How to Make the Transition into Retirement as Smooth as Possible
The prospect of moving into a care home can be particularly stressful for your elderly loved one. It involves a great deal of change, and they may feel that their independence and dignity will be compromised. There are many things you can do for this important person in your life to help their move be as gentle and stress free as possible.
Find one that best feels like a home
Aid them in their search for a care home, and help them to find one with a home-like feel, rather than the more traditional ones that can sometimes tend to have a ‘facility feel’. Researching companies that aim to provide more modern, homely care homes and communities such as www.extracare.org.uk will show you a range of set-ups that are available, meaning you can choose the one where your loved one will be most at home.
Adapt their room to resemble their old room
Many care home companies will often let a member of family into the new resident’s room to personalise it before they move in. Be sure to fill their room with happy memories, such as family photos, personal knick-knacks and books. Aim to re-create the general atmosphere of their former bedroom, by using similar colour schemes and their favourite and special belongings.
Communicate often with the staff
The more you get to know the people that are looking after your loved one, the better you are likely to feel about their new environment. Keep in touch regularly, and reintroduce yourself at each visit so they begin to identify you, also. This can be especially useful for knowing who to contact if you should ever have any questions or concerns.
Don’t avoid taking your children
With support, children often respond perfectly naturally to their older relative who is in a care home. Taking your children to visit your loved one will not only make the resident’s day, but it will also add a sense of normality to all involved, as it will mirror their previous life in a very positive way. If you are worried about taking your children for the first few times, be prepared by explaining to them fully beforehand what they can expect from their visit. There will generally always be someone to support you at the care home, such as a social worker, when it comes to helping children adapt to a family member moving to a care home.
Stay in touch
If possible, aim to visit once a week at least, as it will mean a great deal to them. Encourage other family members to do the same, and if it is not always possible, provide them with a phone so they are always able to chat with one of you. Letters are also a lovely, old fashioned way of keeping in touch, and can be a great activity for younger children and their grandparents, as it will be a nice personal and exciting way for them to communicate.
