There comes a time in life for many people when they need the kind of care that is more than a family member or loved one can provide. And while in-home care is an option for some, full-time skilled nursing centers or an assisted living facility is the better choice for others. For some senior citizens, this can be a profoundly stressful and frightening transition. The fear of a diminished quality of life is the number one concern for most people. This is a misconception that one local skilled nursing facility works hard to dispel.
Dot Scott, president of the Charleston NAACP branch, talks with Earsie Jackson and former Vice President Joe Biden
Donna Moynihan, director of business development at Life Care of Charleston, said many people believe going into a skilled nursing center or assisted living facility means that life suddenly ends.
She explained, “We want people to know that when they can no longer live in their home, it does not mean they stop living and that quality of life continues – emotionally, spiritually and physically. In some cases, it’s actually better.”
While the decision to move a loved one into such a facility can be difficult, Moynihan said it can also be very positive.
“Because there’s more routine with meals, medicine and basic care, people thrive in that environment,” she said. “Add to that the activities offered for residents to take part in, and often they are happier than being home alone.”
The most obvious advantage of moving a loved one into a full-care facility is the continual care that’s provided 24 hours a day, which is extremely difficult for family members to provide at home. Even with monitoring devices that are now available, paying attention continuously is tedious, and caregivers in the family don’t get a real break. In a full-care facility, there’s always trained health care providers on hand. They also have rehabilitation experts, physical, occupational and speech therapists and even psychologists available in-house to provide therapies or critical care for the residents as needed. This kind of care is better for the residents and offers the convenience of not having to transport a loved one to various medical offices.
“The quality of life is not lost in this environment. There are also many fun activities for residents, which keeps them socializing,” Moynihan explained. “It’s good for them to be around and interact with others, and their well-being is our highest priority.” Moynihan said one resident at Life Care, Earsie Jackson, is 100 years old and was recently crowned Mrs. NAACP Centennial Queen for the Charleston chapter. The local branch of the NAACP celebrated its 100th year with a gala, and former Vice President Joe Biden was on hand as the keynote speaker.
“They created a special honor just for the occasion, and Mrs. Jackson was actually crowned by Joe Biden,” she said. “Mrs. Jackson and her family were thrilled about it.”
Placing a loved one in a full-care facility is a tough decision and one that many people don’t like to face.
“We want people to realize that residents don’t lose their quality of life just because they’re here,” Moynihan added. “We put our patients’ needs first, regardless of the costs. At Life Care Center of Charleston, as well as The Bridge Assisted Living, our programs, services and facilities are designed and operated with superior quality to satisfy the needs of our clients and to make their life better.”
