Parenting & Families

Long Term Development Issues

Adjusting to Long-Term Care

Helping a family member make the adjustment to a nursing home or other care facility can be one of the most difficult tasks any family can face. Living at home, in "your own space," is always easier than accepting the rules and requirements of a new place. The move may require a person to leave many personal possessions behind—possessions that have always been tied to his or her sense of independence and comfort level.

Anger, confusion, depression, disorientation, illness, and grief commonly result from such a move. It’s important to remember that these emotions are all normal. Help your loved one to understand this and encourage him or her to work through the emotions, and to keep parts of his or her past living environment.

You also can help by being involved in the moving process. Remind the person that the facility’s rules are for his or her safety, but that these rules still allow him or her to have a home, whether it’s an apartment or a bed in a shared room. Find out what’s most important to your loved one in terms of a comfortable home environment, and help keep these memories, possessions, and people in his or her life.

Be inventive. You might try:

Creating a special place, whether it be a bench outside or a decorated wall in your loved one’s room.
Finding a home for his or her pet with a neighbor or friend that will allow the pet to visit your loved one.
Helping your loved one write and read letters from family, friends, and neighbors.
Learning about the new residence and exploring the options available to your loved one.
Taking pictures of important possessions and hanging these in prominent places in the new residence

Most importantly, help your loved one understand and remember that moving was necessary for his or her safety and health, and that although the new surroundings are different, there are positive aspects to every living environment.

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