Although it can be emotionally challenging to help a loved one transition into long-term care, ultimately, it provides a great sense of relief. Your loved one will now have around-the-clock care.
They will have their meals prepared for them and their medications administered. They will also have an opportunity to socialize with their fellow residents. All of this is good, and best of all, you can check in with your loved ones through regular visits.
Even though the nursing home staff will support your loved one, you are still their primary caregiver.
That means you constantly have to be on the lookout for signs of potential nursing home abuse. If you notice something below the standards you expect or a physical or emotional concern with your loved one, you need to report that as part of your visit.
Adjusting to the Environment
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania reports that there are over 80,000 Pennsylvanians who currently live in one of the more than 700 nursing homes located across the state. After making the move, it is a bit of adjustment for your loved one to acclimate to their new living environment. After all, they have had their life reduced from a home or apartment down to what could be a single room.
It can also be a challenge to visit family members who are being exposed to a nursing home environment for the first time. The goal should be to keep your focus on supporting your loved ones and getting the most out of every nursing home visit.
Here are some tips to help you achieve that goal:
Plan Your Visit in Advance
Once your loved one has settled in, you want to get a sense from them and the staff about the best time to visit them. They could fall into a pattern of napping in the afternoon, which might make them more energetic in the morning or around dinner time.
In fact, mealtimes are a good time to visit because they are an activity that can help your loved one with.
Set the Right Tone
No matter what challenges you might be dealing with, it is important to approach your nursing home visit with the right tone.
You should strive to be positive and greet all the residents and staff. When you get to your loved one’s room, greet them with a hug and affection. It will let them know you’re still thinking of them and you’re not put off by the surroundings.
Being Present
A nursing home visit might make you anxious, but you don’t want to communicate that with your loved one. You want to try to be fully present. That means shutting off the phone, putting away the car keys, and relaxing.
Try to focus on connecting with your loved one to check in on how they are doing and what you can provide for them.
Bring Along Items
You can enhance your visit by bringing along some mementos or photos that you can leave behind.
These will also help spark conversations. If there is a special treat that your loved one has enjoyed, you can bring that as well. You don’t have to wait for a holiday or birthday. You can also check to see if the facility allows you to bring pets for a visit. A visit from the family dog will brighten up anyone’s day.
Think About the Length of Your Visit
You will plan your visit by setting aside a certain amount of time, but you should be flexible with that time. You might find that your loved one is experiencing some fatigue and wants to take a nap.
On the other hand, they could be energized and eager to engage with you. There is nothing wrong with leaving early or staying longer, depending on your loved one’s needs.
It’s always about quality time, not quantity time.
Don’t Be Intimidated by Dementia
If your loved one is dealing with the challenges of dementia, you might find your visits to be intimidating because of the nature of the conversations. Often, dementia patients will engage in circular conversations where they are asking the same questions over and over again.
There’s nothing wrong with giving the answers, even if you have to do that several times. You can gently guide them back to other conversations.
Include Your Loved One in the Family
Although living environments have changed, your loved one is still part of the family. If possible, you can arrange for special transportation and care to have your loved one attend special gatherings like holiday dinners or birthday parties.
If that is too much of a challenge, you can set up Facetime calls with the staff during the event, so they’ll feel like a part of the gathering.
Getting Support for Any Concern
As mentioned, you remain the primary caregiver of your loved one while they are living in a nursing home facility. Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco are a team of dedicated attorneys who have advocated for many families who have raised concerns about their loved one’s care.
If you see something, say something.
