Book: Communication in Care

If the person with dementia moves to a Nursing Home, it is important to build up a communication relationship with the Director and Staff.

The dynamics of care now has 3 dimensions, the person with dementia, the Carer (family and friends) and the Nursing Care staff. It may be that the person with dementia has stayed there for Respite and therefore the transition may be a little easier.

Settling in and feeling relaxed, transitioning, will take some time. Time invested in planning the transfer and talking with the staff will be time worth it. Before the move, staff should have a sense of the person coming. Most homes ask for / write down the person’s life history/ story. It is called This Is Me or Key to Me. Also, a detailed description of the person’s daily routine is helpful, so that it can be matched by the Nursing Home.  Familiar photos (that have the people’s names/ places written underneath) can prompt staff to talk with the new resident. A CD with familiar music can help ease stress.  

A book titled Contented Dementia, advocates for a gentle approach to the transition (James, 2008). The author suggests that for 3 consecutive days, the person with dementia goes to the nursing home with his carer. There he meets a friend or family member who is already there having tea. This family member invites them to join him for a cuppa. They stay an hour or so. During this time, the Carer and the friend are watchful for what the person with dementia is feeling/ wondering and communicating, even in a non-verbal way. The Carer and person with dementia goes home leaving the friend there. The idea is that potential problems may be identified and addressed e.g. people walking around, bells sounding etc. It also promotes feelings of warmth, relaxation and friendliness.

Regular visits will help you become comfortable with the transition. Acknowledging ones feelings, including any feeling of loss may help. Talking with the staff, about things that are really working out, as well as discussing problem issues with help build up relations. Open communication can reassure you that your loved one is being well looked after.