Feelings in the nursing home, when I first entered and saw the strange scenery and strange people, I felt abandoned. Every night lying in bed, I remembered the days at home, remembered my two sons who always surrounded me when I was young, and now I am a burden to them.
The article is a sharing of an old woman, posted on Toutiao (Chinese social network) and received a lot of sympathy.
Even with acceptance, the emotions of nursing homes can be difficult for many seniors to adjust to.
Feelings of worry for your children, or loneliness, are inevitable.
Being brought to a new land, a new house, new scenery. Living with other old friends, each with different circumstances and personalities.
Emotional needs of the elderly
After the golden years of life, seniors always want to rest, both emotionally and physically. When entering this stage, they often look for connection and meaning in their daily lives.
However Depression in the Elderly very diverse, and is on the rise. Not to mention, if the elderly are currently living in nursing homes, despite constant efforts to create conditions for them to interact socially and participate in activities to support their spirit. But, are those measures really enough to fill the feeling of loneliness and create a real caring community?
According to Dr. Do Thi Linh, Department of Psychiatry (Central Geriatric Hospital), the life expectancy of Vietnamese people is increasing, leading to a high rate of elderly people suffering from depression, often occurring in people aged 60 and over. Depression in our country today occupies about 10.7% total number of NCT.
2019 data source VNExpress.net
Express love clearly
Empathize and always follow up
Based on criteria for choosing a nursing home, if choosing a nursing home close to the current home, the frequency of visits can be daily or every other day. This should be extended for at least the first 1 to 2 months, to help the elderly adapt, so that they can gradually get used to the change of environment, more importantly, not feel abandoned.
The empathy and love that families provide to seniors not only has a positive impact on their mental health, but also directly affects their physical health. A warm hug, a heartfelt conversation, or even a simple listening ear, can be a balm for the soul, helping them feel like they are still an important part of society and the community.
“I kept thinking that my parents had taken care of me for so many years to build my career, but when I was old and weak, my children pushed me into a nursing home to ease my life,” Mai Thy, 51, from Tay Ho district, told the story of the first night in April. She said that the more she lay thinking that night, the more she feared what would happen to her mother without her by her side, and whether she would be sad because she was far away from her children and grandchildren. “At that time, I just wanted to run in and hug my mother and apologize,” she said.
Source - Psychological warfare puts parents in nursing homes – VNExpress
The impact of social interaction and activity
Encouraging seniors to participate in activities, available clubs, social activities and interactions plays an undeniable role in maintaining their mental and emotional health in their new environment.
Each activity provides seniors with the opportunity to express themselves, learn new things, and connect with others. These activities not only help prevent loneliness, but also encourage personal growth, creating a positive and exciting lifestyle for seniors.
Observe and monitor comments periodically
The variety of activities mentioned above is intended to meet the wide range of interests and abilities of each individual, but cannot always fully satisfy each person's deep emotional needs.
To help balance emotions and show love, the family needs to be a place where the elderly can confide, or if it is not possible or the services at the nursing home do not meet the needs.
Families should choose other approaches such as Find a companion Specializing in talking and taking care of mental health to prevent the elderly from gradually becoming depressed and affecting their overall health.
The difference in elderly care and confiding services lies in
- Personalized care: Personalized care plan, tailored to your preferences and lifestyle
- Special Companion: highly trained, trustworthy
- Total happiness: physical, emotional and mental health care for older adults
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