When it’s time for your loved one to move into a nursing home, don’t forget about them! Plenty of seniors live full and active lives in assisted living, and they are happiest when they have regular visitors. Learn the importance of advocating for your family member as they adjust to life in a nursing home.
Visit Them Often
Seniors in nursing homes are happiest when they know they have a support system outside their facility. Your regular visit could be the highlight of their week.
Visiting routinely will also give you a better idea of what “normal” looks like for your loved one. If they start losing weight or getting unusually crabby, you can talk to the staff about possible reasons for those changes.
Get To Know the Staff
When you visit your family member, make a point to learn more about the staff. Who interacts with your loved one the most? Chat with those individuals about what an average day looks like in the nursing home. As you build relationships with the people caring for your loved one, you’ll get a clearer picture of the quality of care they are receiving.
Learn What’s Normal—And What’s Not
Your family member may be grouchy about assisted living at first. That’s not necessarily an indicator of abuse or neglect; seniors who are accustomed to living on their own may bristle at the idea that they need extra help. However, if your regular visits begin to make you uneasy, examine the causes of those feelings.
Normal
As previously mentioned, it’s normal for seniors to go through an adjustment period when they first move into a nursing home. Do any of the following apply to your loved one?
- They resent the idea of needing help with basic daily activities.
- They’re not fond of their roommate.
- They miss their old house and want to move back.
Many seniors have these complaints, even in high-quality nursing homes staffed with friendly professionals. Encourage your family member to get involved in exercise programs and activities the nursing home offers its residents.
Not Normal
Now, consider these complaints that could indicate something may not be right at the nursing home. Do any of the following apply?
- Your family member has to wait a long time for assistance.
- They are losing a significant amount of weight.
- They frequently wander out of the sight of staff.
These are potential signs that staff members aren’t as attentive as they should be. In fact, frequent wandering incidents can also indicate neglect on the nursing home’s part.
If you suspect your family member is in a neglectful or otherwise unprofessional nursing home, contact your local ombudsman. This person acts as a middleman to field complaints between individuals and larger organizations, like nursing homes.
When it’s time to move your family member into a nursing home, visit them often and advocate for their interests. Let them know you’ll never forget about them—and let the nursing home know you’re paying attention.
