How Do I Know When My Parent Needs Long Term Care?

When you’ve been caring for a loved one with a serious health condition, it can be difficult to tell when it’s time for them to receive care at a long term nursing facility. But it’s important that you’re watching out for changes in your loved one’s physical abilities that may call for professional help.

Here are four things to be on the lookout for if you’re unsure whether your loved one needs long term care.

1. Your parent needs help with everyday tasks. Depending on your parent or loved one’s health condition, they may not be able to perform everyday tasks without assistance. This can be stressful for family members who don’t have the training to assist their loved ones and who may need to leave the house periodically.
2. Your parent needs routine medical care. It can be challenging to bring your parent or loved one to the hospital throughout the week or to call the home nurse when something goes wrong. At a long term care facility, medical professionals are immediately there to help when your loved one needs medical assistance.
3. Your parent has problems with mobility. As we get older, our mobility and sense of balance declines and slips and falls become more common. Unfortunately, these falls can be dangerous for seniors, especially those who have serious health conditions. If your parent or loved one has been experiencing issues with mobility or they’ve been falling more often than usual, it may be in their best interest to consider long term care.
4. Your parent isn’t getting the right nutrition. Because of mobility issues, it can be difficult for seniors to get the nutrition they need. They may stop going to the store, preparing food, or may choose foods that are easier to grab but aren’t very healthy. Seniors also struggle with dehydration for this same reason. If you’ve noticed your parent or loved one has been experiencing issues with their hygiene or nutrition, it may be time to consider long term care.

Looking for a long term care facility in Kirkwood?

If your loved one is in need of long term care, they’re not alone. Up to 52% of people turning 65 will need some type of long term care service in their lifetime.

Manor Grove offers long term care for people with serious health conditions and need to be monitored by compassionate and professional medical staff. To learn more about our long term care facilities or our rehab facility, contact Manor Grove today.