No one looks forward to having to move their parents into a nursing home nor long or short-term care services. But sometimes, it really is for the best. If your parent or loved one is losing an alarming amount of weight or is getting to the point where they can never been left alone or they are becoming quite depressed or to forgetful, it may time to put their needs before you feelings. Their quality of life and comfort should be your number one priority when caring for your elderly loved one. Here are a few ways that you can tell if your loved one would better benefit from either long or short-term care services.
If They are Undergoing to Constant Therapy
Some people have therapy seven days a week. If you are the one having to take them, it can consume your life. You wouldn’t really be able to do anything besides take them to and from their therapy appointments. That could physical therapy, speech therapy or any number of restorative care treatments. Your loved one would likely benefit in many ways from staying in a nursing home, even if it is just for short-term care services. Once they finish up their therapy, they can leave, if you and they feel that they are ready.
If You are Feeling Caregiver Burn Out
If you feel yourself becoming frustrated, stressed out or depressed from caring for your loved one, it is time to set them up in a nursing home. This isn’t just talking about long term, rest of their life stuff. This could refer to a recovering from a surgery or something like that. If you don’t feel like you can handle taking care of them anymore, then find short-term care services in your area to help you. The most important thing is that you don’t feel guilty. If you are not able to take care of yourself emotionally or physically then you will not be able to effectively care for someone else, either.
If They are Needing 24 Hour Care
It’s unreasonable to expect that you or even a couple of helpers could care for someone or someones 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s not your responsibility and you should have the option to say no when necessary. There are some great nursing homes available with trained professionals on hand 24 hours a day to take good care of your loved ones. The professionals are trained and qualified in the ares of giving medications, helping to bathe and use the restroom, getting dressed and anything else that your loved one might need help with.
If They are Changing
Changes in their moods, eating habits, weight, mentality, memory and other areas are signs that they are diminishing faster than you might think. Some elderly people, particularly those with dementia or Alzheimer’s can become angry and even violent. Others begin to stop eating or they will simply forget to and begin to lose weight too quickly. This is when you need to start looking into nursing homes as soon as possible. Nursing home workers are also trained in the ability to look for signs and symptoms of certain conditions and are better able to help and assist your loved one than you might be.
One thing that you should keep in mind is that even if your parent is not able to communicate it to you, they may prefer being in a nursing facility. Most senior homes will offer an element of independence to the residents without putting them in harm’s way. Elderly people will appreciate still being give some independence. Another reason they may prefer a senior facility is because they are your parents. They care for you your whole life; they fed you and bathed you and taught you to tie your shoes, they don’t want you to have to do it for them.
Just think about what you would want. No one wants to be a burden to those that they love. While you may not think of your parents as burdens, you also don’t want to end up resenting them because you didn’t realize what was going on in time to deal with the issues at hand.