Looking after an elderly loved one at home takes considerable time and sacrifice. Family members do all they can to keep their loved one at home, but eventually, the senior’s health deteriorates and moving them into a nursing home in Simi Valley becomes the only option. It’s a difficult decision to make and family members should do their research before making the final decision.
Though there isn’t a single “right” time, transitioning into a nursing home should be done out of a desire to better meet the personal and medical needs of the senior.
Here are a few signs it may be time to consider nursing home care.
Health And Medical Issues
Late stage Alzheimer’s or dementia can make it difficult to get through daily activities like feeding, changing, and bathing. In addition, moving them may require the help of medically-trained staff.
Dementia and other serious health conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or heart and lung issues that require support devices may need professional medical help that can be obtained at a nursing home.
However, an Alzheimer’s diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time for nursing home care. Many elderly individuals can live at home for years with good support from family, home health companions, and nurses. Before searching for a nursing home in Simi Valley, consider the senior’s overall mental and physical condition.
Elderly individuals diagnosed with a difficult-to-manage medical condition, such as late-stage dementia, may need 24/7 medical care offered at nursing homes.
Seniors experiencing an increasing number of accidents and injuries at home are no longer safe in their living environment. Caregivers should understand that increased accidents are not a sign of poor home caregiving; it may simply mean the senior needs round-the-clock professional help.
Caregiver Challenges
If an older spouse is struggling to care for their loved one, it may be time to transition into nursing home care. Other signs that caregivers need professional assistance include:
- The caregiver has become very frail.
- The caregiver has been diagnosed with a serious illness, such as difficult-to-control diabetes or a heart and lung disease.
In these cases, the health of an older spouse or partner can decline very quickly if they don’t receive professional medical assistance. Nursing home care may be the best option.
If the caregiver is an adult child, they may struggle to fulfill other responsibilities, such as looking after their own children, working a full-time job, or managing personal health issues.
Sole caregivers are more likely to feel burned out, than if they had support from other family members. Individuals at the end of their life typically need at least two people to care for them, especially if they have dementia.
Caregivers who are worried about the health and safety of their loved one, or who feel incapable of caring for them anymore may need the help of a nursing home in Simi Valley. For example, if the caregiver can’t step away for a moment without worrying about their loved one’s safety, it may be time to consider alternative care options.
Before making a decision, talk through your fears and concerns with the senior’s doctor or with a mental health expert.
