Category: Connecting

Why Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing Communities Need More Than App-Based Staffing

Posted on November 26, 2025 by Peter R. Abraldes

Senior living operators are navigating one of the most complex staffing environments in decades. Rising resident acuity, tighter regulations, burnout, and turnover have forced many communities to look for fast solutions. App-based staffing platforms like Bravo Click and Bshift can feel like an easy fix.

But across Assisted Living (AL), Memory Care (MC), and Skilled Nursing (SNF), leaders are discovering a hard truth: Speed without consistency comes at a cost—often paid by residents, teams, and outcomes.

That’s why many communities are choosing NursePartners clinical care team instead of relying solely on app-based staffing. Here’s why this model works better, especially across these three care environments.

Assisted Living: Consistency Protects Resident Trust and Daily Flow
Assisted Living teams aren’t just providing care—they’re supporting residents in a home-like setting built on routine, relationships, and dignity.

App-based staffing creates friction in AL because:
– Residents see unfamiliar faces constantly
– Caregivers often don’t know individual preferences
– Med-pass routines and community workflows get disrupted
– Executive Directors and Wellness teams spend more time re-orienting staff than leading care

NursePartners supports Assisted Living by prioritizing continuity.
We send consistent caregivers who learn your community’s flow, care expectations, and resident routines. That means smoother shifts, fewer errors, stronger resident satisfaction, and less burden on your core team.

Memory Care: Familiar Caregivers Reduce Risk and Behavioral Escalations
Memory Care is a specialized clinical and emotional environment. Residents living with dementia rely heavily on familiarity and predictable support to feel safe.

When app-based workers rotate in and out, communities often see:
– Higher agitation and anxiety in residents
– Increased fall risk
– More behavioral escalations
– Disrupted redirection and cueing
– Staff uncertainty during sensitive moments

Memory Care can’t function like gig work.

NursePartners caregivers are selected and prepared for dementia-support environments, and our continuity model means residents experience familiar faces, calmer transitions, better cooperation with care, and stronger trust and emotional stability. We combine staffing with clinical oversight, ensuring that MC isn’t just “covered,” it’s supported safely. Every single one of NursePartners employees is trained in the Positive Approach to Care™ by Teepa Snow and must complete a five-hour training in dementia care in orientation and annually.

Skilled Nursing: Clinical Oversight and Competency Are Non-Negotiable
Skilled Nursing facilities operate under the most intense clinical and regulatory pressures in senior care. Coverage needs are high-acuity and high-stakes.

App platforms often fall short in SNF because:
– Clinical competency varies widely
– Staff may be unfamiliar with SNF pace and documentation
– DONs must re-check work constantly
– Compliance risks rise with every unfamiliar nurse
– No external clinical accountability exists when something goes wrong

NursePartners is a clinically led staffing partner.
Every nurse or aide placed has been rigorously vetted beyond basic credentialing, competency-checked for elder acute and sub-acute care, evaluated for professionalism and reliability, and supported by clinical supervision once placed.

Across All Settings: Partnership Beats Marketplace Staffing
Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing each have different workflows—but all three share the same staffing truth: A revolving-door workforce weakens care.

Apps are built to fill shifts. NursePartners is built to strengthen teams.
We provide:
– Consistent staffing instead of random pickups
– Clinical oversight and fast escalation response
– Caregivers trained for senior living environments
– Scheduling support and strategic planning
– Predictable pricing without surge fees
– A partner relationship—not a marketplace transaction

The Takeaway
App-based staffing can help fill urgent gaps. But for Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing, care quality depends on consistency, clinical leadership, and real accountability.

That’s what NursePartners delivers. Call us today to learn more about how we can help your facility: 610-323-9800.

