Many seniors choose to age in place at home for as long as they can. However, there may come a time when residential care is a safer option for everyone. Even a dedicated team of family caregivers may not be able to manage the intricacies of some medical needs, memory care, or other concerns.
In this article, we’re sharing information about residential care options from the Family Caregiver Alliance.
There’s No “Right” Time
Making the decision to move a loved one to residential care is very personal. Caregivers often struggle with the decision and wait longer than they should, affecting their own physical and emotional health. Family Caregiver Alliance offers some top reasons to consider making the move:
- Your loved one needs skilled care (tube feeding, wound care, etc.)
- Dementia-related behaviors (exit seeking, combativeness, sleeplessness)
- Caregiver health concerns
- Need for more assistance with transferring, incontinence care, etc.
- Debilitating mental health issues
Discomfort with providing personal care or no longer being recognized by the care recipient are also common reasons people choose to move their loved one to residential care. A hospitalization or changes to care plans can also impact your ability to care for your loved one at home.
Do Your Research
If you’re caring for your loved one at home, do research about residential care options. Don’t wait for a major issue or total burnout – this decision deserves care and consideration. Explore choices in your community and learn about options for your loved one.
Talk to your family about the situation – with or without the care recipient, as appropriate for your situation. Discuss caregiving tasks and responsibilities. How can others help? Is it time to hire in-home support?
If you need a short break, you can talk to the facility you’re considering about a one- or two-week respite stay for you and your loved one to get to know the community.
Special Considerations for Dementia
Dementia caregivers are more stressed, and the long-term nature of dementia can make it very difficult to decide when is the right time for a move. Finding the right facility takes more research and consideration. Focus on safety for yourself and your loved one.
Choosing Residential Care
Start by determining what level of care is needed for your loved one. Clearly communicate your loved one’s care needs to facility staff. Consider future needs – will the facility be able to manage increased care needs? Be clear about the financial situation – who is paying for care? What are the options for funding care?
Consider whether your loved one prefers a smaller or larger facility, and how close the facility is to you and other family and friends. It’s easier to visit regularly for short periods if you live nearby; this can also help you ensure that your loved one is receiving the care they need.
Visit the facility and talk with current residents and their families. Watch how staff and residents interact – do the residents seem happy and well cared for? What kind of activities and resources are available to your loved one? Can special diets be accommodated?
Read the contract thoroughly. If you’re not sure of something, ask for more details via email so you have it in writing. Look for policies and procedures related to admission, discharge, retention, transfers, room changes, refund policies, and trial periods. If you see a clause about utilizing binding arbitration instead of going to court over a serious disagreement, you can choose whether to sign this. This type of clause is no longer allowed in a nursing home contract due to a federal ruling, according to Family Caregiver Alliance.
If your loved one is at a residential facility and you suspect elder abuse, call the police or Adult Protective Services right away. If you’re concerned about possible issues at their facility, you can contact Indiana’s long-term care ombudsman.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
