You and your family may feel a wide range of emotions when making this difficult decision. Some experience guilt. Some feel angry that there are no other options. The family may experience grief over the physical or mental deterioration of their loved one. Spouses may feel a sense of loss and depression about being separated from their partner. At the time of placement, the family or carer is also constantly being asked to make unfamiliar and complicated decisions. Transitioning to a nursing home can be an exhausting, emotionally challenging process.
Allow yourself some bad days. You both will need time to adjust. The process of adapting to the new environment can take several months, with the first 4-6 weeks being the most intense time. Understand and be prepared for the anxiety, and confusion and other feelings that will arise, both on the part of the carer and the person entering care when the time of the actual move has arrived. Accept the fact that sometimes people just need a nursing home. They need the care that can no longer be provided at home. Life will become easier, after a few weeks after admission. The nursing home can be a good experience for both. You may experience some relief and your loved one may become stronger, healthier and happier with good nutrition, medical attention, exercise, and more social opportunities.
