How to help new residents adapt to nursing home life
November 1, 2012 by Patricia Sheehan, Editor-in-Chief
The nursing home can be an overwhelming and scary place for new residents and their families. There are so many fears and stigmas associated with nursing homes—even after spending a couple of years reporting on the industry I occasionally become anxious at the thought of someday spending time in one myself.And while facility staff may strive to allay new residents’ concerns upon admission, let’s face it, they are challenged with pressing demands on their time that compete with the important task of providing the critical reassurance and information residents require.There’s a great new resource that aims to meet this informational need for residents, families and providers alike. The Savvy Resident’s Guide, a book written by psychologist and Long-Term Living contributing writer Eleanor Feldman Barbera, covers just about every concern a resident might have, explaining how nursing homes work and how people can make the most of their stays. I encourage LTC providers to consider providing this book to residents and their families upon admission.
