Animal lovers should be able to interact with animals in some way. Those who like to go out to cultural events should have the chance to do so, with appropriate transportation and supervision. People with dementia can, before the end stage, take real pleasure in their favorite foods, music and physical activities. A good facility will find ways to ensure that every ambulatory resident has at least one pleasant experience every day. Finally, the psychiatrist should talk with the elder and the family about accountability.
Care is always better when specific people take personal responsibility.
In a good nursing home, the family will know the name of a specific nursing assistant who regularly cares for their relative. They will know the physician in charge, and the physician will know the elder's problems and current state of treatment. They will know when care planning meetings are held, and the facility will make efforts to include them at those meetings. By taking this approach to helping elders and families with the nursing home decision, the psychiatrist can mitigate some of the anxiety, guilt, grief and powerlessness felt at the time of placement. Psychiatrists have knowledge and skills that are especially helpful at this time.