It can be difficult to see a loved one move to a nursing home, or to accept that it is time for you, yourself, to make the move to a nursing home. If you or a family member are on the precipice of this great transition, it can be helpful to consider what goes through the minds of the elderly in nursing home settings. Head over to Medical & Aged Care Group if you are interested in aged care services.
Getting inside the mind of a resident in a nursing home can help make the transition easier, as you recognize the areas where there might be struggles, and notice the areas of strength that will make the transition a positive one.
Here are some things that may go through the mind of an elderly person in a nursing home:
Adjusting to Change
Making the transition to a nursing home can be difficult, just as any major life transition or move is. An elderly person moving into a nursing home is leaving everything familiar behind for an unfamiliar place full of unfamiliar people, which can be a great challenge.
It can be especially difficult to leave home behind and all of their regular habits and routines. This loss of independence can also lead to some negative thoughts like loss of power and control of their lives. Overall, it can be a major adjustment to go from being relatively independent at home with the freedom to guide your own day to being moved to a nursing home where your schedule is determined, and you don’t have a lot of control of your day or activities.
Feelings of Loneliness
Making the move to a nursing home can also be lonely. Elderly people may be used to receiving many visitors or phone calls at home, or depending on their physical health, may have gone out to visit neighbors or nearby family members.
Making the transition to a nursing home can take away some of that social activity.
Much of an elderly person’s time in a nursing home may be spent with staff and medical professionals whom they have never met, and it can be difficult to form new friendships with residents depending on the elderly person’s health and abilities. However, as time passes, close relationships may be formed with staff and other residents.
Peace and Acceptance
As time goes by, and the elderly person begins to feel more comfortable in their new setting, they may begin to form relationships and include their own activities in their routine, like games, appropriate physical activities, and even new hobbies. Most nursing homes have an activity planner who aims to make the residents as happy and engaged as possible.
Some elderly people in nursing homes may also feel a sense of peace that they are in a setting that helps them get the best medical care and senior rehabilitation possible. Knowing that they are in good hands can play a big part in embracing their new home. Head over to My Home Care if you are interested in at-home aged care services. If you’d like to know more about aged care homes in Melbourne check out Medical & Aged Care Group.
Overall, the move to a nursing home can be a big adjustment, but with time, elderly people may find that they find some peace and comfort there.
It is best to review your loved ones unique circumstances to help determine if they are ready to move into an senior care facility.
