Moving an elderly person into a nursing home isn’t always an easy choice. However, sometimes, people need more physician-round-the-clock care than can be provided in a home setting. Making this decision can be hard, and as a caregiver, your role is crucial in ensuring the right decision is made, and the best home and services are chosen for your loved one. Your dedication and research are invaluable in this process.
But once they’ve made the transition, what can you do to support them as they adjust to their new life?
Visit Frequently
There is nothing lonelier than being in a new place, relying on new people, and not having any familiar faces around you. Your loved one might be going through a range of emotions, and at this time, they need a friendly face and support. You, as their family member, can offer this by visiting them as frequently as possible, calling them, making video calls, and so on. Your presence can help them feel less alone and more supported as they make the transition, giving them a sense of comfort and familiarity in their new environment.
Listen To Them
Listening to them and maybe reading between the lines when they call or visit is important. A little compassion and understanding can go a long way, and being able to provide emotional support can help them recover faster and stay physically and mentally healthy (or as healthy as possible, given their health status).
Be proactive in listening to and engaging with them, especially if they have complaints. While no one wants to think of their loved one suffering unnecessarily in a nursing home, sadly, these things happen. Listening to what is and isn’t being said can help you ensure they are being cared for as they need to be and as you expected them to be.
Be Proactive in Their Care
There’s a big difference between understanding the type of care being provided by the nursing home and trying to take control and dictate what you think should be done. A good nursing home will help you understand the care they provide, keep you informed and help you understand what it means for your loved one.
Being proactive in their care means understanding their conditions and knowing exactly what type of care they should be receiving, including their medications and bathing/eating schedule. This can make it easier to engage with the nursing home, especially if you need to report any issues. For example, if you know the causes of bedsores, you can help staff address this complaint and rectify it without making the situation worse.
Make It Feel Like Home
It’s a massive upheaval moving from a home they have lived in for any period of time to a nursing facility. Making it as homely as possible by bringing some of their possessions and even furniture, if allowed, can help them settle easier and have a few home comforts that can make them feel better.
Consider bringing their favorite blanket, a photo album of family memories, or a small potted plant to add a personal touch to their room. Even in the most clinical of settings, you can create an environment that feels like home for them.
Involve Them As Much As Possible
Trying to keep things as normal as possible can be really beneficial. It might be that you take them on days out with you if they’re allowed to leave. Involve them in meals out or dinner at your house, and take them to see other family members or to places they liked to visit prior to moving into their nursing home. This can create some semblance of normality for them and help ease the transition somewhat. Additionally, maintaining a consistent daily routine, such as regular meal times and activities, can provide a sense of stability and familiarity in their new environment.
Be Respectful
Just because your loved one needs extra care and support doesn’t mean they should be treated without dignity and respect. Remember, they still have feelings and still need to be part of the world, even if they’re not physically or mentally able to be. Treating them with respect and in accordance with their health conditions can allow them to retain confidence and dignity and make them feel like a valued family member even though they’re not in the home environment anymore.
Conclusion
Being able to support your loved one through this massive change in their life isn’t always going to be easy, but there are many things you can do to make this less stressful and ensure they still get the full love and support of family once they relocate.
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