Ep.2 - The Challenge of Moving Into to Aged Care with Grace and Sheridan. Zoe Falster, Dr. Richard Kane and Mark Aros on Emotions, Guilt and Communication in Early Aged Care
May 22, 2024
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Zoe Falster, an emotional support specialist, Dr. Richard Kane, a skilled geriatrician, and psychologist Mark Aros explore the emotional challenges of transitioning to aged care. They discuss guilt and grief experienced by families, emphasizing the need for effective communication and empathy. Grace shares her personal account as a resident, while Sheridan reflects on the family perspective, revealing how support networks and therapy can ease the emotional journey. Together, they offer valuable strategies for maintaining family dynamics and personal identities during this significant life change.
The emotional challenges of transitioning loved ones into aged care can be alleviated by relying on strong support networks and open communication.
Maintaining a loved one's identity through personal items and life stories is essential for their comfort and connection in aged care settings.
Deep dives
Emotional Challenges of Transitioning into Aged Care
Transitioning a loved one into aged care can be an emotionally taxing experience, impacting not only the individual entering care but their family as well. Individuals often grapple with feelings of grief, guilt, and fear, particularly when the situation is compounded by the loss of a close family member. For example, one participant shared that moving her mother into aged care occurred shortly after the death of her father, emphasizing that no one is adequately prepared for such a sudden change. Effective coping mechanisms mentioned include relying on a strong support network and recognizing that these feelings, though temporary, are part of an inevitable journey.
The Role of Support Networks
The significance of having a reliable support network during the transition process became evident in the discussions. One participant highlighted how integral her friends and family were in helping her manage the emotional burdens of this journey, encouraging open conversations about feelings and maintaining honesty within those relationships. This strong community not only provides emotional aid but also acts as a reminder that individuals aren't alone in navigating these complex emotions associated with moving a loved one. The insights shared underline that often, it is the presence of understanding and supportive individuals that can make the daunting transition more manageable.
Creating a Sense of Individuality in Aged Care
Ensuring that a loved one does not lose their identity during the transition into aged care is crucial, as many fear becoming 'just another resident.' Bringing personal items that tell their story can significantly mitigate this fear and foster a more comfortable environment. For instance, familiar photos and mementos can serve as conversation starters for staff and help establish connections within the new community. It's equally important for families to encourage their loved ones to share aspects of their life history, helping them to feel recognized and appreciated as individuals despite the changes in their living situation.
In this episode of St. Vincent's Care's Navigating Aged Care series, the hosts discuss the emotional challenges of transitioning a loved one into aged care.
They are joined by residents and their families, as well as aged care staff, a geriatrician, and a psychologist.
"It often can't be done with a single interaction. Sometimes as you said before, we're working through this professionally. We've got a certain outcome in mind, but we need to be prepared to give families and my patients people time to work through these really complex decisions."
- Dr. Richard Kane on families processing a potential move to aged care
The guests share their personal experiences and offer advice on coping with the emotional journey of moving a loved one into aged care. They discuss the importance of support networks, therapy, and maintaining healthy relationships during the transition. The experts also provide tips on navigating family dynamics, maintaining boundaries, and creating a comfortable and personalized environment in the aged care facility. Overall, the episode emphasizes the need for empathy, understanding, and self-care during this challenging time.