Whether you are a health-care professional or a concerned relative, caring for a senior living in a nursing home can be a complicated undertaking, especially if he is finding the transition difficult. The most important thing is to make sure you are as patient and understanding with the senior as you can be.
Instructions
1. Treat the senior with respect. Do not talk down to him, or use words like "honey" or "sweetheart." Do not speak to him as if he is a child, talking loudly and over-pronouncing words, unless it is impossible to communicate with him otherwise. Don't discuss his private business in front of others or talk about him as if he is not in the room.
2. Explain everything to him in a very clear way so he is not confused as to what is happening. If you are taking his blood pressure, tell him what you are doing and why you are doing it. For example: "I'm taking your blood pressure now to check and see how you are doing." Don't keep him in the dark. Confusion will lead to distress for the senior, which causes problems for all parties involved.
3. Stay up to date on the senior's medications and doctor's visits, storing any important information and keeping track of any symptoms he is experiencing. Make sure he does not run out of his prescriptions, and establish a communication with doctors and nurses, asking as many questions as possible to get a clear idea of what you can do for the senior.
4. Pay attention to the senior's moods. As many as 70 percent of seniors experience depression in an institutionalized setting (see Ref 2). They can get depressed easily being confined in a bed or wheelchair, so it's important to focus on cheerful subjects and topics that bring back good memories. Monitor TV programs, as they can get easily disturbed or irritated over seemingly innocent material. Remember that sunshine and a change of scenery can do wonders for a senior's spirits.
5. Find financial aid to cover the cost of bills. Look into Medicare and Social Security for the senior to see if he qualifies. For a list of financial aid options, visit www.aging-parents-and-elder-care.com.
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