If your loved one is experiencing a medical condition that requires round-the-clock care, they may need to move to a nursing home. These facilities provide a safe environment and offer access to professional health care.
While many family caregivers make every effort to keep their elderly loved ones at home, there comes a time when it’s best to consider a skilled nursing facility. Here are some key signs it’s time to make the transition:
Your Loved One Is Experiencing Health Issues
If your loved one is living with an illness that is likely to get worse and will require more attention than you can provide, it might be time to consider skilled nursing. They can receive round-the-clock access to medical care at these facilities, which also offer meals, therapy services, and rehabilitation.
For example, if your loved one has dementia or has had a stroke that has left them with communication problems, they may benefit from the speech therapy provided in a skilled nursing home Missouri. The therapists will design a treatment plan that will help to restore the speech ability and improve swallowing function.
Other signs of needing more care include your loved one becoming less active or losing balance and independence. They may have difficulty getting out of bed or need a cane or walker. They might have trouble using the bathroom or forget to take their medication.
Your Loved One’s Needs Are Increasing
Depending on their health, your loved one may require increased assistance with simple tasks like bathing or dressing. If you notice them needing more help to perform these tasks, it is a good idea to start looking into home care services.
A decline in personal hygiene indicates that your loved one may need more help than they are getting. Please pay attention to whether they wear dirty clothing, shower, or brush their teeth regularly.
If your loved one begins missing appointments or forgetting about events that are important to them, it is also a sign that they need additional care. This could mean that they are not taking their medications properly or are suffering from a medical condition that is causing memory loss and confusion.
Caring for a loved one can be very draining. In many cases, family caregivers suffer from burnout and ill health as a result of overworking themselves. Adding home care services for respite can ensure your loved one is well-cared for and gives you time to recharge.
Your Loved One’s Needs Are Complicated
If your loved one can’t manage their medication, is forgetful about eating and drinking, or is struggling with bathing, showering, and dressing, this may be a sign that they need round-the-clock care from trained professionals. A skilled nursing facility offers a team of medical experts like registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurse assistants, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Visiting a facility and having open communication with the staff is critical for confidence in the care your loved one receives. You can also ask your loved one’s physician for recommendations on local facilities that offer specialized care and are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance. For example, Abbey Delray South provides comprehensive rehabilitation and skilled nursing care in semi-private and private rooms to help your loved one improve their strength, balance, mobility, and speech after an injury or illness. Contact us to learn more. You can schedule a tour to see if our nursing home is right for your loved one.
Your Loved One’s Needs Are Changing
A sudden change in your loved one’s behavior could indicate that they need more help. If you notice that they are no longer interested in the activities they once enjoyed or have been losing weight, getting them checked out by a healthcare professional is a good idea.
A loss of interest in personal hygiene or a lack of concern about their appearance is another sign that it’s time to consider a skilled care nursing facility. In this environment, they’ll receive around-the-clock care from nurses who can help with grooming, medication management, and more.
A loss of appetite is also a red flag, as is the sudden onset of irritability or uncharacteristic anger. These are all signs of trouble coping with their symptoms, and they might benefit from medication reminders, nutritional support, and transportation services. Assisted living and personal care communities offer this type of care, but it isn’t as extensive as a skilled nursing community.