Many people now, have to make decisions to admit their loved ones into a nursing home for daily care. Below are some ideas to make that a better experience for all involved.
If at all possible choose an extended care facility relatively near some relatives or close friends that will be able to spend some happy time at least once a week.
While you are moving the necessary items in to the new residence, consider pictures that will bring back some happy memories for your loved one. Since limited space is necessary to ponder, sometimes even a plastic wrapper from recently purchased curtains can be hung without taking up any surface space. I am referring to the clear enclosures with a hanger on them.
If ambulation is possible, make some dates for an outing, making sure to secure needed medication upon suggesting such an event. These are best, if not during holidays
and times when lots is going on at the place where the family member is now living.
Consider a hanging holder on a walker to keep items like glasses or tissues handy. These can be purchased at some church bazaars or made by some handy person with fabric and sewing machine. When soiled, the material selected, should be washable.
Some friends might not be able to visit on their own steam. With permission from the accepting hostess, drive the friends there for a special treat for both. You might then seek out employees of the facility, to discuss any needs you might be able to fulfill for your loved one, while that personal time is left with the 2 of them.
If the facility accepts animals, bring a familiar pet for some animal love. Nothing compares to unconditional love from a sweet tempered dog.
Keep promises to revisit. You might think the mind is gone, when the last sense to leave someone is often times the hearing. Make each visit congenial without discussion of anything upsetting or complaining in nature. On the other hand be a good listener to anything the resident might like to vent about. Pay special attention to favorite people the loved one tells you about, so you can thank them for caring for your family member. A small gift of thoughtfulness might be accepted. Avoid money, concentrating on an item instead: a basket of fruit or similar offering of thanks with a note stating your loved ones name and room number.
Encouragement should be said honestly with each visit. Cards and notes of you thinking about that person can be sent or taken with you when you arrive for a short communion. Don't make the time together too long, considering they might be tiring before you do.
