How Can You Help Your Parent Adjust To Living In A Nursing Home?
Moving into a nursing home facility is a major life change. Some seniors adjust well to the move, while others struggle. If your parent is having a difficult time adjusting, here are a few ways you can help him or her adjust.
Establish a Visitation Schedule
One of the reasons that seniors have difficulty in adjusting to the move to a nursing home is a fear that friends and family will not visit them as much. Some seniors also have trouble with starting communications with other residents and staff. As a result, they can feel lonely and have problems with adjusting to their new home.
You can help your parent overcome the loneliness and difficulties in communicating by regularly visiting him or her. Other family members and friends also need to be included on the visitation schedule. As everyone visits, they can encourage your parent to talk other residents.
For instance, you can review activities that are being held at the nursing home, and encourage your parent to sign up for some. You can even attend some of the activities with your parent so that he or she will be more open to communicating with others.
Encourage Open Communications
If your parent is constantly talking about his or her loneliness, former home, or feelings of hopelessness, it can seem like he or she will never adjust to living in the nursing home. In actuality, being able to openly communicate about his or her feelings can help with the adjustment period. If you or your family dismisses your parent's feelings, he or she could possibly feel worse about living in the nursing home.
You want your parent to avoid feelings of isolation. The best way to do that is to encourage your parent to talk about his or her emotions. Not only will airing out his or her emotions help your parent feel better, but it will show him or her that you are there to offer support.
In addition to helping your parent, listening and talking to him or her gives you the opportunity to gauge how well your parent is adjusting to the nursing home. If there is no improvement in his or her emotions, you can talk to a professional about helping your parent to adjust.
It can take time for your parent to adjust. Sometimes, the adjustment period can last a few weeks or even a few months. Be patient with your parent and offer support to help him or her through this stage. For more information, contact companies like Regina Nursing Center.