Most people do not exactly look forward to moving into a nursing home and this may be putting it mildly. A nursing home, however, can be the best option for an aging loved one to live in a safe environment while getting the necessary mental and physical support. Knowing when the right time to make the move into a nursing home can, however, be a difficult decision. Here, we will discuss several things that may be signaling that the time has come to make the transition into a nursing home.
When It May Be Time to Move to a Nursing Home
Whether it may be time to move to a nursing home will largely hinge on whether a person is safe and secure at home, the status of his or her health (both mental and physical), and what his or her projected future medical and personal needs may be. If you are considering a move to a nursing home or you think it may be time for a family member or loved one to make the move, there are several things you can look for. For instance, is the person able to get around his or her home safely? Homes can fairly easily be equipped with safety features and relatively minor modifications to make them safer for aging in place. Things like grab bars as well as an emergency response system can not only ease safety concerns but can allow a senior to safely remain at home for a longer period.
For those with loved ones who may need to move to a nursing home, check in with the senior to see if she or he is getting proper, nutritious meals regularly. Check their pantry and refrigerator to see if these kinds of foods are available and are not expired. You can also evaluate the hygiene situation of a loved one. Does their clothing appear clean and fresh? Is the individual able to bathe themselves as well as groom themselves?
Part of being able to remain safely aging in place in your home is being able to manage medications. This means taking the right dosages at the right times. When a person is unable to manage medications, it can have some tough consequences. Should you have concerns that there may be problems managing medications, it may be time to provide that person with a heightened level of care and, perhaps, move him or her into a nursing home.
On top of health and safety concerns, there are also concerns about whether a senior is getting the social interactions necessary to maintain quality mental health. Can the senior still drive safely? Check to see if there are any scratches or dents on the vehicle. If driving is no longer an option, does the senior have access to other means of transportation? Also, you want to know whether the person has regular interactions with friends, family, and others. A nursing home can not only provide a person with proper medical care and meeting other everyday needs, but there can also be a social factor in having others around a person daily.
Elder Law Attorney
If you are wondering whether or not it is time to move a loved one into a nursing home and if you have questions about covering the costs of long term care, the dedicated elder law team at Monk Law Firm is here to help. Contact Monk Law Firm today.