No matter how much you’d like to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of your loved-one, there may come a time when a very tough decision will need to be made. The transition from living independently to moving into aged care can be challenging not only for new residents, but for their families. It may be difficult for people to adjust to their new environment, and there is often an accompanying feeling of a loss of independence or being a burden as well as rejection. Therefore, it is important for the family of the new nursing home resident to be as supportive and helpful to ensure a smooth transition.
Here are 6 ways to help your loved-one transition:
- Choose the right facility
The facility that you select will be your loved-ones’ next home, so make sure to choose it carefully. The best way to know whether the new home is suitable for your family member is to visit it yourself. Make a checklist of your loved ones needs and cross check it with the amenities at the aged care home or nursing home.
- Stay Positive
When moving a loved-one into a nursing home or aged care, it is very important to remain positive, and supportive even when your loved-one finds the experience overwhelming. The move will be daunting; however, a supportive outlook will comfort your love-one and ensure a smooth and easy transition.
- Make Their Room a Home
Try decorating their new room they are moving into with the same, or similar decorations to create a similar aesthetic appeal as back home. Familiarity and comfort is key in ensuring your loved-one’s smooth transition into their new space and to feel as comfortable as possible.
- Check in with Staff
It can be very helpful to speak with nursing staff to address any complaint or concerns your loved-one may have, as well as to gauge how they are doing from the staff’s perspective. Don’t hesitate to ask staff for things such as doing more activities with your loved-one or asking about special requests. The staff and management in nursing homes are there to make the resident’s lives as comfortable as possible.
- Visit Often
The elderly can feel abandoned, especially during the first few months of settling into their new home. Being away from familiar faces can lead to sorrow and longing, it is therefore extremely important to visit often. Set time aside that is specially dedicated to visitations.
- Take Your Loved-on for Outings
If your loved-one is well enough to go out on walks or trips, take the opportunity to let them have a good time outside of their care facilities. Going outside and being exposed to new things may even improve their overall wellbeing. Do talk to their caretakers first before doing so.
Moving your loved-one into nursing care or aged care often congur a range of emotions, felt both by the resident and by the carers. By following the above advice, the move can be made as painless as possible for both parties. Remember to be kind to yourself and to your loved-one and understand that it is not easy for either of you.
To learn more about aged care visit: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/what-expect-when-moving-aged-care-home
