If you have an aging loved one who may have to enter a nursing home, it can be a very stressful and difficult experience for them. Before, during, and after their admittance to the nursing home, there are some things you can do to help make the transaction easier. The following five things can help ensure this entire process is as easy as possible for everyone involved.
Find the Right Nursing Home
In most areas, there are lots of nursing homes available, and you want to choose the right one. If your loved one has a specific medical condition, look for a facility that specializes in that type of care. There are many online review sites that can help you to learn more about a given nursing home, so take advantage of those types of resources. In addition, you and your loved one can visit a potential nursing home to see if it will be a good fit.
Visit Them Often
Once your loved one is in the nursing home, make sure you visit them as much as possible. Consider setting up a schedule with friends and family to ensure they have visitors on a very regular basis. For many elderly individuals, the fear of loneliness is one of the biggest issues with entering a nursing home, so visiting often can go a long way toward a smooth transition.
Focus on the Positive
When visiting or talking with your loved one, try to focus on the positive aspects of the nursing home. For example, they will be around many people their own age, they don’t need to worry about cleaning, and they will have the care they need at all times. There are a lot of important benefits to nursing homes, and it is a good idea to help focus the mind on these advantages rather than dwelling on the negative.
Don’t Ignore the Negative
While focusing on the positive is good, it isn’t wise to just ignore the negatives. Listen to any complaints your loved one has, and see what can be done to address them. Most nursing homes will be happy to do anything they can to ensure your loved one is happy and healthy. Talking with them openly about any complaints can help to eliminate problems early on in the process.
Start Preparing Now
If your loved one isn’t quite ready to go to a nursing home, but it is likely going to happen in the future, start preparing now. Talking to them about their options, and doing research on potential facilities is a great idea. In addition, you can start long-term Medicaid planning now so the financial aspect of this decision will be less burdensome. Even if entering a nursing home is going to happen right away, looking at crisis Medicaid planning can be very helpful. Contact ProActive Legal Care to discuss your legal and financial needs today.
