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How do I know when it is time to consider finding care outside of the home for an aging family member?
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There is no one deciding factor regarding when is the right time to consider moving an aging parent, sibling, or other family member into a long-term care facility. The following factors are all worth considering depending on what level of care the older person is currently receiving:
If the individual is currently living alone, is it becoming increasingly difficult to do so safely while meeting daily needs such as eating?
- Is he/she able to take care of personal needs such as eating, bathing, and dressing?
- Is the individual's overall health and safety in question?
- Are you worried that without supervision the older person may hurt himself/herself or not eat properly?
If you are concerned about any of the above, care in the home or in a facility may be worth considering.
If the individual is currently receiving informal caregiving from you or another family member:
- Is the amount of time required to deliver care becoming too much and the responsibility too great?
- Are medical needs becoming worrisome, overwhelming, or more than you feel comfortable monitoring?
- Is the caregiver experiencing burnout, missing work regularly or not in good health as a result of his/her care duties?
If any of the above are true, you may want to consider in-home care to alleviate some of the care burden, or begin to look at possible long-term care facilities that can provide help with personal and medical care.
If the individual is currently receiving in-home care:
- Is the cost of care becoming such a financial drain that you are worried whether or not you will be able to afford it much longer?
- Are you finding that home health care visits need to be done so often that the individual's needs may better be met in a setting where 24-hour care is provided?
If these are true, a long-term care environment may be a more appropriate choice that thoroughly meets the needs of all involved. Review the different types of long-term care options, or visit our search wizard which enables you to indicate what needs, requirements, or preferences you have so that we can find an appropriate living environment for you. |
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