One of the biggest concerns many people face when they enter a nursing home in Florida is losing the relationships and social interaction with those they care about. You can protect your loved one from this fate when you establish a consistent visitation routine and commit to being present even if it means a sacrifice of your time.
While you may have thoroughly researched your options for a nursing home facility, mistreatment can still happen to anyone. Prioritizing your loved one and providing companionship may help you to reduce the risks of mistreatment because you can watch for warning signs.
The danger of isolation
Studies show that isolation is dangerous for anyone, but especially for elderly people. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Aging, isolation can have detrimental effects on your loved one including the following:
- Depression
- Loss of mobility
- Reduced cognitive function
- Behavioral challenges
- Inflammation
- Death
Another danger of isolation is that you lack awareness of the experiences of your loved one. If your family member is a victim of abuse you may never know if you do not visit regularly and make it a point to remain an active part of his or her life.
The power of companionship
You can encourage companionship in a variety of ways. You can encourage your family member to participate in social events at the facility. You can encourage friendships and meeting new people. When your loved one stays social and continues to build and strengthen relationships, others can help to watch for signs of neglect or abuse.
Keeping a strong relationship with your family member may also encourage him or her to open up to you if something is not going well. At the earliest sign of maltreatment, you can step in and address your concerns to protect the well-being and longevity of the person you love.
