The decision to seek help for an elderly family member can be overwhelming. Choosing between a licensed care facility, home hospice, or a nursing home requires research and careful consideration. Once the decision is made to move forward with a nursing home, there are some guidelines to follow to be fully prepared for entering a nursing home.

Nursing Homes Vs. Other Care Options

With advancements in healthcare and home health, taking elderly family members to nursing homes is not the only option. While nursing homes have some of the top care and cleaning services, many elderly adults find that their needs can be met in a senior living space, or with regular home health visits.

Nursing homes help to provide ongoing medical and custodial care that can be taxing when done by children or other family members. Nursing homes can also be a temporary option, contrary to popular belief, which can help patients and family members utilize their services after a stroke or hospitalization just until the patient is rehabilitated. 

Alternative options to nursing homes include home care, holistic care, senior apartments, assisted living, board homes, and continuing care retirement communities. No matter the option, ask questions about how the staff cares for each patient, family engagement availability, and overall atmosphere of the facility before considering entering a nursing home. 

The First Day

Once residents or patients are ready to enter a nursing home, they will be able to receive medication management, assistance with daily personal care, access to 24-hour medical services and checkups, activities with other residents, and meals. Entering a nursing home can be a scary or anger-filled experience for elders, and the first day can often be challenging.

Entering a nursing home means the staff will need copies of medical records, financial records, medications, hospitalizations, insurance, and more. Getting proper care requires the nursing staff to have all of this information in order to determine the level of care that is needed. 

New residents will also meet the nursing staff, people there to assist, and often other residents and their families. Friendly faces can help elders to adjust to entering a nursing home. Some facilities let residents bring in their own furniture pieces, hang photos or decorations, and other personal belongings. Setting this all up on the first day can be another level of stress, but can be important in the long run to create a sense of home. 

CNAs will then ask about routines, such as what time the patient would like to shower, what time medication needs to be taken, what time he or she goes to sleep and likes to wake up, and how to make them the most comfortable. Nurses should do their best to help patients feel at ease and make the transition for loved ones easier. 

What To Bring

Before packing to move into the nursing home, it is important to ask what the nursing home will provide. Facilities are required to have rooms with windows, appropriate beds, bedding that fits the climate, and clothing storage spaces. Family members can ask if there is cable in the room, cork boards for hanging photos, towels and other toiletries, and a clock. 

When entering a nursing home, packing small things that make the patient feel more at home can be helpful in the transition. 

These are some common items to pack when entering a nursing home:

• Clothes that are easy to take on and off and can withstand lots of washing and drying
• Signature accessories (scarves, bracelets, hats, shoes, necklaces, etc.)
• Familiar personal care products and scents
• Backup toothbrushes, toothpaste, or other toiletries if the staff does not have extras immediately on hand.
• Quilts or blankets
• DVD players, tablets, headphones, laptops or other device clearly labeled with residents name
• Books and photos
• Sentimental items or decorations
• Hobbies such as puzzles, coloring books, art supplies, or CD’s

Checking with the nursing home about what you need to bring and what is prohibited is a way to make the transition easier. Some facilities have whiteboards provided for writing notes, others have TV’s in the rooms already and are set up for your loved one. Keep in mind that decorations like hanging art, Christmas trees, or plants may need to be cleared with the staff before they are set up. 

Helping A Loved One Transition

Entering a nursing home is made easier when the resident feels comfortable and safe. Doing research into a great nursing home will help make moving in and long term care for loved ones easier. It may seem like a tough decision, but many facilities offer family support groups and include family members in weekly activities with the residents. 

When in doubt, ask questions. Nursing staff are there to help provide the best care for residents and their families, so asking questions about procedures, extra fees, visiting parameters, and ideas to make the resident more comfortable are always encouraged.