It can be a difficult choice to decide what is the best path to take when your elderly relatives require care. This need could be a result of a developing healthcare condition or simply as they grow older.
Essentially though, they are struggling to take care of themselves as well as they used to.
It’s a challenging time for families to face and there can be resistance from the elderly relative or other family members when it comes to certain suggestions.
Either way, a decision must be made.
Here are some things you should consider when choosing care plans for your elderly relatives.
Care Homes
“Your elderly relative might be reluctant to move out of their home or perhaps you feel guilty at the thought of not looking after them yourself, but there are plenty of benefits to moving to an assisted living home or care facility,” says Jane Byrne, project manager at a Kildare nursing home.
For a start, there are professional healthcare and social workers who are available on site which means residents can be looked after and supported 24/7.
Furthermore, if your elderly relative lives alone currently, living in a shared residence like this could also provide them with a happy social life and the opportunity to make new friends with other residents.
Usually there are activities and events that they can attend for entertainment and fun.
You can find care homes and assisted living residences near you by using Select Senior Communities.
Moving in With You: Consider Their Health
You can choose to move your relative in with you, but before you do this, you need to think carefully about their health. If they have limited mobility, suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia, or require full-time care.
You need to be realistic about how you can cope with the responsibility.
Yes, you can hire nurses and other carers to visit your home and provide care but this might not be the most practical solution.
As difficult as the decision might be, you need to carefully consider the levels of care you can provide and if they will be getting the best quality for their health if they move into your home.
Include Them in the Decision
You must include your elderly relative in the decision-making process, as after all, it’s their life and their healthcare you’re talking about.
It can be frustrating at times, especially if they are adamant they don’t want to go down a path you think is the best solution.
Just remember to be patient with them during this time and be reasonable.
It’s difficult for them to face the prospect of leaving their home or having to cope with the realities of getting older, especially if they have been diagnosed with a new illness.
Consider Other Members of Your Household
This must be done if you are thinking about moving your elderly relative to your home.
While to you it might seem like the right thing to do, you must consider the feelings of your partner and children if you don’t live at home alone.
It’s their living space too and they should be allowed to voice their opinion on whether they are comfortable with your relative moving in.
It’s always a delicate subject choosing the right care for elderly relatives, but keep these points in mind if you’re ever faced with such a decision.