As they look towards the end of their lives, most people want nothing more than to spend every day independent and in their own homes. In reality, however, this is not always possible. Deciding to play a loved one in a nursing home can be a difficult decision and can leave those who helped make the decision plagued with uncertainty and guilt. Despite these negative feelings, it’s often necessary to place a loved one in a nursing home.
Fortunately, even if your loved one has recently had to enroll in a nursing home, you can still be there for them. While you might not be your loved one’s primary caregiver now, you still can play an influential role in making sure whether or not they are happy. This article reviews some helpful strategies to remember if you want to continue playing a positive role in your loved one’s care after they enter a nursing home.
Acknowledge that the Change Is a Necessary One
Watching a loved one enter a nursing home is an emotionally draining event. Many people feel guilty that they have not been able to offer their loved one the independence that they once enjoyed. Other people are left feeling sad that their loved one is aging. Sometimes, people also feel relieved of the duty of being a caregiver. Realize that each of these emotions is understandable and common. None of these feelings mean that you are a bad person. You should give yourself ample time to process this substantial change in your life.
Provide Assistance as Your Loved One Adapts to the Nursing Home
Even though your loved one’s transition to a nursing home will likely be difficult to process, it’s almost certainly more challenging for them. Your loved one will likely end up feeling confused or angry about this potential change. Adapting to a nursing home is one of the most difficult processes that many seniors navigate because it involves such a substantial loss of independence. During this time, you should do everything possible to make the situation easier for your loved one, which means offering your care and support. You can also make small gestures so your loved one feels like their new residence is their home instead of just a room at a facility.
Remain a Part of Your Loved One’s Life
After your loved one has spent some time at the nursing home, you should still make sure to routinely check in on them to make sure that they are adapting successfully to their new life. By checking in on your loved one this way, you can also avoid the feeling that your loved one is forgotten.