Here’s the truth. Nobody really wants to move into a nursing home. Yet, it’s often a vital next step for many older people when it comes to their health and quality of life.
Still, we appreciate that fact doesn’t stop potential residents from sharing common fears about moving into a nursing home. They might worry about the lack of contact with friends and family, the loss of their independence, and the financial strain such a move can bring.
These concerns are perfectly valid reasons not to move into a nursing home, and in this short blog post, we explore them in a little more detail and share how we can help.
Related: How to respond to nursing home objections with a loved one
Reasons not to move a loved one into a care home
1. They’ll miss friends and family
Depending on budget and location, moving to a nursing home or assisted living community can mean moving far away from friends or family. This can make regular contact more challenging. Friends and family need to plan visits around designated visiting hours instead of simply dropping by, and this change in routine can be too unsettling for some.
How do we solve this at Fulford? While there’s no substitute for impromptu visits and physical contact, modern technology has become an increasingly popular way for residents to stay in touch with loved ones. Our staff are always on hand to help residents set up their smartphones or tablets to use FaceTime, WhatsApp, or other video call apps to reach out to friends and family.
Meanwhile, our visiting times are very flexible. Unlike in a hospital, where there are ward visiting hours, and you can only stay for a set length of time, at Fulford, you can see your loved one for several hours, join in with our activities, and even sit down for a meal.
2. They’ll miss their independence
It’s only natural that as people age, they lose some of their independence. Physical and mental health can decline, making it harder for some people to handle certain tasks alone.
However, this doesn’t mean they need help with absolutely everything. Your loved one might be perfectly capable of getting dressed, bathing, gardening, cooking, etc. They might worry that they’ll lose the chance to do these things unassisted by moving into a nursing home or residential care community.
How do we solve this at Fulford? We never presume that all of our residents need the exact same level of care and attention. Everyone is assessed for their individual needs, and we always ask the resident what they’re comfortable doing for themselves.
Every measure is taken to help our residents maintain their independence. If they enjoyed gardening at home, for example, we could make sure they get plenty of time in ours (or we can bring that particular activity indoors with flower arranging). In short, our staff are here to support, not take over.
3. They’re worried about money
For some, moving into a nursing home is a cost-effective option compared to paying for care at home. However, for others, the financial implications of nursing home care can weigh heavy.
It’s important to understand how much living in a nursing home costs and comparing that figure to other care options, like assisted living communities and home care. If it doesn’t make sense financially, it may be a good idea to explore alternative options.
How do we solve this at Fulford? When it comes to fees, we’re proudly transparent (i.e., no hidden costs) and fully flexible.
Residents receive a full breakdown of prices before committing to a place at Fulford, and we also offer week-by-week or rolling contracts. In this case, the resident wouldn’t commit to a long-term stay, and we’d observe them for changes or improvements in their condition — for example, if they joined us for respite care after a stay in hospital.
Whatever your loved one’s situation or financial circumstances, we can provide a tailor-made package to suit.
Did you know you can actually have the best of both worlds?
No one should feel forced to live in a nursing home full-time, but the level and quality of care they’d receive in a dedicated care home often wins out over the above reasons not to move.
However, with the proper arrangements in place, it doesn’t have to be a straight choice between nursing home care or care at home. At Fulford, we have residents who do a bit of both. Our team of experienced staff handle the daily care needs, therefore relieving the pressure on their caregiver while allowing the resident the chance to return home and spend time with their family. In this scenario, residents can come and go as they please — all subject to COVID-safe measures and guidelines.
If you’d like to learn more about the type of care offered at Fulford Nursing Home or arrange a visit, please contact us on 01904 654 269. We’re ready to listen and happy to help.