Living Well in a Nursing Home: Everything You and Your Folks Need to Know

Thousands of people are admitted to nursing homes in the UK each year and this number is rising as the population ages. For most families, the decision to put a loved one in a home is incredibly difficult. Most of us have been barraged with negative information about long-term care facilities. However, while life in a nursing home is rarely considered a first choice, at times, it is the best choice. Until now it has been difficult, if not impossible, to read about the caring, support, hope and companionship available to residents in good long-term care situations. This book concentrates on the positive aspects of nursing homes, providing tips, support and reassurance. Contents include: the signs that a loved one needs extra care and how to determine whether home-care is a viable option; an introduction to the types of long-term care available; guidelines for how to choose the right home; how to deal with the conflicting emotions of all family members involved (with exercises); how to get the best out of the nursing home experience; tips for communicating and working with the staff; and, how to prepare for the end of life. Carefully chosen stories of real people illustrate the concepts in the book, which is filled with practical and positive advice. The book, also, discusses strategies for identifying and selecting the best facilities.