Aging is a unique journey, and the path we each tread can vary greatly. Not everyone reaching their senior years requires the extensive support and care offered by nursing and care homes.
However, it’s essential to be attuned to signs and circumstances indicating that maintaining independent living is becoming increasingly challenging for your loved-one. In this brief blog, we highlight nine early indicators that might suggest it’s time to consider nursing or care home.
Key Indicators Signalling the Need for Nursing/Care Home
- Falls or Physical Injuries
As age advances, everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning can turn perilous. Uneven floors and stairs can escalate the risk of falls. If your loved one has experienced a fall alone at home or is concealing injuries like scrapes, bruises, or burns, it could be a pivotal moment to explore the safety that a nursing/care home provides.
- Escalating Phone Calls, Especially at Night
If you’re finding yourself constantly on edge, anticipating distressing late-night calls from your bewildered or anxious loved one, it could be a sign that solitary living is proving challenging. This trend is particularly prevalent among those with dementia. Agitation, confusion, and anxiety during evening hours can strain caregivers and disrupt family routines, placing stress on relationships.
- Decline in Personal Hygiene
Observing a decline in your loved one’s personal hygiene standards can signal the need for a sensitive yet necessary conversation. Inquire about their bathing frequency and potential challenges they’re facing. Difficulties in showering or dressing, and even sleeping in a chair instead of their bed, could imply that a nursing/care home might offer a more secure and conducive environment.
- Disarray in the Living Space
Piled-up dishes, spoiled food in the fridge, and a neglected garden are subtle indicators that independent living might be becoming unmanageable. While seemingly minor, these cues suggest difficulties in handling daily responsibilities
- Alterations in Mobility
Our care homes come equipped with skilled staff and specialised aids for moving and walking. If your loved one encounters pain while moving about at home, struggles to rise from bed, or requires assistance to walk due to diminished mobility, these signals strongly point towards enhanced safety and comfort in a professional care setting.
- Accumulation of Unconsumed Medication
A substantial accumulation of unopened medication is a major warning sign that should not be disregarded. Overlooking or refusing to take prescribed medicines can have grave consequences. Transitioning to a nursing/care home ensures vigilant medication management, alleviating concerns about your loved one’s health.
- Shifts in Eating Habits
Monitoring your loved one’s eating habits can offer insights. Are they maintaining a balanced diet, or are they relying on quick fixes like microwave meals or takeaways? Assess their ability to prepare meals independently. If these aspects are compromised, it might be time to explore nursing/care home options.
- Challenges with Toileting and Continence
Struggles related to timely toileting, bedwetting, or increased accidents due to mobility or bowel control issues warrant thoughtful consideration of nursing/care home. The availability of round-the-clock assistance can restore confidence and dignity.
- Personal Stress and Burnout
While your loved one’s solitary living can be distressing for them, the weight of being their primary caregiver can lead to stress and anxiety for you. Recognising this strain early on is crucial to preventing burnout and safeguarding your own well-being. Transitioning your loved one to a nursing or care home enables you to resume your role as a caring family member.
Recognise the Signs and Start Conversations
Identifying the right time to transition a loved one to a care home can be challenging. However, if you begin noticing these signs subtly seeping into your lives, it’s wise to plan ahead and consider care as a prudent step. Whether you’re seeking general information about care homes or specific details about Notaro Care Homes, we’re here to provide information and support. Reach out to us for a compassionate conversation.
