Knowing When It Is Time for Long-term Care
Caring for an elderly family member can be challenging. That is why it is essential to know when it is time for long-term care. One of the most difficult issues to tackle is looking for extra daily help and whether Skilled Nursing or Assisted Living is the best option. What makes it more difficult is that the answer is not one-size-fits all. It depends on the condition of the elderly person as well as family, community, and financial resources. So, the solution is different for each family.
While the solution may be different, the question is the same: Can we continue to provide enough long-term care for your family member?
To answer that question, you need to look at several factors.
Falls
Falls are a huge health risk for seniors. Falls can lead to broken bones, head injuries, and more. Plus, as people age, they become more at-risk for falls because of impaired vision, and neurological conditions. People who are at risk may need to be monitored and assisted at all times. Assisted living can provide that level of care.
Health Conditions
Does your loved one have a health condition that is increasingly hard to manage? Even if their diagnosis has not changed, you may find it more and more difficult to manage chronic health conditions. That is no surprise. Most chronic health conditions are progressive and will get worse with time. In addition, in a household it can be more difficult to control diet and access to medications.
Socialization
One of the most detrimental things for seniors is a lack of socialization. However, mobility issues and cognitive issues can result in social isolation. Family may be unable to fill that void due to other commitments. So, is the senior getting enough socialization? If not, are their community resources to aid with socialization? If the answer is no, assisted living can help. Assisted living programs have social programs designed to encourage community members to interact with one another.
Daily Living
Can your loved one manage daily living? If they need assistance with mobility, self-care, food prep, hygiene, or cleaning, it may be time for assisted living. Even if a family member is capable of providing that care, it can help your family member preserve dignity and a sense of independence to have professional caregivers meet those needs.
Reduced Mobility
Whether it is more difficult for your family member to move around their house or to navigate transportation, assisted living facilities can help with mobility. We can assist people in moving around our facility. We also handle transportation to doctor’s visits, plan outings, and handle other transportation concerns. It provides a good transition for elderly folks who have had to give up driving or who have recently transitioned to walkers or wheelchairs.