There are multiple reasons why moving your loved one into a nursing home is the right choice. However, it is natural for you to have concerns if your loved one says that he or she is unhappy..
However, even if the nursing home is top quality, there is often a period of adjustment that your loved one must go through in order to settle. One of the best things you can do to ensure that the complaints relate to adjustment rather than abuse and neglect is to establish a positive working relationship with the nursing home aides.
How can the aides help?
A common complaint that many nursing home residents have is theft. The reality is that, often, there is no theft. Many smaller items like hearing aids often get swept up with sheets when the nursing home aides change the bedding. If you can ensure that the nursing home aides are aware to look for smaller items like hearing aids, they may not go missing as often.
Nursing home aides are often underpaid and overworked. Showing respect for the job that they do and offering help can go a long way. Particularly if your loved one has certain personality quirks (or a thick accent), your help can ensure that your loved one is better heard and more comfortable.
What else can I do?
Getting involved in the nursing home yourself is often a big help. If you can help provide classes in music or art or anything you have a talent for, you will have a first-hand look at the nursing home. This can help ease your concerns about the quality of the environment.