Here are 9 signs to consider when trying to decide if it's time to find a nursing home for your loved one: home safety becomes a concern. Personal hygiene is more difficult to maintain. Eating and sleeping habits have changed. Our counselors help 300,000 families each year find the right care for seniors for their loved ones.
According to recent statistics, there are about 1.5 million Americans currently living in nursing homes. Asking yourself these six questions can help determine if your older loved one would benefit from this type of intensive, highly specialized care, and when to recommend a nursing home to your family member. However, just because you can't care for your loved one alone doesn't mean you have to be admitted to a nursing home right away. That night, when I offered him the option of moving to the nursing home or staying in his apartment, he quickly chose to move out.
Nursing home staff are experienced in caring for older adults with mobility problems, and facilities are designed to minimize safety risks. One of the best alternatives to a nursing home is home care, which gives your loved one the chance to age on site. While many older people live in a skilled nursing facility for a long time, they can also go to a nursing home temporarily to recover from a major health problem. In other words, when to place a loved one in a nursing home could be when they can no longer complete these necessary daily tasks.
However, while a nursing home is a viable option, it's not a good idea to immediately place your loved one in these facilities. In addition, nursing home care incorporates dental exams, dental cleanings and other treatments to promote dental health in older people. On average, short-term rehabilitation stays in nursing homes last four to six weeks, although care plans can vary widely. Some families who have a family member diagnosed with Alzheimer's think they're going to need a nursing home right away.
Nursing homes also offer an established community where parents can be part of and organize activities aimed at involving older people.
