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Thursday, February 5, 2015

Assisted Living: Room Temperature Issues

If your loved one is not able to manage controlling the thermostat, then you have to rely on the caretakers to do so. Generally speaking, they will do a good job --- but not always. I went to see my mother every single afternoon and occasionally found the temperature to be awful. So, I put a large digital display thermometer in her room. I taped over the display face so that you could only read the room temperature. Then I put up a big big sign stating the desired temperature range for all to see. Then when I called her in the evening and in the morning, I'd ask her to tell me what the digital number was. If necessary, I'd call the assisted living desk and advise them of the situation.

Once again, the usual problem with the caretakers was that they were new and unfamiliar. Assisted living facilities have a hard time retaining their better employees. And then there's the assisted living management's inexplicable tendency to rotate the caretakers. Thus, too many things "fall between the cracks", especially in the larger facilities.

Note: Level of spending is no assurance of increased quality of care. Smaller facilities that are on a single floor level are your best bet overall. And daily visits are most helpful.

Dial 211 for Essential Community Services


If you need directed guidance as to who to call for help, then dial "211". In a physical emergency you dial 911. So, if you are looking for help or to have questions answered, dial 211 and let them direct you to the correct agency that can help you.

You don't have to give your personal data. It's free and confidential.

Avoiding Catching Colds And Flu

During my teaching career, I learned the basics of minimizing the likelihood of my getting sick. Good sleep, exercising and eating habits help. Not touching your face with anything that might have germs on it (especially your hands). Keeping your hands washed (clean). In my classroom, I used wipes to sanitize the doorknobs at the end of each day during flu season. I used a water and bleach solution in a spray bottle to spritz the student desk surfaces and wiped them down as often as possible at the end of each day, also. Keeping my students healthier helped keep me healthier.

Though reinforcing the basics of cold prevention with my students that included smothering any coughs or sneezes helped, an occasional outburst would atomize into the air, thus remaining aloft long enough to expose everyone. Thus, the importance of keeping yourself warm at all times (especially your head, throat and chest areas). Also essential is keeping your nasal and throat linings warm and moist -- I suggest a sucking on hard sugar candy while having your face and neck wrapped in a soft warm scarf that allows you to breathe through it when you're having to breathe in frigid dry air.

During daytime hours, drinking plenty of water is a good idea.

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2015/01/06/catch-cold-being-cold/#.VM_1nUZOKnN

http://wtop.com/health/2015/01/study-mom-right-put-scarf-avoid-catching-cold/

http://www.realclearscience.com/journal_club/2015/01/05/mom_was_right_catching_cold_in_the_cold_109008.html

http://www.m.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/the-truth-behind-moms-cold-and-flu-advice

http://www.how-to-boost-your-immune-system.com/pH-strips.html

Read also:
http://www.smartbodyz.com/Alkaline-Body-pH-Baking-Soda-Heartburn.htm