If you’re a caregiver or someone with an older family member, you may face tough situations, including long-term care for them. You want what’s best for them, but you also don’t want to make the wrong decision.
How do you know when it’s time to move them to a facility? You can always work with a senior care consultant like Sandra‘s Huusengel to help you decide. This professional can work with you and your senior family member to determine the best course of action.
You can also pay attention to these signs:
1. Their Physical Health Is Deteriorating
If your senior family member is not able to take care of themselves and is starting to decline physically, it may be time for them to move to a long-term care facility. This could include issues such as mobility problems, difficulty with basic tasks like bathing or dressing, or an inability to eat without assistance.
If their health is rapidly deteriorating, they may need around-the-clock care that you cannot provide. A long-term care facility can provide the medical assistance and treatment your loved one needs if they are no longer physically well enough to take care of themselves.
2. Their Mental Health Isn’t Doing Well
Mental health concerns like dementia and Alzheimer’s can be challenging to deal with in the home. Your senior family member may need constant supervision, which you are not able to provide at all times of the day or night.
They also might wander away from your house without realizing it, putting them in harm’s way. A long-term care facility can help your loved one stay safe and ward off additional mental health declines as they age. It can provide around-the-clock monitoring and support for their needs.
If you notice that your senior loved one is displaying signs of memory loss or other cognitive issues, consider moving them into a long-term care facility before problems arise that could put their safety at risk when they are out of your care.
3. They’re Left Alone for Long Periods
If you cannot be with your senior family member all the time, they may need to move to a long-term care facility. This is especially true if they live alone and do not have any other close relatives that can check in on them regularly. The effects of loneliness and isolation can be significant among older people.
Many long-term care facilities offer activities and social events for their residents, keeping them company and engaged during the day. They will also have access to staff who can provide assistance and support when needed.
4. You Can No Longer Be a Caregiver
If you are the primary caregiver for your senior family member, it can be challenging to balance that responsibility with other parts of your life. It is okay to admit when you need help outside of yourself and move them into a long-term care facility to give them the best possible care.
You may not have the resources or expertise to provide quality in-home assistance for their needs. A long-term care facility can assess their health and determine the most suitable type of support and provide high-quality medical attention if things start going downhill rapidly.
Doing this can also help you take some time out for yourself now and then. You don’t feel like you must stay committed 24/7 because someone you love needs help.
5. Their Home or Neighborhood Is Already Unsafe
If your senior family member’s home or the surrounding neighborhood is unsafe, it might be time to move them into a long-term care facility. This could include problems with crime in the area, dangerous weather conditions, or health hazards like asbestos exposure.
A long-term care facility can provide your loved one with a safe and secure environment where they will not have to worry about their safety. They can also access assistance 24/12 if needed.
Long-term care facilities also offer various amenities. These include assistance with daily activities like bathing or dressing, meal preparation, medical attention if needed, social events for entertainment purposes only, and housekeeping support at all times during their stay there. It also provides companionship from someone else on staff.
6. The Senior Expresses That They’re Ready to Move
If your senior family member expresses themselves that they are ready to move into a long-term care facility, it is probably time for you to start seriously considering the idea. This could be a sign that they are starting to feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of taking care of themselves and might need some extra assistance.
A long-term care facility can provide them with the help they need while still allowing them to maintain some level of independence. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
When you’re faced with these signs, moving your loved one to a long-term care facility may be the best decision you ever make for their safety and well-being. Keep in mind, however, that you need to weigh all your options and find the best possible fit for your loved one’s needs. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer.
