Non-Disclaimer: all names used are completely random and not based on actual patients ect.
Deciding whether to transition a beloved family member to a nursing home, assisted living, or care facility is a profound and emotionally charged process. This decision involves a delicate balance, considering their medical needs alongside your ability to provide care. Its repercussions extend beyond their well-being to impact the overall quality of life for both of you.
Assessing Medical Needs
An important part of deciding if now is the time for your family member to transition to a care facility depends on their medical needs, safety concerns, and emotional impact. Perhaps you have begun to notice grandma is falling more, or grandpa has begun to forget things, or maybe your loved one has had a stroke and is recommended for rehab therapy in a long-term care facility. The first thing you want to do when you begin wondering if it is time to make this decision is to meet with the family member’s primary doctor. This is where the doctor should evaluate the family members’ overall health, chronic conditions, mobility, and cognitive abilities. The doctor will also at this time assess if the family members’ care can be managed at home or requires a bit more care. When the elderly or disabled have chronic conditions or quick onset of severe diagnosis the doctor will also need to anticipate the future needs of their patient. Let’s say grandma’s (mentioned above) falls are due to weakness and medications the doctor may recommend therapy in a long-term care facility or perhaps some outpatient therapy to build up strength. Now Grandpa (mentioned above also) has gone to see his doctor whom he has seen for the last 20 years, he recognizes the doctor’s face but can’t remember his name. His doctor tells the family that he may have dementia and recommends that within the next six months, the family may need to consider moving him into a facility able to provide better care. As a CNA I always recommend listening to doctor’s advice for the elderly and disabled especially if you are not experienced in the medical field.
Evaluating Safety Concerns
I’ll never forget working the evening shift at a nursing home and being told we were getting an emergency admit. Now obviously by law, I can’t give much information on someone but let’s say call this elderly person Grandma Jackie (names are not based on a real person) grandma was found wandering around lost in a dangerous environment. It broke my heart. I immediately connected with this resident. I’ve always had a soft spot for dementia patients. Grandma Jackie is found lost as she has dementia. Now keep in mind none of us want to admit it’s time for our loved ones to go to a nursing home. But when safety becomes a concern it’s time to stop and look around at everything happening. Safety concerns can affect the entire family. Grandma Jackie can have dementia and forget that the people living there are family and may think they are strangers. It would be emotionally upsetting to her, she could get injured and she could also become violent towards others out of fear. Sometimes people dealing with dementia have their moments of clarity but as the disease progresses it gets worse and many safety concerns arise.
Considering Your Capacity to Provide Care
While assessing medical needs is crucial, evaluating your capacity to provide care is equally significant. Gauge personal attention requirements, especially if daily tasks become challenging. If constant supervision is necessary, a nursing home with specialized care might be a more suitable option. Consider safety concerns and medication management, acknowledging the demanding nature of caregiving.
Moving a family member to a nursing home is not only a practical but also an emotional decision. The emotional impact on both your loved one and your family requires careful consideration. Open communication is vital to address fears and worries. Acknowledge and manage your own emotions, fostering a united front within the family. Empathize with your loved one’s adjustment period in the nursing home, providing ongoing emotional support.
In conclusion, for everyone closely involved in the process it really affects the whole family!
This really is one of the hardest decisions a person can make. For me personally, I felt guilty. Like I should have been able to keep caring for my loved one and moving them to a nursing home was like cheating my responsibilities by passing it off to someone else. What I didn’t realize until after was just how burnt out I was and suffering by trying to stick it out before moving them to a nursing home.