Adjusting to a nursing home life or helping a loved one to do so has never been an easy process, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more difficult. Whether you’re sad and angry that you can’t live on your own or with family members anymore, or you’re thrilled to experience the social perks and relaxation of nursing home life, we hope these tips will help you have a smoother transition than you expected.
First of all: What Is a Nursing Home?
A nursing home is a facility for people that need help every day and cannot live alone anymore. If their relatives are not able or qualified enough to deliver such support, going into a nursing home is a perfect solution for both aging people and their families.
Difference Between Assisted Living And Nursing Home
The core distinction lies in the medical services for residents. Assisted living facilities do not offer around the clock care and monitoring because their residents don’t need it usually. In contrast, life in a nursing home involves constant monitoring and emergency care, different kinds of therapy, and personal assistance.
Let us walk you through some tips for elderly people, adjusting to nursing home placement, and for their close ones.
Tip #1: Keep an open mind.
In the minds of many aging people, moving into a nursing home can take on extremely negative symbolism. Have you come to associate this transition with a failure, a letdown, or a death sentence? In truth, it is none of those things. A shift in attitude can greatly impact your ability to adjust. We like to think of life in a nursing home as an opportunity for comfort and happiness. It is an opportunity to be cared for by experienced nurses and to have the peace of mind that your health is in good, professional hands. It is also a chance to have more social opportunities with fellow seniors than you would have otherwise -- and that’s fun! You don’t have to be excited, but a touch of an open mind can go a long way.
Tip #2: Give it time.
If you’re not sure at first, don’t back out without giving it time. To make a wise, informed decision, you have to actually test-drive that life in a nursing home from the inside. Take a few weeks to feel it out and really give it a chance. A huge part of the benefit for elderly people living in nursing homes comes from the relationships you get to have with your nurses and your fellow residents. These take some time to develop so don’t be hasty to decide you don’t like it.
Tip #3: Decorate with some familiar keepsakes.
Make your space feel like home while adjusting to living in a nursing home. Bringing some keepsakes with you to spruce the place up can make you feel a lot more comfortable and at ease. In particular, we recommend bringing a familiar quilt or throw blanket, some photos of family and of moments from your life that you love to remember, and a few favorite books. Resist the temptation to buy brand new everything for your nursing home environment. Having some new things is nice, but you have plenty of newness to adjust to as it is!
Bonus Tip for Loved Ones: Call and Video Chat as much as possible!
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult for family members and friends to visit their loved ones in nursing homes. If you can’t visit in person, don’t underestimate the importance of phone calls and video chats in nursing home experience. It’s a great way to feel connected when you can’t hug and enjoy physical closeness. Your loved one will appreciate the reminder that you’re there and you care.
Contact The Miller Law Firm for your elder law needs!
Aging comes with many legal and financial challenges. At The Miller Law Firm, we help clients understand their options and plan for the future, including planning for a transition to a nursing home. Whether you’ve made this decision in an emergency or you’re planning ahead, you have options. We’re committed to helping you decide what’s best for you. Contact us today to learn more.
