For your retirement-age loved one, the move to a skilled nursing community in Little River, TX can be a difficult undertaking. The transition may not be an easy one. Regardless of how long their stay is planned for – something quick and temporary or something more extensive and long-lasting – both physically and emotionally, the process will be challenging for both of you.
To help you in your endeavor with your loved one, you’ll find a collection of tips compiled below. The transition to a skilled nursing community can hopefully be made easier through the following suggestions.
Have Updated Documents/Medical Records Handy
First off, all of your loved one’s medical records, documents, etc. should be updated. Secondly, they should be accessible and in a safe place.
Introduce Your Loved One to the Social Activities in the Community
In the community, there will be dances, festive meals/parties, movie nights, game days, exercise classes, and so much more to encourage socialization that your loved one may not know which to choose. Help them get and stay connected with others through these activities.
Help Your Loved One Feel a Sense of Control
Your loved one may feel like they’re losing control if they have to move to a skilled nursing community. Let them know they’re still in control. They have many choices that they have complete control over such as how to decorate their surroundings, whether or not to attend social gatherings, which activities they want to participate in, and more.
Whenever Possible, Plan Outings
Whenever you can, plan a movie together, a lunch date, a walk in the park, or some type of outing with your loved one that gets them out of the skilled nursing community. Even if it’s just a walk around the grounds, they’ll see something other than the same four walls.
Let Your Loved One Know You’re Listening to Them
No one likes to be ignored. Everyone wants to feel like they’re being listened to. This can be particularly the case if your loved one has to make the transition to a skilled nursing community. Let them know that what they say matters.
Practice Courtesy, But Visit Often
It’s important to visit your loved one as often as you can. Be considerate of their schedule, however. They may have book groups, movie nights, game days, a dance, a luncheon, and more scheduled with their new friends or others who are visiting.
Familiarize Yourself with the Care Team
Getting to know the care team who will be seeing after your loved one is a good idea. This will assist in assuring an open line of communication so that either their concerns or yours can be addressed as needed.
Discuss any Concerns You Have with the Team
Naturally, any concerns you have are of the utmost importance to the care team. Let them know if there’s something on your mind. Be ready to cooperate with them if your participation is requested where the care of your loved one, their new routine, alleviating their fears, etc. is concerned.
Encourage Happy Memories by Helping Them Decorate Their New Abode
Pictures and other personal items can be used to decorate your loved one’s new surroundings. This will encourage good memories and help them feel more at home.
Have at Least an Idea of What’s to Come
Having a plan will help the moving day run smoother. Familiarize yourself with what your loved one can and cannot bring along. This type of transition may not be easy, so anticipate some negative feedback from your loved one. Tour the community ahead of time, if possible, with your loved one.
Get Ready to Move into Our Skilled Nursing Community
When moving to our Skilled Nursing Community, you’ll find friendly team members and residents ready to welcome you. Though you may have to downsize a bit, we encourage you to decorate your new home in a manner that makes you feel comfortable and happy. Of course, with so many opportunities for socialization, you may choose to put that decorating on the back burner. But it’s up to you.
To find out what we are truly all about, schedule a tour of our community.
