How To Help Your Loved One Adjust To Skilled Nursing
As people age, they’re at risk of health issues, such as diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension. The risk of accidental injuries also increases; injuries from falls send three million older adults to emergency rooms each year.
Older adults may need temporary assistance to recover from injuries, learn to manage their condition, or address health-related issues. Skilled nursing facilities are similar to nursing homes. However, they are designed as transitional residences, where older adults recover from health issues before returning home or moving to another type of senior living community.
If you have a loved one who is preparing to enter skilled nursing care, understanding how to help them adjust can help them thrive, while receiving the treatment they need.
What Emotional Challenges Do Seniors Face When Entering Skilled Nursing?
Adjusting to any senior living community can be emotionally challenging because it involves leaving a familiar environment, moving to a new place, and potentially experiencing a perceived or actual loss of independence.
When individuals enter skilled nursing care, they receive care from medical professionals to address their health issues. Their care may involve learning to use assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, or receiving assistance with dressing, bathing, and other routine tasks.
For some, the loss of independence can lead to feelings of isolation. Older adults may be frustrated by their inability to perform routine tasks, which may interfere with their ability to socialize or enjoy their favorite hobbies.
For example, someone with hearing issues may be embarrassed because they can’t hear people speaking, while someone with arthritis may be frustrated by their inability to use gardening tools. If health issues interfere with the ability to enjoy preferred activities, older adults may struggle with losing their sense of identity and control, which can cause stress and anxiety.
How Can You Support Your Loved One During The First Few Days And Weeks?
You can support your loved one when they move to skilled nursing care with the following actions:
- Advocacy: Advocate for your loved one before, during, and after they move. Ensure their voice is heard during care planning meetings so they feel empowered.
- Establish a routine: Help your loved one develop a routine to make them feel more at home.
- Involvement: It’s important to make regular visits during your loved one’s first few days and weeks in skilled nursing care.
- Maintain connections: If possible, bring friends from their neighborhood to visit so they don’t feel cut off from their social circle.
- Personalize their space: Ensure your loved one has familiar items to help them feel at home.
What Role Does Routine Play In Adjustment?
Establishing a routine provides your loved one with a sense of stability. Effective routines include daily activities, such as eating meals and receiving treatment, which could involve occupational, physical, or speech therapy.
Your loved one’s routine can also involve frequent activities. Depending on their interests, they could join a book club or a gardening group.
In addition to visiting your loved one, you should also call regularly to check in. You can support their routine, while ensuring they don’t feel isolated or forgotten.
How Can You Personalize Their Space To Feel Like Home?
Personalizing your loved one’s space will help them feel at home. Bring their favorite blanket or quilt from home so they have familiar bedding. Place family photos on their nightstand or dresser to personalize their space. You can also bring things like knick-knacks and favorite books for them to enjoy.
How Often Should You Visit Or Communicate?
Calling or visiting a few times weekly is ideal. Start with more frequent calls and visits as your loved one adjusts to skilled nursing care and gradually reduce the frequency as they adjust.
It also helps if you’re aware of your loved one’s routine, so you don’t call when they’re busy with social activities. Additionally, it helps if you let your loved one know when you plan to visit or call next, so they’re aware if they won’t hear from you for a few days.
How Can You Build Relationships With Care Staff?
You can build relationships with skilled nursing staff members with open, consistent communication. Attend team meetings, treat team members with respect, and treat all staff as professionals. When you visit, greet the staff, ask for updates, and listen to their suggestions. Staff members can alert you if your loved one shows signs of struggling or has specific needs.
What Signs Indicate Your Loved One Is Struggling To Adjust?
Your loved one may be struggling to adjust to skilled nursing care if they exhibit any of the following signs:
- Depression
- High levels of anxiety
- Irritability
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Self-isolation/social withdrawal
- Unexpected or rapid physical decline
- Unwillingness to or fear of communicating with staff
When Should You Seek Additional Support From A Utah-Based Skilled Nursing Care Provider, Like Monument Health?
Monument Health supports older adults coping with a recent diagnosis, health crisis, or injury. When your loved one can’t remain in their current environment safely, they can receive temporary care in a skilled nursing facility that promotes their safety and well-being and prepares them to return home or transition to a new senior living environment.
The value of being a Monument Health patient includes receiving personalized care that’s customized to the individual’s needs. We will communicate openly with you and your loved one, set reasonable treatment goals, and provide the medical care and support needed to meet those goals.