Bathing a Senior living with Dementia: A Gentle Approach

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Peter R. Abraldes

Bathing a senior with dementia can be a delicate and challenging task. Dementia often affects memory, comprehension, and emotional responses, so it’s important to approach bath time with sensitivity, patience, and respect. Creating a positive experience can improve not only hygiene but also the person’s sense of dignity and well-being. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Prepare the Environment Ensure the bathroom is warm, well-lit, and safe. Have all the necessary supplies ready—towels, soap, and clean clothes—to avoid leaving the senior unattended. Non-slip mats, grab bars, and a shower chair can make the process more secure and comfortable for both the caregiver and the senior. Go the extra mile by bringing warm towels, adjusting the room lightening and scents, and ensuring that everything is set up for enjoyable experience.

2. Communicate Calmly and Reassure Explain each step gently, even if the person may not fully understand. A soothing tone and familiar words can reduce anxiety. For example, say “Let’s wash your hands” instead of “It’s time to bathe,” as specific instructions may feel less overwhelming.

3. Maintain Privacy and Dignity Many seniors with dementia may feel vulnerable during bath time. Keep them covered with towels or a bathrobe as much as possible to maintain privacy. Letting them participate—like washing their own face or arms—can promote independence and preserve dignity.

4. Be Flexible and Attentive Adapt to the senior’s preferences and moods. If they seem resistant or fearful, it may help to switch to a sponge bath or try again later. Being attentive to their reactions ensures a gentler, more respectful experience.

5. Use Touch to Reassure A comforting touch can offer reassurance. Holding their hand or gently guiding them can reduce feelings of confusion or agitation. Stay mindful of non-verbal cues, as body language often communicates more than words.

6. Focus on Comfort, Not Perfection The goal is to keep the person clean and comfortable. If a full bath is too stressful, consider alternatives like a sponge bath or focusing on key areas—hands, face, underarms, and the groin.

Caring for a senior with dementia requires adaptability and empathy. By creating a calm and supportive environment, you can help ensure that bath time is a positive experience that maintains their dignity and comfort.

When is it time for home care?

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Peter R. Abraldes

A Professional, Non-Medical Home Care Company Can Help

As people age or face chronic health conditions, they need assistance with daily tasks. This can be done while they age at home, as independently as possible. Non-medical home care companies provide support for everyday activities like bathing, meal preparation, social engagement, and housekeeping.

What is Non-Medical Home Care?

Non-medical home care helps with activities like personal hygiene, cooking, light housekeeping, mobility assistance, and companionship. Caregivers focus on assisting with daily living while allowing individuals to stay in their own homes, wherever home may be.

When to Consider Non-Medical Home Care

Here are some signs it might be time to employ a non-medical home care service:

Difficulty with Daily Activities: When tasks like bathing, dressing, or eating become difficult, non-medical caregivers can help.
Chronic and Progressive Conditions: Those with conditions like arthritis, COPD, or dementia may need help keeping a routine.
Post-Surgery Recovery: After surgery, people might need support with daily tasks while they regain strength.
Caregiver Burnout: If family members are overwhelmed by caregiving duties, non-medical services offer respite.
Social Isolation: Non-medical caregivers provide companionship for individuals who may feel lonely.
Household Management Issues: Difficulty with cleaning or cooking is another reason to seek assistance.

Benefits of Non-Medical Home Care

Personalized Care: Services are tailored to individual needs.
Cost-Effective: Home care is often more affordable than assisted living.
Independence: Caregivers help people remain in their homes.
Support for Families: Caregivers ease the burden on family members.

Choosing a Provider

When selecting a non-medical home care company, consider their reputation, the qualifications of caregivers, the flexibility of services, and transparent pricing.

In summary, non-medical home care is an excellent option for those who need help with daily activities but want to stay independent. Recognizing the right time to seek this support ensures a safer, higher quality of life.

Want to learn more? Call us today at 610-323-9800.

An Easter basket or activity box for someone living with dementia

Posted on April 12, 2020 by Peter R. Abraldes

We often think to put Easter baskets together for children. It can be exciting to hunt for eggs or to find a basket full of sweets. Children sift through the contents, sorting out favorite candies and toys. If you are lucky, they will clean up the plastic grass afterwards.

