Coming to terms with nursing home care
Moving into a nursing home is a major life event. Along with a change in living circumstances comes a change in family dynamics and the carer role.
Care of a family member doesn't stop with the move into a nursing home. Nursing home care brings new problems and challenges for carers.
Many caregivers promise never to put their ageing parents into a nursing home. Some carers are capable of keeping this promise. For others caring for an ageing parent at home with complex health care needs becomes unrealisitic and very problematic.
It's never easy moving a loved one into a nursing home especially when they are sick and vulnerable. Expect a period of adjustment for both you and your parent. You could find your parent relieved to be getting constant 24hr nursing care.
Ensuring a family member gets quality aged care in a nursing home is a families top priority. However, how much involvement you have in the care of a loved one in a nursing home will vary according to your own commitments and relationships.
Some family members are very involved in the daily care of a loved one whilst others because of distance only visit on occasions or manage a weekly phone call.
Care of a loved one in a nursing home takes patience and understanding. At times it may feel like a full-time job. After time most residents and families adjust quite well and find new meaning in their relationships with their loved ones and with nursing home staff.
If you are no longer having to help with the physical care of an ageing family member you can now spend some relaxing and enjoyable moments together, something you've never had the time for.
Nursing home staff are very caring and compassionate health care professionals. Over time care staff develop close bonds with nursing home residents. Nursing staff will give your loved one support and companionship when you are not there.
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