Psychotherapy in Nursing Homes
Resiliency is a quality that is needed now more than ever. This past year challenged us in ways we could have never imagined. Even though the pandemic is still prevalent, it can be helpful to look back and see just how resilient we were.
The pandemic was especially difficult for elderly residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, yet they too showed great resilience. Here are some ways to remind residents how resilient they were and what they overcame.
- Instill optimism — Ask your residents how the pandemic changed them for the better or how they grew through the hard times.
- Help make a list of things they can and cannot control — While they may not be able to control certain aspects of their life due to regulations and lockdowns, everyone can still control their mindset and choose how to respond in any situation.
- Explain to them that their struggles are part of the human condition, not an isolated experience — They are not alone.
- Encourage residents to accept events as they happen — Acceptance is key for resilience and embracing the changes with a good attitude better prepares them for what is to come.
- Give feedback — If they are struggling to be flexible, remind them that going through change promotes growth to be an even stronger person than before.
Some residents may take longer than others to bounce back from the pandemic, and that is okay. Resilience is a process that entails navigating and negotiating for the resources needed to cope in and after difficult situations. Even if residents do not feel they are resilient, remind them that they are for they could not have gotten through the last year without their strength. Additionally, use these tips to nurture their resilience and aid them to overcome and adjust as they continue to persevere through life and what it brings.
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.