We can similarly engage older adults living with dementia, of any religious affiliation. As dementia progresses, certain senses are heightened. One of these is touch. During the “Amber” stage, those living with dementia have a tendency to touch surfaces. As eyesight and gait (walking ability) worsen, touching surfaces help orient the person.

Touch can also be reassuring. Holding their hand or feeling different textures can be a way to communicate as their traditional conversational skills worsen.

Consider putting together an activity box, or Easter basket, if applicable. Remember, this should be a fun activity so do not worry if the end result is not as imagined. You might even want to consider some music in the background.

The search can be limited to your own home. Find objects of varying sizes, textures, densities, and colors. Once you gather these all, ensure that none have sharp edges and are large enough not to be swallowed. Layer them into a basket or box.

Bring the basket or box to your loved one. Get them started by finding the first or second object.

Simple activities such as these add meaning to the lives of older adults living with dementia. They may remind them of Easter as a child, or simply serve as a task to make them feel loved and needed. Never underestimate how feeling loved and needed can improve their quality of life.

Some of the ideas behind the activity box were found from Crossroads Hospice. The suggestions about tactile simulation and the Amber stage of dementia can be learned about here.

ARTZ Philadelphia Opens the Doors to People Living with Dementia

Posted on March 19, 2018 by Peter R. Abraldes

NursePartners seeks out resources for family members of clients living with dementia We find that children and spouses often find themselves burdened with their new role as caregiver, forgetting how to connect with their loved one on other levels. Programs such as ARTZ Philadelphia brings the client and their caregiver together to talk about what they learn. Caregivers are often surprised by how they are able to reconnect with their family members or clients.

The following answers were provided by Susan Shifrin, Founder and Executive Director of ARTZ Philadelphia.

How do families participate in your program?

In our museum programs, people with dementia diagnoses and their family members come together to engage in conversations that we facilitate about art.

Carepartners and those they love to participate on an even footing. What ends up happening is that participants rediscover the joy of conversing with one another about things other than illness.

The carepartners tend to witness their loved ones behaving differently than they might at home. They see their wit, their humor, their intellectual engagement with the art and with others in the group. This can remind the carepartners of all the attributes they love about the people they are caring for.

What is the cost of admission?

Absolutely free.

Can I bring my loved one if they are in a wheelchair?

100% yes. All of our ARTZ @ The Museum sites accommodate individuals in wheelchairs. When people first register for our programs, we send them an informal survey to assess their particular needs before their first experience with us: do they have low vision, are they hard of hearing in one ear, do they require assistance walking? When we set up the seating for our programs, people in wheelchairs will be front and center for group conversations.

We do our best in general to ensure that participants are physically positioned to take the most from the program.

I am a professional carepartner, not a family member. Can I still attend?

Absolutely. We had a wonderful woman named Eve who came to museum programs for three years, hardly missing one. Eve came with her professional carepartner.

After Eve passed away, the professional carepartner approached ARTZ director about assisting other clients. Now she accompanies a new client to the program.

The carepartner was almost as beloved as Eve by the original group.

The connection is the same for all attendees.

I am not an art history expert, is this the right program for me?

Our programs aren’t about art history or expertise (though both are welcomed if participants bring them). It is about being in the moment and connecting with other people around a work of art.

80% of participants start by saying they do not know anything about art. They end up being the liveliest and most opinionated about art, receiving validation by group.

What other similar resources are available to me?

ARTZ has one program specifically for carepartners, called Cafes for carepartners. This is to give carepartners time to do things they believe are fun, engaging, and stimulating with others who know what they are going through. These cafes are not support groups, though they offer supportive experiences. While care partners sometimes choose to talk about their caregiving experiences with each other, just as often, they don’t. It’s completely up to them to set the agenda.

Cafés for Care Partners also offer opportunities to tour gardens and museums. When we are about to partner with a new museum or art center, we invite our care partners to vet the new sites before we incorporate them into our programs.

ARTZ is hoping to develop new programs around music.

