When we have reached the point in our adulthood where we can no longer truly take care of our basic needs alone, it might be time to think about either assisted living or perhaps even a nursing home, if our medical needs are high. While this is stressful, there are ways to make this transition less difficult.
Often a medical condition arises that requires continual medical assistance and care, and your loved one can benefit from the 24-hour-a-day care provided at nursing care facilities. This might be a heart attack or stroke or perhaps a broken bone, such as a hip. Recovering from a big surgery also can be made easier with temporary nursing home care. The nurses can attend to medical issues, and physical and speech therapists are on hand to help with rehabilitation.
Sometimes, there isn't a medical crisis that precipitates the search for a nursing home. Perhaps the health of your loved one has declined to a point where they need constant care. In-home nursing care is certainly an option, but it's possible that a more social situation might be a better option. Nursing homes offer many social activities for their residents which can make life a great deal more pleasant.
The selection process of finding the right nursing home can be made easier if you seek out the assistance of a service that matches seniors to a variety of eldercare options. CarePlacement.com is one such service that looks at a person's individual needs and budget and matches them to a variety of local options for care. These options include nursing homes and in-home services, as well as board and care or assisted living facilities if your loved one needs less daily medical care.
You will need to visit several nursing homes or interview several in-home care professionals before making your decision. Whenever possible, be sure to let your loved one take part in the selection process, after all, it is their life that is being affected. Obviously, this isn't always possible, so try to select a home where it is close to friends or family members so that visiting is easy. If your loved one already has friends or relatives at a specific facility, this might be a good option and can help reduce anxiety if someone they know is already in residence.
One part of the process that is always difficult is the loss of possessions. Obviously, you cannot move a household of belongings and furnishings into a nursing home room. You can, however, move a few treasured items into the room. Bring their favorite clothes, plenty of great family photographs and perhaps a favorite chair and some other mementos.
Visitation is another big priority or at least it should be. Your loved one will need visits and companionship particularly if they are bed-ridden or during their first few weeks at the nursing home. Once they make friends and develop a social schedule, however, they still need to see friends and family. So set up a schedule with your family to ensure that people visit regularly and also make phone calls regularly. Your loved one might not call or ask for visitors simply because they don't wish to be a burden, but they do need contact with you and others. If possible, take them on excursions from time to time. While this might not be an option because of medical issues, if it's allowable, take them out to dinner or to a family dinner or picnic. Take them to the movies or the park or simply attend some of the nursing home's social functions or meals with them.
Often a medical condition arises that requires continual medical assistance and care, and your loved one can benefit from the 24-hour-a-day care provided at nursing care facilities. This might be a heart attack or stroke or perhaps a broken bone, such as a hip. Recovering from a big surgery also can be made easier with temporary nursing home care. The nurses can attend to medical issues, and physical and speech therapists are on hand to help with rehabilitation.
Sometimes, there isn't a medical crisis that precipitates the search for a nursing home. Perhaps the health of your loved one has declined to a point where they need constant care. In-home nursing care is certainly an option, but it's possible that a more social situation might be a better option. Nursing homes offer many social activities for their residents which can make life a great deal more pleasant.
The selection process of finding the right nursing home can be made easier if you seek out the assistance of a service that matches seniors to a variety of eldercare options. CarePlacement.com is one such service that looks at a person's individual needs and budget and matches them to a variety of local options for care. These options include nursing homes and in-home services, as well as board and care or assisted living facilities if your loved one needs less daily medical care.
You will need to visit several nursing homes or interview several in-home care professionals before making your decision. Whenever possible, be sure to let your loved one take part in the selection process, after all, it is their life that is being affected. Obviously, this isn't always possible, so try to select a home where it is close to friends or family members so that visiting is easy. If your loved one already has friends or relatives at a specific facility, this might be a good option and can help reduce anxiety if someone they know is already in residence.
One part of the process that is always difficult is the loss of possessions. Obviously, you cannot move a household of belongings and furnishings into a nursing home room. You can, however, move a few treasured items into the room. Bring their favorite clothes, plenty of great family photographs and perhaps a favorite chair and some other mementos.
Visitation is another big priority or at least it should be. Your loved one will need visits and companionship particularly if they are bed-ridden or during their first few weeks at the nursing home. Once they make friends and develop a social schedule, however, they still need to see friends and family. So set up a schedule with your family to ensure that people visit regularly and also make phone calls regularly. Your loved one might not call or ask for visitors simply because they don't wish to be a burden, but they do need contact with you and others. If possible, take them on excursions from time to time. While this might not be an option because of medical issues, if it's allowable, take them out to dinner or to a family dinner or picnic. Take them to the movies or the park or simply attend some of the nursing home's social functions or meals with them.
About the Author:
Kristana Jenson enjoys reading home health care blogs. For further information about assisted living La Mesa facilities or for expert help finding board and care Aliso Viejo services, please check out the CarePlacement site today.
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