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Transition: From the Nursing Home back Home

The Problem

If your parent is staying in a nursing home, you’ve problem heard them say “I hate it here” or “They don’t treat me well.” There is value in these strong protests. They’ve been removed from their home, placed in a facility with people they’ve never met, and receive care from an already busy staff. So it comes as no surprise that Nursing homes are an often dreaded part of our parents future. Circumstances may have forced us to place them there, but, when we are capable, we should listen to their wishes and work on getting them back into their home.

So now you’re filled with questions about how to make the transition safe and easy for them while giving you peace of mind. We know that it will bring them immeasurable joy to be back home, but is it safe? If you want to help your parents be happy, you will have to work hard to make their house safe. One of the most important things you can do before they move home is plan, or set-up, how their home care is going to work. There are many questions to ponder and discuss with other family members, and we can’t begin to know every problem you face, but we like to help.

Here are some tips to get you started.

Plan

  • Talk with the rest of the family and determine whether moving home is safe option for your parent.
  • Assign different family members based upon strengths and weaknesses.
  • Create a budget for when your parent moves home. How much will it cost for: mortgage, utilities, food, etc…?

Prepare

  • Make sure all walkways are secure.
  • Redesign stairs, halls, and doorways to accommodate wheel chairs, if needed.
  • Place furniture strategically to help with movement around the house.
  • Ensure that all rugs are slide- resistant.
  •  Reduce kitchen clutter and make sure that needed pots, pans, and other utensils are within easy reach.
  • Place grab bars by strategic locations like the commode and bed.
  • Install a walk in shower and place a stool in bench inside the shower.

Utilize

  • Stress the importance of mandatory home care aide.
  • Discuss the difference between hiring a private caregiver and using a Home Care Agency.
  • Meet with a caregiver or agency and talk with them about your concerns.
  • Thoroughly discuss a plan of care with your desired caregiver or agency.

While we know that there are many more questions to work through, we hope these help you plan your course of action. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call. We can help.