ARTZ has a partnership with Jefferson that pairs people living with dementia at various stages and/or care partners (both are called “mentors”) to medical, nursing, pharmacy, and occupational therapy students over a period from six to eight weeks. The program participants first get to know one another through shared experiences around works of art. Over time, students get to know those with the diagnosis as people first, through series of one-on-one encounters. Mentors teach future healthcare providers what it means to live with dementia, from the inside out.

Health professions students tell us that they are reminded why they chose to go into medicine through this program. They went into medicine to make human connections.

If I want to go to your next event, what should I do?

If you have access to the Internet, go to website www.artzphilly.org. Choose “participate in a program” on the home page. You will see “ARTZ in the museum”. Click on this.

The new page will tell you more and what you can expect. Go to the section “Explore Upcoming Events”. There is a little button next to the program that says, “Register Now”.

If you do not have access to the web, you can make a phone call to Susan, 610-721-1606 and she will make sure you are listed on the program.

There is a monthly newsletter, you can sign up for it via the website (https://www.artzphilly.org/) of their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ARTZPhiladelphia/).

Patience when caring for someone living with dementia

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Peter R. Abraldes

Patience is crucial when caring for someone living with dementia. Often times the burden of care falls uneven on a spouse or a child who lives close to their parents. It takes us a while, if at all, to realize that it takes more than one person to support another living with dementia.

When an interaction is not going as planned, we suggest the following steps:

1.) Step Back: It is okay to not have an immediate response. Think before you react and ensure your facial and body language matches your words. We want to make sure we are engaging visual stimuli before offering a verbal message. As Teepa Snow suggests, engage the senses by offering cues in the following sequence: visual, verbal, touch.

If the person living with dementia is doing an undesirable activity, consider if the activity is dangerous to them or others. If it is not, reassess the urgency of change. Could this be a moment for connection?

2.) Respond instead of Reacting: A thorough response requires doing the analysis to see why we seek to change the current behavior. Are we imposing our logic on their situation? Could it be that we are not taking the time to enter their reality? This can be a mentally draining task and is one of the reasons why caregivers become frustrated with the person entrusted in their care.

Sometimes we are not trying to correct a behavior, but rather a narrative. A person living with dementia might be time traveling or experiencing a hallucination. Instead of trying to reorient them to reality, take that time to ask them questions about their past or their visions. Often times we can find our best moments of connection by patiently requesting that they tell us more.

Throughout our response, we want to incorporate the art of substitution before subtraction. If we want to remove something from their hands, offer them something else to hold first. If we want to free them from a hallucination, ask more questions. Often times they will reach a point where their mind no longer can describe the often that does not exist.

3.) Make plans, but expect them to change: Put your agenda in your back pocket. It is often very difficult for non-caregivers to understand why it takes so long to accomplish the activities of daily living. Why does it take an hour to take a shower? Why does it take two sittings to finish a meal?

Our approach matters, and unlike caring for a child, an older adult has lived a long life and is used to be being treated with dignity and respect. Although their memories may have faded, these feelings of pride are deeply engrained. We need to go with their flow, not the other way around. We need to take extra measures that may not seem “logical” in order to satisfy their emotional needs.

A classic example of this would be wrapping a towel around the care recipient in the shower. Although this might make the cleaning process more challenging, it allows the person being showered to feel less exposed to caregiver.

4.) Figure out what you can and cannot control: We need to remember that activities are a means to connect with the person living with dementia. If we are playing a known game, it is okay to throw out the rules. For example, instead of playing a card game, why not sort the deck? As the disease progresses, your loved one might derive more comfort from holding items versus sorting them. This is okay. We are learning to adapt to their changing senses and using these to find new ways to say hello. If you are unfamiliar with GEM levels, learn more here.

Here are some ideas for activities for someone living with dementia. At NursePartners, we provide activity baskets to our clients living with dementia. These typically include coloring, puzzles, and cards. Activities are introduced and rotated out as interests or abilities change.

5.) Take care of yourself: We impose our logic on the person living with dementia, but fail to apply it to ourselves. No matter how much help you have, you also need a break! Caring for a person living with dementia can be a daunting task. If you are emotionally drained or physically inept to perform your role, you become less helpful for the person needing your care. It is not selfish, but rather essential, to take time to enjoy your life and keep yourself healthy.

