If you have a loved one that has begun to show signs that they may need more care than what you can provide, you may be thinking about a nursing home. This can be a very traumatic experience for both the person being admitted to the facility, as well as those that have to make this decision.
It is not easy to come to the decision to put a parent in a nursing home, and often people just don’t know how to recognize when it is truly time to do this. Some of the signs to look for to determine if your parent or loved one requires more care than they can get from family members include:
- Inability to live independently
- The need for 24-hour supervision
- They need help with everyday personal care, such as bathing, eating, walking, etc.
- There are excessive demands on your time and finances, which is causing a major strain on your family.
If the above describes your parent or loved one, it is probably a good idea to understand that they are ready to live in a different type of environment, but keep in mind that this doesn’t necessarily have to be a nursing home. A lot depends on the extent and type of care that your loved one needs.
- Home Health Care – This is one alternative to a nursing home. Home health care will keep your loved one at home where they will be happiest, but they will get visits from nursing assistants, nurses, doctors, and even therapists. This will help ease the burden on you, the family.
- Adult Day Care – This is an option that more and more people are choosing; the loved one goes into the facility during the day so that their family can work, and during the evening they return home. This alternative also works well when combined with home health care.
- Retirement Community – There are many assisted living retirement communities that will provide a number of services to their residents; these services include housekeeping, meals, social events, and even personal care. Although these services are available, your loved one will still have their own apartment and the ability to prepare their own meals and care for their own needs, if they are capable.
No one wants to put their loved ones in a nursing facility, especially considering the risk of abuse, but there may come a time when you are no longer able to care for them. Before choosing a facility, consider the alternatives to find the best possible choice for you and your loved one.
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