Settling Into a Nursing Home or Other Residential Care Can be a Very Big Upheaval.

A new resident may be used to a quiet life. Maybe they have lived alone and are not used to having people around them. Like us all, they are definitely very much used to their own daily routine, and settling into a nursing home will be a whole new experience.

All of a sudden, they are expected to eat at certain times. They are also faced with mixing with other residents whom they don’t know. Furthermore, they might need assistance with intimate tasks from unfamiliar people.

If a person is not used to asking for help, they may be reluctant to ask staff for assistance. I have often had people tell me that they "don't want to be a nuisance." Sometimes they tell me that "staff has enough to do without me adding to it."

It can be a frightening experience, and it is so important that they have someone to talk to about anything that may be worrying them. There are so many feelings that can come to light, such as feelings of abandonment and confusion about your place in the world.

I find that staff members joining a new resident for a cup of tea and a chat early in their stay is great for getting to know them. Making introductions to other residents will also help in breaking the ice in this settling-in period.

Maria Brady

For more on a similar subject, check out The importance of social contact here.