

Keeping a positive attitude helps too.  Many things we just can’t control.  Knowing what we can control is a great way to help manage our own health.  All of the things mentioned above contribute to a healthier you. 

Happy New Year from the nursing team at Copperfield Hill! 

~Olivia Caspers, RN, BSN

Posted in Health Topics /Heart Health /Nursing /

ASK THE EXPERT // Independent Living and Assisted Living

 

Key Differences  Between Independent and Assisted Living

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“We moved into Copperfield Hill a little over a year ago. We were immediately struck by the friendliness of residents and the kindness of staff. It is clear that the staff works hard ever day to make Copperfield Hill a pleasant, nurturing and fun place to live.”

~Copperfield Hill Resident

Whether you are familiar with senior housing or you are just starting to explore your options, it can become overwhelming to dissect the variety of housing options for a 55+ community. Your first step in seeking a new home is to start by asking some questions on how your current day to day activities look.

• Do you desire to join friends for a meal?
• Do you enjoy attending exercise classes and cards?
• Do you want the freedom of having no home maintenance?
• Are you worried about falling in your home without the ability to reach help in a timely fashion?

By answering a few questions, you can start to sift through the best option to suit your wants and needs.

Independent Living is in an apartment-style community. Residents can choose from a one or two bedroom apartment with a full size kitchen. A full time staff is dedicated to providing assistance towards maintaining independence. A maintenance team is built in to assist in home repairs to ease the worries of maintaining a home. The recreation team is charged with creating an array of socialization opportunities:  exercise classes, card clubs, happy hours and scheduled outings. Our dining room is available seven days a week for a continental breakfast with additional meals for lunch and/or dinner with a full menu.

The term Assisted Living has created confusion for many families. Assisted Living is a benefit to allow residents to still live on their own, however, they are requiring some assistance to maintain their independence. Our team is built in and on-site 24 hours a day. The consistency and reassurance of a staff to aid in your safety is a key benefit of Assisted Living. All the benefits of socialization and transportation with Independent Living are consistent in Assisted Living.

Assisted Living Services

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Laundry
• Medication Mgmt.
• Emergency Pendant
• Three meals per day
• Medical staff 24 hours
• Diabetic Mgmt.
• Oxygen Mgmt.

Copperfield Hill creates a customized approach to our senior community. Our  specialized team will be able to sift through your desires and concerns to create a solution to keep you independent, while addressing your needs for safety.

Call 763.277.1008 or email to sprice@copperfieldhill.com to start the conversation.

 

Posted in About Us /Assisted Living /General Information /Independent Living /Nursing /Senior Living /

Dementia and Delirium; Know the Difference

The Difference Between Dementia and Delirium

Cognitive impairment is more common as we age. Dementia and delirium are two common causes. Delirium and dementia have similarities and can be confusing to experience and to distinguish. Both can cause memory loss, poor judgment, a decreased ability to communicate and impaired functioning. However, there are many differences between the two.

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“Dementia resembles delirium in the same way an ultramarathon resembles a dash across the street. Same basic components, vastly different scale.” ~Floyd Skloot

Onset: Dementia typically begins slowly and is gradually noticed over time. If the person who’s being evaluated is unknown to you, having a report of his usual functioning is key. Delirium is usually a sudden or acute change in condition. One day, someone is doing fine, the next, they may be very confused and unable to perform tasks, like dressing.

Cause: Dementia is typically a disease such as Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia, frontotemporal dementia or a related disorder. Delirium is usually triggered by a specific illness, including: urinary tract infection, pneumonia, dehydration, illicit drug use, or withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. Medication interactions can also cause delirium.

Duration:   Dementia is a progressive, chronic disease that is incurable. Delirium is normally short term and can last for a couple of days to a couple of months. Delirium is almost always temporary if the cause is identified and treated.

Communication Abilities: People with dementia often experience difficulty remembering and finding the right words. Their ability to express themselves erodes over time as the disease progresses. Delirium may cause inappropriate and/or incoherent communication that is uncharacteristic for the individual.

Attention Span and Memory: With dementia a person’s memory is significantly affected throughout the disease. The level of alertness is typically not affected until the late stages of the disease. With delirium, memory functioning is usually less affected, but the general ability to focus and maintain attention is very poor.

Activity Level: Dementia tends to not affect a person’s activity level until the later stages. People with delirium are often overly active (hyper and restless) or under-active (lethargic and less responsive) compared to usual activity.

Treatment: There are a few medications approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia. They don’t cure dementia but sometimes can slow the progression of the symptoms, including: memory loss, poor judgment and behavioral changes. Delirium requires immediate treatment by a physician. Because delirium is usually caused by a physical illness or infection, medications are often effective.

