If you are the primary caregiver for an elderly parent, you may be helping your parent with a number of activities throughout the day. However, there may be some signs that your parent might benefit from residential care in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Here are some things to look for.

Their Health Conditions Require More Care

As your parent's health conditions progress, you may find that they depend more on you for help with bathing, toileting and getting dressed. You may start to find that you are unable to lift or carry them when they need that assistance.

You might also discover that chronic diseases are becoming more difficult for you to deal with. For example, if your parent is a diabetic, you may find it more and more of a challenge to keep their blood sugar levels in the proper range.

Residential care can provide medical attention on site all day, every day for your parent. They typically have Hoyer lifts and other machines to help transport your parent if necessary. Your parent will also have constant access to a medical professional if a health condition needs immediate attention. 

Your Parent Is Engaging In Unsafe Behaviors

Even if you have taken steps to secure your home so that your elderly parent doesn't slip on rugs or have to walk up and down stairs, they may start engaging in other behavior that is not safe. For example, they may leave the house at any hour of the day or attempt to use the toilet without help from you. In a residential care facility, there is always help available and more than one pair of eyes on your parent so that they can avoid accidents and injuries.

You Are Experiencing Burnout

As the adult child of an elderly parent, you may feel personally responsible for caring for them. However, it is not unusual if you feel somewhat overwhelmed by all the things you have to do for your parent. You may start to feel worrisome, depressed and resentful.

A residential facility can take pressure off of you and set your mind at ease. When you know that your parent is being cared for by professionals, you may find you worry less about their health.

If you notice any of the above things, it might be time to start visiting assisted living facilities and nursing homes in the area. Find out how each particular facility can offer your parent the residential care they need to thrive. If you're interested, go to websites that offer more information.  

Share