Helpful tips
You play a central role in the lives of our residents. You know their habits, what they like and dislike, and their past. We strive together towards dignified aging and dying in our nursing homes. Below are a few practical tips that help in our collaboration.
8 practical tips:
1. Contact person
Ensure that it is clear to you who your primary contact person is for your loved one on the ward. Find out who your substitute contact person is in the absence of your own contact person.
2. Be clear about your involvement
Clearly state what you can and want to contribute to your loved one's daily life. Participate in care plan discussions or progress meetings as much as possible.
3. You are indispensable to your loved one and the care system.
As an informal caregiver, you know better than anyone what is important to your loved one in daily life and care, and what their habits are. Also ask about the experiences of the care professionals. Ensure that you remain visible and that communication is open.
4. Ask and seek answers
When your loved one has just moved into a care organization, you undoubtedly have questions about daily matters within the organization or about your loved one's medical condition. Ask them and also actively seek answers yourself.
5. Accept
Sometimes it is difficult to accept that your loved one is now living in a care organization. Talk about it with people who are going through the same thing and with our staff who care for your loved one. Family meetings are often held within the organization as well. Ask about these or organize a support group yourself.
6. Important relationship
The relationship with your loved one remains important. Consider and discuss the possibilities of continuing to do things together. Ask for privacy when you feel the need for it.
7. Think about the direction
Is your loved one no longer fully capable of managing their own affairs? Then, as a caregiver, remain in control. For example, ensure that mail for your loved one is sent to their old address or yours. Apply for mentorship or administration in good time.
8. Share the care
See if there are people besides yourself who can visit your loved one or want to do something with him or her. This could also be a volunteer. Fresh faces are often pleasant and nice for your loved one as well.