“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”

– Alexander Graham Bell

Credit: A. Urbach

So, you’ve made the tough decision of admitting your loved one to a long-term nursing care facility. You’re not alone. According to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, about 50% of Americans turning 65 will require long-term services and supports [1]. If your loved one is under that age, consider this stat, 40% of a nursing home’s patients are under 65 years of age [2].

One of the things that can separate your loved one from a mere statistic and ease their transition, is proper preparation. This is true regardless of the facility you choose, Elmwood Hills Healthcare Center’s world-class and personal care, not withstanding.

Keep in mind, each situation calls for specific considerations and tailored guidance is warranted. This post outlines three general points to consider when you have that initial conversation with your loved one.

Information

Your loved one may have contemplated the move, they may have friends who have gone through it, but experiencing it is a different story altogether. When the time is right, you will want to provide details regarding the facility and what your loved one might be subject to face. Do your homework. Make no assumptions and share your knowledge.

Explanation

Transitioning to a long-term nursing facility, is a lifestyle transformation. It may be difficult for you to come to terms with the decision, but ultimately it is your loved one who experiences this change at the deepest level. As such, their expression of ambivalent feelings or outright opposition to the move, is a sign of health. Therefore, have an open conversation about the decision process. Explain the limitations of the alternatives, highlight the benefits of the facility and show how this will contribute to their overall wellbeing.

Concentration

Finally, the most important element of the conversation – listening. Don’t rush to reassure, calm down or motivate your loved one. Rather, be present and hear them out, fully. What’s going through their mind? What are their thoughts? Do they have any fears? Give your loved one the gift of being heard and understood. This may just prepare them in a way that explanations and information cannot.

Placing your loved on in a long-term nursing facility, is probably one of the tougher choices you’ve had to make in life. But, the hurdle isn’t over yet; now you must prepare them for the transition. Prepare yourself. Prepare your loved one. You will both be glad you did.

[1] https://aspe.hhs.gov/basic-report/long-term-services-and-supports-older-americans-risks-and-financing-research-brief

[2] https://epmez.com/index.php/the-facts-five-myths

Disclaimer, or Use At Your Own Risk

The information and advice in this post are for entertainment and informational purposes and should not be viewed as professional opinions. We do not take any responsibility for its content and any action you take based on the information of this post is strictly at your own risk. You should always speak to your doctor regarding medical information and your health.