Some people decline when they move into a nursing home because of the change in their routine and feelings of isolation. Seniors who were once active and healthy may become unwell and show signs of cognitive decline if they become bedbound and experience less social stimulation as a result. Many seniors who move into nursing homes do so because they have multiple health issues, meaning they require a higher level of care and are at greater risk of experiencing complications.

Some seniors prefer to remain in their own homes or to try to stay more active and live in an assisted living facility instead of a nursing home. This can be an option for seniors who require some skilled nursing care but don’t need to be looked after 24 hours a day. For those who require round-the-clock nursing care, placement in a nursing facility makes sense.

Isolation Can Be a Serious Issue

Isolation and loneliness are some of the biggest issues for seniors who have to leave their local communities and move into a nursing facility. Formerly active seniors who become less mobile due to illness may start to show signs of cognitive decline due to isolation. Nursing facilities attempt to combat this by running socials and activities for residents to participate in, tailored to the mobility and abilities of the residents.

Falls and Loss of Mobility Must Be Taken Seriously

Another thing that can cause issues for some residents is loss of mobility. Seniors who suffer a fall or who become less mobile after surgery are at increased risk of further injury as their loss of mobility makes them more likely to fall again in the future. Nursing homes use physical therapy and gentle exercise programs, such as chair yoga, to help seniors stay as mobile and active as their health permits.

Not all seniors who move into a nursing home stay there for a long time. Some spend a short period in a nursing home to recuperate following a stay in a hospital and then return to their homes once their strength and mobility are restored.