Acclimating Your Old Relative To Their New Senior Living Center
Moving an old relative to a senior living center can be a major change for both of you. You might worry about them and they may worry about such a drastic change in their environment. To acclimate them well and ensure they're adjusting in a healthy way, these suggestions could be key.
Create a History
While the staff at the facility will have your relative's medication record and whatever records their doctor sends over, there may still be information they need to care for your relative. For example, if you know they always want a nap at noon, the staff can use that information to perform any daily care or tests before that part of the day to avoid your relative's ire. If they have routines they stick to or respond more favorably to certain words or actions, allowing the staff to have that information can make things better for your relative as they try to adjust to their new life. Create a history and information sheet about your relative that can be placed in their file.
Talk with the Staff
Whether you hit it off with a nursing aide, nurse or administrator, it's smart to have someone to chat with regularly about your relative. If they expect that you'll be calling in, they will be more apt to watch how your relative is faring and be able to pass on that information. You can ask whether they're sleeping well, whether they're taking all their prescription medication and if they are out of their room much of the day because they are interacting with others or doing activities. Frequent calls can give you information and help you to address any problems; staff can also seek additional information to make them more comfortable.
Visit Often
Visiting often can help your relative feel that those "on the outside" still care. They don't want to feel abandoned by their family so being able to see you often can be vital to their adjustment and comfort level.
When you visit, be sure to ask specific questions so that you can better understand how they're adjusting to the living center. For instance, you could ask:
- Does it take a long time for an aide or nurse to answer your call bell?
- Do you enjoy activities?
- Are your showers comfortable? Who helps you?
You might also want to take them out periodically so they can still enjoy public life and time with you.
Your relative may need to be in a senior living center because of their health or other reasons, but they can be happy and enjoy themselves, especially when you keep your mind focused on these tips. Work with staff and pay attention to your family member to best ensure satisfaction for everyone. To learn more, contact a company like Sharon Care Center.