Please ask us for more support resources. NursePartners is a founding member of the National Aging in Place Council of Philadelphia. We invest our time in this organization in order to comfortably refer you to resources in our community, some of which are free.

This article was inspired by Teepa Snow and a post by AgingCare.com.

Making mealtimes easier

Posted on May 30, 2017 by NursePartners

Family members and caregivers play an important role in identifying eating-related problems of those with dementia. Mealtimes can be made easier by implementing a variety of strategies that promote independence.

These are six common problems and solutions:

Cognitive issues: include the inability to express needs or desires. Sometimes they forget to eat or are unable to distinguish food from the plate as a consequence of changing visual and spatial abilities.

Solution: Set an alarm clock or a phone call as a useful reminder for mealtimes. Snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated can be left out where they are easily seen. Use contrasting plates with placemats. Remember to keep water or another beverage within sight. Your loved one might not always be able to tell you when they are thirsty.

Physical problems: include the inability to hold and use utensils; proper posture; fatigue; vision impairment; decreased depth perception; mouth sores; gum disease; dry mouth; poorly fitting or missing dentures; chewing or swallowing problems (dysphagia); and inability to move food inside the mouth.

Solution: Finger foods can be a nutritious and easy alternative, enabling a continued level of independence. If the person’s head tilts backward, move it to a forward position while allowing them to eat at their own pace. You can also use double hand-under-hand to simulate the motion of the person feeding themselves. This often is the most effective approach.

Menu-related concerns: include an overwhelming amount of choices; unappealing food presentations, smells, flavors, or textures; and foods that from the individual’s personal, cultural, or religious preferences.

Solution: Keep long-standing personal preferences in mind when preparing food. Understand that new food preferences usually develop. Simplify mealtime by serving one dish at a time. Whenever possible, engage the care recipient in the process. Let them express their likes and dislikes and adjust the offerings accordingly.

Lack of physical activity: can decrease appetite.

Solution: Encourage simple exercise, such as going for a walk, gardening, or washing dishes. If your loved one is enrolled in a physical therapy session, try to incorporate the physical therapy suggestions.

Environmental issues: can be noise, visual stimulation, poor lighting, and temperature. These all have an effect on your loved one’s ability to eat.

Solution: Try serving meals in quiet surroundings, away from the television and other distractions. Keep the table settings simple. Avoid any table arrangements that may distract or confuse the person. Use only the utensils needed for the meal. Vision changes for all older adults, but especially for those living with dementia. Remember that you will need to approach from the right angles in order for them to see you.

New medications or a dosage change may affect appetite.

If you notice a change, call the doctor.

______________________________________________________________________________

It is common for individuals in later stages of dementia to lose a considerable amount of weight. Physiological changes associated with aging, such as decreased thirst and hunger perception, can further complicate nutrition and hydration status in dementia patients.

It is important to address a decreased appetite while still making the most of your loved one’s abilities. Adapt recipes to enable self-feeding abilities at mealtimes, These are important opportunities for them to make choices.

Effective Communication Strategies

Posted on April 18, 2017 by Peter R. Abraldes

Tomorrow Angela Geiger will present on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association. Angela is a certified dementia practitioner, registered nurse, and founder of NursePartners, Inc. We have been servicing older adults living with a diagnosis of dementia since 2002.

Effective communication is crucial for establishing a good relationship between the carepartner and the care recipient. You will learn new ways to “say hello” and connect as the disease progresses. Angela will show us how to incorporate the Positive Physical ApproachTM into daily interactions to make them more meaningful and successful.

She will also explain how we can connect through each of the senses. As the disease progresses, some senses are heightened. We will also learn how to use visual cuing over verbal cuing. Often those living with dementia invent words to communicate. We should anticipate these changes and react accordingly. By knowing the care recipient’s history, we will increase the odds of our success.

