Our independence is certainly one of the things that adults value the most, but sometimes as we age, it is no longer possible for us to be fully independent. Making a decision to move from our private home into either a nursing home or an assisted living home can be stressful and traumatic. Here are a few ways to make the process a bit easier.
In some cases, a medical emergency is what triggers the need to seek out nursing home care. A bad fall or a stroke or other medical condition might require around-the-clock nursing care, and so finding a nursing home facility is an essential way to ensure that your loved one is safe and secure. In addition, nursing homes offer rehabilitative services, as well, which can certainly help improve quality of life.
Declining health conditions and not a sudden medical event also can be the catalyst for looking into a nursing home facility. If your loved one needs help with all personal needs, as well as a severe medical issue or issues, then it is probably time to think about either in-home nursing care or a nursing home. The first option allows the person to stay in their own home or your home, but the second option offers care plus the added benefits of a more social situation. This might be more suitable for your loved one, especially if they live alone and have little family nearby.
The selection process of finding the right nursing home can be made easier if you seek out the assistance of a service that matches seniors to a variety of eldercare options. CarePlacement.com is one such service that looks at a person's individual needs and budget and matches them to a variety of local options for care. These options include nursing homes and in-home services, as well as board and care or assisted living facilities if your loved one needs less daily medical care.
Once you have a list of nursing homes, be sure to visit each one and, if possible, bring your loved one with you. After all, it is to be their home and it should be a facility with which they feel comfortable. It is best to find a home that is within easy driving distance of friends and family, so that visiting is convenient. In addition, it can be helpful if your loved one already has a friend or two living at the facility. This can definitely make the transition easier.
It cannot be stressed enough that this is a highly emotional move for most people, especially if the move is likely to be permanent. Losing your home and most of your belongings can be very traumatic, so be sure to bring along some highly sentimental items along. Decorate the room with family photographs and bring photo albums. Bring some comfortable blankets and pillows and perhaps even a favorite chair or a small furnishing that reminds them of home and makes their room more personal.
Visitation is another big priority or at least it should be. Your loved one will need visits and companionship particularly if they are bed-ridden or during their first few weeks at the nursing home. Once they make friends and develop a social schedule, however, they still need to see friends and family. So set up a schedule with your family to ensure that people visit regularly and also make phone calls regularly. Your loved one might not call or ask for visitors simply because they don't wish to be a burden, but they do need contact with you and others. If possible, take them on excursions from time to time. While this might not be an option because of medical issues, if it's allowable, take them out to dinner or to a family dinner or picnic. Take them to the movies or the park or simply attend some of the nursing home's social functions or meals with them.
In some cases, a medical emergency is what triggers the need to seek out nursing home care. A bad fall or a stroke or other medical condition might require around-the-clock nursing care, and so finding a nursing home facility is an essential way to ensure that your loved one is safe and secure. In addition, nursing homes offer rehabilitative services, as well, which can certainly help improve quality of life.
Declining health conditions and not a sudden medical event also can be the catalyst for looking into a nursing home facility. If your loved one needs help with all personal needs, as well as a severe medical issue or issues, then it is probably time to think about either in-home nursing care or a nursing home. The first option allows the person to stay in their own home or your home, but the second option offers care plus the added benefits of a more social situation. This might be more suitable for your loved one, especially if they live alone and have little family nearby.
The selection process of finding the right nursing home can be made easier if you seek out the assistance of a service that matches seniors to a variety of eldercare options. CarePlacement.com is one such service that looks at a person's individual needs and budget and matches them to a variety of local options for care. These options include nursing homes and in-home services, as well as board and care or assisted living facilities if your loved one needs less daily medical care.
Once you have a list of nursing homes, be sure to visit each one and, if possible, bring your loved one with you. After all, it is to be their home and it should be a facility with which they feel comfortable. It is best to find a home that is within easy driving distance of friends and family, so that visiting is convenient. In addition, it can be helpful if your loved one already has a friend or two living at the facility. This can definitely make the transition easier.
It cannot be stressed enough that this is a highly emotional move for most people, especially if the move is likely to be permanent. Losing your home and most of your belongings can be very traumatic, so be sure to bring along some highly sentimental items along. Decorate the room with family photographs and bring photo albums. Bring some comfortable blankets and pillows and perhaps even a favorite chair or a small furnishing that reminds them of home and makes their room more personal.
Visitation is another big priority or at least it should be. Your loved one will need visits and companionship particularly if they are bed-ridden or during their first few weeks at the nursing home. Once they make friends and develop a social schedule, however, they still need to see friends and family. So set up a schedule with your family to ensure that people visit regularly and also make phone calls regularly. Your loved one might not call or ask for visitors simply because they don't wish to be a burden, but they do need contact with you and others. If possible, take them on excursions from time to time. While this might not be an option because of medical issues, if it's allowable, take them out to dinner or to a family dinner or picnic. Take them to the movies or the park or simply attend some of the nursing home's social functions or meals with them.
About the Author:
Agatha Lebouef enjoys reading home health care blogs. For additional info regarding assisted living Carlsbad facilities or for expert help searching board and care Oceanside homes for your loved ones, please check out the Care Placement site now.
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