Psychotherapy in Nursing Homes
As COVID-19 has been resurging lately, it is expected that there may be feelings of discouragement and disappointment. People may be feeling more pessimistic than optimistic as it is uncertain when all of this will come to an end. There may be doubt about when it will all be over and despair, in which there seems to be no hope for the future.
While these feelings are valid, there are ways to cope with this discouragement. These ways can help bring positivity and faith that life is still good and will get better.
First, understand that it is normal to experience thoughts and feelings of discouragement especially when responding to changes like those that the pandemic has brought. Additionally, these feelings may come with the idea of missing out on possibilities and opportunities. As mentioned, these are all necessary, normal, and valid feelings to have.
When you find yourself feeling these ways, try these tips to help you:
- Accept that this is where you are in the moment — Understand why you are in this situation and what exactly you are feeling and experiencing.
- Find the silver lining — Determine the new opportunities that the situation presents. For example, this could be a chance to learn new skills, change your priorities, strengthen your relationships, and even grow as a person.
- Connect with others — Share your feelings and ask the people in your world if they ever feel discouraged and what they do to handle it.
- Solve a small, achievable problem — This can instill some confidence and show that matters can work out for you.
- Build a positive mindset — Focusing on the good things, even if they are small, can help you realize that the situation is not the end of the world.
In all, discouragement is a human feeling and you are bound to feel this way especially with the ups and downs that the pandemic brings. Take the feeling for what it is and use it to your advantage. Turn the discouragement into a drive to strengthen your self-awareness, confidence, connection with others and ultimately a drive to grow as a person.
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.