When discussing mental health and nursing homes, it is quite often that the subject is discussed within the parameters of behavior inside the walls of the nursing home. But what about mental health issues in relation to prospective residents who are not sure if they are interested in the nursing home community? What about residents who are essentially being forced to enter into a nursing facility because their family can no longer take care of them at home? The mental health of these individuals both before and during the move in period should be analyzed, studied, and hopefully understood. The mental well being of the child or family member that is forced to make the "nursing home decision" should also be taken into account. It is an extremely difficult thing to send away someone you love because you know their health is ailing and that you can no longer afford to take care of them personally. Stella Henry, author of The Eldercare Handbook, suggests opening the lines of communication with a family member far before making the final decision. Henry warns that a quick and hasty decision to move a family member into a nursing homes is often especially difficult for the new resident. The trick is to warm the water slowly. It seems that a careless and unplanned decision to put an elder into a nursing home can result in family chaos and the chance of high levels of anxiety or even depression for both the new resident and other members of the family. Barry Jacobs, a psychologist who specializes in nursing home mental health, suggests confining a parent or family member to simply visit a facility prior to actually attempting to convince them to live in one. Jacobs argues that there are no "shortcuts" or "tricks" to convincing a family member to live in a nursing home, in fact heading down that route only yields problems. It is best to be sincere, honest, and as non-pushy as possible.
A Place for Mom, 25 Apr. 2014. Web. 28 Apr. 2014. <http://www.aplaceformom.com/senior-care- resources/articles/moving-elderly-parents>
Attached is a YouTube video in regards to moving in a parent/family member that has Dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
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