An AARP report shows that the majority (76%) of Americans aged 50 and above prefer to age-in-place and live out the rest of their lives at the comfort of their home. However, this can prove to be too difficult for the family that the elderly loved one is living with.
This is especially true for those of advanced age or conditions that limit mobility, senses and even cognitive ability. For an elderly loved one to live healthily and comfortably at home, the family should be able to address the special needs of the aging loved one. Still, not everyone is equipped for such responsibility.
So, if you’re reading this article, it means that you’re having struggles in living with and caring for an elderly loved one (perhaps a parent or relative) at home. Some may feel guilty entertaining the thought of putting their elderly loved one in a nursing home.
This is especially so if they promised not to do so – but no one should ever feel guilty about making a decision that’s best for their elderly loved one’s health and safety. But the question still stands, when should you consider the nursing home option?
As such, we’ll be taking a look at different tell-tale signs telling you that it’s time to start looking for a trusted assisted living facility to take special care of your elderly loved one:
#1 Difficulty In Dealing With Health and Medical Issues
Older adults suffering from cognitive conditions such as dementia, or other serious physical medical conditions need to be supervised and cared for full-time, and by people who are trained and equipped to deal with their situation and handle any complications that may arise.
That said, if your family decides to continue taking care of an elderly loved with these medical issues, you’ll need to hire a professional to guarantee their elderly loved one’s health and safety. But you may also need to rent or purchase special medical equipment, and make significant modifications in your home.
So, in this scenario, it would be best to your loved one taken cared for in a better-equipped assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ, that has access to physicians and medical supplies.
#2 Everyone’s Health and Safety are Affected
Older people who age in place are often cared for either by an in-home caregiver, or by their family members, but it’s often the latter. However, those who take the responsibility of caregiver in the family are often not equipped or trained to do so. This can be detrimental to both the caregiver and the elderly loved one.
If you or your family member have gotten injured or sick from taking care of the elderly loved one, you may want to consider either hiring a professional or moving them to a nursing home. There’s also the issue of safety; homes that aren’t designed or lack the equipment for seniors can endanger them.
And lack of constant supervision may also result in your elderly loved one wandering off, or getting themselves hurt.
#3 When Your Elderly Loved One is Making it Difficult to Care of Them
Sometimes, either due to their temperament or medical condition, your elderly loved one will make it much more difficult for your family to take care of them. They may insist on not getting help (or insist on always getting help), lie about eating or taking their medication or even have temper fits.
At this point, you may want to get professional in-home care. But if your hired caregivers have quit due to the taxing demands or difficulties of your elderly loved one at home, a nursing home may be the best solution.
When a family is unable to meet the special needs of their elderly loved one at home, it takes a toll on everyone and can endanger the health and safety of both parties. And, as difficult as the decision may be, it’s best not to ignore the signs telling your family that it’s time for a nursing home.
