The Adjustment to Long-Term Care

When a loved one moves into long-term care, there can be numerous losses, including a cherished home, pets, old friends, autonomy, and privacy. You can help with this adjustment in several ways.

One valuable thing to do is to communicate with the staff at the new facility as many aspects of your loved one's life as possible. Talk about his or her childhood, family members, work history, interests and skills, religious background, and how he or she copes with different situations
This will allow the staff to see your relative as a whole, interesting person, and will guide them in personalizing the attention they give to him or her.

This is even more necessary if your loved one is unable to communicate effectively himself or if he is suffering from any disease that might cause behavioral changes. It will also serve as a way to put your loved one at ease, to build rapport with those around him, and to maximize his potential for enjoying all of the programs the facility offers.

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