Looking after my grandma

For many elderly people with long-standing issues with mental health, such as schizophrenia, it can be challenging to find nursing home care due to their high care needs. Mental health issues can become more complex as people age and other age-related mental health issues can arise, such as dementia, which can complicate treatment. Here are some things to look for when you are reviewing nursing services for a loved one with mental illness.

Specialist nursing staff

In addition to having staff who are familiar with geriatric health issues, it can be very useful to have some nursing staff with specialist mental health training. These people can help to monitor the overall mental health condition of your relative and adjust medication as required. They can also help to advise on other ways to control mental health issues including counselling and behaviour therapy so that patients are not overly medicated and can maximise their enjoyment of life. 

A home-like atmosphere

In order to keep things as comfortable as possible for your relative, it's good to look for a nursing home that has a comfortable atmosphere. This can include residents having the flexibility to bring in familiar items from home so that they don't feel out of place in a sterile environment. 

Strong supervision protocols

While the mentally ill are more likely to be the victims of violence rather than the perpetrators, some mentally ill people can lash out when they are upset or stressed. It's important to have a high ratio of staff to patients so that if someone does become violent they will not end up hurting themselves or any other person in the facility.

Acute inpatient services

Mental health disorders can flare up at different times for a range of reasons, including new stresses such as friends or family dying. Acute inpatient services offer patients extra care and focus when they are in the middle of a flare-up with an aim of reintegrating them into the mainstream nursing home accommodation when their mental health is under better control. Having on-site acute mental health inpatient services allows your relative to get the help that they need as quickly as possible.  

If you are a looking to find a nursing home that is suitable for your elderly relative with a mental health issue, it can be a good idea to look for a facility with specialist mental health nursing staff and onsite acute inpatient services for flare-ups in mental health problems. The right facility can help your loved one to live a long and comfortable life.