You may wonder what is the best approach for visiting your loved one who you’ve recently placed in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Such consideration is very important, as your loved one’s experience during the initial few days can play a major role in determining how well he or she adjusts. For instance, if—during those first few days—you visit you loved one everyday for long periods of time, then your loved one may expect you to keep up this visitation schedule everyday. Furthermore, your loved one may be so preoccupied with your visits that he or she doesn’t pay attention to things in the environment that make upset him or her. Consequently, you and your loved one may miss indicators that might otherwise suggest the facility may not be the best choice.
Keep in mind, when considering what to do, that personnel at these facilities typically have a good handle how to approach these initial visitations, and many administrators and personnel may suggest that you listen to their recommendations. Doing so is probably a wise, as many of these professionals have plenty of experience dealing with families who are dealing with periods of adjustment. For instance, these professionals often recommend that you avoid visiting your loved one for the first few days of his or her stay—as hard as it may be—so he or she can adjust to the new environment and routines. By listening to their seasoned advice, you’ll gain valuable insight as to how to help your loved one during this time.
If however, you feel that the personnel at your loved one’s facility have not sufficiently helped him or her adjust to the new surroundings, then you may want to reconsider whether the facility is appropriate. Furthermore, if you believe any of the personnel at the new facility have behaved in a way that’s abusive or neglectful, then you should contact an Ohio elder attorney as soon as possible.
