Health Matters
Make Moving a Relative to Long-Term Care Less Painful Lisa M. Petsche
The time has come. You’ve had to do the up-until-now unthinkable: place a relative on the waiting list for a longterm care facility (commonly known as a nursing home). Many people don’t understand that this is a difficult decision. A damaging myth still prevails that families “dump” frail, older members in nursing homes to free themselves of the inconvenience of caregiving and get on with their lives. Quite the opposite is true. It’s typically a last resort, pursued after burnout or some other crisis has occurred. Painfully, your relative is likely to express anxiety and anger, accompanied by feelings of loss. She or he (the latter will be used from here on) will need time to grieve and adjust—as will you. Following are some ways to help with the transition. • Plan to spend admission day together. Tour the facility to 16
50plus LIVING 2013