It’s always difficult when you’re trying to decide how to help a loved who can no longer care for themselves. Many older people don’t want to leave their homes or be away from familiar surroundings. However, there are ways to make the transition from independent living into a nursing home go more smoothly than you might think.
1. Surround Your Loved One With the Right Assistance
One of the most common experiences for older people making a major living change is isolation. While you may not be able to be present 24 hours a day, seven days a week, hiring a skilled nursing companion to watch over an older adult can be a great boon to their mental and physical health. Whether it’s simply having another person to talk to or receiving additional assistance with everyday needs, maintaining human contact as much as possible helps to maintain a high standard of living. Using a home care agency guarantees that from the time the older person is living in their own home to their eventual move to a nursing home they’ll be watched over and protected around the clock.
2. Staying Active Means Staying Alert
Having a companion to accompany your loved one to events and outings is a great way to keep the mind sharp. According to Harvard Medical School, one of the best ways to maintain healthy brain activity to use all the sense. Regardless of the care level a patient requires, there’s always something for everyone, even if it’s simply reading a book in bed or talking about current events. They key is to keep the person engaged and interested in daily life.
3. Encourage Friendships Once They’re There
Although for many people the idea of going to a nursing home can seem frightening, it can also yield many opportunities to connect socially. Many older people who are still living in their homes but experience difficulty leaving to go run errands or engage in social activities soon find themselves living fuller lives as they make new friends. One of the most important behaviors you should encourage for your loved one is getting out and meeting new people. The fact of the matter is that many older patients are in the same boat, and can relate to each other’s feelings and experiences.
Combining one-on-one nursing care before long-term care can provide a better quality of life.
