When to Consider Putting Your Parents in a Nursing Home

Making the decision of putting your parents in senior living is always a difficult one. There’s nothing worse than realizing that your aging parents need 24/7 care that you cannot provide anymore.

The decision-making process is often an emotional one, which is almost always accompanied by a sense of guilt and regret for many. Nobody wants to be the one who has to make that call. This is why many people tend to delay making this decision for as long as possible.

But sometimes, even though it’s hard, putting your parents in a nursing home might actually be the best thing you can do for them.

For starters, it’s important to realize that you’re not alone. There are roughly 1.5 million people living in nursing homes in the United States alone. This means that you are not the only one to face such a situation, and your parents will never be alone in nursing homes.

This post aims to shed some light on a few signs that can help you decide whether or not it’s time to consider putting your parents in a nursing home.

Your Parent’s Can’t Take Care of Themselves Anymore

The clearest sign that can tell if your parents may need assisted living is if they can’t carry out important everyday activities without help anymore. Signs that can tell you that it’s finally time to place your parent in a nursing home are:

• They can’t use the restroom, stand, walk, cook, do their laundry, eat, and perform basic hygiene routines without assistance.
• Your parents forget to eat, shower, or do other basic everyday activities.
• They have a decline in cognitive functions and are confused most of the time.
• Your parents often end up in dangerous scenarios due to their confusion.

Nursing homes can be a good solution if there is no one available at home to help your parents do these important tasks all the time. The aged care industry can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that all the needs of your parents are taken care of and that they are always surrounded by professionals.

Even though putting them in nursing homes is a feasible option, you can still go for at-home care solutions if you’re reluctant to leave your parents alone.

Your parents are in a more familiar environment with at-home care. This means they won’t be confused by the change in the environment and faces that come with nursing homes.

You Start Feeling Drained All The Time

Caring for elderly parents around the clock can be extremely draining and make you end up feeling tired mentally, emotionally, and physically. If you’re exhausted, stressed, or depressed most of the time, not only will you fail to take good care of your parents, but you’ll also mess up other aspects of your life.

Additionally, if you are unhappy, your sour mood can rub off onto your parents and can cause them unnecessary distress.

In such cases, even though it might make you feel guilty, putting your parents in a nursing home might be the best option for both you and your parents.

Nursing homes take on all of the caretaking duties, giving you time to relax and recharge. You don’t have to leave your parents at an aged care facility forever — you can take back the charge of their care once you feel you’re ready again.

You may want to take a vacation while your parents are at an aged care facility to relieve your stress.

Professional Care Is Needed

If your parents take longer to heal when they get an illness or hurt themselves, it might be a sign that their immune system isn’t as strong as it used to be.

A weaker immune system can be very dangerous and always requires close monitoring and attention. Nursing homes have qualified caregivers and nurses who are specially trained to give professional care 24/7 that your parents deserve and need to be able to live comfortably.

People suffering from chronic illnesses like dementia also need specialized care and can be better looked after in nursing homes.

You’ve Tried Everything Else

If you’ve already tried balancing your life and the needs of your elderly parents and failed — or have sought at-home care and weren’t satisfied with it, then the only alternative left is finding a good nursing home for them.

It can be difficult finding qualified at-home caregivers that are suitable for your parent’s needs. Not to mention at-home care can be quite expensive and leave a significant dent on your finances.

Nursing homes can help solve this problem by providing a caring and safe environment to your parents at affordable prices.

You Live Far Apart

Even though most of us are willing to stay at our aging parent’s house to help them out in their time of need, sometimes it might not be possible or feasible as a long-term solution.

Other responsibilities and jobs inevitably can get in the way, and it’s always difficult to put your career on hold for an extended period.

If your parents are somewhat self-sufficient, at-home care might be enough. For others who have difficulties performing even the most basic activities of daily living, nursing homes are the only available alternative.

If it’s impossible for you to move closer to your parents, you need to realize that the longer you don’t arrange aged care for them, the higher chances that they experience a fall and get severely ill. You can read about the causes of falls in the elderly here.

In the end, remember that there’s nothing wrong about admitting your parents to an aged care facility. In fact, it’s the best way to ensure your parents are cared for the way they should be!