The transition to aged care can be a slow planned process or happen in a sudden rush. Either way, it is a stressful time for all involved and can present a plethora of emotional and logistical challenges.
Often forgotten until the last minute is the humble name label, an item that can do a lot to help reduce the stress of moving into aged care.
The practical need for names on clothing and other personal belongings
Aged or residential care facilities require all clothing to be named, much like when we used name labels for school. Life is indeed a merry-go-round! Name labels assist laundry staff to work out which clothing belongs to which resident. Some facilities have their own commercial laundries and others outsource their laundry to an external provider.
Regardless, once laundry is washed, the only way to get the right clothing back to its owner is if it is named.
Without a name label clothing is easily lost or given to the wrong resident. This is frustrating for both residents and their families. For the elderly person, having your own clothing is a simple but very personal thing that helps to maintain your sense of dignity.
When this is thrown off balance your sense of self worth and value can quickly be eroded.
For the family, having to constantly replace clothing becomes an expensive exercise.
These days, there is no need to spend hours sewing name labels onto clothing. Iron-on labels which use high quality, heat activated adhesive, are durable through commercial laundries if they are applied correctly. They come in a range of sizes for different types of items and can simply have a name printed on them or you can include other information such as a room number, wing or name of the aged care residence. Some people even add a cute icon!
In addition to clothing there are labels that are designed for other items such as shoes and slippers, glasses, books, walking sticks, walking frames, CD’s or anything that might be mistaken for someone else’s.
The emotional benefit of name labels in preparing for aged care
Seniors and their families often face a complex array of issues during the transition to aged care.
One of the primary challenges that seniors encounter is the loss of control over their environment.
Suddenly, they find themselves in an unfamiliar space, surrounded by new faces and routines, which can be disorienting and distressing, intensifying feelings of disconnection and powerlessness.
The emotional toll this can take cannot be underestimated. The elderly person will no doubt be trying to cope with:
- a new, unfamiliar environment
- a new people and the need to make new friendships
- a loss of independence and control
- a diminished sense of self – who am I and where do I fit in?
The simple act of labelling clothing and belongings can help alleviate stress and streamline the adaptation process, ensuring that you are not left feeling like you are just a number.
Labelling not only eases the burden on caregivers but also empowers seniors to maintain a sense of familiarity and autonomy, fostering a smoother transition into this new phase of life.
Seeing your name on your belongings provides reassurance, familiarity and your sense of identity. A label with your name on it says to the world that “I am here and I matter”. Name Labels help tounderpin your independence and provide control in an unfamiliar environment. They serve as a simple yet effective tool that help seniors retain a sense of ownership and identity within the new communal living environment.
Starting the process of naming belongings early enables seniors to participate actively in the preparation process, fostering a sense of control and involvement in the decision-making. By engaging seniors in labelling their belongings, families can promote a sense of independence and agency, thus boosting their confidence and reducing the apprehension often associated with the move to aged care.
By not leaving this process until the last minute you can significantly reduce the emotional strain and focus on providing emotional support and building a positive rapport with the aged care facility staff.
Empowerment provided by a humble name label
In conclusion, the challenges associated with transitioning to aged care are multifaceted and emotionally taxing for both seniors and their families. Using name labels for clothing and personal belongings can help to alleviating stress and assist in the transition process.
By facilitating a sense of ownership, independence, and familiarity, labels not only help seniors maintain their identity within the communal living space but also offer reassurance to caregivers and families. Labelling belongings early in the transition process can contribute to a more positive and empowering experience for all parties involved.
Never underestimate the value of a little name label – they are indeed one of life’s little helpers!
