Optimism and Reassurance are Key
For many seniors, the thought of moving into a nursing home means a loss of independence and a loss of involvement in their own families.
What they may not realize is that access to around-the-clock care, rehabilitative services, and specialized medical attention can help them stay more active, healthy, and independent.
Additionally, a nursing home can help them enjoy more socialization and interactions with other seniors, leading to new friendships and new opportunities that in-home care can't provide.
When approaching your loved one about moving into a care facility, keep these tips in mind:
- Reassure them that they are still very loved and that they will continue to be involved in the decision-making process
- Take them on tours of facilities and provide information, brochures, and websites to help address anxieties.
- Ask that other family members are involved in the discussion so that all of the burden of the decision isn't placed solely on the caregiver.
- Speak with your loved one's doctor to discuss needs and concerns that can be addressed in a nursing facility, but not with at-home care.
- Keep your tone calm and optimistic. If your loved one feels that you are anxious about the decision, it might increase their own anxieties.
- Discuss what they'll miss most about living away from home and find ways to bring those pieces of comfort into their new living arrangements.
Tough Decisions, Tough Conversations
Caregivers and aging parents may disagree about what the right next step should be. If you want to learn more about how Mitchell's Nursing Home creates a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for your loved one, give us a call.