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The Nursing Home Decision

© Marci Stocks

Caregivers strive to do the best that they can for their loved ones. Some believe nursing home placement is wrong, while others believe it is alright. The focus of this article is to assist caregivers on this big decision - should I or shouldn't I?

You must consider the circumstances. Your spouse, parent, child or grandparent may have a health condition that needs twenty-four hour assistance or requires them to be bed-ridden. Nursing homes provide twenty-four hour care, daily activities, meals, and socialization.

It is very common for caregivers to feel like they are abandoning their loved one. This is a natural feeling. But, you must keep in mind that sometimes these facilities are necessary. If you still do not feel right about a nursing home placement, there are other services that you can receive, such as in-home nursing care. Each state, province, city, or country has different services. Look in your local elderly service directory to contact the many places that can assist you. If you call an agency that does not offer the services you are looking for, they may be able to refer you to another agency.

Nursing Home Selection Tips:

1. Research several facilities. Do not make an instant decision. See how several homes operate and then you can decide which you home you would like to go with. If one home is a little further away, but the staff was more pleasant than another home, you may want to consider that extra twenty-five minute drive. Remember, your loved one will be living there. You want to make it as comfortable for him or for her as you can.

2. Visit the facilities at least twice in the same day to see what occurs at different times. It is also a good idea to visit these facilities different days of the week.

3. If your loved one has dementia, is the facility trained? Is there a separate wing for these residents? It is extremely important for staff to be able to communicate with a person with dementia.

4. Activity is very important. Make sure that the facility offers fun and games (as I like to call it). Many homes have games, dances, and reading time. Ask if the home has an activity director. These directors are trained to do activities that are appropriate for the different levels of residents. Also, if your loved one has dementia, they still need activity. Some homes do not provide activities because they feel dementia person cannot do them. This is a misconception. Everyone can participate. You just need to alter activities to fit the needs of the individual person.

The copyright of the article The Nursing Home Decision in Elderly Caregiving is owned by Marci Stocks. Permission to republish The Nursing Home Decision in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.