Placing a parent or loved one in an assisted living facility is never an easy conversation to have or transition to make.
No one wants to surrender their independence even if they know deep down it’s the right choice.
As a caregiver or family member, you’ll also struggle with feelings of guilt and uncertainty – and that’s okay. When is it time for assisted living? Am I making the right decision? Should I have held out a little longer?
The truth is, whether it is, assisted living or memory care assisted living can greatly improve your loved one’s quality of life and help ensure their safety.
It’s never easy, but transitioning your parent or loved one to a memory care or assisted living facility could be the best decision you ever make for your family.
When is it Time for Assisted Living? Signs for Caregivers
If you’re doubling as a primary caregiver for your parent or loved one, you already struggle with a lot.
At a certain point, this responsibility can become overwhelming – especially if you also work full time and care for the rest of your family.
Although you have the best intentions, you may not be able to provide your loved one with the experienced care and attention they need.
According to a study conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, 35% of caregivers say their role provides extreme levels of emotional stress. Nearly 60% of caregivers say their duties directly impact their career by cutting their work hours. Others take leaves of absence, switch to part-time, or lose out on their own benefits.
This may seem like a small price to pay for your parent or loved one, but that doesn’t make it any less stressful.
Caregiving is a full-time job and a very stressful one – both emotionally and physically.
If you’re a caregiver wondering “when is it time for assisted living,” here are some signs it might be time:
- You’re feeling isolated from work, friends, and the rest of your family.
- You’re losing sleep on a regular basis.
- You’re missing work which is impacting your financial capabilities.
- You lack a proper support system and no one is helping you with caregiving duties.
- Your mental health is suffering or you’re experiencing depression or anxiety.
- You’re overworked, weary, or otherwise burnt out.
When is it Time to Put a Loved One in a Nursing Home? Assessing Your Loved One’s Physical or Medical Situation
As your loved one’s condition progresses, it can be difficult to keep up with their changing needs. Although you want to provide them with the best care, sometimes this just isn’t possible no matter how hard you try.
Here are some signs concerning your loved one’s physical and medical situation if you’re wondering “when is it time to put a loved one in a nursing home:”
- They have a condition that requires consistent monitoring such as diabetes or kidney dialysis.
- They require advanced medical or physical assistance such as wound dressing, physical therapy, IVs, or injections.
- They frequently wander or get lost.
- You’re concerned they could fall or hurt themselves when they’re left alone.
- They’re becoming increasingly irritable, agitated, or otherwise upset.
- They’re experiencing short-term memory loss that could put their life in danger.
When to Put an Elderly Parent in a Nursing Home: Tips for Broaching the Conversation
As mentioned above, suggesting it’s time to put your loved one in a nursing home is never an easy conversation to have.
No one wants to give up their independence even if they know deep down it’s the right choice.
If you’re wondering when to put an elderly parent in a nursing home, and you think you’re ready to have the discussion, keep these tips in mind:
- Always remain respectful of their concerns and questions.
- Don’t lash out or get angry. Bite your tongue if you have to.
- Reach out to others for support. Form an alliance with family members and friends.
- Approach the conversation from a position of love and care. Let them know that you’re concerned for their safety and wellbeing.
- Be vocal of your own situation. Let your loved one know you’re running yourself thin and you simply can’t give them the care they deserve on your own.
- Be reassuring. Let them know you’ll be with them and for them every step of the way. You aren’t giving up on them.
Benefits of Memory Care or Assisted Living
Memory care and assisted living can not only ensure your loved one’s safety, but also improve their quality of life.
Living independently requires a lot of work to maintain their own health and household: medical needs, bathing, housework, grocery shopping, yard maintenance. Although this may seem like a fair price to pay for living in their own home, having these needs covered can help them enjoy life.
Here are just a few of the many benefits of memory care and assisted living facilities:
- They are specially designed for easy navigation with open floor plans and shorter hallways.
- They create a calming and soothing environment to reduce agitation and irritability.
- Staff members are specially trained and continuously educated to provide comprehensive care for individuals with memory conditions.
- Lifestyle activities encourage healthy social interaction and fulfilling hobbies.
- Care is available 24/7 to ensure resident safety.
- Home cooked meals provide nourishment and satisfaction.
Fairmont Grand: Assisted Living and Memory Care in Rapid City, SD
At Fairmont Grand in Rapid City, SD, we put our resident’s well-being at the center of everything we do. We understand that every person is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of activities and services designed to meet you or your loved one’s individual needs.
If you or a loved one live near Rapid City, South Dakota and you’re considering assisted living or memory care, contact Fairmont Grand today to learn how we can help or if you’d like to tour our community.
