No one wants to think about moving to a long term care facility. However, at least 52% of people who are about to turn 65 will need long term care services during the remainder of their lives. Your parents have always been there for you, and now you need to be there for them. It’s no easy decision, but there are three tell-tale signs that it’s time to consider long term care facilities and skilled nursing services.
Your Loved One Needs More Care
As your loved one gets older, they will need more assistance in handling everyday tasks. Your mom or dad may not want to admit they’re having trouble with something as simple as remembering to take medicine. But, tasks like these become more difficult with age. Over time, your elderly parent will need help with simple tasks like going to the grocery store or checking the mail. When your loved one is having trouble with the everyday routine, then it is time to consider a long term care facility.
Most adult children will try to take care of their loved ones at first. But, eventually, not having an older parent in a long term care facility can take a great toll on the caregiver’s health. Although many family members will help an elderly adult, the majority of the care often goes to one individual or primary caregiver. The day-to-day struggle of caring for an elderly parent on top of normal everyday life will get harder as the aging parent needs more care. The primary caregiver will begin to feel overwhelmed during this difficult time, and the stress can affect them. When you no longer feel you can take care of your loved one, it’s time to allow skilled professionals to assist you with your loved one’s everyday care.
Your Loved One Is Need Regular Medical Attention
Many elderly adults can live in their homes and lead a normal life. With some extra assistance, they can stay at home. However, some will need more skilled care. One sign that your loved one needs more care is that they are neglecting personal hygiene such as bathing and caring for their clothes. Forgetting to take medication, forgetting to eat regularly, or having trouble with house cleaning, are also signs that in-home care is no longer a good option for your loved one. If you notice these changes, you may think in-home care is an option, but it may not be right for your loved one.
Unlike in-home care, a long term care facility provides medical attention 24/7. Although in-home care can provide some of the additional medical services that a long term care facility can, it is often costly. Long term care facilities provide around-the-clock coverage and see to the overall health of their residents. The skilled staff keeps track of medicine, meals, and overall hygiene, and in this way keep your loved one in the best of health.
Your Loved One Is No Longer Safe at Home
When your loved one has problems with mobility, it is important to discuss a long term care facility option with them. When a person has trouble getting up or sitting down or has difficulty walking far, then he is a fall risk. Falling can cause bruising, sprains, and breaks that may be difficult to heal. Because the facility is designed to protect those who may fall regularly and the staff is skilled in handling this risk, a long term care facility is a better place to live than unattended at home.
If your loved one is displaying any of these three signs, then you and he should talk about your options for long term care. Although you may feel that you can handle taking care of your aging parent, often you will find that it is better for both of you in the long run. To keep your elderly parent safe and healthy consider a skilled nursing facility or long term care facility in St. Louis.
