Assisted Living Salem Oregon

December Activities Calendar Offers Variety and Fun

2015-12-04T13:45:00.004-08:00

In this season of assisted Living and holiday giving, our December activities calendar offers some fun regular scheduled things to do and a special Christmas Party for family and friends of our residents with live music by Sure Fire. 5-7pm, Wednesday December 16th. (View calendar > )

On Christmas Day, we have gift opening, and a Christmas movie at our Coral Springs facility.

Our friendly staff is also always available for help with selection and engagement in activities.

For future residents, we provide a Free RN Assessment to help you determine the best assisted living, senior housing and care arrangements for your loved one.

5:00

Sweet ByeNBye Inc offers a variety of services in Oregon, including

Senior Housing
- Residential Care Facility - Coral Springs
- Residential Care Facility - Sweet ByeNBye
- Adult Foster Care Homes
Free RN Assessment
- Evaluate the best solutions for care
- involves an R.N. performing a full assessment in the privacy of your own home

What is Assisted Living and Residential Care?

2015-07-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

Assisted living is a managed residential care facility or adult foster care home that provides various types of services and living arrangements including activities, personal care, meals, medication help, bathing help, dressing and transportation. Services can be customized to meet the residents needs.

Other keywords for assisted living are residential care facility, senior living community, senior housing, assisted living communities, skilled nursing homes.

As an award winning senior care provider, Sweet Bye N Bye offers two residential care communities, and local adult foster care homes in the Salem, Oregon area.

Types of Assisted Living

There are basically two types of housing and senior care available outside of ones own home depending on the level of care needed - Adult Foster Homes, Residential Care Facility (RCF) and In-Home Care.

Adult Foster Homes

Adult foster care homes are located in residential neighborhoods in Salem and provide an intimate setting for assisted living and excellent care. The goal is to create an atmosphere where where residents will feel like part of a family, and be treated with dignity and respect allowing them to retain their individuality and independence while receiving all the care they require at a fraction of the price of the larger facilities. View information about Adult Foster Home in the Salem area >Â Sweet Bye N Bye

Residential Care Facility

These will vary in the level of services provided. However, a common feature of RCF's are a multiple bed / private room full service residence for seniors that need assisted living in an community atmosphere managed by a professional staff.
View information about our two residential care facilities in the Salem area

The Importance of State Inspections

As an award winning senior living provider who has had a zero deficiency inspection, we know the importance of State inspections of senior care facilities.

One of the important things to know when evaluating a residential care facility is that the State report is available for public viewing and needs to be posted by the provider.

This allows a prospective resident's family to have a third party reference to the quality of care that they can expect. If there are deficiencies in the report, it is important to understand what they are and whether this affects the quality of care. For example, there may have been a slight oversight in minor paperwork that was resolved and did not have any impact on the quality of care.

During our FREE RN ASSESSMENT we will be glad to discuss our State inspection report with you. This assessment involves an R.N. performing a full assessment in the privacy of your own home and allows us to develop a personalized care plan for your loved one, and discuss fees for service with no obligation. We are committed to your privacy. We do not give out information to advertisers or unrelated third parties. Call us or send in your request below. 503.362.5885

The Importance of Local Ownership

As an award winning senior living provider who has strong references and connections in the local community, we know the importance of local ownership of a residential care facility for your loved one.

On Site Management and Control
We speak only from our experience as local owners and managers in that on-site management and control of quality care is important for us to maintain high standards. We have seen out of state owners set up a facility locally and try to compete with local owners who are already established and have strong references in the community from hospitals and other organizations.

The Importance of Local Authority and Reputation

In Salem, both Angela Estrada, R.N., and Robert Estrada, R.N. are recognized as experts in senior care, managers and owners of two residential care facilities, and five adult foster care homes. Angela Estrada is also recognized as a leader in the industry, both locally and in winning a Silver Crown Award.

Angela Estrada Wins Honorable Mention for Dorland Health Silver Crown Awards

The Silver Crown Awards also recognize the best in adult and senior-specific programs, such as Alzheimer’s care, and coverage entities like those that provide Medicare Advantage or pharmacy benefits.

Dorland Health, the publisher of the Case Management Resource Guide, the National Directory of Adult and Senior Services, the Senior Services Report, Case In Point Magazine and other resources for those in medical management, has provided information and development tools for those who care for adults and seniors for over two decades.

The Silver Crown Awards also recognize the best in adult and senior-specific programs.

Exceptional Care at Sweet Bye N Bye

"Hi, I'm Angela Estrada, RN, BSN, owner and operator of the award winning Sweet Bye N Bye residential care communities. My husband Robert and I have a combined 32 years of RN experience and over twenty years of combined experience owning/operating adult foster homes and residential care facilities. Our goals are to provide excellent care in an intimate setting where residents will feel like part of a family.

