Once you decide to place someone in the care of a nursing home, it can be quite emotional and stressful. There are some useful tips, which will assist you to make your life easier while your loved one is transitioning to a nursing home.

Preparation Before the Move

First of all, you need to have a clear understanding of what you can expect from the transitioning home. Before your loved one leaves their home, you will have to take time and prepare for it.

It’s a good idea to explain to your loved one that you are always available for him/her, even if they are living in a nursing home. You need to convey the fact that you are trying to provide better living conditions to them and that it not only helps them live safely but gives you peace of mind as well, knowing that they are safe and taken care of.

Remind them that they will continue to have access to call you at most times and that you are still able to visit and they can have other visitors as well.

Be There for Them

Moving into the nursing home as well as the first day at the nursing home will be the most exhausting and hectic one. It’s not only a physical change but also an emotional challenge for your loved one.

To reduce frustration:

• Encourage your loved one to relax with some good music.
• Take the time to get them adjusted and familiar with their new room and surroundings.
• Bring their favourite personal items and incorporate them into their new room.
• Be patient and ask them how they are feeling and if they have any questions.
• Allow the nursing home staff to help and allow your loved one to get familiar with staff and other residents.

Continual support

The first week at the nursing home may be emotional and confusing for your loved one. Your loved one will have to get used to a new schedule and a new daily routine and it will take some time for them to get used to it.

In the meantime, you need to call and visit your loved one on a regular basis and inquire how they are doing. This consistent communication can help you feel better and help them feel more connected to you.

In order to provide a better environment for your loved one, you need to be careful to select a good nursing home as well. If you have any questions about transitioning to a nursing home, please feel free to contact us today.

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Here are some ideas that may help get some great ideas for excellent gifts to bring to a family or friend living in a nursing home:

Sentimental items

Items that you can incorporate your family or friends are so important. Things like photo albums, framed pictures or photo collages add some personality to your loved ones nursing home room and can help to keep them recognize family and friends.

Useful items

Things like soaps and lotions can seem like a boring gift, but these are essential items that your loved one or friend in the nursing home can use. Other useful items like tissues, holiday decorations, phone cards and games can be a practical way to bring a gift.

Other useful gifts for a nursing home resident:

• Bathrobe or housecoat, slippers (make sure the slippers don’t slip).
• Nice blankets or warm shawls
• Preferred toiletries
• A nice new set of sheets

Creative items

Bringing your loved one a creative item such as a divided box filled with greeting cards for different occasions can be a fun way for them to stay in touch with people inside or outside the nursing home. Add in stamps as well as a calendar with holidays and birthdays of family and friends, pens and an address book, and the nursing home resident can take time each day to send out greetings and stay in touch.

Anything homemade, especially from grandchildren or great grandchildren like pictures, poems, crafts, will be very well received.

Time

This is the most valuable gift you can bring to a nursing home resident: your time.

There are a lot of different ways to come in and spend time with friends and loved ones.

• Bring in a nice meal and eat with them (ask beforehand to make sure the nursing home doesn’t have any stipulations)
• Bring in one of their favorite family treats.
• Plan a time to go in and do a special activity with them like a craft with their grandchildren or great grandchildren, etc.
• Consider a special visit or outing, especially with the grandchildren. Does your loved one enjoy ice cream or special shows? Make special arrangements and reconnect them with a favorite pastime.

Whatever you decide to bring in to your loved ones in the nursing home, know that spending some quality time with them is oftentimes worth more than any gift.

If you have any questions about a gift or outing you would like to bring, please contact us.

The post Gift Ideas for a Nursing Home Resident appeared first on Wikwemikong Nursing Home.

Caring for aging parents can be stressful, emotional and difficult. Of course, we all want to help our parents, but it can be trying, especially when we are busy ourselves. Jobs, family, kids activities, etc. can all be things that we have to do in addition to caring for our parents.

One fear that many children have when considering placing their loved ones into a nursing home is that they feel guilty.

Don’t feel guilty.

This is very common, though you have no need to feel guilty. We all want our elders to be safe, comfortable and happy. And that is what we strive to provide our residents each and every day. A nursing home is not a sad, scary place, but a safe haven for any adult who can no longer care for themselves.

One thing you need to understand when you are caring for your elderly parents is that you are not alone. There are many local community activities, resources, and groups that are in place in the community to help you. We are here for you too. If you feel like you don’t have anyone to speak with, please know that you can call or drop in to speak with one of our nursing home professionals.

Deciding to become a resident of a nursing home, or place a loved one in one is emotional. We understand, and we are here for you. If you need to speak to someone about our nursing home, or just about placing someone into a nursing home in general, please contact us today. We would love to speak with you.

The post Caring for Aging Parents: You’re Not Alone appeared first on Wikwemikong Nursing Home.