by Lori Davis and Rachel Hartshorn
THE REASONS FOR ENTERING A NURSING HOME are unique from person to person but ultimately share a commonality: the care and monitoring that a person requires exceeds what can be provided at home.
This decision can lead to negative feelings in both the individual and the caregiver. Sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, guilt, and grief are a few.
It is important to recognize that a loss of health and a subsequent change in living environment can initiate a grief reaction. Grieving is a process by which mind and body integrate reality. Grief is not a linear process with steps to pass through but rather a messy process of mixed emotions. There is no timeframe established to begin and complete grieving, and it may never be complete.
It is critical to recognize the emotional and physical reactions to loss. Identification of these reactions is the first step in moving toward “feeling better.” Grief is not a flaw in a person’s ability to “deal with things.” Grief is common.
Long-term-Care Ombudsmen meet with residents living in long-term care that may be in varying stages of grief. Some are newly beginning to integrate the change in their health and move to the nursing home. They may feel sad or angry. Others are further into the grief process and have mostly “good days” in which they feel content. Ombudsmen are advocates for residents’ complete well-being and, if requested, will assist them in finding specialized grief treatment.
A person has the right to receive quality care and services. Long-Term-Care Ombudsmen make visits to residents in long-term care to help ensure this right. Questions Ombudsmen may ask include: “Does the staff treat you with dignity and respect?” “Is the environment pleasant and peaceful?” “Is the food appealing and tasty?” “Are you being provided with activities that match your interests?”
The care residents receive in a nursing home should meet their physical needs as well as support their emotional well-being. If a resident identifies a concern, Ombudsmen will provide the resident with information about his or her rights and educate regarding steps the person can take to resolve the concern. In some cases, a resident may seek the Ombudsman to help with resolving concerns.
The advocacy services Ombudsmen provide are sponsored by the Ohio Department of Aging and are provided at no direct cost to consumers. For more information about receiving Long-Term-Care-Ombudsman services or if you are interested in volunteer opportunities with our volunteer associate program, please call us at 419-259-2891.
Lori Davis and Rachel Hartshorn are Long-Term-Care-Ombudsman Specialists. ✲
