Moving an aging parent to a nursing home is a massive decision for any family. The comfort of a house keeps most families from taking this step until a loved one gets into a health crisis. Although some people may not admit it, keeping some older adults can be risky. Their quality of life also diminishes as they stay at home.
Further, aging parents can pose a health risk to themselves and those around them, mainly if their driving is erratic or they stay alone. If you have aging parents, recognizing their need for help with daily activities is critical to their safety, health, and for your peace of mind. This kind of help is available in nursing homes. Click for more info.
If you have concerns about your parents’ well-being or health, here are several signs that can help you determine when it’s time to move them into a nursing home:
1. They Have A Problem Moving Around
As people age, joint pains and muscle weakness are among the most common problems they experience. They also suffer from vision and balance problems. If you have a parent who experiences difficulty moving around the home, it’s a sign that they need long-term care to prevent serious falls or broken limbs.
Common signs that show your parents may be developing mobility problems include:
- Struggling to stand or sit
- Being unsteady when on their feet
- Falling
- Rocking back and forth on the chair before standing
If your aging parent shows these signs, it may be time to move them to a nursing home.
2. Their Physical Appearance Changes
Another sign your aging parents need to move into a nursing home is when their physical appearance changes. If your elderly parent experiences memory loss, drinks too much, or stops taking care of themselves the way they used to, they could be suffering from depression or medication reactions.
Consider moving your loved one into a nursing home if they soil or wet clothes, appear disheveled or rumpled, or suffer from unexplained weight loss. You should also move an aging parent into a nursing home if you notice unexplained bruises or when they’re unable to take care of their hygiene.
3. They Become Isolated
Most aging adults find it challenging to stay connected with people. However, they need to socialize and remain engaged in society to reduce the risk of stroke, depression, heart disease, and dementia. Interacting with people and maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family can help your parents live longer.
If your aging parent becomes isolated, it may be time to move them to a nursing home. Vital signs that depict isolation in aging parents include:
- Losing interest in day-to-day activities and hobbies
- Cutting connections with friends
- Reduced involvement in faith or club-based communities
Some elderly adults stop laughing or smiling as they used to and stop doing stuff they previously enjoyed doing.
4. Their Behavior Changes
Another sign of your aging parent’s need to move into a nursing home is when you notice behavior changes. Aging brings a flood of emotional and physical changes that result in behavioral changes. When caring for your aging parents, pay attention to warning signs like anger, sadness, or memory lapse.
You need to pay attention to their eating habits. For instance, does a parent who previously cooked his food frequently eat snacks and fast food? Have they stopped taking of the house or the yard? Are they neglecting their bills, missing vital appointments, taking long naps during the day, or forgetting to take their medicine as prescribed?
If you notice these changes in your aging parents, start planning for their move into a nursing home where they can get the care they need.
5. The Exhibit Erratic Driving Habits
It’d help if you moved your elderly parents into a nursing home when you notice that their driving habits have become erratic and unsafe. For most aging people, quitting the steering wheel is a difficult decision. Driving makes it easy for them to get groceries, visit their grandchildren, or see the doctor.
Losing control of their schedules is a tough pill to swallow. However, when their driving becomes erratic and reckless, it puts them in harm’s way.
Some key signs to look out for to know that your aging parent’s driving is becoming unsafe include:
- Driving too slow or too fast
- Getting lost in locations that are familiar to them
- Experiencing difficulties staying in the right lane
- Having unexplained scrapes or dents on their car
- Getting in accidents recently
Move your aging parent into a nursing home if you notice these signs.
Final Thoughts
Most aging parents prefer to enjoy the comfort that their homes offer. However, as they age, older people require care and help with day-to-day activities that their family members may not be able to provide.
Moving them into a nursing home allows them to get the help and care they need to live quality lives. However, family members need to know when to make this move. If you have an aging parent, you’ll know when to move him into a nursing home by looking out for the five signs discussed above.
