Moving a loved one to a nursing home can be tough for everyone involved. Fortunately, according to Mount Washington Care Center, a family-owned and -operated nursing care facility in East Cincinnati, OH, there are a few ways you can help your beloved elder adjust to their new living situation.

Based on their 34 years of providing compassionate care to area residents, the staff offers some tips on how to make your loved one feel at ease in a nursing home:

• Don’t Let Your Emotions Get the Best of You: Moving to a nursing facility can stir up emotions for you and your loved one. Having an open line of communication between you, your elderly family member, and the facility’s staff members should help address fears and misgivings during the transition process.

• Let Them Bring a Piece of Home: Establishing familiarity in a foreign place can be difficult for just about anybody. Bringing along their favorite painting, armchair, or book collection will help your loved one feel more at ease despite being in an entirely different setting.

• Be Present & Play an Active Role: Take an active role during the move and be part of the community in whatever capacity you can. This way, they’ll feel like you never left their side. Being present means visiting them as often as you can and taking part in community events. Having a familiar face in a home full of strangers should give them the comforting feeling they need to smoothly transition into a nursing home fully.

Being as emotionally available as you can be during this new phase of your senior’s life is the best way to make the entire process less daunting for them. If you need further information on elderly care and assisted living, contact Mount Washington Care Center at (513) 231-4561. You can also learn more about their skilled nursing and rehabilitation services by visiting their website.