No one wants to be away from their loved ones. Their presence can uplift your moods, help you fight through problems, and have someone by your side during difficult times. As much as you may want to keep your loved ones by your side, circumstances can change at any given moment.
Millions of people rely on nursing homes to care for their loved ones. Everyone has their own reason for coming to such a decision. Even if you are dedicated to their well-being, it can be challenging for your loved ones to adjust to a nursing home.
Regardless of how well-reviewed the nursing home is, everyone may not adjust to the surroundings right away. Yes, it is a complex task, but it is not impossible. With the proper steps and careful measures, you can ensure that your loved ones adjust well to the nursing home.
Here are a few tips that can help you in your endeavor.
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Develop Realistic Expectations
Everyone wants to ensure that their loved ones get the best care. This expectation also applies to the ones moving their loved ones to a nursing home. However, even if you choose the best nursing home in town, your loved ones may never have access to the comfort of their home.
Although most nursing homes claim to provide care around the clock, it is rare for every individual to get one-on-one care. Professional nurses work in shifts and need breaks. They can’t care for every resident.
The good news is that nurses keep in touch with the physician of your loved ones to share health status and lab results. However, it does not mean they can visit your loved ones daily. Most physicians see nursing homes only when they have time off their general practice.
2. Meet with the Staff
Nursing is a compassionate career line. All nurses are trained to prioritize patient health and empathize with their pain. When it comes to nurses working in a nursing home, nurses are trained to be a lot more careful with residents away from their homes.
It can be scary for the residents to settle in a new environment. They may not be able to access the surroundings on their own. However, since you are responsible for your loved one’s best experience, you can undertake this duty.
Before you finalize a nursing home, make sure to meet with the administrator, therapists, physicians, and nurses to understand their roles and responsibilities. Seek answers to your concerns and try to understand what role every nursing home employee will play in caring for your loved one.
3. Arrange Frequent Visits
Whether you meet with friends or your better half, taking out some time for someone makes them feel special. That is why good nursing homes worldwide encourage the relatives of residents to visit their loved ones frequently.
When someone shifts a loved one to a nursing home, they may want to hold the staff accountable for everything. Although it is their job to ensure the happiness and health of their loved ones, they cannot do it alone. They need your help to make the resident’s transition more manageable.
Your loved ones need support to settle in with the transition. Regular visits can help them transition easily into the nursing home. It also gives you an opportunity to see your loved one’s progress and point out any problems.
If you see any maltreatment, you must contact Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm to pursue legal action and find justice for your loved one. You can also ask your loved ones if they feel comfortable with the nursing staff and higher administration.
Always remember that you should be concerned if the nursing staff limits you from seeing your loved ones. Your visits play an essential role in helping your loved ones settle in with their new surroundings.
4. Spend Quality Time Together
When it is recommended to visit your loved ones frequently, it does not just mean spending a few distracted minutes with them. Instead, turn off your cell phone, dedicate a few hours, and do something you enjoy together.
When you shift a loved one to a nursing home, they will take time to settle in and make new friends. Until they meet a buddy to hang out with, you must be their best friend and let them know you are there for them at every step.
Rather than asking the same questions about how their day went and what they ate, indulge in fun activities with your loved ones. Whether playing a board game or engaging in a reminiscent chat, focus on the present moment with your loved one.
Many families panic about what they will do during the visit. That is why nursing homes also recommend that visitors prepare a visiting bag with a few interesting games, a small photo album, their favorite book, and some snacks.
5. Encourage Participation
It can be challenging for new residents to find comfort in their new surroundings. However, if you are there to support them and the nursing home staff cooperates, things can be easier and more efficient. The key is to help them take baby steps toward settlement.
To ease this process, make sure your loved ones get a comfortable space to express themselves in their unique way. Some people have the art of joke-telling, while others can sing or play the piano. A good nursing home should always encourage resident participation.
The benefits of group activities are not limited to fun. According to research, group activities and participation can help people with Dementia and Alzheimer’s to return to their memories and roles before admission to a nursing home.
6. Voice Your Concerns
As discussed earlier, a nursing home alone cannot care for your loved ones. They need your encouragement and support to keep up the excellent work. Of course, keeping an eye is not enough. Your concerns need to be discussed with the administration of a nursing home.
Before filing an official complaint, take a deep breath and remember that nurses are doing a very challenging job daily. Try talking to the head of staff and state your concerns with valid evidence.
While you wait for action, do not stay idle. Keep a notebook to remember the specifics of the situations you want to address. A detailed record will help you hold the nursing home staff accountable if they do not take timely action.
