Tips For Moving Your Senior Loved One Into A Nursing Home

A nursing home is a place for your loved one to live in peace and get the care they need. With the right preparation, you can make the transition into a nursing home easier for both of you. Many people are reluctant to admit when it's time to move someone into a senior care community, but it can be the best option for their quality of life. Here are some tips for making the event less stressful for both you and your senior loved one.

Do your research.

It probably goes without saying, but doing your research ahead of time could save you years of heartache and stress. There are many factors to consider when choosing a nursing home for your loved one. Skilled nurses, the cost of care, and the quality of life are just some. Nursing homes must follow strict guidelines to be considered a top residential care facility, so be sure to check the rating and reviews of the place you're considering. Grimes nursing homes, for example, are among some of the best assisted living and memory care facilities for senior living. The level of care they offer is second to none.

Help your loved one pack their belongings.

If you are ready to move your loved one to a senior care community, it's important to do the right kind of packing. The best way to ensure that your loved one feels comfortable in their new environment is to take their favorite items with them. This will make them feel more at home and less anxious about the move. The most important thing that you need to know when packing for your loved one is that you need to pack sentimental items first before non-sentimental items.

Depending on the size of their new surroundings, they may also be allowed to take some larger items, such as furniture from their own home. Either way, you will probably need to look into cargo van rentals so that you can make the move in one trip. You should be able to get a great price on a rental truck as long as you book one in advance. If your move is long distance, you can check into a one-way rental to save time and money.

Make visiting your loved one a priority.

Studies have stated that the first days of nursing home living can be "a time of intensified isolation and depression experienced by both caregivers and their relatives." That is, unless the loved ones stay involved in the process, a new nursing home resident may feel lonely. A visitor can make a significant difference for their loved one. Visiting provides them with social contact, physical contact, and something to look at other than the walls of the nursing home or care facility.

Look for a facility close to your house or work so that visiting them is not inconvenient for you. After narrowing down your list, it would be best if you could visit some of these facilities and see if their services match what you are looking for in regard to quality. You can ask them about the details of their services and compare prices as well.

Try to recreate the look and feel of their own home.

According to a recent study on patients with dementia, "it is well recognized that the physical environment is important for the well-being of people with dementia." In the nursing home, the surroundings might not be as familiar as before. They might even seem quite foreign to a person who has been used to independent living. In order to make them feel comfortable and safe in this new environment, you can try to recreate their former home inside the nursing home. You can bring some of their favorite furniture from before or use things from the nursing home that remind them of what they had at home.

With these tips, moving your senior loved one can be a much easier process.