Preparing your patient to move to a nursing home

If your patient is moving to a nursing home, there’s a lot to consider. They will need to mentally prepare to move their belongings and transition to a new home.?

A positive mindset

It is important to help your patient keep an open mind as they get ready to move.

We have 9 tips to help them overcome worry, uncertainty and loss:

1.????Take time to reflect and pray: Prayer and meditation can provide opportunities for reflection, peace and connection with God and the world around you.

2.????Be grateful: Practicing gratitude can change how you look at life. It can help you see the good, even during life’s challenges.

3.????Laugh: Laughter not only boosts moods, it’s also good for the immune system. A good laugh can remind you that there’s no situation so serious that God can’t lighten it with his love and grace.

4.????Let things go: Letting go of the anger, grief and hurt weighing us down will help us discover peace with God, ourselves and others.

5.????Connect with others: Talking with friends or family can boost our mood through the support, encouragement and new perspectives they share.

6.????Exercise:?Staying active can release feel-good chemicals and boost self-esteem. Find activities like chair yoga or tai chi to keep moving.

7.????Get plenty of sleep: A good night’s rest helps bodies and minds recharge. Establish a regular sleep routine to feel well-rested for the day ahead.

8.????Try something new:?Play a new game. Join a new club. Read something new. Try new foods. Trying new things can renew your sense of hopefulness.

9.????Volunteer: Helping others can help you find a new sense of purpose while creating opportunities to form new relationships, where you may find support and encouragement.

Watch how one nursing home activity director is improving the quality of life of residents:

Meaningful personal items

Certain belongings can provide a sense of well-being and make the move to a new space more comfortable.

Here are the top six items we have seen provide an ongoing, positive impact on our residents:

1.????Digital photo albums or photographs

2.????A favorite blanket

3.????A favorite chair

4.????Music from a favorite singer or era

5.????A Bible or another item of spiritual significance

6.????Items of personal achievement

Besides mentally and physically preparing for a move, your patients and their families will also need to understand their rights as a resident and the financial aspects of paying for their care.

Financial options

There are different ways to pay for nursing home care, but Medicare isn’t one of them.

If your patient has had a three-night hospital stay, and a physician says skilled nursing care is required, Medicare may cover up to 100 days of their nursing home stay.

But your patient cannot depend on Medicare to cover nursing home expenses.

If your patient is unsure of how they’ll pay for nursing home care, two options may help.

• Medicaid is a state government program that helps people?with limited income and assets pay medical costs. If your patient qualifies for Medicaid in your state, the program will help pay for living in a nursing home.
• Long-term care insurance can help soften the blow of a nursing home bill. Have your patient visit with an insurance agent to determine policy options and costs.

What are residents’ rights?

A person living in a nursing home is protected by a federal law that gives them specific resident rights, including residents at the Good Samaritan Society.

We’re dedicated to helping residents and family members know what these rights are so they feel empowered to make the best decisions.

Residents’ rights strongly emphasize individual dignity and self-determination to ensure residents feel supported with quality care. All residents have the right to:

·??????Be treated with respect

·??????Participate in activities

·??????Be free from discrimination

·??????Be free from abuse and neglect

·??????Be free from restraints

·??????Make complaints

·??????Get proper medical care

·??????Have their legal representative notified

·??????Get information on services and fees

·??????Manage their money

·??????Get proper privacy, property and living arrangements

·??????Spend time with visitors

·??????Get social services

·??????Leave the nursing home for visits or to move out

·??????Have protection against unfair transfer or discharge

·??????Form or participate in resident groups

·??????Have their family and friends involved

We will work with you to help your patient thrive in our long-term care communities.

Learn more about our long-term care services.