If you are caring for an elderly parent, you may have already made some difficult decisions. Unexpected circumstances can arise, leading you to rearrange your schedule and finances quickly. You also might feel like as you do everything you can to help someone else, you are not getting the help you need.
For the sake of your loved one and yourself, you should know when it is time to look into nursing homes. There are many places that provide quality service to the elderly. To make the best choices, there are some signs you should look out for.
Your parent’s condition
If your parent’s condition becomes too much for you to handle on your own, an assisted living facility might be necessary. Cognitive issues such as dementia or late-stage Alzheimer’s may require you to bathe and feed your parent, which can involve maneuvering that a trained professional should be doing. Constant accidents, such as falls, are another sign that someone should be watching your parent at all times.
Your condition
You may think that you can handle your loved one’s care on your own, but you should pay attention to your own needs. Other responsibilities can stack up, and some of them might be very important. The National Center for Biotechnology Information reported that a care recipient’s condition can often predict the caregiver’s anxiety. If you are constantly fatigued or stressed, you should look for a team that can take the burden off your shoulders.
Putting your parent in an unfamiliar place may feel uncomfortable at first, but you should think about the long term. The right nursing home can provide mutual benefit for you and your loved one.