Psychotherapy in Nursing Homes
Times of transition can be uncomfortable causing feelings of anxiety to become more frequent and intense.
With the vaccine becoming readily available to larger groups, more and more people are shifting their opinions about appropriate activities after receiving first and second doses of the vaccination. Setting boundaries with friends and family can ease this transition back to normalcy. This means creating guidelines for activities so the resident feels comfortable, which can help alleviate feelings of anxiety when spending time with loved one's. Here are some helpful tips to remember when setting boundaries with members of your community:
- Be Compassionate - When setting boundaries it’s very important to be respectful of everyone involved. Be sure to take an empathetic posture in communicating with your friends and family by using “I” statements and showing appreciation for other people’s perspectives.
- Be Genuine - Explain why you are choosing to create these boundaries and provide ways that your family and friends can support you throughout this transitional period. It's also helpful to do personal research to solidify these boundaries as your own.
- Be Bold - Setting boundaries can be an emotional activity requiring immense courage to be vulnerable. However, it’s important to stand firm in your decisions that you’ve made to protect your physical and mental health. Consider other people's opinions, but don't let someone close to you persuade you into participating in an activity you feel uncomfortable with.
- Be Detailed - The less confusion surrounding boundaries the more effective they will be. Provide specific details about which behavior is appropriate or inappropriate and why you’ve come to that conclusion. It can also be helpful to set a timeline for boundaries that may be altered in the future.
We hope you find these strategies helpful in navigating relationships during these uncertain times. Additionally, please consider referring residents to your faculty psychologist if this process becomes overwhelming.
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.