Transitioning a loved one to a long-term care facility comes with many concerns and challenges. You want them to be as happy as possible, from the things that they consume, to the staff taking care of them, to the entertainment they receive. You also want to help your loved one settle into their new home; consider these points ahead of time and during their stay.
Plan Ahead
The first step is to choose the best place for your loved one. It’s crucial to ensure that you have done your research and have found a long-term care facility that best suits their needs. If possible, talk to them about what they can look forward to, what they want in terms of living arrangements, travel links for visitors to the home, and check online reviews and articles.
If Your Loved One Is Losing Their Memory
As your loved one’s memory declines from the effects of dementia or Alzheimer’s, the decision to transition your loved one into a specialized facility may be the best option for their care. Resources are abundant regarding different types of care homes, and doing research will answer your queries.
Befriend Long-Term Care Staff
You want to know your loved one to be in good hands, so connect with the staff as much as you can. It will put you at ease knowing who will be caring for your loved one, and it will help them receive the best possible care. It is also helpful to give staff the necessary information about your loved one before moving. As a result, they will better understand the person they’re caring for. The team can tailor their personal care plan for the resident by knowing their personality style, diet, hobbies, religion, and health concerns.
Recreate Their Home
Make their space a recreation of their previous home environment as much as possible. Add familiar touches when decorating and filling their new space. Having some of the same items creates a sense of familiarity, which will provide your loved one with comfort during these times. Rearranging furniture or paintings the way they have before can complete their space. This is an easy way to help them feel connected to their new home because not everything has changed.
Stay Positive
Moving your loved one into a care home can be difficult, so it is important to reflect a positive attitude. An optimistic attitude can cause a ripple effect on your loved ones during their move. Frequently visiting can also help ease their worries. It’s always good to see them consistently, even if it is not as often as you would like. Our busy lives may not allow us to find time occasionally, but there are various ways to stay connected with your loved ones. If you cannot visit them, give them a call, send them a letter, or ask your other family members if they have the time to see them.
Look After Yourself Too
Families with relatives suffering from memory deficiencies face a challenging new experience. If your loved one doesn’t recognize you, it’s important to remember that you being there physically is a way to show them love and support. You may feel emotions of guilt, grief, or even anger, but you are not alone. Many of the families around you are dealing with a similar reality. It’s normal to feel these things, and you must remember that they can’t control it, no matter how frustrating or upsetting it can get. If you don’t understand or know how to interact with someone affected by this disease, ask for help. Many support groups exist for support and care aids or nurses in the long-term care facility can help guide you too.
The decision to move your loved one into a senior care centre is never a simple one. If you have any questions, there is a wealth of information on our site, or you can contact us to ask questions directly or book a tour. Lynn Valley Care Centre’s long-term care facility is fully licensed and has experienced staff specially trained in personal care.
It’s a lovely advise to recreate a senior’s previous space when decorating their new one by adding familiar touches which can provide them comfort. My grandma needs a senior relocation service for her new assisted living home in the suburbs. It’s heartbreaking to see her go but this might be the best option for her.
Awh, it was so nice of you to talk about how fundamental it is to maintain positivity when dealing with long-term care for our beloved ones so they will always be at ease. My neighbor’s mother seems to be suffering from dementia and it’s getting hard for him to take care of her on his own. Perhaps he could refer to a professional regarding this matter so she’ll be under good supervision.