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Assisted Living Advantages: 4 Tips to Keep Seniors Happy in Nursing Homes Jefferson City, MO

The 105-year-old resident of a nursing home in Jefferson City, MO, responded, "Having peace in your heart," when asked what her secret was to live a long and happy life. However, not every senior will find pleasure in residing in a nursing home. Living in a nursing home can be challenging to adjust to. Ensuring that your loved one's health needs are satisfied and that they maintain an active lifestyle can help keep them happy.

A nurse helping an elderly woman do exercises

Keeping Elderly People Happy & Excited in Nursing Homes


A secure home and 24-hour care are advantages that
nursing homes in Jefferson City, MO, can offer to their residents. Seniors can now obtain excellent medical care without putting a strain on their families thanks to this.


However, there are drawbacks to assisted living facilities. Approximately half of the senior citizens living in nursing homes had a diagnosis of depression, according to data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).


By making sure the nursing home staff is taking care of your loved one's medical needs, you can help keep them safe, healthy, and happy.

How to Make Elderly People Happy in Nursing Homes


The most crucial thing you can do to ensure your seniors feel happy while they reside in a
nursing home in Jefferson is to continue to be involved.


Helping your loved one move into a nursing home is a great way to get this process started. In this manner, they can report any issues to you right away, allowing you to keep an eye on them.


From there, you ought to inspire your loved ones to maintain an active lifestyle and form new friendships. These two items can aid in your senior's transition to their new residence.


Furthermore, if your loved one is now dependent on you for their medical needs, you should regularly check in on them to ensure they are receiving the best care possible.


The following four tips will help you keep your senior in a nursing home happy: 

Facilitating the Transition


Even moving into a nursing home can cause stress. Because of this, you can assist your senior by making sure the relocation goes without a hitch.


Some older adults might think they can still take care of themselves and might not want to move out of their houses. Moreover, people who have dementia or Alzheimer's disease might not completely comprehend their need to relocate.


The following strategies can help to ease the transition as much as possible:

  • Tell your loved one why it will be beneficial for them to go into a nursing home.
  • Bring furnishings, artwork, and other items to help their room feel like a home.
  • Check to see if the senior's spouse can relocate with them. A 79-year Harvard study found that seniors were protected from mental decline and mood swings by close spouse relationships.

Taking Care of Relationships


Seniors who live in
nursing homes in Jefferson have the chance to make new connections 

and strengthen existing ones, which can enhance both their well-being and general health.


In addition to preventing long-term mental and physical decline, strong relationships make people happier. Seniors who reside in nursing homes have the opportunity to form friendships with people of their age as well as with the staff who take care of them. 


The following advice can help residents of nursing homes maintain fulfilling relationships:

  • Motivate them to socialize with other residents.
  • Ensure that you visit frequently.
  • See if you can get some old friends or neighbors to stop by.
  • Ask the staff any questions or express any concerns.

Taking Part in Events


Engaging in activities is an excellent way for seniors to develop relationships with others. Seniors who engage in regular activities can maintain their physical and mental health.


The majority of
nursing homes in Jefferson have events all day long. There will typically be an activity that everyone can participate in, even though not everyone will want to. There are specific activities in which even elderly people with dementia or other disabilities can take part.


Among the notable things seniors can do are:

  • Crafts and the arts
  • Bingo variants
  • Playing musical instruments
  • stroking a cat or dog
  • Reading
  • Walking


Remember the things your loved one enjoys doing when they get used to living in a
nursing home in Jefferson. Researchers found that when residents of nursing homes could carry on with their hobbies even after entering the facility, they were happier.


Additionally, you can request that activities be customized to your loved one's needs by the nursing home staff. If your seniors wouldn't otherwise participate, this might inspire them.

Sustaining Medical Care


A senior living in a nursing home likely has a long-term care-requiring illness or disability. These healthcare needs must be satisfied by the nursing home staff and the seniors' loved ones to keep them as happy and healthy as possible.


Certain nursing homes might need more equipment to meet the needs of every resident. Out of rage or frustration, some may disregard their responsibilities or even mistreat the residents.


In these situations, you might need to intervene to make sure your loved one is safe.


Here's how to check if your senior is receiving care is up to level in
a nursing home in Jefferson: 

  • Visit your loved one frequently and keep an eye on their health. Please take note of any adjustments to their behavior or appearance. Do they appear frightened or confused? Do they have any fresh bruises, cuts, or scrapes? These might indicate maltreatment.
  • Inform staff members of your concerns.
  • Take action if things don't get better. Install a camera or contact a state or local investigator if you suspect abuse.

Happiness and Life Quality Move Together

The assistance of other residents, family members, and the staff of the nursing home in Jefferson can be very beneficial to seniors residing in assisted living. You can make sure your loved one stays safe and happy by helping them with their movements and checking in with them on a regular basis.


In order to ensure that everyone is happy, the most significant nursing homes will pay attention to the worries of both you and the residents.


Move your loved one if a nursing home isn't able to meet your needs. Even though it might be challenging, taking the time to keep your senior safe will be well worth it.


Act right away if you suspect abuse or severe neglect. Verify the safety of your loved one and report any suspicions of abuse or neglect by reaching out to
Heisinger Bluffs.

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