Skilled nursing care gives your loved one the attention they need to stay safe and healthy. A loved one can enter a nursing home for rehabilitation to gain strength and heal to return home, or for long term care when they can no longer remain at home safely. In order to help a loved one settle into a nursing home no matter how long their stay will be, your visits matter. When your loved one is nervous about staying in a nursing home, visit consistently. This helps ease the strain of living among strangers, and will give your loved one something to look forward to.

Help Clarify the Schedule

Your loved one may be concerned about what goes on from day to day. You can be there to ask questions and to help clarify the daily schedule. Your loved one may want to know when meal times are, or if there are activities planned. Sit down with your loved one and talk about the schedule. Participate in a meal or two, if necessary, and just be there for your loved one.

Setting Up the Space

If the move is temporary, a few pictures from home and a favorite blanket is probably enough to help your loved one settle in. If the move is permanent, setting up the living space so that it is familiar makes a big difference. If they have a favorite chair, bring it in so they can enjoy it in their new space. Set up the room with pictures, but be careful to not overcrowd the room. Create a comfortable sitting area, set up a television if possible, and try to make the area familiar.

Clothing and Toiletries

Your loved one will feel more comfortable when you provide the nursing home with their own toiletries. Clothing can come from your loved one's wardrobe, but you may have to enhance it a bit if they haven't bought new clothing in some time. Make sure their clothing fits comfortably, matches, and that there are enough sets of clothing for a week or more. Toiletries that are familiar are important, so add these to your loved one's supply.

It isn't always easy to settle into a nursing home, but you can make a big difference. Skilled nursing facilities are full of wonderful people, and your loved one will feel at ease once they get used to it. Your presence is often enough to help your loved one feel at ease while they become familiar with new surroundings.

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