Psychotherapy in Nursing Homes
Do you feel like you are stuck in the same routine? It may be easy to go through the motions of life that are familiar to you. This is because people often choose patterns of behavior that feel self-protective and easy. While this might make a person feel more secure, it may also be blocking them from fully experiencing life. More specifically, it may be closing them off to certain feelings such as awe, curiosity, and excitement that make life more enjoyable.
In order to break this cycle of comfortability, the first step is to acknowledge that you are feeling stuck. Next, the key is to interrupt the cycle and this can be done in a number of ways.
One effective solution is to change your perspective. This can be done physically or mentally. For example, if you are able, you can travel to a new place to clear your mind and distance yourself from the current routine you are living in. Another way is to be open to new people, ideas, and experiences. This can slowly introduce newness which can aid you in gaining a new perspective on your life and what is to come.
Another solution is to make small changes within your life. Altering parts of your life can bring clarity to the mind, which allows it to be more open to new aspects of life. You can start small by changing your routine up by waking up five minutes earlier than you usually do or by incorporating self-care or even by limiting your time on technology. The accumulation of these small changes can overtime help you to feel less stuck and to feel more accomplished.
Finding your purpose can also help to switch up your routine by guiding you to what really matters in your life and what really makes you feel alive. Your purpose is not solely your job or responsibilities or goals, or role such as being a parent. It is much more than that and if your purpose no longer inspires you, you may need to change it to make life more exciting. Figure out what makes you happy, what you are good at, and what inspires you to help you find your life purpose.
Another helpful tip is to believe in yourself. Be confident that you can reach your goals and move away from your comfort zone. Challenge your self-doubt and push yourself to do activities and tasks that are unfamiliar and new.
As always, you can also talk to a professional for more help. Pacific Coast Psychology Group is here to help you understand why you may be feeling stuck and ways to break the cycle. We can help you change long-established patterns of behavior and experience new ways of life.
Combating Isolation & Loneliness
Psychotherapy in nursing homes often focuses on feelings of being disconnected from family or the world beyond the walls of a skilled nursing facility. Well-trained psychologists are adept at creating a safe space in which people can process these emotions and develop coping mechanisms to foster a sense of connection and belonging.
Adjusting to a New Environment
Moving to a nursing home is a significant life change. Mental and emotional muscles will likely be taxed in ways they haven’t been before. Psychotherapy can be a useful forum to take stock of one’s inner life. From there, therapists can help residents adapt to their new environment, explore new relationships, and work toward a positive understanding of their new life situation.
Maintaining Cognitive Function
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapy modality that often finds success. CBT is about examining thought patterns, identifying unhelpful ones, and working to re-route our responses to the world. CBT can stimulate mental engagement, potentially slowing cognitive decline and helping residents maintain a sense of autonomy.
Managing Stress Due to Illness
Many residents of SKF/nursing homes live with chronic illness of one kind or another. Such chronic conditions can leave people feeling overwhelmed by irritation and pain, uncertainty and dependency. Psychotherapy provides tools to re-frame one’s reaction to the realities of long-term illness, resulting in less stress and an overall improvement in quality of life.
Fostering Relationships & Communication
Family dynamics can shift dramatically when a loved one enters a nursing home. Psychotherapy can facilitate better communication, helping residents and their families navigate these changes with empathy and understanding.
Our psychologists aim to be neutral sounding boards for the concerns and feelings of both nursing home residents and family members. By encouraging everyone to share their perspective, psychologists make all parties feel heard and then begin the process of bringing challenges and opportunities to light to help foster more positive relationship and communication dynamics.
Pacific Coast Psychology Provides Psychotherapy in Nursing Homes
Psychotherapy can be a game-changer for residents in nursing homes. Life in a nursing home comes with a mix of adjustments—some welcome, others less so. Psychotherapy provides a space to navigate these changes with compassion and care.
At Pacific Coast Psychology, we have partnered with dozens of skilled nursing facilities across California, offering effective mental health solutions that address the complex needs of both residents and staff.
Interested in learning more? Reach out for a consultation today, and let us help your facility thrive.