Making the decision to move an aging parent into a nursing home is never easy. But sometimes, it’s the best option for ensuring their safety and well-being. However, even with the best intentions, your parent may express a desire to go home. This can be a difficult situation for both the parent and their family members. If your aging parent wants to leave nursing homes in Boca Raton, FL, here’s what you can do to help them feel more comfortable and understand their needs.
Listen to Their Concerns
The first step in helping your aging parent feel more comfortable in their nursing home is to listen to their concerns. They may be feeling lonely, isolated, or bored. They may miss the comfort and familiarity of their own home. By listening to their concerns, you can better understand what’s causing them to feel unhappy in their current living situation.
Help Them Personalize Their Space
One way to help your parent feel more at home in their nursing home is to help them personalize their space. Bring in some family photos, their favorite blanket, or other items that remind them of home. By adding a personal touch to their living space, they may feel more comfortable and less homesick.
Encourage Them to Participate in Activities
Many nursing homes offer a variety of senior activities for their residents to participate in. Encourage your parent to get involved in these activities, whether it’s a game of bingo, a craft session, or a musical performance. Participating in these activities can help your parent feel more engaged and less isolated.
Explore the Community Together
If your parent is feeling cooped up in their nursing home, take them out to explore the surrounding community. Go for a walk in a nearby park, visit a local museum, or grab a meal at a favorite restaurant. By getting out and exploring, your parent may feel more connected to the community and less isolated.
Stay in Touch
Staying in touch with your aging parent is crucial, especially if they’re feeling lonely or isolated. Make sure to call them regularly, send them letters or cards, or set up video calls. Knowing that their family members care about them can make a big difference in their mood and overall well-being.
Consider a Change in Community
If your aging parent is still unhappy in their nursing home, it may be time to consider a change. Talk to the team at their current nursing home about their concerns and see if any changes can be made to improve their experience. If a change is necessary, research other nursing homes in Boca Raton, FL that may be a better fit for your parent’s needs.
When your aging parent wants to leave nursing homes in Boca Raton, FL, it can be a difficult and emotional situation. However, by listening to their concerns, helping them personalize their space, encouraging them to participate in activities, exploring the community together, staying in touch, and considering a change in nursing homes if necessary, you can help them feel more comfortable and happy in their living situation. Remember, it’s important to prioritize their well-being and happiness, even if that means making a change.
