How would I feel if I had to leave my house and most of my prized possessions to move into a care home nursing in an unknown area, surrounded by people I do not know?
This is the question I ask myself since my mother 86 years was in that position there shortly.
The simple answer: I would be devastated. I love my home and the familiar routine of my life inside. I love where I live, its business owners and neighbors that I have come to know and trust over the years.
The thought of losing them, with my independence is inconceivable to me at present. I am aware that, in all likelihood, I will find myself facing this question at some point in the future.
Retirement Homes are sometimes necessary
Apart from those who have the chance to spend the last years of their life in the bosom of their families, there are millions of older people who eventually need to go into a nursing home.
experience of my mother to leave her house and my own feelings about this, let me know that moving into one of these institutions can never be easy. Although pleasant, most will find it a traumatic experience.
If your parent is at a crossroads in their lives, they will feel very vulnerable and need lots of understanding and emotional support to you and other family members.
more emotional support, you can help your aging parent in a practical way by helping them move into a house better suited to their needs.
for example, privacy was a serious concern for my mother during her stay in the nursing home. Several times she complained to me about the staff hit once on his door, then come to his room without waiting for an answer. On one occasion, they entered his room and opened the door of the room without knocking. Mom was sitting on the toilet at the time. She was embarrassed and deeply annoyed by this invasion of privacy.
Achieving this delicate balance the needs of your parents while maintaining their wishes, may take some time and effort ?? but the wait will be worth it in the long run.
Tour of different care homes
The first thing you need to consider when looking for a nursing home is the location.
Use the Web to find out if there are nursing homes near your neighborhood parent. Familiarity with institutions and individuals in the region, it will be easier for your parent to adjust to their new environment.
If there is no nursing homes in the area, looking for the nearest of the general locality.
Write down the name and number at least six of these nursing homes, and make an appointment to visit each of them.
Before starting your visit, make a list of things you want to know the general operation daily of these houses, including the well-being of their residents. Make sure there is enough room on each page to write your observations
Make copies of this checklist and take one to every house you visit :.
- What the house look like from the outside? The building is in good condition?
- home is close to shopping areas and of general interest?
- Is it on a busy road where the traffic noise can be a problem?
- What was my first impression when walking in the house?
- staff were welcoming and friendly?
- What is inside the appearance of the house like? Are spacious and beautifully furnished, or does it look cramped and unattractive?
- What is the general atmosphere of the house? Does it feel welcoming?
- Do the residents seem to be well looked-after and content?
- What are the grounds of the house like? Are there beautiful gardens and areas where your parent could sit outside?
- What are the residents' rooms like? Do they have single rooms, or would your parents have to share?
- If there are single, they have their own bathroom and toilet? (This is a very important consideration and I paid attention when I was looking for in a nursing home for my mother. She's a very private person and would not be suited to share a room or bathroom bathroom with another person.)
- How are the rooms? Is there enough room for your parent to move, or are they cramped?
- The rooms have a sliding door that leads to a garden and a small patio where they can sit and enjoy the view?
- is there enough storage space?
- are legal residents some privacy?
- What is the dining room like?
- How many areas are there? What activities are available? Are residents attend and enjoy these areas?
- What kind of food do they provide? They meet the special dietary needs?
- Is the staff friendly? Do they look happy to be there?
- How many trips outside the home and in the community are for residents every week?
- Is there an area or room where family members can meet their parents to celebrate a special occasion such as birthdays, Easter and Christmas?
- Will they be able to move their own bed in their room, or did they sleep in a hospital bed?
- are nights away from home allowed?
- How much?
- Does the government subsidizes the installation?
Make a decision
When you and your parents decide on a nursing home, the next thing to do is put their name for admission. If you are lucky, there may be a room available immediately; otherwise, your parent will need to go on a waiting list.
Whether your parent can move immediately or has been placed on a waiting list, be aware of the enormous step they take and the mixture of emotions they must feel that moment.
If they feel the need to cry, they have their moment. Be prepared to listen, without judgment, issues and concerns they raise.
