If you have a senior loved one, you may notice that they are falling more frequently, not eating correctly, or becoming disoriented and puzzled. This should make you concerned about your senior family members. Moving to a care home might just be the best possible decision in such a situation.
But the main issue arises in making the decision. For some, the choice can be quite straightforward. And for many, this decision can be overwhelming, challenging, and complex. We understand that transferring a loved one to care services can be emotionally and physically challenging.
We have a complete guideline to figure out the right time to move to a care home for you or your loved ones.
How to Know that It’s the Right Time to Move to Care Home?
A variety of factors might influence the decision to move into a care facility. Here are a few reasons why you or a loved one might think now is the ideal time to move into care homes:
Struggles with everyday activities
According to a 2017 report by the CDC, 9% seniors over the age of 75 to 84 require assistance with ADLs. If you’re having trouble managing ADLs like cleaning, cooking, dressing, shopping, and washing, it can be worth enlisting the help of a caregiver. But you will not always get assistance from your family members or friends. If you can’t get extra help on a regular basis, moving into senior living communities can provide you with the ongoing assistance with IADLs you require.
Physical and mental illness
Taking care of yourself when you’re sick, after slipping and falling, or when you have complex medical issues is difficult. You may need to take medication on a regular basis in addition to dealing with any pain, injuries, or limitations. Failure to do so can become a matter of life and death. But it is also quite common for seniors to forget to take daily medications.
This makes moving to a nursing care facility the best decision. You will get access to care outside the family caregivers. As a result, you will have better long-term care facilities for your physical and mental illness.
Better caregiver access than family and friends
Family members or friends may not always be able to assist or offer enough care. This could be due to their own work or the fact that they reside a long-distance away. Thus, it might be time to consider moving into a care facility if this is the case.
Better safety in care homes
Apart from the difficulty of carrying out everyday tasks, maintaining your home is also challenging. Certain activities around the house may jeopardize your safety. Walking up and down the stairs, bathing, getting into and out of bed, and cooking are all potential hazards. This could also signify that it’s time to transfer into a care facility to keep safe.
Move to a Care Home Together as a Couple
Caring for your loved one, as a senior yourself, can be extremely challenging. In addition, it can be a daunting task if you need care for activities of daily living as well.
Let’s face it, caring for your loved one can be a stressful job. We all want to be responsible people for our senior loved ones. But when you are 60 plus and need to take care of your senior partner, it is not easy at all.
So, the first thing you can consider is home care. But there are limitations to this as well. The caregiver at home care will probably be available during a particular time period. What happens when you want a professional hand, and there is no one in the house to take care of you or your loved one?
As you grow old, the needs will start becoming more complex. You will end up requiring more support from a third person. Our advice is to start looking for a care home right away. Care homes would be the best possible solution for you and your loved one. You can enjoy each other’s company without having to worry about taking care of each other.
Conclusion
Finding the right time to move to a care home can save you from a lot of trouble. This includes physical, mental, financial, and decision-making issues you may face at the later stages of life. By now, you know how to determine the right time for a care home and make a decision based on your situation.
But choosing the right senior home facility can be another headache. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered in that area as well. Better yet, we have experts who can advise you with the best possible option for you.
FAQs
Is there any perfect time to move to a care home?
It is totally a personal decision to move to a care home. However, there are certain factors and signs that you can look into. You can consider care from your family and friends as long as possible. Yet, it is always best to consider shifting to a care facility at an early stage to avoid complications.
Will I receive better care at a care home?
The answer is yes, of course. Care homes offer numerous services for the residents. They have better care providers, social activities, security, meal services, and many more. Thus, injured veterans, dementia patients, and fragile seniors can get the best care from care homes.
What should I do when my loved one finds it difficult to care for me?
It is quite common for a loved one to find it challenging to care for a senior. It is physically and emotionally draining. In such a situation, the smartest and most considerate thing is to move to a care home.
Can I move to a care home with my loved one?
Some people do not want to live alone in a care home. But to be honest, you don’t necessarily have to live alone and away from your loved one. You and your partner can move to a care home together. It will obviously increase the total costs. Nevertheless, you and your loved one will receive the same care and spend a quality life together.
This content originated on BoomersHub, an online resource acting as a bridge between seniors and qualified care service providers to help older adults find happy tomorrows. It is reprinted with permission. BoomersHub is a senior living and in-home care referral service provider that works to bridge the gap between seniors and Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living, and Nursing home care through a one-stop resource hub and expert advisors. Visit www.boomershub.com to search and select the top senior living communities near your area.
