Five Tips to Ease the Transition of Living in a Nursing Home

Making the transition from home to living in a nursing home can be an extremely troubling experience for a loved one. Understandably, he or she may be frightened, anxious, sad, and sometimes angry about this change. As someone who has experience in both the hospital and long term care setting, I have often noted a few key things that can make a difference to the senior coping with going to the nursing home. While circumstances will vary among these individuals, there are five particular tips that can help ease the transition of living in a nursing home.

Listen To Your Loved One's Concerns

Dealing with nursing home placement can bring up a variety of emotions, the most common being fear and sadness. Seniors coping with going to a nursing home may often have fears of not seeing the family and/or being abused. They may be sad that they have to leave the place that they have called home for so many years. Taking the time to listen not only shows that you care, but can help the family better understand how they can help.

Address These Concerns

Seniors coping with going to a nursing home don't want pat answers. Avoid general statements such as ,"it's going to be okay". Now that you know the concerns your loved one has about living in a nursing home, talk about a solution. Promising to visit as much as often may not be enough. If necessary, work out what days you can visit and ask for guidance as to the persons wishes regarding personal belongings. Seniors coping with a nursing home can benefit from managing their own affair. This helps them keep some of their independence.

Help Put The Situation In Perspective

If the loved one doesn't want to go to the nursing home, it can be beneficial to talk it out. Explaining the concerns of the family and pros and cons of living in a nursing home versus living at home can help. Seniors coping with nursing home placement will often realize that caring for themselves or living alone is not in their best interest but may need help figuring out their options. Understanding the benefits that living in a nursing home may be able to provide can help lighten the situation.

Schedule A Meeting With The Nursing Home

If possible, take your loved one to visit before going to live in the nursing home. It may help them feel more at ease and put additional concerns at rest. Meeting with staff, roommates, and other people in the care facility can decrease anxiety and help them to form friendships. Taking a tour of the facilities also allows the family to get to know the staff and allows the future resident the chance to voice any other concerns or questions that they may have.

Give It Time

Being supportive of your loved one is crucial. Let them know that it is okay to have these feelings and encourage that they express them. Adjusting to the changes associated with living in a nursing home will not happen overnight. In the meantime, try to help your loved one make the nursing home more like home. Many facilities allow personal various personal belongings and amenities, do whatever it takes to help them feel more comfortable.