At The Sweet Bye N Bye, your loved one will be treated with dignity and respect allowing them to retain their individuality and independence while receiving all the care they require at a fraction of the price of the larger facilities."

As owners of Sweet ByeNBye, we are also dedicated to volunteer work and completed a mission to Peru to help with boys and girls orphanages, and various clinics.

Sweet ByeNBye provides assisted living with two options - a residential care facility and adult foster care homes. Our services have won awards and have recently received a zero deficiency report from the State of Oregon. Located in Salem, Oregon , 2480 Coral Ave NE, Salem, OR 97305 » Map (503) 362-5885

Why My 90 Year Old Mother Loves Her Ipad

2015-05-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

by David Brown
guest blogger

On August 27th, 2000 I set up a group family email in Yahoo Groups for cousins, their families, parents, and grandparents.

For the past fifteen years we have shared hundreds of emails containing family news, photos, planning reunions, inspirational quotes, holiday greetings, and lots of humor. It has been and still is a fun communication tool and allows us to stay connected in a way that would not be possible from occasional phone calls or personal emails. When an email is sent to the group, everyone receives it at the same time. I recommend this for every extended family to stay connected.

Both my mother and my aunt were the elders in the family and there was a learning curve to start using emails only on a computer. At that time there was resistance to even getting a computer. My aunt would drive to her daughter's home to use their computer to send an email. My mother resisted for quite a while, then a decision was made and her new computer was set up with the group email connection and instructions how to use the computer and email. Once they became familiar with how to use the group email, they were able to participate in sharing news with family members spread out from the San Francisco Bay Area to Seattle and Chicago.

Eventually, her computer was used for more than just emails. She discovered Google.

"I love Google...it is amazing to experience the technology. Questions about health, foods I eat, anything......."

About two years ago, at age 88, she declined invitations from my sister and me to get an Ipad. It was just too much to even think about as her computer was a lot to manage. Then a friend of hers encouraged her to get an Apple Ipad so she could play Words with Friends scrabble with her. It was a done deal.

"The Ipad is wonderful....even though I only use it for scrabble, i know there are other things...I recommend it for other seniors. "

I remember having about seven scrabble games going on at the same time with her, which seemed a bit much, even for a seasoned player as myself. She was also playing about 15 games at the same time with one of her friends. Since she has been working with crossword puzzles for most of her life, scrabble was also a tradition in our family, and so the online scrabble was a new and fun way to stay active in addition to duplicate bridge twice a week, and solitaire on the computer. Ipads can definitely keep an older mind active !

Imagine the future for current baby boomers as they move into the older age brackets.

Apple watches assisting with monitoring health, diet, communications, medications and of course, providing a wide range of choices for scrabble and other games.

An automated in-home care monitor.

A "robot on a wrist".

A recent Wall Street Journal article discusses this:

"The Nursing Home of the Future will be in Our Homes"

The recent increases of in-home care with rapid changes in technology are bridging the gap to transition more smoothly to a residential care facility based on needs.

As an example of a major trend to bring interactive Internet services to larger numbers of a growing elderly population, Apple recently announced a collaboration with IBM to provide Ipads and services to Japan's aging population. Read the article from TechCrunch on how it is going to be implemented:

"Apple And IBM Team With Japan Post To Address The Needs Of An Aging Population"

At age 90, my mother is an example of how Ipads and other mobile devices can enhance the experience of life in advanced ages, whether its scrabble, Google searches, or anything of interest, easily accessible by the touch of the screen.

We have since reduced our scrabble games to three at a time instead of seven.

Assisted Living Activities Calendar - February 2015

2015-02-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

Click Here to View Our February 2015 Activities Calendar >

What is a Free RN Assessment?

An important part of your planning for residential is the initial assessment of your family member and what type of facility would be best for their needs.

Our FREE RN ASSESSMENT will allow you to evaluate the best solutions for care based on a combination of medical and personal needs, lifestyle preferences, family needs, transportation needs and access to medical facilities.

The FREE RN ASSESSMENT involves an R.N. performing a full assessment in the privacy of your own home. This will allow us to develop a personalized care plan for your loved one, and discuss fees for service. We are committed to your privacy. We do not give out information to advertisers or unrelated third parties. Call us to set up a free assessment or submit your request with the form below.
Send us a message here:

Sweet Bye N Bye is a locally owned, award winning assisted living provider in Salem, Oregon.

The owners are Angela and Robert Estrada, both RN's, and well known in the community.

With two facilities and six adult foster care homes, many years of experience, and rave reviews about the quality of care, Sweet Bye N Bye deserves your evaluation in looking for residential care for your loved one.

