(This post first appeared as a guest post at GreatPlacesInc.com.) In my years as a psychologist in long-term care, I find it’s normal for new residents to be feeling some depression or anxiety. Most of us would take time to adjust if we were away from home, feeling poorly, not able to get around like … Read more
In a staff meeting the other day, the social worker mentioned her new resident was having difficulty because he didn’t speak any English. It was arranged that the director of the Dietary Department would go up to act as translator. “I know a website where you can get language cue cards with health-related words on … Read more
With Hanukkah and Christmas just around the corner, you may be wondering what would make a good present for a relative in a nursing home. If you check my sidebar under Products of Note, you’ll see some possibilities, a few of which I’ve blogged about earlier in the year. (Try using the Search tool in … Read more
In my post, What I Want My Nursing Home Room to Look Like, I mention I’d like to have family pictures in my room. Actually, I’d like everyone to have family photos in their nursing home rooms, in addition to photos of themselves when they were young. Before I started in long-term care (I was … Read more
I peered into Ms. Alford’s room and saw a visitor sitting in the chair next to her bed, where she was sitting with a stack of photos on her lap. Ms. Alford noticed me and waved me into the room with a broad smile. “This here’s my son, Willie.” “And you are?” His worried eyes … Read more
I saw this great idea posted on McKnights this morning. My suggestion is, if needed, the residents address it in their Resident Council Meetings to see if they want to raise the funds themselves. http://www.mcknights.com/Turning-on-the-lights-for-nursing-home-residents/article/146809/ Turning on the lights for nursing home residents Eric Smith August 19, 2009 In 2004 I accepted a position at … Read more
My Grandma Lily lived for several years in a nursing home, and toward the end of her life she became quite confused. While this was disturbing to me and the rest of the family, I found when I changed my approach and expectations of our time together, our visits were more successful. Between that experience, … Read more
Dale Carter, of Transition Aging Parents, sent me the following question after reading my last post about caregiving for family members in nursing homes. “Eleanor, when I went to check in to volunteer today at our local nursing home, I was chatting with a lady and she said the thing she missed most was not … Read more
I’ve read many blogs and websites out there for caregivers whose loved ones live at home, but I haven’t seen as much for those with family members in nursing homes. While the role of caregiver may shift considerably once someone enters long term care, there is still much caregiving to be done. What follows are … Read more
Please: Hang my psychology diplomas on my wall, so I’m reminded of my accomplishments. Display family photos, so I feel surrounded by my loved ones. If I have Dementia, label my photos so the staff can talk to me about my family and help me to remember. Put a quilt or bedspread on my … Read more