I Never Wanted To Leave My Home For A Nursing Home

Do you or someone you know face the prospect of leaving your current dwelling, home or apartment, for an assisted-living facility or nursing home?

If so, a myriad of adjustment issues related to feelings of change and loss often occur. The home the senior lived in for many years afforded a sense of freedom and independence that may not exist in the new setting. The loss of doing most everything your own way will require a different perspective.

The type of facility needed is often dictated by the level of assistance a senior might require.

For example, changes in health status that require more assistance with daily living could benefit from help of a nursing home or skilled-nursing facility. Some of those are:

* hygiene.

* continence.

* dressing.

* the ability to feed oneself.

* the ability to use a restroom un-aided.

* the ability to move oneself, such as going from a seated to standing position and getting in and out of bed.

Seniors who need less-direct assistance often benefit from independent and assisted living centers. Some of their needs might be:

* Utilizing resources, including looking up phone numbers, using a telephone, making and keeping doctor’s appointments.

* Arranging transportation needs.

* Preparing meals, opening containers, and using kitchen appliances.

* Shopping for necessities like food or clothing.

* Maintaining a clean and healthy living environment.

* Managing medication.

* Managing finances.

It is important to acknowledge and discuss a person’s feelings about leaving “home.”

Children of older parents may feel guilty about being a part of the decision to move a parent to a different living environment. Children should process these feelings with other family members and reassure the parent that he or she will not face abandonment or unneeded change.

Remember the “tincture of time” is often one of the most helpful ingredients in making any big change successful. The change in living environment can be enhanced by the senior’s participation in activities at the facility — making new friends, creating a home-like atmosphere in the room and developing a new routine in the new facility.

While there is “no place like home,” life changes sometimes necessitate new living environments which provide the needed care and support seniors require and deserve.