Learn more about our award winning assisted living on our new web site :
www.SweetByenBye.com

December Calendar for Assisted Living Residents

2014-12-02T12:33:00.001-08:00

At Sweet Bye N Bye senior living communities, we have a full range of in-house, outdoor, and excursion activities for our residents. Our monthly calendar provides easily accessible information to residents for daily and weekly choices and planning of which activities that they want to participate in.

Our friendly staff is also always available for help with selection and engagement in activities. Dancing is always an option anytime !

Our December calendar is now live on our site and as you can see there is a wide range of activities for our residents to enjoy.
View the December calendar >

Ladies tea party, Balloon volleyball, bingo, bowling and Bible study are only a few of the many choices of activities on this month's calendar.

Since we are in the holiday season, this month we are also offering classes on making Christmas gifts or cookies, sharing memories about Christmas, singing Christmas carols, opening Christmas gifts and enjoying Christmas movies.

We wish you a safe and fun holiday season with blessings, family and loved ones.

How Music Helps Dementia and Alzheimers Series # 2

2014-11-14T11:13:00.000-08:00

How Music Helps Dementia and Alzheimer's

As posted on our Facebook page ...

Did you know..... that "Musical aptitude and appreciation are two of the last remaining abilities in dementia patients" ? .

Research has shown that music can help memory care residents in many ways.

Music appreciation is one of the last remaining abilities in dementia patients.

This article discusses five ways in which music can improve the quality of life for dementia and Alzheimers patients. read full story > http://goo.gl/Ku3x2o

courtesy of Sweet Bye N Bye - Award Winning Assisted Living
Visit and Like our Facebook page >
https://www.facebook.com/SweetByeNBye

Assisted Living, Residential Care, and Adult Foster Care Homes

2014-09-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

from Angela Estrada, R.N., and Robert Estrada, R.N.,
owners of Sweet Bye N Bye
Award Winning Assisted Living

Hi, I'm Angela Estrada, RN, BSN, owner and operator of the The Sweet Bye N Bye care facilities. My husband Robert and I have a combined 32 years of RN experience and several years of experience owning/operating adult foster homes and residential care facilities.

Our goals are to provide excellent care in an intimate setting where residents will feel like part of a family. At The Sweet Bye N Bye, your loved ones will be treated with dignity and respect allowing them to retain their individuality and independence while receiving all the care they require at a fraction of the price of the larger facilities.

What is Assisted Living ?

Assisted living is often viewed as the best of both worlds. Residents have as much independence as they want with the knowledge that personal care and support services are available. Assisted living communities typically provide a private apartment, and are designed to provide residents with assistance with basic ADLs (activities of daily living) such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and offer medication assistance and/or reminders. These services are often offered at an additional cost. Assisted living communities differ from residential care facilities and nursing homes in that they don’t offer 24 hr services, or complex medical services. These settings are licensed and regulated by the Department of Human Services.

What is a Residential Care Facility?

Residential care facilities (RCFs) provide housing and supportive services for six or more people that need 24 hour care. These facilities are required to provide at least 8 hrs of nursing services per week, but do not provide 24 hr nursing services. Residential care facilities offer shared and private rooms. Residents have access to meals which are offered on a regular basis in a common dining room or by delivery. An RCF also provides enrichment opportunities such as a game room, lounge, and a common living room so that the residents can socialize and interact with each other. Nursing assessments, medical treatments, medication management, and personal care are provided in a manner that encourages maximum independence and enhances the quality of life. Many residential care facilities specialize in caring for individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia. These settings are licensed and regulated by the Department of Human Services.

What is an Adult Foster Care Home ?

Adult foster homes are single family residences that offer care in a smaller home-like setting. Adult foster care homes will average 4-5 residents per household, with a maximum of 5 residents. In adult foster homes, a caregiver provides, medication management, and personal cares in a manner that encourages maximum independence and enhances the quality of life. Care and supervision are provided to maintain a safe and secure setting. The adult foster home setting protects and encourages dignity, choice, and decision making. These settings are licensed and regulated by the Department of Human Services. These settings are ideal for the individual that wants a smaller setting, and more of a home feel. If an individual requires night time cares, or the assistance of more than one person to transfer, then they may not be appropriate for this setting.

What is Independent Living ?

Independent Living, often referred to as Retirement Communities, will congregate apartments, studio apartments, and town houses in one local area. Retirement Communities are designed specifically for independent senior adults who want to enjoy a lifestyle filled with recreational, educational, and social activities with other seniors. These communities are designed for seniors who are able to live on their own, manage their own cares and medications, but desire the security and conveniences of a community style living. Many Retirement Communities offer an enriched lifestyle with organized social and recreational programs as a part of everyday activities. These settings do not offer support services should a resident require assistance.

About Sweet Bye n Bye

The Sweet Bye N Bye Inc.was established in 2004 and has been providing licensed foster and residential care in Salem Oregon with six facilities and a staff of twenty. We set high standards in all aspects of care from medical to personal attention, activities, and quality of life for our residents.

