One of the biggest questions many families struggle with regarding care homes is when to take their loved ones into one. In many cases, the lack of a substantive answer means the family continues to put off the decision about when to enter a care home, leading to strained relationships and fatigued primary caregivers.
Knowing the right time to take your parent or other elderly family member into a care home can help maximise their quality of life and reduce strain on the family. As you might have figured out, taking care of an elderly loved one is a full-time job that can be mentally, emotionally and physically draining and getting some professional help can make things easier and smoother.
What is the Average Age for Going into a Care Home?
One of the commonly used indicators to determine when it is time to consider entering a care home is age. As you age, your physical and mental capabilities decline, and you become increasingly reliant on others to assist you with daily tasks, such as household chores and personal hygiene.
The ideal age to enter a care home varies depending on several factors, key among them your physical abilities. However, on average, most seniors enter a care home between the ages of 75 and 84. However, it is not unheard of for others to enter care homes in their 60s and early 70s.
Overall, seniors over 85 are more likely to need care services full-time because of their increased cognitive and physical impairments, and they are more dependent on assistance to complete daily tasks necessary for living.
Signs It May Be Time for a Care Home
Although age is typically a reliable indicator of when to enter a care home, it is not the only factor that should be considered. Other factors, in addition to age, may indicate that it is time to consider entering a care home seriously.
It is essential to understand that lifestyle choices and medical conditions can also impact your ability to live alone, and these factors must also be considered when thinking about care homes.
Some of the signs that might hint that you or your elderly loved one may need to go into a care home include the following:
Declining health due to medical conditions
Even before getting to the average age for going into a care home, your loved one may be dealing with chronic health issues that may require ongoing medical care, specialised attention and even medication management.
It may be necessary to consider moving them to an environment where professional care is available 24/7, allowing them to be cared for by medical professionals for optimal comfort and quality of life.
Cognitive decline
If a person’s cognitive abilities start to decline, it may be challenging for them to continue living independently. Some conditions, like Alzheimer’s and some forms of dementia, may require the individuals to go to a care home that specialises in memory care and provides a safe and supportive environment for the individual.
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It is essential to note that these conditions progress rapidly, and enrolling your loved one in a care home at the right time can help slow the progression and ensure they receive the appropriate level of support for their stage of the condition.
Difficulties with Activities of Daily Living
Your elderly loved one may want to stay in their home longer. However, if they are unable to complete or struggle with simple tasks such as eating, bathing, and dressing, and have no one available to assist them, it may be an indicator that it is time to consider a care home that provides the support and assistance they need to continue living comfortably.
Some care homes will even allow them to bring a few things from home to make their room as homely as possible for them.
Safety concerns
Safety is a significant concern for the elderly. Their balance is not as pristine as it once was, and even the slightest obstacles can present tripping hazards.
If you notice frequent falls, incidents or accidents, it may be time to consider going into a care home. Frequent accidents pose a significant danger to the well-being and safety of your loved one. A care home will provide a safe environment, staffed by trained professionals who can address any concerns promptly and effectively.
Social isolation and lack of support
Reduced mobility and the inability to go out mean most elderly family members become detached from the outside world. If they don’t have anyone in the family living with them, they can suffer loneliness and social isolation, which is detrimental to their emotional and mental well-being. Without supportive networking, their physical and mental wealth can deteriorate quickly. A care home can provide them with the companionship of staff and fellow residents, rekindling their social interaction and giving them a sense of belonging and purpose.
Benefits of Going into a Care Home at the Right Time
Deciding to enter a care home is a difficult decision for any family, even when the time is right. But it is also packed with benefits. Understanding these benefits may make it easier to decide to enter a care home, knowing that it is for the benefit of your loved one.
Care homes employ qualified and experienced staff who specialise in providing the residents with bespoke services tailored to their physical and mental care needs. The staff also make the transition into the care home as smooth as possible.
Some of the benefits your loved one might enjoy from being in a care home at the right time include the following:
- They get specialist 24-hour care and support
- A secure and safe environment
- Daily nutritious meals
- Frequent visits from family and friends and the benefit of making additional friends from the residents within.
- Mentally stimulating activities
- Activities that support and help them overcome their impairments
- Eliminating the stress of completing daily living activities
- The comfort of a private and personalised room
As you can see, there are plenty of benefits associated with moving into a care home. Ensuring your loved one arrives at the care home in good time helps them make the most of their time, meet new friends, enjoy the facilities, and even learn a few new skills.