It is a difficult thing to trust strangers to look after your loved one. You might think that no care can be good enough. However, sometimes professional help is needed. Nursing homes accept patients with feeding tubes, allergies, dementia or any other difficulties. However, if your loved one has complex needs then you may be able to find a specialized home. Even if you are in a home that is tailored to the needs of your loved one there are still certain things you can do to ensure that their needs are being met.

Visit often

Most important is to visit regularly. This will meet one of their needs straight away which is to continue to see their loved ones. Moving into a home can feel isolating for them and so if they can count on you to see them, then this will help to keep their spirits high.

This will also allow you to keep a good eye out. You will notice if they are in a dirty room or if they are being given enough water etc. If they are capable then you can also ask them about their experiences.

Communicate with staff

Get to know the staff and be respectful, but don’t be afraid to ask questions. Tell them about any needs your loved one has, you after all know them best. When your loved one enters a home, your work is not over, it should be a team effort to make sure they get the best possible care.

Ask them about their medication, participation in activities, when they wake up and how well they are eating. If you feel that the staff should be doing something differently then tell them. They have lots of residents to look after and may not have noticed something which you have.

Furthermore, if you notice anything such as a bruise or low mood don’t be afraid to ask about it.

Encourage them to join activities

Ensure that the home they are in has plenty of activities. Activities are important for elderly people; they help to keep their minds and bodies active and they encourage them to socialize. They may not want to join in with activities right away but try and encourage them to do so and talk to them about the benefits. You could even offer to attend an activity with them.

Take them out

The nursing staff have a lot of people to look after and probably can’t take individuals out. If you can, hire a special taxi and arrange to take them out. A change of scenery and activity will do them wonders for their mood and show them that you care.

Look at their notes

If you do have any concerns, you can always ask to look at their notes. Nursing homes are required to note down all of their resident’s activities. This includes when and how much they eat, when they take medication and how often they shower. You should be allowed to look at this if you want to.

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