The most common reason for living in a nursing home Some type of disability when it comes to performing activities of daily living (ADL) is the most common reason why older people live in nursing homes. Not surprisingly, people who live in nursing homes generally have more disabilities than people who live in the home. According to recent statistics, there are about 1.5 million Americans currently living in nursing homes. Nowadays, many older people would prefer to age in place.
Seniors have access to their own items and can relive the memories they have experienced within their 4 walls. Staying at home can also help older people become more confident in their abilities and, at the same time, avoid the confusion and stress that come with moving to a nursing home. Some people stay in a nursing home for a short time after being in the hospital. When they recover, they go home.
However, most nursing home residents live there permanently because they have ongoing physical or mental conditions that require constant care and supervision. Loved ones can get help with daily tasks, such as dressing, bathing, eating, cleaning, serving meals, etc. Nursing homes can also provide 24-hour care for those who need management of a chronic condition. In short, a high-quality facility can provide a safe and enjoyable living environment that adults of any age can envy.
It's inevitable that you'll feel guilty about placing a parent in a nursing home or care facility, even if you know what's best for them. This can be made worse by the fact that nursing homes may offer a lower degree of independence, since even things like basic hours are partially decided by you. For starters, it can be prohibitively expensive because nursing homes are often the most expensive form of long-term care. You can even schedule a nursing home visit and ensure that the building is well maintained and that residents are happy.
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. Nursing homes also offer an established community where parents can be part of and organize activities aimed at involving older people. This may sound like a lot, but it does indicate that you're far from alone when it comes to deciding when to send a loved one to a nursing home. Not all (and not many) older adults will be voluntarily admitted to a nursing home without some being convinced that it is the best solution for them.
If your older parent is cognitively aware, moving to a nursing home can be a very difficult decision and an emotional event for family caregivers. However, what happens if your parents refuse to go to a nursing home? What if they want to stay in their own home? For example, while the 24-hour care you can find in a nursing home may be useful for some people with dementia, so can being in the familiar environment of a home care setting. When professional care is required to ensure that their parents have the means to live comfortably, many people determine that their parents need to go to a nursing home.
