Common Fears Of Moving Into a Care Home
The decision to move into a Care Home is a big life-changing event, especially with current events. As such, it comes accompanied by common and understandable fears. Below we have outlined some examples of common fears of moving into a care home that many residents suffer with and how we can help them overcome these issues.
When faced with helping a loved one make this decision, it is useful to be aware of what might cause them to feel fearful. It is also crucial that you know how best to explain that. Although their anxiety is understandable, moving into a care home can be a hugely positive step.
Loss of independence
The fear:
Many people worry that moving into a care home signals a loss of their independence. That as soon as they move in they will no longer be able to make their own decisions.
The reality:
Moving into a care home often improves an individual’s independence! By providing them with the help and tools they need, it enhances their day-to-day. The aim of a Care Home is not to hinder independence but to encourage and support the elderly in living as independent a life as possible. Our job is not to get in the way but enable.
Residents at Atkinsons Homes are encouraged to continue with their hobbies, such as arts and crafts, gardening and flower arranging. Additionally, residents are free to take part in the programme of activities on offer. This includes board games, walks, singing groups or visits. We proactively support the choice of activity.
Becoming a burden
The fear:
Elderly people often feel that, if their relatives are encouraging them to move to a care home, it is because they have become a burden to them. This could not be further from the truth!
The reality:
Families usually start to look at the option of a care home for their elderly relative because they care deeply about their quality of life. They view a care home to facilitate an improvement in their general day to day happiness and wellbeing.
Living in a care home means that loved ones can enjoy the company of their elderly relative free from the burdens of certain stresses that come from still living at home. This way time together is not spent catching up on necessary chores, but quality family time.
This should be viewed as a positive way of improving your relationship by giving both parties a break from things like repairs, cleaning, and cooking. You can eat together without having to worry about the washing up. Gardening can still be enjoyed without you both wondering who will do the sweeping up afterwards.
Being reliant on other people
The fear:
People are often reluctant to accept help because they do not want to admit to themselves, or anyone else, that they are struggling in their daily life.
The reality:
Accepting help should never be viewed as a weakness. By communicating to your loved one that this is simply an enhancement to their life rather than a NEED for help – the transition is often smoother. Allow them to understand that this will lead to a more comfortable life and, in turn, increase their quality of life.
At Atkinson’s Homes, help is on hand 24 hours a day. We offer a fresh and flexible catering service, such as fitness or arts and crafts. In addition, we have medical supplies readily available from experts who get to know all residents well. This close relationship allows them to fully understand and tailor care to their individual needs.
The unknown
The fear:
This is a fear that is widely felt by many people of all ages. In this instance though, it is most likely to manifest itself through fear of an unfamiliar environment.
If they have lived in their home for a very long time, or even only lived in their family home, it is bound to provide a feeling of safety and comfort. Moving out of this and into a care home can be scary.
The reality:
The best way of overcoming this fear is by seeing just how warm, friendly, and homely a care home can be. We have information available on our website about our excellent accommodation. But of course, if you would prefer, the best option may be to ask your relative if they would like to see a high-quality care home for themselves.
This way, they can ask questions and you can see what kind of environment might work best for them should they choose to take advantage of its benefits. This is a process that shouldn’t be rushed – always be empathetic to their feelings and if something doesn’t feel right for them don’t ignore it.
Being alone
The fear:
One of the most common fears of moving into a care home, that most of us fear at some stage in our lives; being alone. However, this fear can become more acute with age and is especially true if a person has suffered the loss of loved ones.
This also becomes one of the primary fears when it comes to moving home. Your relative may worry that a change in situation will come with a loss of companionship between those who they currently see regularly.
The reality:
You can reassure them that this is not the case. As pre-mentioned, a move into a care home will lead to more quality time together, as opposed to time spent performing chores. They will also have the chance to forge long-lasting friendships with their fellow residents, as well as with our friendly staff. This is likely the best way of explaining that these fears, although understandable, is unfounded.
And, more recently – COVID Security
The fear:
With everything going on, it can be even harder to think making this change is a good idea. Will they be safe? How and when can we actually move in?
The reality:
There is no denying that moving into a care home is a big step for anyone, and the way in which care homes have been affected by coronavirus is understandably making families nervous about accessing their services. Despite the many frightening stories, lots of people are still living positive and healthy lives in care homes
We are taking every possible precaution to ensure the safety of both existing and new residents:
- Regular Covid testing of both staff and residents
- Extensive PPE equipment for all staff
- Stopped visiting until advised by a government official. After that, we will assess the situation and make an informed decision.
- Virtual tours – We are offering virtual tours to help ease any ‘unknown’ in the process.
- Making sure the connection to families is the utmost priority. With zoom and phone calls, letter writing and reviewing visitation constantly for safety.
- Constantly reviewing our procedures as information presents.
Get in touch
We hope that you were able to take valuable insights away from this – helping you to understand the common fears of moving into a care home. Atkinsons Homes are here to support you and welcome any questions you may have:
Tel: 01276 31838
Email: opsmanageratkinsonnursing@gmail.com
