3 Tips for Preventing Isolation in Nursing Home Patients

There are plenty of instances of nursing home patients who never get visitors. Perhaps they are in a facility that is far away from any of their family members, or maybe they have no one left. Whatever the particular situation, it is important for the patient's health and well-being to avoid feelings of isolation. Fortunately, there are a number of things the staff and community members can do to alleviate this problem. Using the available resources as well as getting creative and coming up with additional ways to keep all residents as involved and engaged as possible can play a vital role in their overall wellbeing and sense of pride and happiness.

Encouraging patients to engage with other residents, both at meal times and during social activities, is an important way for them to maintain friendships and keep from isolating themselves. By gently encouraging patients who tend to want to be alone to leave their room, you can help them bring a sense of hope and enjoyment to their life. Whether it is a simple encouragement for them to share meal times with other residents, or enticing them to join in on a game or some entertainment, such as a television program or movie night, getting out amongst others can be extremely beneficial in eliminating feelings of isolation and loneliness.

There are often community groups, such as churches and day are centers that are willing to come in to a nursing home and provide some entertainment and social interaction for the residents. Young children can be a wonderful enjoyment for seniors and their innocence and exuberance are often a welcome addition to the daily routine of nursing home care. Inviting these groups in to share some music, cookies and an hour or two of visiting with the residents can be an excellent way to prevent isolation, especially for residents who normally do not receive visitors.

In addition to community groups that are willing to come in and provide entertainment for the nursing home residents, there are often individuals or families who would welcome a chance to come and visit with a particular resident. This one-on-one interaction allows the resident and visiting family or individual to forge an on-going relationship. In fact, families who are far from their own grandparents often enjoy adopting one of these seniors as a grandparent figure for their children. It can turn into a very mutually rewarding relationship that everyone can benefit from. This type of arrangement is particularly effective in preventing isolation in nursing home patients because it gives them meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging. This is an excellent way to help isolated seniors become more involved in the world around them.

Regardless of why a particular nursing home resident is becoming isolated, it is important for those people around them to do what they can to bring enriching and stimulating opportunities to help draw them out. Residents who become isolated are at a greater risk of depression and other health related issues.