Our five foster care homes are located in residential neighborhoods and have a full time attending staff member in addition to our transportation services.

We own two Residential Care Facilities. One has 16 private rooms and is located near Kaiser Medical Clinic and shopping areas in East Salem. The other is a new facility next door and has 32 beds. we are still accepting applications and offer a free R.N. assessment.

Sweet Bye N Bye
Assisted Living - Adult Foster Care Homes

503.362.5885

New Assisted Living Center Completed in Northeast Salem

2014-04-30T07:53:00.002-07:00

Salem, OR

For Immediate Release
An award winning assisted living provider, Sweet Bye N Bye Inc., located in Northeast Salem, has just finished construction of a 32 bed residential care facility.

The new 32-bed, 15,766-square foot personal care facility is located on a 0.81-acre parcel adjacent to Sweet Bye N Bye's existing 16-bed residential care facility that was established in 2004. The older facility will be converted to a memory care center that treats and provides assisted living exclusively for Alzheimers and dementia residents. The State of Oregon has approved the relocation of beds from the existing facility to the new residential care facility.

Sweet Bye N Bye is locally owned and managed by Angela Estrada, R.N. and Robert Estrada, RN. They have won numerous awards in the senior living industry and recently had a zero deficiency report from the State of Oregon which is rare for an assisted living care facility in Oregon.

Sweet Bye N Bye Inc. has been providing licensed foster homes and residential care in Salem Oregon with six facilities and a staff of twenty. They set high standards in all aspects of care from medical to personal attention, activities, and quality of life for their residents.

Their five foster care homes are located in residential neighborhoods and have a full time attending staff member in addition to transportation services.

The senior living construction project was awarded to Star Builders LLC, based in Keizer, Oregon.

Contact:
David Brown
david.brown@logion.net
Ph: 541-953-3360

Owner: Angela Estrada
Sweet ByeNBye Profile page

Sweet ByeNBye Joins Travel Salem Network

2014-01-15T09:01:00.002-08:00

by David Brown
webmaster, guest blogger

SweetByeNBye Inc. , an award winning assisted living provider in Salem, Oregon recently joined Travel Salem.

The mission of Travel Salem is to attract meeting, convention and tourism business to the community, and to enhance and contribute to the overall identity and economic well being of the city. They have a vision to serve as the leader for tourism economic development in the Salem area and they seem to be doing a great job with it.

Travel Salem set up a separate category of Assisted Living and Retirement communities at the request of Sweet ByeNBye as Assisted Living has become a more popular term to describe various forms of retirement housing and senior residential care.

The 68 page online Visitor's Guide is a virtual magazine that allows for browsing with special sound effects of the pages turning.

What is Assisted Living ?

2013-05-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

Assisted living residences or assisted living facilities (ALFs) are housing facilities for people with disabilities. These facilities provide supervision or assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs); coordination of services by outside health care providers; and monitoring of resident activities to help to ensure their health, safety, and well-being.

Assistance may include the administration or supervision of medication, or personal care services provided by a trained staff person.

Assisted living as it exists today emerged in the 1990s as an elder care alternative on the continuum of care for people, for whom independent living is not appropriate but who do not need the 24-hour medical care provided by a nursing home and are too young to live in a retirement home. Assisted living is a philosophy of care and services promoting independence and dignity.

Assisted living in the United States

Within the United States assisted living spectrum, there is no nationally recognized definition of assisted living. Assisted living facilities are regulated and licensed at the US state level. More than two-thirds of the states use the licensure term "assisted living." Other licensure terms used for this philosophy of care include residential care home, assisted care living facilities, and personal care homes. Each state licensing agency has its own definition of the term it uses to describe assisted living. Because the term assisted living has not been defined in some states it is often a marketing term used by a variety of senior living communities, licensed or unlicensed. Assisted Living facilities in the United States had a National Median Monthly Rate of $3261.00 in 2011, a 2.39% increase over 2010 and a 5.99% increase over a six-year period from 2005-2011.

Types of Assisted Living

As widely varied as the state licensing and definitions are, so are the types of physical layouts of buildings that provide assisted living services. Assisted living facilities can range in size from a small residential house for one resident up to very large facilities providing services to hundreds of residents. Assisted living falls somewhere between an independent living community and a skilled nursing facility in terms of the level of care provided. Continuing care retirement facilities combine independent living, assisted living, and nursing care in one facility.

