By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2011-02-08 12:38:29 | Word Count: 664
After your loved one is admitted into a Nursing Home in Illinois, there are many changes that will happen in your loved one’s life. These changes will have to do with living in a new environment, seeing new people, and exploring their new care facility. It is important to know what happens once your loved one goes into the Nursing Home, and to know what is available for them. You will be involved in the care for your loved one as it is necessary for the family members to get involved by developing the resident’s care plan. Family members are allowed to access the Nursing Home Facility as often as necessary, even if it is not during business hours, to help their loved ones as much as possible. The Nursing Home cannot deny families in seeing their loved one, however, the resident may restrict visiting if they wish to do so. It is important to note that Nursing Homes allow the residents to make phone calls and to receive phone calls, as well as sending e-mails and mailings. I think that it is a great idea to stay in touch with your elderly loved ones through these means of communication, especially if you are out-of-town.
Make sure that your loved one takes advantage of the outdoor areas and the recreational areas. Many Nursing Homes offer a backyard or atrium setting so that the residents can get fresh air, or enjoy a garden. However, some facilities use outdoor areas and atriums as smoking areas, which means that your loved one may not be getting the fresh air they may have wanted or needed (consult with the Nursing Home before admission regarding their outdoor facilities). There are areas where recreational activities are posted, as well as birthday boards, photo displays of residents enjoying their stay, and seasonal decorations. It is important that your loved one know where the recreational calendar of events is located so that they can stay up-to-date. Activities include board and mental stimulation games, entertainment, religious worship, social events, fitness, social interaction, creative opportunities such as crafts, and group activities. There are also Church services held in the chapel at many Nursing Home facilities, and some homes may even transport your loved one to a local Church service each week. There are activities that you can do with your loved one when you are visiting the nursing home. Here are some examples of fun recreational activities to spend time with your loved one: sit outside and enjoy the weather; play cards, checkers; read the newspaper, a book, a poem, scripture; share food with your loved one; look at pictures or home movies; talk with your loved one and share thoughts; listen to music, play music, or sing.
Residents that don’t need help with dining on their own can usually take advantage of the dining area in the nursing home. This area is usually very nice with linens, glasses, and restaurant style dining. Those who may need help eating will have a staff member help them eat their meals. Also, if your loved one misses a meal, the staff will ensure that your loved one gets their meal. If your loved one is a short-term nursing home resident and they need therapy, many Nursing Home offer therapy departments that have a model kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom area for occupational therapy. These areas are helpful for the resident to get used to moving around in a home environment.
Your loved one will find that the Nursing Home has a lot to offer them socially, emotionally, and physically. Many nursing homes and senior care facilities strive to offer a comfortable living environment that you and your loved one will find beneficial to the overall health of an aging, elderly loved one.
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