Staying at the Nursing Home

Many people who visit my website ask me questions about life in a Social Welfare Home (DPS). I decided to share my experiences and provide a detailed description of what daily life in a DPS is like, what formalities need to be completed, and how the process of adapting to life in such a facility goes.

Why did I decide to move to a Nursing Home?

The decision to leave my family home gradually developed over time, mainly due to increasing difficulties in my daily life and my aging parents, who had growing challenges in taking care of me. I realized that I could no longer be a burden to them and that the only sensible solution would be to move into a Social Welfare Home. I knew that such an institution existed in my city, and a friend of mine, who was a social worker, helped me with all the necessary formalities.

First Impressions of the Nursing Home

Thanks to her, I managed to visit the center and see the conditions there. My impressions of spending an hour in such a unique place were, to say the least, not the best. I found it deeply depressing to see so many elderly people, among whom I would soon be living (I was 28 at the time), and the eerie silence that dominated the hallways. After leaving this care facility, I was no longer as certain about my decision to move into the DPS.

What is the process of admission to the Social Welfare Home?

The following weeks of living with my parents allowed me to calm down and realize that I had no choice but to apply for a place in this facility. For this purpose, a social worker came to my home for a social interview, during which we filled out all the necessary documents together. After submitting these documents to MOPS (Municipal Social Welfare Center), to which the Social Welfare Home in Legnica is subordinate, I waited a few weeks for a decision, which turned out to be favorable for me. The waiting period for a spot in the DPS that was assigned to me was two years. I was actually glad that it would take this long, as it allowed me to mentally prepare for such a big change in my life and further solidify my conviction that this decision was necessary.

Shortly after my 30th birthday, I received an official notification by mail about a free spot in the DPS. I was required to report there within a week. So, the time came for me to move out of my family home. On one hand, I felt sadness about leaving the place where I grew up, but on the other hand, I felt relieved that it was finally happening.

Cost of staying at the Nursing Home

A disabled person admitted to the Care Home pays no more than 70% of their income for their stay. It is rare that their income fully covers the cost of living. In such cases, the remaining balance is first paid by the family—spouse, descendants (children, grandchildren), and ascendants (parents)—unless there are circumstances justifying exemption from these fees. The amount of payments made by the family depends on their income and is updated periodically throughout the year. In cases of low family income or exemption from fees, the cost of the resident's stay is covered by the municipality from which the person was referred to the Social Welfare Home. The amount contributed by the municipality is the difference between the average cost of living in the DPS and the fees paid by the resident and their family members responsible for making payments.

Daily life in the Social Welfare Home

Upon arriving at the DPS, I was placed in a two-person room where an 80-year-old man, who was non-communicative, was already living. The first few days passed in uncertainty and isolation, but all the unknowns eventually cleared up in my favor. The staff was understanding and did not create any problems in adjusting the room to my needs. I was allowed to bring my desktop computer and orthopedic bed from home, and there was no issue with setting up a private phone line, which gave me Internet access. The nursing and rehabilitation care also met my expectations. After four years of living with my roommate, I was able to move into a single room, which significantly improved my privacy.

My typical day looks like this:
7:30 am - Morning hygiene
7:50 am - Passive exercises on the bed in my room
8:15 am - Turn on the computer and check emails, news, etc.
8:45 am - Breakfast
9:00 am - Use of the computer
10:00 am - Exercises in the rehabilitation room or a trip outside in my electric wheelchair
11:45 am - Return to my room
12:45 pm - Lunch
1:00 pm - 5:15 pm - Time usually spent on the computer, going on rides in the wheelchair around the area, with family, friends, etc.
5:15 pm - Dinner
5:30 pm - 10:30 pm - Watching TV or using the computer
10:30 pm - 7:15 am - Sleep time

The schedule I presented here is not strictly imposed but rather adjusted by me to my preferences and changed when needed. If I want to stay out longer, I just need to notify someone, and my meal will be kept for me.
Other residents also spend their time according to their preferences. Depending on their physical abilities, they can participate in rehabilitation and occupational therapy, which includes memory exercises, games, activities, etc. Several times a year, trips to local attractions, cinemas, and integration events with other DPSs are organized.

My impressions after years at the Nursing Home

After more than twenty years of living at the Social Welfare Home in Legnica, I can definitively say that the decision to leave the "family nest" was the right one. Life in the DPS allows me to be more socially and actively engaged. I have met some truly wonderful people among the staff, which makes it easier to deal with daily challenges and dilemmas. However, I do not want my positive description to be taken as encouragement to move into a DPS—there are also tough times, especially related to the work attitude of some staff members, which directly affects the quality of life for residents, as well as restrictions imposed during the pandemic.

Is it worth living in a Care Home?

A Social Welfare Home is not something to be feared. For many people, it may be a better solution than living at home, especially when home care becomes impossible. Despite various difficulties, life in a DPS can be fulfilling, and for some, even better than at home. I am one of those people and have never regretted my decision, but I understand that the level of care services may vary in other facilities. I would especially warn against private Care Homes, which often prioritize profit over the quality of life for their residents.

Below is a short video showing my living conditions.