Some seniors require assistance with activities of daily living that caregivers, whether a family member or domestic helper, may not be equipped to provide. When this happens, the best course of action may be to send them to an elderly care centre for the long term.

However, for many elderly individuals used to living with their families, adapting to an institutional setting can be a significant step. In particular, the switch to new routines and an unfamiliar surrounding can cause feelings of anxiety, making the transition even more challenging.

As a close confidant and family member, you play a significant role in helping your elderly loved one gracefully navigate these changes. Let us share how you can ensure a smooth transition to the elderly care facility for them, enabling them to feel as comfortable as possible and safeguarding their well-being at every stage. 

Tip #1: Establish Clear And Open Communication

Establishing clear and open communication with everyone involved in your loved one’s elderly care process is paramount in ensuring a seamless transition. This includes family members and your loved one’s healthcare provider. Make sure everyone understands the care plan, and regularly discuss any concerns or changes. While coordinating the various moving pieces can be stressful, sharing information and keeping everyone in the loop can help smoothen the process.

Most importantly, let’s not forget about your loved one in the discussions. After all, it is their well-being you are discussing. As such, their input and considerations should also be a priority. In fact, the decision to seek elderly care services and to what degree should ultimately be their choice to make with your support, unless they are of a specific state of mind (i.e. severe dementia) where their doctor advises you to act on their behalf. If your loved one feels like they are being pushed into a decision against their wishes, it will only cause more problems later on. This communication process is helpful, whether or not your loved one is cognitive.

Ideally, you should discuss the plan early, well before it becomes necessary to move your loved one into an elderly care facility or similar. Of course, their mobility impairment or medical condition may not always develop gradually. Regardless, having your loved one be a part of the decision-making process and sharing their ideal care solution can result in better long-term results.

Tip #2: Prepare Your Loved One For Changes In Their Living Environment

Whether your loved one previously cared for themselves independently or required the caregiving assistance of a family member, the transition to relying on someone else for daily tasks can be jarring for some seniors, especially when moving to an unfamiliar environment with a new routine for everything. As a result, it is natural to be adverse to such a move.

Helping your loved one adjust to these changes as early as possible can ensure a smoother transition to the elderly care facility. One of the best ways to begin is by establishing a consistent routine to provide them with a sense of familiarity and stability. For instance, you can stick to a regular schedule for therapy, meals, and social activities. You and your loved one can also visit the facility several times before the move to familiarise them with their new surroundings and the people there.

When the time comes to make the move, consider incorporating familiar items like a personal belonging or treasured memento to promote a comfortable and welcoming environment for your loved one and enable them to settle in more easily. These little touches can go a long way in ensuring the transition is less overwhelming and more manageable for them.

Tip #3: Be Patient And Supportive

Everyone handles change differently. Some adapt seamlessly. Meanwhile, others find it particularly challenging. If your loved one falls into the latter category, the transition may cause anxiety or stress and affect their physical or emotional state, resulting in trouble sleeping or a loss of appetite.

This is where your support, patience, and understanding are essential. In fact, adequately supporting seniors in care transitions is pivotal in helping them adjust to new faces, routines, and surroundings. So, schedule in more visits when possible to help them settle in.

During your visits, provide emotional support and a listening ear, and let them know it is normal to feel overwhelmed during this period of change. You can also encourage them to express their fears and concerns and offer comfort and reassurance when necessary. 

Tip #4: Stay Connected With Your Loved One

While it is not your intention to abandon your loved one by sending them to an elderly care facility, they may not help feeling that way, especially if visits become less frequent and things become more distant. That is why active family involvement is paramount in ensuring a seamless elder care transition.

Even if your schedule is busy and you may not be able to visit as often, you can still keep in touch with your loved ones via video calls. By being an active participant in your loved one’s care plan and staying updated on their well-being, you are not only ensuring their needs are met but also demonstrating that you care. 

While ensuring a smooth transition to an elderly care facility may be no small feat, careful planning and consideration can help ease the process. Remember, it is all about demonstrating that this move is born out of love and respect for your loved one and to provide them with the best care possible.

For those seeking the right care facility in Singapore for your loved one, look no further than Orange Valley. Whether your loved one requires a private nursing home capable of attending to their needs or prefers to age gracefully in an old folks home, we are dedicated to providing holistic care to ensure they feel valued, assured, and comfortable at our care facilities. 

Upon admission to our facilities, we will schedule a comprehensive nursing assessment and medical review for your loved one to devise a suitable care plan tailored to their needs, ensuring they enjoy a seamless transition across care settings and maintain optimal well-being. Detailed logistics arrangements will also be carried out to help alleviate emotional stressors from caregivers.

For further enquiries on how we can help ease the transition for your loved one, do not hesitate to contact us today.