It is also important to ensure that the care recipient still feel competent and involved in their own care. We can make this possible by simplifying the decision process. This is done by minimizing distractions and communicating directly with the care recipient.

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow at the Delaware Valley Veteran Home at 2pm.

The address is 2701 Southampton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154.

Teepa Snow on Planning Activities to Enrich the Lives of People with Alzheimer’s

Posted on February 14, 2017 by NursePartners

Strategies and techniques for dementia care

By now, you all know why we love the nationally renowned dementia care expert Teepa Snow and her GEMS® classification system techniques and strategies. This Huffington Post article covers the essentials in providing family members and care partners the tools and tips that lead to positive and meaningful relationships with loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

As a person with Alzheimer’s and dementia progresses, it is important to continue to provide quality of life at each stage. Entertainment and activities are essential for the wellbeing of people with Alzheimer’s. While they do not slow the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s, these activities can improve the quality of life for your loved ones.

“They can make the difference between a deadly boring day of staring at the floor and a rich sense of purpose and contentedness. They can also help the caregiver make a connection with the person, no matter how brief.”

Move beyond entertainment

Games and activities help maintain motor skills and lessen agitation, depression, and stress. Projects that match your loved one’s skills and profession can provide a sense of independence and ownership. It’s important to adapt the activities you use to your loved one’s natural likes and disposition. Here are some things to consider when providing a plan of care:

What profession did you loved one choose?
Which roles did they have and can you preserve or re-imagine some of that?
Are they an extrovert or introvert?
What were their hobbies?

While an extrovert is likely to enjoy group activities like bingo, your introvert will much rather do something on their own, such as solving puzzles or organizing coins.

For people with Alzheimer’s disease, a successful activity, whether it’s listening to music or playing a game, helps create meaning and pulls from past interests. These activities can provide your loved one with a chance to be more engaged, while fostering an emotional connection and self-expression.

According to Teepa, the single most important thing for family and professional care partners to keep in mind is:

“Provide more than just entertainment.

People with dementia can become tired or overstimulated if they have too much entertainment.”

Include productive and relaxation activities

It’s important to balance the day, by including productive activities (that the person can realistically to expected to be able to achieve), leisure time, fitness activities and, finally, rest and relaxation. Teepa stressed the importance of modifying your expectations as your loved one progresses through the stages of dementia. Activities that worked well with those in the early stages will not necessarily be successful for those in the mid- to late-stages.

People with dementia have the right to enjoy the highest possible quality of life and care by being engaged in meaningful relationships that are based on equality, understanding, sharing, participation, collaboration, dignity, trust, and respect.

At NursePartners, we work to match a highly qualified and experienced care partners to your preferences and expectations. We strive for hand-picked, exceptional care that meets the needs of each unique individual. Our specialized approach to care includes a customized treatment plan – our caregivers are dedicated to improving quality of life.

By keeping a record of everything from mood behaviors, health problems to daily activities, we can begin to understand what factors contribute to positive moods and overall happiness. Furthermore, our care partners have leading expertise and experience with dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Care partners also assist with transportation, preparing individualized meals, light housekeeping, and personal care.

If your loved one needs home care assistance or relief, our team would love to help. Contact us today.

Consider joining our support group in south Philadelphia

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Peter R. Abraldes

CAregivers REducing Stress (CARES)

Are you informally taking care of an older adult: a spouse, parent, sibling, friend or neighbor? Whether you help out full-time or just a few hours a week, caregiving is hard work and can be a strain on your emotional, psychological, financial, and physical well-being. Maybe you work at the same time, or have a family of your own to take care of, too. Maybe you’re just too exhausted to keep on top of it all. This monthly meet-up group is for informal (non-professional) caregivers of older adults. It is a space to share your experiences and learn from other caregivers who are in a similar position.

The group will be organized and facilitated by Sarina Issenberg, a Licensed Social Worker and counselor with CARES, a caregiver support program at Lutheran Settlement House. Additional times, locations, and events can be arranged. Please call or email with any questions!

Request Services Now

Call (610) 323-9800 to talk to us now.