How Dogwood Forest Is Defying National Statistics
on July 28th, 2016 in Research | No Comments
Every year, the United Health Foundation releases a myriad of statistics regarding senior health. One of
the most important figures is related to how well seniors can thrive in various states. In the most recent report, 
Massachusetts was ranked number one in the country. At the other end of the spectrum, Louisiana ranked 50th.
Like most of the Southeast, Georgia did not rank too well. According to the report, our state ranked 39th when it comes to senior health. There are many different measures that formed the ranking, from physical inactivity to hospital care. At Dogwood Forest, we know we can’t fix every problem in the state. However, we are working hard to make sure our residents get the care they need.
What the Statistics Show
The United Health Foundation evaluated about 30 different measures to determine each state’s ranking. One of the most important factors that contributed to Georgia’s low rank is physical activity. Of Georgia’s 1 million seniors, about 35 percent of those with fair health or better reported zero physical activity besides their occupational activity in the past month. Diabetes is also a major factor. From 1999 to 2014, the diabetes rate in those aged 50 to 64 nearly doubled.
Other issues Georgia is facing include:
- High hip fracture rate
- Low flu vaccination coverage
- Low number of high quality beds in nursing homes
However, Georgia also has many strengths. Our senior citizens are not prone to excessive drinking. In addition, less than 10 percent of our seniors are regular smokers. Nearly 90 percent get regular health screening, and pain management for arthritis patients is handled well. Other highlights include:
- Seniors reporting “very good” to “excellent” health increased from 33 percent to 38 percent in the past three years
- Preventable hospitalizations decreased from 65 percent to 55 percent in the past two years
- High-quality beds in nursing homes increased from about 28.5 percent to 34.5 percent in the past year
How Dogwood Forest Is Defying the Trends
Here at Dogwood Forest, we take the health of our residents very seriously. We provide a variety of opportunities for our residents to get out and be active. Within the Dogwood Forest communities, you will find gardens, physical therapy areas and other options for our residents to be active. In addition, each resident has a dedicated care manager who provides and follows a personalized plan.
About 10 percent of all seniors in Georgia report some kind of mental distress. Our wellness and life enrichment programs are designed specifically to combat mental and physical issues prevalent in older individuals. Every aspect of Dogwood Forest communities is designed with clinical accuracy to make sure our residents are given the highest level of care available.
If you have noticed your parents or other loved ones are struggling to live successfully on their own, it may be time to consider assisted living. Take our online quiz to find out what kind of care your loved one needs. Or, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.