People who live in newer assisted living facilities usually have their own private apartment. There is usually no special medical monitoring equipment that one would find in a nursing home, and their nursing staff may not be available at all hours. However, trained staff are usually on-site around the clock to provide other needed services. Household chores are performed: sheets are changed, laundry is done, and food is cooked and served as part of the base rent and included services. Depending on their disclosure of services, assisted living services may include medication management, bathing assistance, dressing, escorts to meals and activities, toileting, transferring, and insulin injections by an RN. Some homes even have a beauty parlor on site. Grocery service is often available too. Where provided, private apartments generally are self-contained; i.e., they have their own bedroom and bathroom, and may have a separate living area or small kitchen. Registered nurses and license practical nurses are available by phone or e-mail 24 hours out of the day, to ensure proper teaching and/or education of staff available.

Alternatively, individual living spaces may resemble a dormitory or hotel room consisting of a private or semi-private sleeping area and a shared bathroom. There are usually common areas for socializing, as well as a central kitchen and dining room for preparing and eating meals.

Typical resident

An assisted living resident is defined as a resident who needs assistance with at least one of the activities of daily living.

A typical assisted living facility resident would usually be a senior citizen who does not need the level of care offered by a nursing home but prefers more companionship and needs some assistance in day-to-day living. Age groups will vary with every facility. There is currently a transformation occurring in long-term care. Assisted living communities are accepting higher and higher levels of care and nursing homes are becoming a place for those undergoing rehabilitation after a hospital stay or are individuals who need extensive assistance. Many assisted living communities now accept individuals who need assistance with all activities of daily living.

The Assisted Living Federation of America reports that the average age of assisted living residents is 86.9 years (female average age, 87.3; male average age, 85.7). Female residents (73.6%) outnumber male residents by almost 3 to 1. The majority (76.6%) of assisted living residents are widowed, and just over 12% are still married or have a significant other. The average length of stay for assisted living residents is 28.3 months (the median is 21.0 months).

Special needs

The residence may assist in arranging the appropriate medical, health, and dental care services for each resident. The resident generally chooses his or her medical doctor and dental services.
Residents who have periods of temporary incapacity due to illness, injury, or recuperation from surgery often are allowed to remain in the residence or to return from a rehabilitation center, skilled nursing facility or hospital if appropriate services can be provided by the assisted living residence. It is important to remember that assisted living residences are a bridge between living at home and living in a nursing home. Assisted living residences do not typically provide the level of continuous skilled nursing care found in nursing homes and hospitals.

More recently built facilities are designed with an emphasis on ease of use for disabled people. Bathrooms and kitchens are designed with wheelchairs and walkers in mind. Hallways and doors are extra-wide to accommodate wheelchairs. These facilities are by necessity fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) or similar legislation elsewhere.

The socialization aspects of ALFs are very beneficial to the occupants. Normally the facility has many activities scheduled for the occupants, keeping in mind different disabilities and needs.
Many ALFs also serve the needs of the mentally ill community, primarily people with some form of dementia including Alzheimer's disease, but also others as long as they do not present an imminent danger to themselves or others. In the United States, legislation enacted by each state defines not only the level of care, but often what conditions are prohibited from being cared for in such a home.

Sweet ByeNBye provides assisted living with two options - a residential care facility and adult foster care homes. Our services have won awards and have recently received a zero deficiency report from the State of Oregon. Located in Salem, Oregon , 2480 Coral Ave NE, Salem, OR 97305 » Map (503) 362-5885

published under the Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike license (CC-BY-SA); and the GNU Free Documentation License. from Wikipedia

Caregiver Magazine Offers Topics of Interest

2013-05-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

The new issue of Caregiver Magazine features several topics that we feel might be of interest to you if you are a family caregiver. The digital magazine allows for an easy read with arrows at the bottom to change pages.

1 - Alzheimers – What Now? Early diagnosis and Q&A about the science.
The National Alzheimers Association agrees that early detection is crucial to long term management and symptom maintenance. full story here >

2 - Grand Caregivers : Grandchildren Taking care of their elderly grandparents.
With the increase in multi-generational families, grandchildren are playing an increasing role in the caring for Grandma and Grandpa. full article >

3 - Amy Grant Interview - Amy Grant, songwriter and winner of six grammy awards, talks about her caring for her parents living with dementia. full story >

4 - Financial Abuse - How to Spot a Potential Problem with Your Loved One's Assets
Certain seniors are targets for scams, and financial abuse disguised as a good deal or the right thing to do. Sometimes elderly family members make decisions based on what others have done, not knowing the details or specifics. For example, a woman age 89, knew that her son-in-law's father had a lot invested in Vanguard, and the bond fund had the highest ratings of safety. Her goal was preservation of capital and after talking to Vanguard they recommended the bond fund. She wasn't advised of market risk and volatility. Then she saw the shares starting to go down in value and transferred the funds to a money market account. This type of misunderstanding, or even worse - direct misrepresentation, happens more that we would want to imagine. Read the full story on how to help protect your loved ones financial health. article >

For more information about Caregiver magazine and resources, visit their web site:
www.Caregiver.com

Sweet ByeNBye Inc.
Assisted Living and Adult Foster Care Homes
Salem, OR

Assisted Living Testimonial Video Added to Home Page

2013-05-14T14:16:00.005-07:00

Video Testimonial

A caregiver who is also a nurse tells her story of finding an assisted living provider for her mother when she was not able to care for her anymore. As a nurse, she thought she could take care of her mother for the rest of her life in her own home. Her story is similar to many family caregivers - mainly daughters - who have to make that hard decision at some point to seek assisted living solutions. If you need an alternate view go to our home page on our web site.

