As people age, the odds of declining physical and cognitive health that impact the ability to function independently increase bit by bit. They can no longer take care of themselves, so individuals may need assisted living. While a nursing home is a viable option, you shouldn’t rush to put your loved ones into these facilities.
Time and great consideration should be given to the decision. Even if a parent needs an intensive level of care and round-the-clock care, it’s a great decision. At-home care can provide your loved ones with a more comfortable and familiar environment to rest in.
Signs It’s The Right Time for A Loved One to Go into A Nursing Home
Moving a parent or a relative into a nursing home is one of the hardest decisions you’ll have to make in life. Even if it’s the best choice for their health, the guilt and sadness are still overwhelming. Whatever you choose to do, it should be based on logic. More exactly, look at the facts. Make a list of care needs for both now and in the immediate future. Determine how these needs can be met, practically. A nursing home may feel like the last resort, but it’s the smart choice.
Here are a few signs to take into account when deciding if it’s time to find a nursing home:
Recovery Takes Longer Than Expected
At an older age, it takes longer to recover from illness or injury. This is because some parts of the immune system deteriorate. If your loved one is going through a slow and frustrating recovery process, that’s a clear sign that their immune system is undergoing dramatic changes. Put simply, they need close attention from a caregiver such as a nurse. 24/7 care is enabled by telemedicine for patients who reside in skilled nursing facilities. It enables rapid specialist consultations. If you’re sending your parent or relative to a nursing home located in a smaller town or rural area, you don’t have to worry about trade-offs in quality of care.
Safety At Home Is a Concern
Injury is the leading cause of death and morbidity in older people. Considering the costs of hospitalization and the personal costs of loss of independence, quality of life, and lifestyle change, it’s better to prevent injury from happening. The home is supposed to be a place where you’re safe and protected. Nonetheless, it can rapidly transform into a dangerous place. Falls, poisoning, fire, and burns, drowning, choking, and suffocation are the leading causes of home injury. Living alone isn’t recommended for the elderly if there are safety concerns.
Handling Basic Day-To-Day Activities Is Difficult
Difficulty with day-to-day tasks means when a person struggles with normal activities of daily living. Is it harder for your loved one to perform basic tasks like cooking or doing the laundry? If the answer is yes, maybe it’s time to move them into a nursing home. Caregivers engage residents in daily activities to improve their quality of life. Plus, they create a sense of friendship and community. Help is provided in the following areas: personal hygiene, dressing, toileting, and eating. Needless to say, a variety of fun activities are provided for residents to take part in.
It’s Hard for Family Members to Share the Load
Illness or injury affects the entire family. The effects on emotional health are reported as psychological spillover. Caregiving responsibilities should be shared with the family. It requires teamwork. When deciding who should be responsible for what, it’s imperative to consider your strengths. At times, it can be hard for family members to share the load. It’s challenging because they don’t have expertise or professional training.
Can You Remove a Loved One from A Nursing Home?
It’s important to understand that the nursing home isn’t the end of the journey. It’s simply a place to recover following a medical issue. If the patient would benefit from staying longer, they can ask to continue their care. In spite of the fact that a nursing home has improved facilities, proximity to family helps heal. At present, a person can get extensive care at home. Your loved one can live safely and independently. Just think about it. Having a professional close by to provide assistance and support at any time of the day and night is a godsent gift. You and your family aren’t prepared to deal with the challenging aftermath. Psychiatric support is ensured through telemedicine. Telemedicine psychiatry is done through video conference or telephone.
If you or your parent or relative feel it’s time for a change, consider making the move. Under no circumstances should you force them to move out. If you’re experiencing tough financial times, don’t worry because there are payment solutions you can resort to. The current place of residence remains a viable option. It’s essential to discuss the pros and cons with your family and prepare the home ahead of departure. Equally important is to outline expenditures. Installing handrails, ramps, or smart home technology may be necessary.
Social support is key after leaving a nursing home. The association between social support and the quality of stay is undeniable. You should be helpful but not overbearing. Enable your loved ones to dictate when and how to help. If they convey anxieties or frustrations, pay close attention. Most importantly, be respectful. Your loved ones deserve dignity and respect. You should never be critical or demeaning. Demonstrate trust, be mindful about how you communicate, and avoid personal attacks. A higher level of care provides increased safety and comfort, but it’s up to you to lessen psychological pain.
Final Considerations
There comes a time when your loved one needs extra help. If you were proactive, you‘ve already discussed the choices for living arrangements. In a nursing home, your parent or relative receives top-notch medical care. Additionally, communal living helps alleviate chronic loneliness. Staying in a nursing home is extremely beneficial for seniors, but it’s not a permanent option. Making the decision to move a loved one out of a nursing home is difficult, to say the least. The good news is that, with the right preparations, you can make the transition smoother.
