Moving your elderly parents into a nursing home is never an easy decision. It’s a challenging and complex transition for everyone involved, and it involves so many factors that it can be hard to track them all. That’s why we’ve put together this list of questions and considerations to help you navigate the process.
Consider the Level of Care and Support They’ll Need
Before you move your elderly parents into a nursing home, consider the level of care and support they’ll need. Some facilities are better equipped to handle a person who needs more assistance than others. Your parent will also know whether the nursing home is right for them based on its amenities and how friendly the staff members are.
If your parent can do things for themselves, they may not need much help from other people. However, if they need extra support, you can consider this too. For example, medication or support with food preparation needs, such as needing Simplythick gel thickener for their meals. Speaking with the facilities will highlight the support they offer.
Consider Their Mental Health Needs
Your loved one will likely struggle with all sorts of new challenges when moving into a nursing home: adjusting to rules that differ from those at home, making friends, finding new activities, and dealing with issues, such as loneliness or depression.
A skilled therapist may be able to help your loved one deal with these challenges so that they feel more comfortable during this transition phase in their life, and so that you can feel more comfortable too.
Consider How Long Your Aging Parent Plans to Stay in the Nursing Home
You need to consider how long your aging parent plans to stay in the nursing home because it will help you determine how much money you need to set aside for their care. If you know that your parent intends to only stay in the nursing home for a short period, you can save money by not purchasing as many supplies and amenities.
However, if they plan on staying there longer than expected, it may be wise to invest in more expensive items, like televisions and comfortable furniture. You will also need to speak with the home about their care to ensure they have everything they need.
Understand and Respect Their Input Throughout the Process
When you are moving your elderly parent into a nursing home, they may be feeling vulnerable, scared, and unsure of what will happen next. This can cause them to become upset, angry, or depressed. You want to make sure that you can help them feel comfortable during this transition, so that their mental state does not worsen or cause any other issues for them down the road.
By listening to what they say about their experience in the nursing home, you can use it as an opportunity to learn more about what type of things will make them feel better about being there. This can help you get on the same page with your loved one, so that everyone involved knows what kind of expectations there are going forward, ultimately leading to everyone feeling happier.
Be Prepared for Extra Costs and Fees Along the Way
Moving your elderly parents into a nursing home is a big decision, and the costs of preparing for the move can quickly add up—from fees for moving services and home repairs to increased healthcare costs. If your parents’ current residence isn’t in good shape or easily accessible, you may consider renovating or even selling it entirely before moving into their new digs.
Conclusion
If you’re considering moving your elderly parents into a nursing home, there are plenty of things to consider. It can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. We hope these tips helped you better understand what steps to take when deciding whether it’s time for assisted living.
