Category: CareConversations.org

Transitioning to Long-Term Care: What Your Loved One Wishes They Could Tell You

Posted by Dr. El - December 3, 2014 - CareConversations.org, For Families, Transitions in care

My second post at Care Conversations.org focuses on easing the transition to long-term care for families.

Transitioning to Long-Term Care: What Your Loved One Wishes They Could Tell You

As a psychologist, I’ve talked with hundreds of residents as they transition to living in a Skilled Nursing Care center. In the privacy of a psychotherapy session, new residents will frequently share with me things they haven’t mentioned to their families, often because they don’t quite know what to say or how to say it.

Their perspectives may surprise you:

They’re worried about you. They’re concerned about how much time you’re spending at the facility. They worry you’re neglecting yourself and your life. They want you to take care of yourself because they love you and because they need you – so take their advice and do so!
They know you’ve done your best. In most cases, new residents are aware they would have been admitted to a long-term care facility much sooner if it hadn’t been for you. While they may not be happy about the transition initially, they know that without you they would have been here long ago.

For the entire article, visit:

Transitioning to Long-Term Care: What Your Loved One Wishes They Could Tell You

5 Steps to Becoming a Part of the Nursing Home Team

Posted by Dr. El - December 1, 2014 - CareConversations.org, For Families, Transitions in care

I’m excited to let you know about my recent post for family members at Care Conversations.org. Readers who are long-term care staff members will find it a helpful resource to share with family members.

5 Steps to Becoming a Part of the Nursing Home Team

Moving to an assisted living or a skilled nursing facility can be challenging for both you and your loved one. To help make the transition less stressful, it’s often suggested that family members work with staff to ensure their loved one’s needs are being met. Here are some ways to become a valuable player on the nursing home team:

Keep an open mind – It is normal to feel nervous about placing a loved one in a long-term care facility. But as our loved ones grow older and begin experiencing more and more health issues, their needs are often best met by skilled nursing facilities. Entering a facility with an expectation of good care puts you in a teamwork frame of mind.
Recognize the expertise of LTC workers – Nobody knows Mom, Dad or Aunt Sue like you do, but chances are that you haven’t handled a situation quite like this before. By contrast, those who work with elders have observed hundreds of similar situations and bring a vast amount of knowledge and experience to the care of your loved one. It’s good to have them with you on this journey.
Appreciate your essential role on the team —