View Video >

Sweet ByeNBye Inc.
503-362-5885
Free RN Assessment for Assisted Living Choices
Award winning facility with zero deficiency report from State of Oregon
read full story >

U.S. Govt. Provides Resources for Seniors

2013-04-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Government has a lot of resources on it's web site regarding housing for seniors. The following links provide direct access to their site for information that many caregivers needs for their elderly family members.

The Administration on Aging (AoA), managed through the Older Americans Act and other legislation, supports programs that help older adults maintain their independence and dignity in their homes and communities. In addition AoA provides funding for a range of supports to family caregivers.The following links are provided on this page as resources:

In addition to Federal, there are also State offices and departments that provide resources on nursing homes, long term care, and other State regulated areas.
http://www.ltcombudsman.org/ombudsman/oregon

In addition, LeadingAge is a major resource and network center . The LeadingAge community (www.LeadingAge.org) includes 6,000 not-for-profit organizations in the United States, 39 state partners, hundreds of businesses, research partners, consumer organizations, foundations and a broad global network of aging services organizations that reach over 30 countries.

The work of LeadingAge is focused on advocacy, education, and applied research. They promote adult day services, home health, hospice, community-based services, PACE, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care communities, nursing homes as well as technology solutions and person-centered practices that support the overall health and well being of seniors, children, and those with special needs.

published as a courtesy by Sweet ByeNBye Inc
An award winning Assisted Living, Adult Foster Home Care provider.
Salem, Oregon www.SweetByenBye.com

Salem Assisted Living Facility Receives Zero Deficiency Status

2012-09-05T14:42:00.001-07:00

Sweet Bye N Bye Inc, a Residential Care and assisted living facility based in Salem Oregon, recently received a zero deficiency report from the Client Care Monitoring Unit for the State of Oregon Department of Human Services during its re-licensing survey.

The surveys are completed every two years, and are the method used by the state to ensure that all facilities licensed by the state are in compliance with the Oregon's Administrative Rules. There are over 460 licensed facilities in the State of Oregon.

Every state has their own regulations and rules for Residential Care and Assisted Living Facilities and they provide oversight in ensuring compliance with State Regulations, and ensuring the quality of the care that they provide. Having zero deficiencies is difficult to achieve, and according to a state report, only 5% of facilities achieve the zero citation score.

Oregon Administrative Rule 411-54 provides the list of services that are required to be provided and meet minimum standards to avoid deficiencies. These include nutritious meals, menus, meal substitutions if needed, modified special diets if needed by a resident, personal and other laundry services, a daily program of recreational activities that are based on individual and group interests that meet physical, mental, and social needs, equipment, supplies, and space to provide for individual and group needs. Services must be provided to assist the resident in performing all activities of daily living, on a 24-hour basis, including assistance with mobility, bathing, personal hygiene, dressing, toilet needs, medication management, and room cleaning. These services are designed to enhance the dignity, independence, individuality and decision making ability of the resident in a safe and secure environment while addressing the needs of the resident in a manner that supports and enables the individual to maximize abilities to function at the highest level possible.

The bi-annual surveys are done to ensure quality services, and the reports are required to be posted in a conspicuous location for residents and visitors. Any individuals seeking for services from any of these facilities should ask to see the survey report in order to make the best decisions for placing their loved one.

About Sweet Bye N Bye Inc.
The Sweet Bye N Bye Inc. was established in 2004, and is locally owned and operated. The company is owned by Angela and Robert Estrada, both RN’s. Together they have a combined 32 years of RN experience, that began in hospital based critical care areas, and for the last several years they have gained experience owning/operating adult foster homes and residential care facilities. In 2011 Angela Estrada R.N. Sweet Bye N Bye won Silver Crown Award from Dorland Health for excellence in clinical nursing and senior care.

Their goals are to provide excellent care in an intimate setting where residents will feel like part of a family and be treated with dignity and respect allowing them to retain their individuality and independence while receiving all the care they require at a fraction of the price of the larger facilities.

The Sweet Bye N Bye Inc. operates 5 adult foster care homes and a residential care facility, all in Salem Oregon. The five foster care homes are located in residential neighborhoods and have full time staffing in a small intimate setting. The Residential Care facility has 16 private rooms, and is located on Coral Ave NE, near the Lancaster Kaiser medical clinic and area shopping. Sweet Bye N Bye has set high standards for all aspects of care from medical to personal attention, activities, and quality of life for its residents.

