Moving into a nursing home can be extremely stressful and emotional for everyone involved, including the person moving, their loved one and carers. For some, the move might come suddenly. For others, it might have been in the pipeline for a while.
Whatever the circumstances, it’s a huge adjustment, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re finding it all slightly difficult. It’s important that you recognise, you’re not alone. With more than 5,000 nursing homes across the UK, which are home to around 150,000 residents, it’s vital that you acknowledge that how you’re feeling is extremely common. However, preparing yourself as early as possible will make the whole transition a whole lot smoother and easier.
Find The Right Community
Like everything, when it comes to nursing homes, there’s no such thing as ‘one size fits all’, so don’t be afraid to explore your options. Do your research, visit prospective facilities, and talk to staff on site. If you get the right feel from a nursing home, then not only is it likely to suit your loved one, but you will feel more comfortable too, which is equally as important.
Be There
It might sound obvious, but being present and showing your loved ones that you are there for them will make this whole process much more pleasant for them. We understand that it’s often hard to visit a loved one whose health might be deteriorating, but our advice is to try and be there for them as much as possible. One of the biggest fears people have about moving into a nursing home is that they will feel isolated, so show them that this isn’t the case by regularly visiting right from the moment they move in.
Be Positive
Again, the idea of being positive might seem challenging but try and make it a happy experience for your loved one. Explain to them the benefits of the move and, if possible, keep them up-to-date with the process so they feel involved.
Remember, it’s unlikely that move-in day will go completely smoothly, so expect some fallout. Your loved one might even forget some of the details you’ve previously told them, so think in advance about anything that might cause extra anxiety so you can avoid it.
Encourage Community Involvement
Most nursing homes will offer more than just a home. They provide a community. From singers to quiz nights and even organised days out, tell loved ones about the entertainment and activities that will be taking place at the nursing home and encourage them to get involved.
Prepare The Staff
Staff at a nursing home care and will have an interest in knowing about your loved one. A top tip is to create a short introductory book for them, covering essential information on the resident, including their likes, dislikes, family history, job history and even some pictures. Not only will this extra bit of information help staff get to know your loved one, but it will also provide them with good conversation starters too.
See The Care Plan
When somebody moves into a nursing home, a care plan will be created, covering all aspects of their care. The care plan, which will be in the residents’ room, should be updated regularly, including things like medication, mealtimes and any falls or incidents. For your peace of mind, read it regularly and don’t be scared to talk to members of staff about concerns you might have.
Above everything else, it’s essential to remember that staff care about you, and more importantly, they care about your loved one. At Oxford House Nursing Home, while providing unparalleled nursing care is our priority, looking for ways to enrich the lives of our residents is never far behind. If you or a loved one is considering a nursing home or would like more advice on how to make the move as easy as possible, then get in touch with our friendly team at Oxford House.