How to Care for a Loved One in a Nursing Home

It’s never easy to move an elderly relative into a nursing home. Yet, you may not be able to provide the level of care they need within their home or your own. If a loved one has moved into a facility, or you are planning a transition, find out how to care for a loved one in a nursing home.

Ask the Right Questions

A nursing facility might seem friendly and comfortable, but you will undoubtedly want to ensure your loved one is happy in their new home. To do so, simply ask him or her the right questions to determine if this is the right facility for their needs. For example, you could ask:

• Are you happy?
• Do you feel comfortable?
• Do you have any worries?
• Do you feel safe?
• Do you always feel respected?
• How long does it take for someone to arrive if you press the call button?
• Do you like the staff and other residents?

It’s important your loved one feels a rapport with a nurse or caregiver, as they are primarily responsible for both their care and happiness within the nursing home. If they do not like a caregiver, try to get to the root cause of why they might not like the healthcare professional by monitoring their behavior and asking the right questions.

Talk to Staff Members

It might also be helpful to speak to staff members regarding your elderly relative’s care, which is essential if they have a cognitive health problem, such as dementia. For example, you could ask about your loved one’s daily routine, if they display signs of unhappiness or depression, and if there have been any changes to his or her medications. You may also want to find out more about how well she has transitioned, how the meals are prepared, and if they are experiencing physical activity.

Don’t Be Afraid of Sensitive Topics

The thought of your loved one experiencing inadequate care might fill you with dread. While most caregivers are worth their weight in gold, you have a responsibility to ensure they receive the right level of care every day. For this reason, you should not be afraid to discuss sensitive topics with your loved one and staff to identify if a medical problem or behavioral issue was handled effectively. If you believe it wasn’t, you have every right to contact a good personal injury attorney in St. Petersburg to embark on a nursing home abuse claim.

Inspect the Nursing Home

You should also inspect the care home to ensure your loved one is receiving the highest standard of nursing home care. For example, are the rooms, common areas and residents’ clothing clean? Is the nursing home well-lit and at the right temperature? Have the caregivers hung your loved one’s cards and drawings received from family and friends? If so, it means the staff have taken the time to help your relative.

Do you have any helpful tips to share on how to care for a loved one in a nursing home? Please write a comment below.