Does Your Elderly Loved One Really Need to Be Put in a Care Home?

Trying to make a decision about what to do with your elderly loved ones as they grow older is tough, no matter what the circumstances. Trying to decide between the risk of letting your loved one stay in their home and the choice of putting them into a care facility or rest home can be difficult and confusing. If you're trying to make this decision for yourself, there may be an intermediary that could work for you, allowing your loved one to maintain independence while still being safe. Here's what you should know and consider.

Evaluating Independence

When deciding what you should do for your loved one, one of the best places to start is by evaluating how independent they still are. Can your loved one generally take care of themself around their home, or do they need help? Are they still able to drive? Can they handle chores outside of the home, or do those responsibilities usually fall to you?

If your loved one is still capable of taking care of themselves at home but is unable to do some or any of the other things, an in-home caregiver may be your best choice. 

Their Feelings

Another thing to consider is how your loved one feels about it. Most elders are vehemently against leaving their homes, but some see the chance to move into an assisted care facility as a way of developing a new social life with people their age. You should definitely discuss this decision with your loved one before making a choice. Chances are, your loved one will want to stay in the place that they've called home for decades, so be prepared for that decision.

What to Do

If your loved one wants to stay, you should look into an in-home caregiver. In-home caregivers are capable of doing things like helping your loved one with daily routines and hygiene, ensuring that they take all of their medication, and helping them around so that they're not in danger of falling or getting hurt. Cooking and cleaning are other activities that caregivers often provide.

In addition, despite the name of 'in-home care,' the majority of these caregivers will also provide support outside of the home as well, whether this means going shopping by themselves or accompanying your loved one. In any case, it ensures that your loved one gets what they need without having to lean on you and while staying safe.

You don't have to surrender your loved one to a care home. Consider letting them stay where they're most comfortable and getting an elderly home care service to help instead.