In our culture moving into a Nursing Home is often seen in a negative light and as the beginning of the end. However, It doesn’t have to be a negative thing. The right nursing home should provide a safe and stimulating environment that actually gives autonomy back to its patients rather than taking it away. It should offer premier medical care while providing a community of people and activities to create a full, fun life for its residents. While every person has different needs we compiled a few best practice tips on how to help your loved one transition to a Nursing Home.
1.Find the right fit. Make sure the center you choose meets the needs of the patient and offers quality care. Here’s a list of questions to ask and resources for researching quality centers.
2.Visit often and help them settle in. Spend some time bringing a few sentimental items from home; picture frames, favorite knick-knacks, and anything that will help make the Nursing Home feel like their new home. Additionally, set aside time to visit as often as you can. One of the biggest reasons people are resistant to moving into care is the fear of being forgotten. Help ease these fears by setting up a schedule of visitors. Even a twenty-minute stop during your lunch break can make all the difference. If you don’t live in the area talk to a local church or any organizations your loved one was involved in to see if you can set up visitors.
3.Encourage Participation in Activities. New residents can be resistant to participating in the activities that the Nursing Home offers but often it’s the difference between a great experience and a lonely one. Help them find activities that match their interests and if they need an extra push offer to attend a few of them until they meet some friends and feel comfortable.
4.Give the director of the facility a list of likes and dislikes. Does your loved one hate being disturbed early in the morning or do they have a fear of new people. Let likes and dislikes be known to help the staff best meet your loved ones needs. The right Nursing Home with be happy to learn all they can about a new resident to make their stay comfortable.
5.Continue outside activities. If your loved one is physically able help them to resume their normal outside activities. It will help give them a sense of autonomy and normalcy.
6.Inquire into medical care policies. Knowing what will happen if your loved one needs medical attention can go a long way into easing fears. Find out if they would see their primary care physician or a doctor at the facility. Deturmine what their policies are regarding your loved one’s specific medial concerns. Alpha One Imaging serves many Nursing homes to keep residents more comfortable for medical imaging scans. If your loved one has an injury, it’s best to keep them in one place to avoid further injury and bring a scan to their bedside. If the facility you’ve chosen doesn’t offer this service contact us for more information.