LTC Admission and Loss

Facing the Transition: Coping with Admission to Long-Term Care

Admission to a long-term care (LTC) facility is often a life-altering experience for individuals and their families. It may be prompted by a decline in health, loss of independence, or the inability to manage safely at home. In Kansas, as in other states, this transition can be accompanied by significant emotional stress, grief, and adjustment challenges.

Understanding the Emotional Impact

• Loss of Independence: Residents may feel as though they’ve lost control over their daily routines and personal decisions.
• Grief and Depression: Many experience feelings of grief, not only for the home they've left but also for declining health or changing identity.
• Fear and Uncertainty: Moving into an unfamiliar environment can create anxiety about relationships, routines, and the unknown.
• Family Separation: Residents may miss family, friends, pets, or the comfort of familiar surroundings.

The Role of Social Service Designees (SSD)

Social Service Designees in Kansas are trained to support residents’ emotional well-being during times of transition. They serve as advocates and liaisons between the resident, their family, and the facility. Their duties during the admission process may include:

• Conducting intake assessments to understand emotional, psychological, and social needs.
• Providing counseling and supportive listening during the adjustment period.
• Helping residents connect with community resources or peer support groups.
• Collaborating with nursing staff to tailor care plans that reflect resident values and preferences.
• Engaging family members to remain involved in the resident’s care journey.

The Role of Activities Directors

Activities Directors are essential in helping new residents find meaning and purpose in their daily lives. Through creative engagement, they help reduce feelings of loss and foster social bonds. Their contributions include:

• Offering orientation programs to help new residents learn the facility layout, routines, and available activities.
• Creating personalized activity plans that incorporate the resident’s hobbies, interests, and cultural background.
• Facilitating inclusive and adaptive programming for those with cognitive or physical impairments.
• Encouraging participation in social, spiritual, and recreational events to build a sense of community.
• Working collaboratively with the SSD to monitor emotional well-being and make referrals as needed.

Strategies for Supporting Residents Through Transition

Social Service Designees and Activities Directors can use the following approaches to ease the admission experience:

1. Empathy First: Always acknowledge the resident’s feelings and validate their experiences.
2. Promote Autonomy: Involve residents in decision-making about their care, daily schedules, and activity preferences.
3. Build Trust: Establish rapport through consistent, compassionate communication and follow-through.
4. Create Familiarity: Encourage residents to bring personal items, photos, or mementos from home to decorate their space.
5. Encourage Family Participation: Facilitate regular visits, calls, and engagement in care planning when possible.

Conclusion

The transition to long-term care in Kansas is filled with emotional challenges that can affect residents’ mental and physical well-being. Social Service Designees and Activities Directors are on the front lines of this adjustment period, offering essential guidance, comfort, and empowerment. With compassion, creativity, and dedication, these professionals can help turn a time of loss into an opportunity for renewal, connection, and dignity.

Source: Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), "Resident Rights and Social Services in LTC Facilities" (2024)