Real Experiences from Nursing Homes: Valuable Insights from Families and Residents

Real Experiences from Nursing Homes: Valuable Insights from Families and Residents

When facing the decision to move a loved one to a nursing home, there is nothing like learning from the personal experiences of people who have gone through a similar process. Stories from the field can provide valuable insights, illuminate angles we hadn't considered, and help in making more informed decisions. In this article, we will present a variety of testimonies and experiences from families and residents from nursing homes around the country, identify common motifs, and draw practical conclusions that everyone considering this choice should take into account.

Stories about the transition process and adaptation

1. "We moved my dad to 'House in the Village' about a year ago. At first, he was very resistant to the idea, but after we visited several times and the staff was so warm and caring, it gave him confidence. On the day of the move, the manager and the social worker waited for us at the entrance with a sign that said 'Welcome Home.' It was touching and helped him feel wanted and included from the very first moment." (Tali, 56)
2. "My mom moved to 'Until 120' after a lengthy hospitalization. The transition was difficult, but the staff did everything to ease it. They asked beforehand about her habits and hobbies and tailored a personal plan for her with activities and companionship that suited her personality. They requested that we bring familiar items from home and helped set up her room to be as similar as possible to the environment she was used to. Within a month, she had already made a few new friends and felt at home." (Yossi, 62)

Lessons for Implementation:

• Legitimize the fears and objections of the elderly person.
• Involve the staff in the preparation process and leverage their knowledge and experience.
• Create a welcoming and warm atmosphere from day one.
• Allow for continuity and personalization of the environment and routine.

Stories about the quality of care and staff relations

1. "My dad has been living at 'Neighborhoods in the Village' for 4 years and he is simply thriving there. He has Parkinson's and sometimes has difficulty communicating. But the staff knows him deeply and always finds a way to understand him and calm him down. They treat him with respect and endless patience, and even when I visit, I always find him well-groomed and calm. I am sure they care for him like I would care for him myself, and perhaps even better." (Dani, 58)
2. "My mom lived at 'Seaside View' in the last two years of her life. I always felt that she received personalized and loving treatment, just like a family member. When her condition declined, they always made sure to update me and share in every decision. Even late at night, if something urgent came up, the nurse would call and reassure me. Because of that, I could relax knowing she was in good hands, and both of us felt surrounded by warmth and love until the very end." (Rina, 71)

Lessons for Implementation:

• Evaluate the level of care and dedication of the staff towards residents.
• Pay attention to how well the staff knows each resident, their needs, and uniqueness.
• Ensure ongoing communication and involvement of the family in all matters.
• Gauge the overall atmosphere and the staff's attitude towards families.

Stories about opportunities for growth and empowerment

1. "When Grandma moved to 'Gardens of Jerusalem' at age 82, no one expected the transformation she would undergo. At first, she was withdrawn and depressed, but within a few months, thanks to a diverse enrichment program and close guidance from the social worker, she simply blossomed. She started attending yoga and art classes, participated in trips and events, found new friends, and even volunteered to help at the synagogue. It was amazing to see her discovering new strengths and talents that had been hidden all those years at this age." (Hannah, 65)
2. "My grandfather always loved to write but was shy and kept it to himself. When he moved to 'House in the Village' at age 90, he finally found the courage to reveal his talent. The staff encouraged him to join a writing group and share his stories. Before long, he became 'the house writer'; everyone called him to come read to them, which gave him a lot of confidence and joy. He even published a booklet with his stories, and the staff organized an exciting launch for him. We saw him thrive and rediscover himself right at the end of his life." (Doron, 52)

Lessons for Implementation:

• Explore what opportunities for growth and empowerment exist in the nursing home.
• Pay attention to how much the staff encourages and supports the development of personal abilities.
• Look for testimonials from residents who discovered hidden talents and realized their dreams.
• Assess the impact of enrichment activities on quality of life and satisfaction.

Stories about coping with challenges and crises

1. "When Dad passed away, we thought it was the end of the world for my mom. They had been married for 60 years and she had never been without him. But the staff at 'Until 120' took care of her with endless devotion, wrapping her in warmth and understanding. They let her grieve but also encouraged her not to withdraw. Thanks to their support and the activities they offered, within a few months we saw her returning to herself and finding renewed meaning. She began volunteering, went on trips, and even signed up for an art class. We realized she had a real community there that supports and cares for her like family, which gave us the confidence to know she wasn't alone." (Sharit, 68)
2. "My grandmother suffered a severe stroke while she was at 'House in the Village.' There was fear that she wouldn't survive or would be completely paralyzed. But the staff never gave up. They fought for her along with the whole family, doing everything to provide her with the best medical care. We received constant updates from them, and we felt we had true partners in the battle. The amazing thing is that the staff didn't just settle for physical treatment. Once she stabilized, they committed to her rehabilitation, doing everything to help her regain independence. Thanks to their dedicated work, she managed to regain almost complete independence within six months and enjoyed three more quality years, with dignity and joy." (Yaron, 55)

Lessons for Implementation:

• Inquire about how the institution deals with crises and loss of residents.
• Check the level of professionalism and dedication of the staff in palliative care.
• Assess how the institution addresses the psychological and emotional needs of the residents.
• Notice how involved and committed the staff is to rehabilitation processes for residents after crises.

Summary: Insights and Tips for Implementation

1. Focus on nursing homes that provide a sense of home, warmth, and family from day one.
2. Look for institutions with a caring, patient, and skilled staff who knows each resident well.
3. Ensure that the staff has experience in palliative care and dealing with loss and crises.
4. Prefer places with a variety of enrichment activities tailored to the needs and capabilities of each resident.
5. Pay attention to the institution's approach regarding sharing, updating, and ongoing communication with families.

Remember, behind every personal story are people, emotions, and unique needs. There is no one-size-fits-all magic formula. But ultimately, a good nursing home is one that sees every resident as a whole world, cares for their physical and mental wellbeing, and provides them and their family with a sense of security, caring, and belonging.

We believe that every family facing this decision deserves personal support and guidance along the way. Our experts at 'Hand to Parents' deeply understand the field, the stories, and the challenges. We are here for you, to listen, share our experiences, and help you find the nursing home that will truly become a real home for your beloved parent or grandparent.