Transitioning into a Skilled Nursing Facility
When a person is about to enter a skilled nursing facility, the days just before can cause both the individual and the family to feel some anxiety. Anticipation and fear of the unknown – combined with an illness or recent loss of a loved one, can mean the individual enters the facility with lots of questions and uncertainty. This uncertainty of entering a skilled nursing facility can be greatly minimized through a family or friends who help plan the transition and show support, love and understanding during those initial days, prior to admission and immediately after.
Below are some suggestions on how to make the transition into a skilled nursing facility a little easier:
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A key factor is the transition phase is planning ahead.
Whenever possible, the person being admitted should be part of selecting the facility. Through this, the individual can help choose a facility that fits his or her personal style of living. The individual can also speak with the facility’s staff members and have many questions or concerns answered prior to admission day. In some cases this pre-visit can not occur, because the individual is being admitted from an alternate health care setting, such as directly from the hospital. In this case, the family and / or friends should visit the facility and share as much information as possible with the individual about their visit.
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It is so important for the individual, family, friends and individual’s physician to share as much information about the individual with the facility.
Things such as, diet, personal care needs, prior living conditions, mental status, religion, special interests, special equipment, medical issues, habits and practices, should be shared. Knowing this information prior to the admission, allows the facility’s staff an opportunity to plan for a smoother transaction.
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Getting a head start on completing the admission paperwork and financial details is important.
Prior to the admission day, the individual and family should do their best to complete all the necessary forms and financial information to the best of their ability. Providing a complete medical and social history of the individual is essential for a proper transition. Being sure there is a complete understanding of Medicare, Medicaid and the financial responsibilities of the individual and / or family should be done prior to the admission day. Making notes and addressing any questions is a must.
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Think about what personal belongings can be brought to the facility.
Bringing personal items from home are very important and can help ease the anxiety of moving into a skilled nursing facility. A small piece of furniture, pictures, materials for their hobby, a lamp, books, a radio and/or television are some items which help eliminate the feelings of loneliness and displacement. Think about clothing and footwear. Getting dressed each day is important and assists in socialization with-in the facility. All clothing should be comfortable and easy to mange. Because laundry services are provided by the facility, the individual’s clothing should be labeled with the individual’s name.
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The individual, family and friends should talk about everything early in the transition process.
Many issues can be awkward, embarrassing, sensitive or emotional. Any uncomfortable topics or concerns need to be openly discussed prior to, as well as, during the admission and transition process. An individual who enters into a skilled nursing facility, may be concerned with, who are the other residents and what are they like? Who will my roommate be and will we get alone with each other? Are my personal belongings going to be safe? What happens if I don’t like the food? How often can my family and friends visit? Can I afford this? Can I trust the staff? How much privacy will I have? Answering these and the many other questions that arise during the transition, helps make the process much easier for the individual entering the facility.
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It is the individual’s right to make decisions on his or her behalf.
Input from one’s family and friends is welcomed, but ultimately the individual has the final say on decisions impacting his or her care, treatment decisions or advanced directives. Other decisions might center around guardianship, power of attorney, or other financial decisions. When an individual is incapable of making those decisions, a legally designated responsible party should be appointed.
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On admission day, family and friends should plan to be at the facility for several hours.
Spending time with the individual as he or she gets situated in the facility is a key element in the success of the transition phase. Helping set-up the room, walking around the facility and getting acquainted, meeting the staff and other residents and actually having dinner with the individual for the first time are so helpful. The family and friends should also remember to frequently call the individual to “check-in” and assure he or she is doing well. When the family or friends tell the individual they are going to visit – be sure to do so. Notifying relatives or friends who are out-of-town about the individual entering a skilled nursing facility is important. Encourage others to call, send cards, letters and e-mails where possible.
Like any new living arrangement, moving into a skilled nursing facility can be quite traumatic and even strange at first. Remembering that the sense of loss of control, a change in daily routines and the feeling of abandonment can cause feelings of anger and depression. Some individuals may even become reclusive. Being sure the individual becomes involved in the nursing facility community is essential. Getting out to the various activities and eating one’s meals in the common dining area helps with the transition. Making new friends is important. Families and friends must remember that frequent visits and being involved in facility-based family events plays an important role in easing the transition. Being committed to open communication between the individual, family, friends and staff makes the transition more manageable. Simply showing simple expressions of love and concern can assist the individual through the transition.
