How to Involve Family in a Loved One’s Nursing Home Care
Transitioning a loved one into a residential or nursing setting marks a significant new chapter for the entire family. While it brings assurance of professional support, it is natural to wonder how your role will evolve. At Wentworth Grange, we believe that family involvement in a care home is essential to overall wellbeing. Maintaining these cherished connections is fundamental to a resident's happiness, well-being, and sense of self.
This guide offers practical ways to remain a central part of your loved one's life, fostering a collaborative partnership with their care team and ensuring they continue to feel your unwavering support.
The Importance of Family-Centred Care
Family-centred care in care homes is a philosophy that places the resident and their family at the heart of all decisions. It recognises that you are the experts on your loved one’s history, preferences, and personality. When families and care teams work together, the result is a more holistic, personalised, and compassionate environment. This approach enriches the resident’s daily life, improves health outcomes, and provides peace of mind for everyone.
Active family engagement in a nursing home helps to:
Boost emotional well-being: Regular contact reduces feelings of loneliness and provides a vital link to home.
Improve personalised care: Sharing insights into your loved one’s past routines and preferences helps us tailor our support.
Enhance communication: Open dialogue ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding care and progress.
Practical Ways to Stay Involved
Staying connected is about quality, not just quantity. Here are some effective strategies for remaining an active presence in your loved one’s life.
1. Master the Art of Communication with the Care Team
Effective care home communication with relatives is the cornerstone of a successful partnership. At Wentworth Grange, we see you as part of our extended family and encourage open, regular dialogue.
Establish a Primary Contact: Identify a key staff member, such as a named nurse or care manager, who can be your main point of contact. This streamlines communication and builds a consistent relationship.
Schedule Regular Updates: Arrange periodic calls or meetings to discuss your loved one’s well-being. These check-ins are perfect for sharing observations, asking questions, and receiving updates on their health and happiness.
Be Open and Honest: Share everything you feel is relevant, from a favourite bedtime story to a new food preference. Small details can make a big difference in personalising care, especially for residents with dementia.
2. Participate in Relatives Nursing Home Care Planning
Your involvement in care planning is invaluable. You hold a lifetime of knowledge about your loved one that can shape their care plan into a truly personal document.
Attend Care Plan Reviews: These meetings are a formal opportunity to discuss and contribute to the goals and strategies for your loved one’s care. Your input ensures the plan reflects their individual needs, wishes, and values.
Share Their Life Story: Help us get to know the person behind the resident. Talk about their career, hobbies, favourite holidays, and proudest moments. This context is incredibly powerful for our team, enabling them to connect on a deeper, more meaningful level.
Advocate for Their Preferences: Be the voice for your loved one. Whether it’s ensuring they have their preferred newspaper each morning or can listen to their favourite classical music, your advocacy helps preserve their identity and daily pleasures.
3. Make Visits Meaningful and Enjoyable
Supporting family visits in nursing homes is a priority for us. We strive to make Wentworth Grange feel like a true home, where families can continue to make memories together.
Create a Routine: Consistent visits, whether daily, weekly, or fortnightly, create something positive for your loved one to anticipate. Predictability can be very comforting, particularly for individuals living with dementia.
Focus on Connection, Not Just Conversation: Sometimes, simply being present is enough. Read a book together, listen to music, look through old photo albums, or enjoy a quiet stroll through our beautiful gardens. These shared activities foster closeness.
Utilise Our Facilities: Think of our country house as an extension of your own. You are always welcome to join your loved one for a meal in our dining room, enjoy a coffee in one of our elegant lounges, or participate in an activity together.
4. Embrace Technology to Bridge Distances
When physical visits aren't possible, technology offers wonderful ways to stay connected.
Video Calls: A video chat can brighten someone’s day. Seeing a friendly face can be just as comforting as a visit in person. We are always happy to facilitate video calls for our residents.
Digital Photo Frames: These are a fantastic way to share new family photos and moments. A revolving display of pictures provides a constant, gentle reminder of family connections.
Emails and Messages: A short email or text message can be a lovely surprise. Our team can help read messages to your loved one, ensuring they always feel in the loop.
5. Join in with Community Life
Participating in the home’s social life is a wonderful way to support your loved one and see them thrive in their new environment.
Attend Events: We host a variety of events, from seasonal parties to musical performances and themed dinners. Attending these with your loved one is a fantastic way to share enjoyable experiences and meet other residents and families.
Share a Skill or Hobby: Do you have a passion for gardening, baking, or painting? We welcome families who wish to share their talents with our community. Leading a small activity can be a rewarding experience for everyone.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Compassion
At Wentworth Grange, we understand that entrusting us with the care of your loved one is a significant decision. Our commitment to family involvement in the care home is central to our ethos. We are dedicated to building a strong, collaborative partnership with you to ensure your family member feels loved, valued, and completely at home.
By fostering open communication and embracing family-centred care, we can work together to create a nurturing and vibrant environment where your loved one can continue to flourish.