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Lynn Spragg
Lynn Spragg is a Licensed Practical Nurse with 13 years long term care experience, she has been the Operator/Director of Vintage Place Assisted Living for 4 years.
Senior Living
2010-12-01 14:26:00
Easing the transition to assisted living
Question: Next week we have to move my mother out of the home she has lived in for 48 years and into an assisted living facility. Although she is willing, she says that since it does not feel like home, it makes the family seem distant. Are there ways we can help make her feel more comfortable and connected?
Answer: I am so glad you asked! Many small things can make a big difference in helping your mom feel connected to her family. Some of these things may be obvious, but because they are so common, they are frequently overlooked. Think about the needs that have necessitated the move, and remember to think of things that you can do to help make that better. Is your mom hearing or visually impaired? Many times, families will call daily, but because their loved one has hearing loss, they are not sure what they said or sometimes even which relative called. Pride frequently will prevent them from saying that they cannot hear you. If they have vision loss, they may not be able to see the phone well enough to call as often as they like. The result is that they feel very isolated even though you are doing your best to keep close. Take an inventory of your mother’s conditions and address those needs. Simple things like amplified listening devises, phones with your number saved or larger, lit buttons are simple things that make staying connected possible. Another thing that people often over look are family photographs. Having current pictures of family means everything to someone in assisted living. However, something even more helpful is scheduling regular appointments to take family pictures which include them. A room filled with pictures of the family together reminds assisted living residents that they are not tucked away to be forgotten. It also gives them ample opportunity to talk about the family to other residents and staff, which also reminds them that they are still an important part of the family. Lastly, remember to need your mom. Call her up and ask for advice regularly. Ask her opinion on the things going on in your life. Often, leaving a home behind also represents leaving behind a time when you felt useful. Schedule time to have your mom teach something she enjoys at the assisted living facility, or to the family at home. Being needed in the most effective tool helping people feel connected, valued and useful.
 
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