 

Sources: mayoclinic.org, merckmanuals.com, verywellhealth.com, alz.org

 

Posted in Alzheimer's Disease /Health Topics /Memory Care /Nursing /Senior Living /

February is…

NATIONAL HEART HEALTH MONTH

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In 2010, the American Heart Association presented a strategic plan to reduce cardiovascular disease in the United States. It identified seven of the most important behaviors people can follow to protect their cardiovascular health.

Exercise: Regular exercise improves nearly every aspect of your health.

Eat right: Seek out foods such as nuts, whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, seafood, yogurt, and healthy fats.

Blood Pressure: Get your blood pressure checked, make sure your heart isn’t working harder than it should be.

Cholesterol: Know your cholesterol level and keep it low.

Keep blood sugar levels down: Exercise and diet help keep blood sugar levels in check.

Maintain a healthy weight: Fat cells release many substances that increase inflammation, promote insulin resistance, and contribute to atherosclerosis.

Don’t smoke: Smoking and the use of tobacco products isn’t just bad for your lungs, it is bad for your heart too.

Posted in General Information /global interest /Health Topics /Heart Health /History /Human Interest /Independent Living /Nursing /Safety /Senior Living /

A Timely Message

The Vaccine is Arriving

The release of the Coronavirus vaccine has been greeted with mixed  emotions by the public. At Copperfield Hill, we welcome this event with joy. The people we serve can remember the events of the Polio epidemic in the 40’s and 50’s. People were “scared to death”. Then came the vaccine, the public was vaccinated and polio disappeared.

However, one difference for the Coronavirus vaccine will be the elimination of long lines. Copperfield Hill and other senior housing communities will have high priority and receive the vaccine ahead of the general public. Our residents will be able to receive the vaccine from the comforts of their homes.

 

First Round of Vaccination is January 13, 2021

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Posted in About Us /global interest /Health Topics /Nursing /Senior Living /

November is National Diabetes Month

November is National Diabetes Month

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects over 34 million Americans, 12 million of which are citizen 65 and older. As a prevalent and chronic disease, it is important to shed some light on some misconceptions.

It is a myth that only people who are overweight develop diabetes. Weight and obesity are risk factors but they are not the only ones to be considered. Age, family history, and ethnicity are also important risk factors. Many people diagnosed with diabetes are normal weight. Another myth, has to do with what type diet a person with diabetes should eat. A healthy eating plan for people with diabetes is generally the same as a healthy eating plan for anyone.  In addition, diabetics can eat sweets. The key is small portions and limited frequency.

People are able to live normal lives while managing diabetes. Sticking to a healthy lifestyle can control the symptoms and complications associated with the disease. There is no cure for diabetes. The best way to combat the disease is to: a healthy diet, exercise and if needed, medication prescribed by a physician.

Some patients require blood sugar testing. Some, may benefit from the uses of insulin or oral medications. Managing diabetes is often about finding the right combination of healthy living options and medication management to help maintain blood glucose levels. Each person with diabetes is different, so an individualized plan of action is required. For more information one should contact a medical professional. Additional information is available from the American Diabetes Association.

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Photo Source: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/

 

To find this and to learn more about Diabetes click here

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /Nursing /Senior Living /

September 2020: Notes from Nursing

During these uncertain times, daily routines have been drastically changed.  However, one thing that has not changed, is our commitment and service for our residents here at Copperfield Hill.   We are happy to report that some things are back on schedule.  Here are a few things to note:

Podiatry feet

Podiatry appointments have resumed for residents in both The Manor and The Lodge.  Residents in The Lodge must sign up with the nursing department.  Residents in The Manor may sign up in the front office with the Concierge.  Please contact our nursing staff if you have questions.

Flu ShotsPicture5

Flu shots will be offered to residents in both The Manor and The Lodge. Sign up will be available with the Concierge.  We are encouraging all residents and staff to get a flu shot this fall.  Please have your insurance information available.

Essential CaregiversPicture4

Based on the guidance of the MN Department of Health, Copperfield Hill is welcoming “Essential Caregivers” on campus.  An Essential Caregiver is a third party caregiver that at this time during the pandemic, will provide in-person care and assistance to a resident of Copperfield Hill.  All determinations are made on a case by case basis.  Determinations are based on an assessment by the RN and a consultation with the Executive Director.

Beginning at the end of July, Copperfield Hill has welcomed a number of Essential Caregivers.  There are very strict guidelines and policies in place for this program.  Please consult your building manager if you have questions.

 

Posted in Activities /Health Topics /Nursing /