Preparing A Loved One For Nursing Care
For many people, at some point in their life they will need extra support in order to get the most out of day-to-day life. This might mean that they will need to move out of their home and into an assisted living facility or even a nursing home. At first, this can seem like the end of all independence and enjoyment of life, but there are certainly advantages to leaving your home and letting others help you with some of life's daily tasks and chores.
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.
In other cases, a person hasn't suffered from an injury or stroke, but declining health has required a higher amount of medical intervention to a point where constant nursing care is needed. You can hire someone to come in care for your loved one, and sometimes this is a great option. However, a nursing home offers more social opportunities and activities than you can provide in your home, and this might appeal to your loved one.
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.
You will need to visit several nursing homes or interview several in-home care professionals before making your decision. Whenever possible, be sure to let your loved one take part in the selection process, after all, it is their life that is being affected. Obviously, this isn't always possible, so try to select a home where it is close to friends or family members so that visiting is easy. If your loved one already has friends or relatives at a specific facility, this might be a good option and can help reduce anxiety if someone they know is already in residence.
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.
One of the most important things you can do after the move has been made is to visit regularly. Set up a weekly dinner engagement and get friends and family to schedule regular visits as well. If it is at all possible, take your loved one to places outside of the nursing home. Sometimes because of medical problems this isn't applicable, but if your family member can get out for awhile, this can be very beneficial. Go pick them up and take them to a nice restaurant or plan a big family picnic at the park. Take them shopping or out to a beauty salon. If they are unable to travel, simply come and enjoy dinner with them at the home or take part in one of the social activities. When you cannot visit, make phone calls and send letters. These are far more personal than emails, and you can include photographs and drawings from grandchildren, tangible items that they can enjoy and share with other residents.
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.
In other cases, a person hasn't suffered from an injury or stroke, but declining health has required a higher amount of medical intervention to a point where constant nursing care is needed. You can hire someone to come in care for your loved one, and sometimes this is a great option. However, a nursing home offers more social opportunities and activities than you can provide in your home, and this might appeal to your loved one.
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.
You will need to visit several nursing homes or interview several in-home care professionals before making your decision. Whenever possible, be sure to let your loved one take part in the selection process, after all, it is their life that is being affected. Obviously, this isn't always possible, so try to select a home where it is close to friends or family members so that visiting is easy. If your loved one already has friends or relatives at a specific facility, this might be a good option and can help reduce anxiety if someone they know is already in residence.
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.
One of the most important things you can do after the move has been made is to visit regularly. Set up a weekly dinner engagement and get friends and family to schedule regular visits as well. If it is at all possible, take your loved one to places outside of the nursing home. Sometimes because of medical problems this isn't applicable, but if your family member can get out for awhile, this can be very beneficial. Go pick them up and take them to a nice restaurant or plan a big family picnic at the park. Take them shopping or out to a beauty salon. If they are unable to travel, simply come and enjoy dinner with them at the home or take part in one of the social activities. When you cannot visit, make phone calls and send letters. These are far more personal than emails, and you can include photographs and drawings from grandchildren, tangible items that they can enjoy and share with other residents.
About the Author:
Kristana Jenson likes reading home health care blogs. For more info about assisted living La Mesa facilities or for professional help finding board and care Aliso Viejo services, please go to the CarePlacement.com site now.