Many caregivers and families make sacrifices to keep their elderly loved one at home for as long as possible. But eventually, circumstances change and moving a family member into a nursing home in The Valley becomes the best choice. It’s a difficult decision to make and should only be done after careful consideration of all options.
Moving an elderly family member into a nursing home is also a very personal decision and 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 for nursing home care.
Health And Medical Issues
If the senior has late stage Alzheimer’s or dementia, daily activities like feeding, changing, bathing, and moving them may require the help of medically-trained staff.
If the senior has dementia and other serious health conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or heart and lung issues that require support devices, they may benefit from nursing home care. An Alzheimer’s diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean that a senior needs a nursing home immediately. Many people can live at home for years with good support from family, home health companions, and nurses. Consider the senior’s overall health condition before searching for a nursing home in The Valley.
Seniors diagnosed with a difficult to manage medical condition, such as late-stage dementia, may require 24/7 medical care.
If more and more accidents and injuries are occurring at home, this may indicate the senior is no longer safe in their current home. Increased accidents are not a sign of poor home caregiving; it may simply mean that it’s time for round-the-clock professional help.
Caregiver Challenges
If an older spouse is having difficulty with caregiving, it may be time for nursing home care. Caregivers experiencing the following challenges may need professional assistance:
- They’ve become very frail
- They’ve been diagnosed with a serious illness, such as difficult-to-control diabetes or a heart and lung disease
Even with support from family and friends, the health of an older spouse or partner can decline very quickly if they don’t receive professional medical assistance.
If the caregiver is an adult child, they may struggle to fulfill other responsibilities, such as caring for their own children, working a full-time job, or managing their own health issues.
If an elderly individual only has one caregiver, they’ll feel burned out much more quickly than if they had support from other family members. It usually takes at least two people to care for an individual at the end of life, especially if they have dementia. Older caregivers may suffer a serious toll on their health.
Caregivers who are afraid for the health and safety of their loved one or feel incapable of caring for them anymore may need to find a nursing home in The Valley. For example, if the caregiver can’t go to the bathroom without worrying about the senior’s safety, it may be time to consider alternative care options.
It’s important to talk through your fears and concerns with the elderly individual’s geriatrician or with a mental health expert.
