The decision to move into a care home is a big one and shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is even more challenging because there’s no right time to move into a care home. Instead, the decision is advised based on several factors and observations.
Before you start considering the idea of a care home, it’s essential to consider other options first. If that’s out of the question, ensure the person being cared for is aware of the decision, and their opinion is heavily considered.
Some of the signs and factors that could indicate it’s time to move into a care facility include:
If there’s a lot of care required, even at night
Caring for a person isn’t an easy task. It’s tedious, and at times, it can be hazardous if the one receiving the care cannot complete basic tasks like taking a shower. In such a case, for the well-being of the elderly and the caregiver, it’s best to consider moving into a care facility where there is professional help and a conducive environment with the appropriate infrastructure that will assist the elderly make the most out of their years.
If you can’t provide adequate care and supervision
Providing round the clock care and supervision is necessary for preventing injuries and straying for elderlies with age-related conditions like dementia. If for whatever reasons you can’t provide close supervision and care throughout, maybe due to work or you don’t live close-by, the next best solution is to consider moving into a care facility.
Why not also read: How Moving Into a Care Home Affects Your Pension
Care facilities offer round the clock monitoring with the assistance of CCTV coverage to ensure they can account for every movement of each of the residents.
You’ve exhausted all the other options
It’s never easy to move into a care home, especially for the elderly. That’s why you should consider other options like home adaptations, home care, moving in with a family member, sheltered housing, or downsizing.
If none of these options seems ideal for your situation, then it’s time to consider moving into a care facility.
A sense of burnout in yourself or other caregivers
Taking care of anyone is a tedious job that can leave you feeling drained and exhausted. Burnouts can be frequent, and as much as you might want to take care of those you love, you have to be able to take care of yourself first.
When you’ve reached a point where you always feel fatigued and mentally exhausted, a care home could be the next best choice for you and those you love. At a care home, your loved ones will get professional care from a team of qualified individuals, and you can finally get some time to yourself to recover and rejuvenate.
Frequent frantic phone calls or requests for help
This is more alarming when the calls are genuine, and the caller is in actual dire need of help. Although you might be in a position to help them this time, there’s no guarantee that next time you will be in the same position.
Moving into a care home can give you peace of mind while ensuring that there will be an immediate help in a case similar instances occur in the future without a doubt.
Choosing the Right Care Home
Deciding to move into a care home is the first step in the process. You still need to find a good care home that offers a comprehensive range of services and will ensure comfort and quality of life.
Discuss the options
Before you can start looking at the available options, take a minute to sit with the person you’re caring for and get their opinion on what matters to them. Put down a list of what is essential to them and what is desirable in a care home. This will help guide you in picking homes that they will find easier transitioning into.
Shortlist possible options
Research on all the suitable homes in the area. You can also get referrals or check them online. Using the list of essentials and desirables, create a shortlist. While at it, try visiting the care homes’ websites to get a clearer picture of their services.
Make sure you read the care inspection reports for the care homes that make it to your shortlist. The reports are publicly available. They will give you insights on how well the home is managed and whether they offer the right level of care.
Contact suitable homes
Finally, you can contact the care homes by phone and discuss the options they have and how they can meet the needs of your loved ones. Later on, you can visit them to get as much information as possible.
Conclusion
Using this checklist, telling when it’s time to consider a care home is easier. When the time comes, make sure the person you’re caring for is aware and involved in the process. It helps to prepare them mentally and makes the transition easier.