The first days in the unit: how to help our parent settle in

Moving to a care unit is a big change, both for the older person and for their family. In the first days it is natural to feel sadness, anger or anxiety. Children often feel guilty too. But a little preparation and a lot of patience make a big difference.

Before the move

• Talk openly. Explain why you are making this decision and listen to their fear, without rushing to correct it.
• Visit the unit together. A place they have already seen and faces they have already met are less frightening.
• Take favorite belongings with them. Family photos, a blanket, a book or an icon make the room feel more their own.
• Tell the staff about their habits. What time they wake up, what they like to eat, how they like to be addressed, what calms them.

In the first weeks

Your visits are of great value, but they need not be endless. A short, regular visit often gives more security than a long, infrequent one. Try not to promise something you cannot keep, such as a return home.

Encourage them to take part in the life of the unit: to eat in the dining room, to try an activity, to get to know the people around them. But do not push. Some adapt within a few weeks, others need more time.

If their health allows, a walk or a family meal outside the unit keeps alive the contact with the life they knew.

What to say and what to avoid

When they tell you they want to go home, do not brush it aside and do not argue. Acknowledge how they feel and talk about what happened during the day, about the people they met or something they enjoyed. Do not rush to end your visits. Tell them when you will come again and keep your word, because consistency builds trust.

When more help is needed

If the sadness persists, if they refuse food or withdraw into themselves, talk to the staff and the doctor. They may need specialist support.

Do not forget yourself either. Guilt is common, but the decision you made is an act of care.

At Enilion Nafpaktos

Visiting at our unit is unrestricted, any day and any time, and relatives can take their loved one out for a walk. The unit's psychologist stands by the residents through psychological support sessions, while anyone who wants a first introduction can begin with a short stay.

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