Handing over the care of a loved one to strangers can be a worrying step. However, there are some things you can do to ensure they’re safe and their well-being is a top priority, even if you do have to make the hard decision to place them in a nursing home.
Just becasue your loved ones require a little more care than you are able to provide, it doesn’t mean they don’t need you. You still have a big role to play, you are still their primary caregiver and advocate. Even if you aren’t going to be there every hour of every day.
Have a look below at some of the key ways you can ensure your loved ones are kept secure and safe in a nursing home:
Keep Your Ears, Nose, and Eyes Open
You need to make sure you are vetting the facility you are considering thoroughly. You shouldn’t just listen to the sales pitch and sign on the dotted line. You should be paying attention to the current state of affairs, and also keeping a close nose and eye on things once your loved one has moved in.
Never forget to keep your nose open and try to visit at different times each visit this way they can’t plan for you arriving. You can expect to have some funky smells in a nursing home, however, the persistent smell of ammonia or urine is not a good sign. Also, sit back and have a listen to the manner in which the care staff talks to the residents. You want it to be friendly but also professional.
If you ever feel as though your loved one isn’t getting the care that they need it can turn legal very quickly, your best ally when complex legal matters are involved is to contact an attorney who can advise you on what action you can take.
Watch Out For Red Flags
You need to be wary of any changes to personality, mood, eating habits, sleeping, and physical activity. If any has changed dramatically it’s time to investigate. If your loved one seems lethargic, fearful or depressed, you need to take immediate action and speak to the head nurse or unit supervisor.
You shouldn’t be afraid to speak to your loved one about it either if something is making them uncomfortable, you are likely the person they are more comfortable to talk to about it. You need to understand, though, they may be a little reluctant, especially if they are scared.
You may need to be prepared to change homes if you notice any signs of mistreatment. You should also keep an eye out for changes in their financial accounts such as large unexpected withdrawals.
Always Keep In Touch
One of the easiest and nest ways that you can make sure your loved ones are receiving the care they should, it to make sure you visit often. If you can’t stop every day try to visit once or twice a week and make them different times of the day. It helps you to stay on top of their care and to see the nursing staff at different times of the day. This is your time to spend cherished memories with your loved ones, bring in some photos, a favorite treat and chat up and everything that has been going on.
These are just three of the ways you can make sure your loved ones are getting the care they should in their new home, do you have any other ways you can keep on top of this?
Photo by Laura Fuhrman
Mia Guerra
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