Coming soon
KINNECT offers a secure platform where family members can share their stories and memories through private, invite-only groups. By joining the waitlist today, you will be among the first to experience the transformative feelings of bringing your chosen and given family to share their stories and memories. We all need communication within our families to feel motivated to live, maintain good mental health, and combat negative emotions that can come with aging, such as depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that individuals living in nursing homes often feel disconnected from their families, which places the responsibility for addressing this issue on family caregivers. This is where end-of-life planning comes in, as it allows us to think about how to have meaningful conversations with our elderly family members as they approach the end of their lives.
What is end of life care?
End-of-life care refers to the healthcare services provided to a person in the time leading up to their death. This type of care can be provided for hours, days, or even months before a person's passing. It encompasses various forms of support, including physical comfort, mental and emotional needs, spiritual needs, and practical tasks.
How KINNECT supports the end of life care
KINNECT is a secure platform that allows family members to share their stories and memories through private, invite-only groups. By joining the waitlist today, you can be one of the first to experience the transformative power of bringing your chosen and given family closer together to share their stories and memories. Regardless of your distance, language, or personal differences, KINNECT encourages families to stay connected, which is vital for comfort care during someone's life, especially towards the end. Often, people don't discuss how to use memories and stories to help the family during grieving moments, but KINNECT aims to change that.
Why communication in families is important
As we approach a significant moment in human history, the largest group of people is about to enter a stage where Alzheimer's, Dementia, and other end-of-life issues become more prevalent. This fact motivates Omar Alvarez, the Founder and CEO of KINNECT. After losing his grandfather to Alzheimer's, Omar realized that, as a society, we tend to avoid discussing death and dying and fail to plan for advanced care. This can cause more harm than good.
Retirement homes, palliative care, hospice centers, and caregiving services strive to provide for their residents' physical and communication needs. Nevertheless, research indicates that family involvement is crucial to improving care quality. Consistent visits and contact with family members are essential in strengthening the family bond, contributing to the well-being and happiness of nursing home residents.
But what if you're not nearby to make in-person visits?
An app like KINNECT can help families improve their communication digitally. It keeps them engaged and provides resources, such as answers to questions like "palliative care vs. end-of-life care" or "symptoms of end-of-life in the elderly." KINNECT aims to become an all-in-one resource for all stages of life. It hopes to change the notion that end-of-life planning should happen only at the end. Death and dying are expected, yet they continue to be avoided, which reduces the quality of life later on.
The Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation
Loneliness and social isolation are significant problems among older adults, which can lead to institutionalization. According to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), over one-third of adults aged 45 and older experience loneliness, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are socially isolated. This can be due to various factors such as living alone, loss of family or friends, chronic illnesses, and hearing loss.
Moreover, vulnerable groups such as immigrants, LGBT individuals, minorities, and victims of elder abuse are at a higher risk of loneliness and social isolation. These groups are more susceptible to institutionalization. Despite the increased vulnerability of these demographics, there is a lack of end of life research focused on their specific risks, impacts, and appropriate interventions. This is why we're focused on improving communication in families.
The Role of Family Involvement
Family involvement in nursing home care benefits residents, staff members, and caregivers. Emotional support from family members brings comfort and familiarity, mitigating feelings of loneliness and isolation among residents. Regular family visits significantly contribute to the mental well-being and happiness of those residing in nursing homes.
However, not all family members have relatives near their elderly care home. This is why KINNECT will become the facilitator between families, promoting conversations, increasing family engagement, and providing educational resources about end of life symptoms in older people. KINNECT believes that quality of life can be improved, even if the family is far, by creating a sense of belonging.
Tips for Effective Family Involvement
Maintaining open lines of communication is crucial for family involvement in nursing home care. Family members should regularly communicate with the nursing home staff and their loved ones to stay informed about their condition and any changes in their care plan. This communication can help promptly address any concerns or issues, preventing low-income family communication.
