A few years ago, I realized that my dad needed to move into a care facility instead of living with us. He was always depressed and he needed to be around more people his own age. It was a really difficult decision, but after we moved him into a care facility, he really blossomed. It was great to see him happy, healthy, and enjoying things on his own. This blog is here to help other people to enjoy their own lives and to care for loved ones who need special assistance. I know that with the help of assisted living, everyone can enjoy a better life.
Improving Your Loved One's Nursing Home Experience
Health Issues That Should Prompt You To Move A Parent Into Assisted Living
Nora Jones
While your elderly parent may like the idea of living independently, his or her changing health can impact the living arrangements. Occasionally, you'll need to step in upon seeing your parent's changing health issues and arrange a move to an assisted living facility. Under the care of medical professionals, your parent will receive help for his or her health issues — and you won't have to worry about the risk of your parent continuing to live alone. Here are some common health issues that should prompt you to arrange an assisted living facility for your parent.
Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's or any form of dementia should be a warning sign that you need to get your parent into assisted living. Dementia is problematic because it's a progressive health issue; your parent might initially just struggle with some degree of memory loss, but the symptoms can eventually worsen. One of the risks that people who have Alzheimer's and live independently experience is the potential for wandering away from their home and getting lost. When you move your parent into an assisted living facility, you won't have to worry about this problem. The facility's staff will keep a close eye on your parent and provide Alzheimer's care; in some facilities, the doors to the outside are even locked to prevent dementia patients from leaving.
Weight Gain
Weight gain can be a problem for people as they age because it commonly includes mobility issues. If your parent has gained weight and has trouble getting around his or her home, an assisted living facility is the right choice. In this type of living arrangement, your parent will no longer have to navigate stairs, which can be ideal. Additionally, if he or she spends time in a wheelchair, the assisted living facility is ideal because its rooms are wheelchair accessible. Your parent might even be able to lose weight in this new living environment, thanks to healthy food and the ability to take exercise classes.
Stroke
After a stroke, some people can continue to live independently. For others, however, doing so can be a challenge because of balance issues. If your parent is demonstrably weaker on one side, he or she may fall at home. If the parent lives alone, this could be a major health risk, as no one may be around to call you or call emergency personnel. You'll feel better moving your parent into an assisted living facility, as these facilities are equipped with railings to help mobility and don't have things that can pose a tripping risk, such as subtle changes in the floor level.
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