Transitions Mental Health & Safety Program

Nightingale Homecare understands that transitions faced by senior citizens can be very stressful. Failing health and a growing inability to function without help, coupled with personal losses and perhaps even the need to surrender the family home in favor of an assisted living home can all lead to sadness and anxiety. When a new living situation is involved, it can also mean an increased risk of falling and even faster decline if the new home is not modified to encourage as much safety and independence as possible.

Nightingale’s Transitions program is designed to address these concerns. Our team of experts evaluates the situation and works together to create a plan of action that addresses both emotional concerns and safety concerns.

• Our nurses evaluate for depression, anxiety, coping skills and other emotional concerns and arrange for follow-up with a doctor as necessary. They also evaluate the impact of any medications that are currently being taken, including those that are prescribed for emotional issues.

• Our social workers evaluate what kind of emotional support might be available from professionals, fellow residents, friends and family and mobilize these resources as appropriate. They also teach stress management and explore coping strategies. To address safety issues they help identify resources that are available to help with home modifications if any are needed.

• Our physical therapists evaluate the new home environment for safety issues and recommend modifications. They also evaluate movement, strength and balance to identify any safety concerns and prescribe the exercises that will result in safer movement, greater strength and better balance.

• Our occupational therapists evaluate how the home is set up to see if activities of daily living, such as bathing and preparing meals have become easier or more difficult in the new home. They also evaluate vision, sensation and decision making to see if there are any problems in these areas. Then they recommend changes to the set up of the home and/or activities to make up for any deficits. The goal is to make activities of daily living simpler, less taxing and safer. They also recommend helpful devices and home modifications.