Making the decision to move your aging loved one to a nursing home or an assisted living facility isn’t always an easy decision for families to make. It may bring up feelings of anxiety, guilt, and even sadness. You may have heard stories about senior citizens being abused in nursing homes or becoming depressed in the environment far from their families.
The truth is that are some bad seeds out there, but nursing homes in and of themselves are not dangerous places. In fact, they can be a wonderful experience for your loved one to age gracefully in the company of other seniors.
In order to ensure that you’re making the right decision for you and for them, it’s important to be doing it for the right reasons. The way to do that is to recognize the telltale signs that there’s no other option but to seek help for their condition. Maybe the signs say they can continue to age at home with the installation of a medical alert system giving both you and your loved one peace of mind and security. However, this isn’t always feasible. Here are some of the signs that it’s time to consider a nursing home for your aging loved one.
Difficulty Completing Basic Tasks
When you’re young, you don’t have any issues completing basic tasks. However, as you get older, these simple tasks that you once took for granted become more and more complicated. Something as simple as taking a shower can get incredibly difficult. If your loved one is starting to have problems taking care of themselves in simple ways, then it’s likely time to hire professional help.
House Neglected
If you notice that your loved one’s house is starting to look more neglected than ever, then it’s likely because there no longer doing the cleaning. As the chores get neglected, it’s not just a visual problem.
Failing to clean up can result in health issues and even pest infestations. At a nursing home, professionals are there to make sure all of that gets done, taking pressure off your loved one in their old age.
Appetite Changes
In some cases, aging senior citizens may start having dramatic changes in their appetite. Some may feel less inclined to eat, and, as a result, may rapidly drop weight. Part of a nursing home’s job is ensuring that your loved ones’ diet is carefully followed.
A team of professionals is there to ensure that they’re getting enough nutrients, and if they refused to eat, then they tried to find ways to encourage them to do so.
Injuries
As the mind gets older, it’s easier to experience accidents as a result of absent-mindedness. Whether it’s accidentally cutting themselves while chopping vegetables or falling in the shower, many injuries are an indication that your loved one requires around the clock help.