Sweet ByeNBye Inc
Residential Care Facility2780 Coral Ave Salem, OR 97305
503-362-5885

HyperSmash.com

Flu Safety

2011-11-08T09:42:00.000-08:00

by Robert Estrada, R.N.

Now that our summer has ended, and we see all of the signs that fall is here, we know that the holiday season is around the corner. This is also the season known as flu season, and it is the time of year when viruses and bacterias seem to be most active. Colder weather can weaken immune systems, and lower our defenses to attack. In addition, the return of school for children and college students creates the perfect environment for the sharing and spreading of contagious diseases. The goal of this article is to raise your awareness to the influenza virus, and preventive strategies you can take to protect yourself.

Flu Season Facts

Peak season is November to March.

5-20% percent of Americans will get the flu.

More than 200,000 people are hospitalized annually in the US.

Can be contagious up to one day before symptoms appear, then up to 5-7 days after symptoms.

Responsible for between 3,000 to 49,000 deaths annually since the 1970’s.

Influenza- also know as “the flu” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and can sometimes lead to death. Transmission is person to person by droplets from coughing, or sneezing. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, headache, and runny or stuffy nose. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with compromised immune systems, are at high risk for serious flu complications. Complications include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and pneumonia. Pneumonia is responsible for over 1 million admissions to hospitals annually, and

Prevention Strategies

Get immunized!

Flu vaccine- See your doctor to see if you can take the flu vaccine. Vaccines are prepared every year to provide the maximum protection for that year. Usually lasts 6 months to a year.

Pneumovax- Individuals over age 65 should also be immunized with pneumovax. It consists of a mixture that protects against the 23 most prevalent or invasive pneumococcal types of Streptococcus pneumonias, including the six serotypes that most frequently cause invasive drug- resistant pneumococcal infections streptococcus pneumonia.

Antivirals- If you get the flu, talk to your doctor about new anti-viral medications such as Tamiflu which can shorten the length of the illness, and lessen your symptoms.

Hand Hygiene- wash your hands frequently. Assume that viruses and bacteria are on every door handle, counter top, and hand rail in public places…because they are! Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use alcohol based hand sanitizers frequently. Carry one with you. Cough into sleeve or tissue, and not your hands.

Stay away! If you become sick, stay home to protect others. If you know someone is sick, stay away. You can visit later when they are healthy.

At Home Assistants is a local In Home Care agency operated by registered nurses that provides compassionate, companionship and caregiver services. We wish you and yours a safe, and happy holiday season.

Is In Home Care the Same as Assisted Living?

2011-11-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

There are a number of different terms and descriptions for various types of senior care, and sometimes it can be confusing. A main distinction for senior housing and senior care is whether a person can live in their own home and receive assistance there, or needs to move to a care facility.

"In home Care" and "At Home Care" are the most common used terms that are searched for on Google, as families are looking for solutions for a loved one.

As R.N. 's and with over 30 years of nursing experience in both critical care and long term care settings, Robert and Angela Estrada recently launched an in home care agency in Salem. The definition that you will see on their new website for At Home Assistants defines the broad concept of in-home care.

"In-home care encompasses a wide range of services ranging from companionship, homemaker, and personal care services that are delivered at each client’s home by qualified caregivers. Generally, in-home care is appropriate whenever a person prefers to stay at home, but needs care that cannot easily or effectively be provided solely by family and friends. More and more seniors are electing to live an independent lifestyle and are receiving in-home care services as their physical capabilities diminish. In-home care is a great option for those you wish to receive safe and effective care in the comfort of their own homes."

The following descriptions elaborate on the three major types of in home care provided by At Home Assistants.

Companionship and Homemaker
At Home Assistants provides Homemaker and Compassionate Companionship Services that are tailored to meet individual needs. These needs are carefully assessed, understood, and met through the selective assignment of qualified, trustworthy, and compassionate personnel. If your loved one enjoys their independence but is struggling with everyday activities, then Homemaker and Compassionate Companionship Services just might be the right solution. We provide a wide range of services such as meal planning and preparation, modified or physician ordered diets, housekeeping and cleaning, watering plants, pet care, shopping/errands, assistance with transporting and/or escorting to doctor’s appointments or other medical and non-medical appointments.

Personal Care Services
At Home Assistants provides a wide range of Personal Care Services to meet the individual needs of our clients. Because we are RN owned and operated, we are able to provide higher levels of personal care than other in-home care agencies within the community. Not only does At Home Assistants provide Personal Care Services such as, dressing, bathing, oral care, shaving, feeding, and incontinence care. We also have the ability to provide higher levels of care. Cares such as tube feeding, catheter care, ostomy care, CBG glucose monitoring and insulin administration our care providers are overseen and delegated by registered nurses to perform these tasks. We are also able to provide personal caregivers for end of life/hospice care needs.

