Do you have a family member living in a nursing home?
October 23rd, 2009 Posted by: admin
(NC)—Nursing homes (also called long term care homes, personal care homes or complex care facilities) are designed for individuals who need assistance in their activities of daily living and require medical care.
Most residents in long-term care homes also have some type of mental health problem. Research shows that more than half of residents may have dementia and other cognitive impairments and difficult behaviours often accompany these illnesses. It can be challenging for family members to feel involved in the care of their older relative once they live in nursing homes, however family involvement can assist the staff in providing the best care for residents.
Sharing information with staff about your relative’s past routines and preferences when your relative is admitted can help to promote their mental health and improve their quality of life.
The Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (www.ccsmh.ca) has created a Guide for seniors and their families about mental health issues in long-term care homes. This Guide provides information about how families can act as partners in care with the staff in long-term care homes.
As explained by Dr. David Conn, co-chair of the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health, “it can be difficult for an older adult to communicate with staff about their symptoms and treatment options. Families are vital in bridging the communication gap between residents and staff at long-term care homes.”
For more information visit www.ccsmh.ca.