There comes a point when you’re not able to take care of your loved ones. The reason could be any – relocating to a new city, being unable to meet their care needs adequately, or facing financial challenges.
The transition to a nursing home is challenging and emotionally daunting for both elderly individuals and their families. After all, you all have spent a good time together in your home and now the time has come to get separated.
If you’re sending your loved ones to a nursing home, then don’t worry! There are some ways in which you can bridge the emotional gap and make them feel cherished. So, let’s discuss some of them:
1. Personalize Their Space
Moving to a new home for elderly ones can sometimes feel like a loss of the space which they used to have in their home. However, you can transform a nursing home room to make them feel comfortable.
Consider decorating their space with cherished photographs, comfortable and familiar furniture like chairs and tables, and any other items that hold sentimental value. By doing so, you’ll add a touch of familiarity at a new place and create an inviting environment that aligns with their personality.
These personal and easy touches can go a long way in helping your elderly ones feel right at home.
2. Visit the Facility Frequently
One of the best ways to take care of your loved ones in a nursing home is to foster a strong emotional connection. And you can do this by frequently visiting the nursing home to meet your loved ones. However, you can also get in touch through virtual meetings if visiting in person isn’t an option.
Spend quality time together, share and listen to their stories, and engage in some interesting activities to make them feel good. To ensure their well-being, consider unexpected visits to assess the quality of care provided by the staff and know what’s going on there. If you have any concerns, address them with the staff immediately.
Try to visit the facility at unusual hours. For example, you can pay a surprise visit on a Saturday night after dinner. During this time, staffing levels are lower, dinner is done, and your visit is unexpected, providing a valuable perspective.
3. Look Out For Abusive Signs, If Any
As your loved ones age, they will notice a lot of changes in their body including physical changes, limited mobility, impaired cognition, etc. While these changes are part of aging, signs like sudden mood changes, unexplained bumps, or bed sores could be a sign of neglect or abuse.
If you notice such changes in your loved ones, consulting with lawyers specializing in injury cases can be a wise decision. A personal attorney will fight for health issues and personal injuries by providing legal support to victims and their families. Also, an experienced attorney will help you sue the nursing home for abuse.
Most importantly, record your concerns about the abusive signs and file a complaint against the staff and the manager.
4. Embrace Modern Technology for Connection
In today’s digital world, staying connected with your loved ones far away is extremely easy. If you’re unable to plan a physical visit to the nursing home, utilize video calls, messaging apps, and social media to strengthen strong bonds.
But don’t stop there! Consider installing CCTV in the nursing home to keep an eye on what’s going on in the facility. You can opt for a camera for continuous recording where you can go back and check the footage at any time.
5. Know Who to Talk To
If you notice something that worries you, then you should whom you should talk about it. Begin by reaching out to the unit manager responsible for the floor where your loved one stays. The manager should manage proper communication with the staff and the residents and should be able to investigate the matter and take prompt action immediately.
Keep in mind that the facility should offer a straightforward complaint process, and typically, concerns should be resolved within 48 hours. However, if you find the communication lacking, contact the nursing home administrator directly.
Summing Up
Sending your loved ones to a nursing home is one of the biggest steps you can take. Ultimately, the concern over how strangers will care for your loved ones will persist.
However, with the tips mentioned above, you can easily take care of your loved ones residing in a nursing home and help them alleviate the feelings of loneliness and isolation.
