The difficult decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is one that many people have to face. Making the choice often leaves family members stuck with a feeling of guilt. In order to reduce these negative feelings, it is important to help make the loved one being placed in a nursing home.
In a recent article, Good Therapy discusses the ways in which family members can help a loved one transition into a nursing home:
- Help them through the adjusting phase, which can last anywhere from three to six months.
- Make sure the loved one has a voice in making the decision, allowing them to help decide where they will stay and even the set up of their room.
- Help them stay social by visiting them often and making sure they don’t feel isolated.
Making the transition into a nursing home can be frightening for both the resident and their family members. By keeping lines of communication open and helping the loved one adjust properly, the transition into a nursing home can be accomplished without feelings of guilt or loss.