Thursday, 16 January 2014

Preparing A Loved One For Nursing Care

By Kristana Jenson


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.

Often, people have an immediate medical need that forces them to consider moving into a nursing home either for long-term or short-term care. Sometimes a stroke or breaking a bone can facilitate the need for around-the-clock assistance and care. Some illnesses also are better managed with nursing home care, as professionals can handle many medical tasks that are quite difficult for family members. Nursing homes also are set up for rehabilitation, which might mean that a person can move back home or to some type of assisted-living situation.

Sometimes, there isn't a medical crisis that precipitates the search for a nursing home. Perhaps the health of your loved one has declined to a point where they need constant care. In-home nursing care is certainly an option, but it's possible that a more social situation might be a better option. Nursing homes offer many social activities for their residents which can make life a great deal more pleasant.

The selection of a nursing home is easier if you use the services of a company that specializes in matching people to suitable housing situations. CarePlacement.com, for example, has pre-screened and studied hundreds of facilities and can match your loved one with the type of facility that best meets all of his or her needs. This might be some type of assisted living community or a boarding home if their medical needs are low or a nursing facility or in-home nursing care if needed. In-home care can be a great option for someone who lives with a spouse or their child, but if your loved one lives alone, just having a nurse for companionship might not be enough. A nursing home can provide more social opportunities, which might be advantageous.

Visit each facility personally and bring your loved one along if it is at all possible, as they should be able to help find the most comfortable place for them. Sometimes, if your loved one is hospitalized or too ill, this simply is not an option. At any rate, it is best to find a home that is close to friends and family. If you can also find a facility where friends already are living, this is a huge help in lessening the anxiety of such a move.

One part of the process that is always difficult is the loss of possessions. Obviously, you cannot move a household of belongings and furnishings into a nursing home room. You can, however, move a few treasured items into the room. Bring their favorite clothes, plenty of great family photographs and perhaps a favorite chair and some other mementos.

Don't forget to create a visitation schedule, so that your loved one will know when to expect visitors. Try to keep the same routine you had before, if possible. So if you had a weekly dinner with your loved one, continue that tradition and simply have dinner at the nursing home. If a person's health permits, don't forget to take them places, as well. Plan out a dinner and movie night or a day of shopping or just an afternoon at the park, and be sure to include your loved one in all family parties and events. Even if he or she tires easily, it can be nice to get out for an hour or two just to enjoy a change of scenery. Another nice thing to do would be to drive a friend over to visit, and don't forget to call and chat. You can work with other friends and family members to make sure that your loved one still feels treasured and appreciated.




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