Many families gain unexpected insight when they first admit a loved one into an adult day program or a nursing home.
Often they tour these facilities with a marketing or admissions person who follows a script meant to highlight features in the facility of which they are proud. This is the time to ask questions of the caregivers who are directly involved in the care and the person who will be overseeing the care plan of the loved one. Families should be specific when describing their expectations. Clearly ask if the facility can meet these expectations. Families must also keep in mind that those expectations must be flexible. Facilities can rarely offer one to one care for loved ones.
Families must anticipate the first two weeks will be stressful. The loved one may be full of many different emotions during this transition process. His/her entire routine is now unfamiliar and can be overwhelming and frightening. Here are a few suggestions:
- The week prior to admission, the family should set up a few times so the loved one can visit for lunch and activities. Plan on a visit that is 1-2 hours each time.
- Provide a complete social history that should include all likes/dislikes of all life preferences. Some families feel they should keep any negative behavior secret so the loved one is accepted into the facility. This is not true and actually causes more stress for everyone once the behaviors begin at the facility.
- Develop good communication with the caregivers. Ensure they know who is the Power of Attorney, who should be called, and for what reason. Ask questions if you are confused.
- Families should plan not to visit often during the first few weeks. This helps the loved one begin to trust the caregivers in the facility.
Asking for an adult day care or nursing home to provide care can be a difficult process for any family. It is not a sign that a family has failed the loved one. When the above tips are put into practice the transition is often smooth and the loved one begins to think of the facility as a new home.
For more information on transitions during Alzheimer’s disease process, please contact us at (317) 218-5113.
10 Signs of Alzheimer's 
10 Ways to Protect Your Brain Against Alzheimer’s 
10 Things to Do After an Alzheimer's Diagnosis 
Seven Facts You Should Know About Alzheimer's Disease 
You have some excellent tips in your article.
I tend to feel visiting should be much more flexible than you indicate, but I know there is a difference of opinion on this. Much depends on the person involved. With my loved ones, daily visits helped them with a smooth transition. It's easy to feel that one's family has abandoned you to the care of strangers, so seeing that family members were still part of the care partner team made my elders feel secure.
They all adjusted very well to an excellent facility, as do many others. You sound like you are doing a good job.
Carol