Private Caregivers and Long Term Care

Making the move to long term care is a significant emotional challenge for many older adults, as well as their families. After all, change can be uncomfortable for any of us, regardless of age. For the senior moving into long term care, the move means less independence and often comes with a significant downsize in material possessions. For adult children, moving mom or dad into long term care can be met with feelings of guilt and sadness, as they realize that mom or dad is getting older and may not have as many years ahead of them.

However, there are many positive aspects of making the move to long term care that outweigh the negative, especially for older adults who need more and more assistance. Having round-the-clock care means that mom or dad are constantly looked after when adult children cannot be there, providing them with well-balanced meals, proper medication administration, social activities, and so much more. Yet, it is extremely important to recognize that the transition from home to long term care can be very challenging. That is why hiring a private caregiver to support your aging loved one as they make the transition to long term care can help alleviate feelings of isolation and turn an uncomfortable change into something positive. Here are a few thoughts to consider if you or your loved one are planning a move to long term care on why you should hire a private caregiver to help smooth the transition.

Extra Set of Eyes & Ears
The transition to long term care can be very challenging for older adults. Often, making the move is hitting the reset button on their lives, and at an age where it can be difficult to accept change. Hiring a private caregiver gives your loved one another set of eyes and ears so that your loved one can talk through their feelings. It also gives you peace of mind so that you can leave the long term care facility to get back into your normal routine. Yes, the facility has staff to look after your aging loved one, but a private caregiver is assigned solely to your loved one. As your loved one begins to adjust to their new home, you can consider cutting back the hours of the private caregiver.

Socialization
A private caregiver can help your loved one make new friends and adjust to new, social environments. So often adult children move their parents into long term care expecting them to participate in every activity offered. It’s important to note that if mom or dad were never very social before making the move, it’s unrealistic to expect them to become social butterflies overnight. They may prefer the comfort of their own apartment and eating meals in a common dining room may be all the social time that they need. A private caregiver can accompany mom or dad to the activities, help them participate, and give them confidence that if they want to leave the activity, they have a way out. In time, your loved one will make friends and find activities best suited for them.

Maintain Routine
Private caregivers can help your aging loved one maintain their previously enjoyed routine. Because there are many residents living together in long term care, care staff are responsible for several residents at one time. This means that your loved one may have to wait to get dressed or take a shower. A private caregiver can assist your loved one when they’re ready to get dressed for the day. Some long term care facilities even allow private caregivers to provide an additional bath or shower, so that your loved one receives baths three or four times a week, instead of twice a week. In addition, a private caregiver can escort your loved one to their usual appointments outside the facility, such as their hair appointment or men’s breakfast group. They can even run errands with your loved one, giving them additional opportunities to get out of the facility.

Prevent Loneliness & Depression
Ironically, moving to long term care can be very isolating and lonely for older adults. Although surrounded by peers, many older adults feel isolated and have difficulty making new friends. A private caregiver can offer companionship for your aging loved one, preventing loneliness and depression. If your loved one isn’t a joiner, then a private caregiver can play games with your loved one, read to them, or simply keep them company in the comfort of their new home. A private caregiver can serve as an intermediary, sitting with your loved one at meal times to help your loved one make connections with other peers.

Did you know that Visiting Angels Richmond can help your loved one make the transition to long term care? Our elderly companion care services provide the social interaction and helping hand that many seniors need to live happily and comfortably at home, wherever home is. Companion care is perfect for older adults living in long term care, providing the company, conversation, and security of a dedicated care companion. If you or your loved one is considering making the move to long term care, give us a call so that we can help you make the move as smoothly as possible.