Medication Management

At Home Assistants Registered Nurses are able to provide delegated nursing tasks such as, Medication Management to our experienced and qualified caregivers. Our Registered Nurses will also work in conjunction with you or your loved one’s physician to ensure that appropriate medications and medication orders are acquired and implemented promptly. If there is a change in the health status of you or your loved one, our Registered Nurse will be an immediate link between you and your physician. This gives your care team the ability to make changes in medication and other physician orders in a timely manner.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is often viewed as the best of both worlds. Residents have as much independence as they want with the knowledge that personal care and support services are available. Assisted living communities typically provide a private apartment, and are designed to provide residents with assistance with basic ADLs (activities of daily living) such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and offer medication assistance and/or reminders. These services are often offered at an additional cost. Assisted living communities differ from residential care facilities and nursing homes in that they don’t offer 24 hr services, or complex medical services. These settings are licensed and regulated by the Department of Human Services.

Both Sweet Bye N Bye and At Home Assistants provide a free R.N. assessment of your loved ones needs and what the best solutions may be for either in home care or assisted living. Request Free Assessment

submitted by David Brown
webmaster, Sweet Bye N Bye Inc.

Status of Healthcare - A Nurse's Perspective

2011-07-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

We have all been hearing about the healthcare reform that is needed in our country, and it has been the subject of much debate between our Democratic and Republican leaders. It is true that healthcare costs have risen dramatically, and in its current state, our healthcare costs will bring our country to its knees if left unchanged. I do not intend to discuss how that should be done, but rather how you the consumer, and my patient should plan for success in the unsettled times ahead.

What do we know?
Physicians: We know that beginning with this decade, there will be a large number of physicians retiring, and according to a recent Dartmouth College study, it will result in a future physician workforce will be smaller and younger. This shortage will create strain on our current systems, and will require physicians to change practice models in order to keep up with the increased demands.
Nurses: According to the American Nurses Association, there is currently a national shortage of approximately 120,000 RN’s. This number is expected to grow to 1.5 million by the year 2015, and peak in 2020. This will require hospitals, and medical practices to do more with less RN support.
Hospitals/Nursing Homes: Both hospitals and nursing homes are facing significant Medicare cuts, and will need to change their operational models, and reduce expenses in order to remain viable. One major way for these institutions to reduce costs is to shorten length of hospitalizations/admissions to the shortest possible time, while still ensuring safe care.

What does this mean to you?
Our healthcare model as we know it will need to change. The physician to patient, and RN to patient ratio’s will worsen, and you will have less time with the professionals that can best manage your care. Hospitals and nursing homes will, as a necessity to survive, look to minimize their costs, and will shorten your hospitalization/admission times if possible. You will have to assume more responsibility for managing your health/recovery in the outpatient or home setting.

What can you do?
While these above mentioned scenarios are ominous, I believe if you are prepared, and educated, you can make good decisions, and help your medical providers continue to provide you with excellent care.
1. Be prepared when you see your doctor: Understand that their time is limited, and they can best manage your care if you have pertinent data with you at your visit. Medication lists, blood glucose readings, weights, or blood pressure readings are some examples of things that you should have when you see your doctor. This will help them best manage your care.
2. Know the hospitals/nursing homes in your area. Understand that Medicare is now basing their payments to these organizations based on their quality, and knowing which facilities are best can be critical to your recovery. Some web resources:
www.healthgrades.com or www.medicare.gov/nhcompare
3. Plan for handling some of your rehabilitation in your home and know the ranges of services that can be provided. Understand how Home Health, In Home Care and Hospice work, and how they can help you in your home.

Things will change whether we want them to or not. But if you are informed, and plan by being more active in managing your care, you can be successful. I wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe summer.
Robert Estrada, RN
Sweet Bye n Bye Inc
At Home Assistants Inc
In Home Care Agency

Angela Estrada Wins Honorable Mention for Dorland Health Silver Crown Awards

2011-07-21T05:59:00.000-07:00

The Silver Crown Awards seek to honor industry-leading organizations like assisted living facilities and home health agencies, as well as individual practitioners across a range of disciplines like geriatric care managers, facility directors and hospice and palliative care professionals.

The Silver Crown Awards also recognize the best in adult and senior-specific programs, such as Alzheimer’s care, and coverage entities like those that provide Medicare Advantage or pharmacy benefits.

Dorland Health, the publisher of the Case Management Resource Guide, the National Directory of Adult and Senior Services, the Senior Services Report, Case In Point magazine and other resources for those in medical management, has provided information and development tools for those who care for adults and seniors for over two decades.

The Silver Crown Awards also recognize the best in adult and senior-specific programs.