Psychotherapy in Nursing Homes
Dementia can be incredibly discouraging for a patient suffering from its symptoms, and as risk factors increase with age it can be frightening to consider the implications of these diseases. But don’t panic! Here are some activities to incorporate into your daily routine to decrease your risk of developing dementia and reduce symptoms for patients experiencing this condition. You might even find that you enjoy some of these treatments too!
1. Thinking Caps
Staying mentally active is one of the most effective strategies in heading off the onset of dementia. This can include small activities such as working jigsaw puzzles, reading books, and playing board/video games as well as solitary challenges like word searches, crossword puzzles, and sudoku. Finally a guilt free opportunity to spend a whole morning working through that Wordle! More importantly, each of these activities is supported by modern research to slow and reduce instances of dementia making them great holistic approaches to maintain cognitive functioning.
2. Get Creative
Making art has become a very popular strategy for people experiencing dementia because it allows them to be self-expressive while they are verbally constrained. Creating pieces of art, playing an instrument, or writing in a journal are all opportunities for patients to convey and depict different aspects of their identities as other forms of communication become more difficult. Dancing to your favorite song, planting a vegetable garden, and cooking a delicious meal are also ways to create a sense of normalcy and stimulate cognitive functioning. If these are strategies that interest you, it could be beneficial to explore the growing field of Art Therapy in which a trained professional can facilitate these activities and encourage greater improvement!
3. Community
Dementia can be a very isolating condition; therefore, it’s essential that loved ones take the the opportunity to create a community of support for the person in need. Having insightful conversations and family meals alongside group activities such as bingo or exercise classes can reinforce a patient's positive mindset in acting against the degenerative symptoms of dementia. Having a supportive community can improve a patient's conditions by leaps and bounds for an individual and can greatly improve their quality of life despite their limiting condition.
At Pacific Coast Psychology Group we offer clinical treatment for individuals experiencing various kinds of dementia including psychotherapy and neuropsychological testing in which through weekly sessions a licensed clinician can provide personal professional treatment. These mentioned mental, artistic, and social activities can serve as excellent supplemental activities for staff to implement to aid in their residents' recovery process.
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.