Active family involvement in care planning meetings is crucial. By attending these family meetings, asking questions, voicing concerns, and providing input, family members ensure that the care plan is tailored to their loved one's specific needs. They can also stay updated on changes or developments regarding their loved one's care.
Building positive relationships with the nursing home staff is essential for effective family involvement. Knowing the nurses, doctors, and administrators fosters open communication and collaboration in caring for their loved ones. These relationships can create a supportive environment where family members feel comfortable expressing their concerns and ideas.
End-of-life Care
As a society, we tend to focus on estate and planning but fail to think about how our memories and stories can help our loved ones through grieving. This, in large part, is related to why KINNECT is, yes, built for all families but has a unique eye for elderly care, something important to Founder and CEO Omar after losing his grandfather to Alzheimer's disease. As KINNECT grows, watch for resources and advice to help families navigate end-of-life and improve communication.
The feelings of grief
Grief is an emotion that involves intense sadness, often accompanied by feelings of shock, numbness, denial, and anger. Although the intensity of grief tends to decrease over time, the episodes of grief may continue to occur. The grieving process is unique to each individual, but it doesn't have to be a lonely journey. When we experience loss, primarily related to aging, we can seek help and support. At KINNECT, hearing a person's stories is a form of care that can help us remember our loved one's beliefs and life decisions.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is a type of medical care that is specifically designed for individuals who are living with a severe illness, such as cancer or heart failure. Patients in this type of care may receive medical attention for their symptoms and care while undergoing treatment aimed at curing their severe illness. Family members must maintain open and transparent communication during this time to ensure everyone is informed and up-to-date on the patient's condition. This is a critical period for family communication, and it should be given top priority.
What is hospice care?
Hospice care is a specialized form of healthcare that aims to provide comfort and care and enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from serious illnesses and nearing the end of their lives. The National Institute of Aging states that hospice care is intended for situations where it is impossible to cure a severe illness or in cases where a patient decides not to undergo specific treatments.
Palliative care vs end of life care
Palliative care is an available option right from the time you get to know of a life-limiting or terminal illness. You can receive palliative care while you are undergoing other treatments to manage your condition. End-of-life care is a form of palliative care provided to you when you are approaching the end of your life.
Symptoms of end of life in elderly
The following symptoms were observed: pain, difficulty breathing, wet breathing sounds, nausea, vomiting, confusion, restlessness, muscle jerking, difficulty swallowing, loss of bladder control, sweating, moaning, and loss of consciousness.
What is geriatrics?
Geriatrics, also known as geriatric medicine, is a medical specialty that focuses on the unique health needs of older adults. Geriatrics comes from the Greek words geron, meaning "old man," and iatros, meaning "healer."
The Role of Technology in Family Connection
Technology is increasingly significant in facilitating family involvement and family visits in nursing homes. Innovative solutions, such as the soon-to-launch KINNECT app, make it easier for families to stay connected, mainly when a family member resides in a nursing home. Through this app, families can immediately access updates on their loved one's well-being and care, bridging the geographical gap and fostering a sense of closeness. This is a prime example of how technology has improved communication and enabled B&A connections.
Improved security systems in nursing homes and communication technology enable residents and their families to connect virtually. Videoconferencing capabilities and user-friendly interfaces allow face-to-face family visits, providing emotional support to residents when they need it the most. These technological advancements enhance the safety and security of nursing home residents and strengthen the bonds between families, demonstrating how technology has improved communication in nursing homes.
Conclusion
Family involvement is pivotal in enhancing nursing home residents' well-being and quality of life. The emotional support, care monitoring, and advocacy from family members significantly enrich nursing homes' overall long-term care experience. Regular communication, active participation in care planning, and fostering positive relationships with nursing home staff are critical elements of effective family engagement. Overcoming challenges and harnessing technological advancements can further solidify family connections and boost the happiness and well-being of nursing home residents. By prioritizing family involvement and encouraging family visits, nursing homes can offer a more comprehensive and personalized approach to elderly care, ensuring residents receive the love and support they need in their twilight years.
