Care decisions are very often complex and emotional, both for families who want to make the best choices for a loved one, and for individuals who require care support and aren’t able to live comfortably or well independently any longer.
This is especially true when a family member has a condition or prognosis that means they will need more nursing and medical assistance over time, whether they have a cognitive diagnosis such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, worsening frailty or mobility concerns or a life-limiting illness.
There are, as always, no universally ‘correct’ options when deciding when to relocate a loved one to a nursing care facility, but we’ve shared some insights and guidance we hope will help.
When Is the Right Time to Consider Nursing Care Homes?
The level of clinical expertise and support at nursing centres differs from that at residential care homes. Nursing care extends beyond companionship, meals and private accommodation to incorporate clinical care.
The presence of qualified nurses and access to GPs as required means that nursing centres are better suited to individuals recovering from hospital stays or illnesses, those with medical conditions, and families seeking respite care.
However, many people assume that a nursing home is only suitable when a person requires ongoing care, but this isn’t necessarily accurate. Older people often use nursing care services for the peace of mind that teams of nurses and carers are always on hand to help with medications or illnesses.
There isn’t a right or wrong time, but one of the considerations that is often overlooked is the challenge that a transition can pose, particularly for individuals who experience confusion and disorientation, and for whom familiarity and routine are important.
Whether moving from a private home to a residential care facility, from a care home to a nursing centre, or from a hospital to any other space, relocating is a major shift, and it’s vital that this be managed with the welfare and happiness of the person as the key priority.
Involving Prospective Nursing Centre Residents in Care Planning
An aspect that may be relevant to your decisions about nursing care might be the person’s ability to communicate their wishes and preferences.
Involving the individual in conversations and having the time to visit centres and get to know what facilities and amenities are on offer helps ensure that a future resident is happy with the choices being made.
There are, though, multiple complexities around this, because:
- Older people with declining cognition may find it easier to vocalise their preferences at an earlier stage, and before their well-being has deteriorated to the point that nursing care becomes essential.
- Episodes of confusion can be distressing and upsetting for all and are more likely when organising a move to a nursing home for a person with a later-stage cognitive condition.
- Disruption to routine should ideally be phased to avoid sudden shifts, such as starting with day visits and then progressing to short-term respite stays rather than a full-time, permanent move from home to a nursing centre.
While there are scenarios where new residents need urgent nursing care or aren’t well enough to return home after a hospital stay, the more time you have to make arrangements, the better.
Therefore, if your loved one is very likely to require nursing care at some stage but is currently well, it may be worthwhile to start discussing the topic of care, look at nursing homes in your area, and organise convenient times to visit and see whether they would be a good fit.
How to Make the Transition Into Nursing Care Calmer and Smoother
Familiarity is important, and any good care home can offer advice on how to introduce residents and help them make new friends. There are often opportunities to visit on open days or to attend events like garden parties, which can ensure a future resident already knows the centre and the nursing and care staff.
Having been to a centre several times, feeling comfortable that private accommodation, communal spaces, entertainment, and day trips are of the highest standards, and reviewing the nursing care support on offer, can all make a move much less daunting.
Depending on the circumstances, families might organise short-term or temporary respite stays. Respite is designed to ease the burden of caring for family caregivers but is also an excellent way to stagger a relocation at the individual’s own pace.
Loved ones can set up times to meet with nursing centre coordinators and managers with their relative to chat about care planning, preferences and personal interests, giving them the assurance that, when the time comes, the centre will already know which foods or flavours they like and the types of activities they’ll be most interested in joining in with.
These initial discussions can also cover small but meaningful aspects of person-centred care, such as how the person prefers to be addressed and whether they have a military background.
Supporting Nursing Centre Residents After a Relocation
Settling into life at a nursing home does, of course, take time, and the best way for families to support this process is to remain as involved as they can, while recognising that this may depend on other responsibilities and travelling distances. Families and friends can:
- Maintain regular visiting schedules, so residents know when they will be coming to see them.
- Share information about local community events, clubs or social groups that nursing centre residents are involved in, and which they’d like to keep attending.
- Personalise living spaces, with photos, rugs, cushions, books, keepsakes and anything else that will turn a private room into a place that feels familiar and cosy.
While our nursing centres are designed to be true homes from home, and we’re committed to creating environments for peace and relaxation, bringing much-loved items from home can make all the difference.
If you’re struggling with nursing care decisions, unsure whether a residential home or nursing centre is the best way forward or would like more information about transitioning into a care setting, you’re very welcome to get in touch with any of the Forest Healthcare nursing centres, who will be happy to assist.