When a parent or elder relative can no longer care for themselves safely in their own home, then a residential care home is a good option. Although the first instinct can be to move them in with you, voluntary out of home care it’s often far more stressful and time consuming than people realise and can end up harming the relationship you have with your relative.
There are so many benefits to care homes, not least round the clock care and the opportunity for the older person to spend time with people of their own age group who will understand the difficulties that can occur during the twilight years.
However, the process of moving in can be stressful, unnerving or even downright frightening for an older person, particularly if they’re suffering from dementia. But there are plenty of steps you can take to make the transition into residential care easier.
1. Stay for the Day
Remember when your child went to school for the first time? The chances are you went with them, spent time in the school environment and got them settled before leaving. Well, you can do exactly the same when an elder moves to a care home. Spend the day, eat with them and explore with them. They’ll feel far more secure with you there and you can reassure them if they express any worries.
2. Make Introductions
If your elder is not one for putting themselves forward then make introductions on their behalf. Be present when your elder meets the people that will care for them and make sure they get all the information they need.
3. Make a Personal Space
Bring items with you that will make the space the elder is going to live in feel more personal and less clinical. Favourite pictures, photographs, a familiar rug or their prized cushions will help them to feel relaxed and everything will seem a lot less new and unfamiliar.
4. Check their Room
When you see your elder’s room, think about whether it will work from their point of view. For example can they reach an alarm from their bed, is there anything that could be dangerous such as very hot water from a vanity sink. If you spot any issues then let care home staff know.
5. Reassure your Elder
The first time you walk out of that door can be extremely hard for everyone involved, so reassure your elder and let them know when you’ll be visiting them again and who else will be visiting in the future.
6. Look for Signs of Distress
People are very good at hiding their feelings and if dementia is a factor your elder may not be able to express their worries. Look for signs of stress, for example if the older person becomes unusually quiet, or begins to get angry. If you are looking for two bedroom house in maroota you can connect with our experts
7. Don’t Lie
When an older person moves into care it can be tempting to pretend that it’s not a forever thing. However, lying to your elder is never a good idea even if they’re not as compos mentis as they once were. Instead, explain that a residential care home is the best place for them and talk about all the things they’ll be able to do there.
Coping with age can be difficult, but when residential care becomes necessary you can help the process to run more smoothly if you follow these useful tips.
Abbeyfield Newcastle upon Tyne residential care homes and supported sheltered housing are run on the principles established by the founder of the Abbeyfield society, Richard Carr-Gomm in 1956. Our aim is to provide an enriched, caring and positive environment for elderly people and respite care for their family.