Maybe their bones are becoming more brittle and need to be treated carefully. Perhaps the level of physical activity that they are capable of is declining. In some cases, their mental strength could be deteriorating as well.
Whether you are getting older or you have a parent/grandparent that is reaching this stage of life, one of the main concerns is the need for personalized care. While aging at home is becoming a growing trend, and is far more accessible than ever before with modern technology, the reality for many elderly individuals is that they will end up in some type of long-term care facility.
These institutions are designed specifically to meet the needs of older populations, from nursing homes to assisted-living facilities. Though many may dread the idea of living in this type of environment, there are plenty of benefits for residents. But making that initial decision can be a difficult conversation. What if the person gets lonely? How good is the care? Can they handle this specific individual’s needs?
When starting this discussion with other members of your family, here are a few signs that it may be time to consider a long-term care facility in Missouri.
Being Prepared
Whether you or your parent is approaching this life stage, one of the best ways to prepare for the possibility is to start planning for it before it becomes a necessity. When someone is between the ages of 60 and 65, this could be the perfect time to start shopping around for long-term care options. Even if the person in question is still in good health, you will have a headstart on choosing your plan if and when the time comes to implement it. This also gives you time to do adequate research into the different types of institutions and what services they offer.
Home Care is No Longer Sufficient
One of the main reasons that people in Missouri enter into long-term care facilities is because their home care option is no longer sufficient to meet the elderly individual’s needs. Maybe the person had suffered a stroke and was going through rehabilitation at home, but their reliance on others has progressed to the point of needing more help. Or maybe their physical decline has made it impossible for their spouse to keep up with their needs and they would rather take advantage of the resources of a facility. When the person’s needs for care can no longer be met at home, then moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility might be the best solution.
Lack of Social Engagement
As people get older, they tend to have fewer and fewer relationships, often due to the loss of friends or spouses who are also getting older. In some cases, the tragic loss of a spouse can leave an individual in an extremely lonely state, especially if other family members are unable to visit often. On top of offering personal care, these facilities provide social engagement for residents, creating an event calendar that can benefit an individual’s mental and social health.
Stressed Out Family Members
Sometimes the children of older family members will spend a lot of time worrying about the state of their loved one as well as their safety. Even if that person does not need 24/7 available care, if family members are constantly worried because they make poor decisions that often get them hurt, or the home they live in is not conducive to senior living, then considering a long-term care facility can bring peace of mind to the rest of the family. Though there is the possibility of nursing home abuse in Missouri facilities, the overall increase in safety measures for elderly populations can provide security and reduce the weight of stress on adult children.
Personal Health Concerns
People do not always make the best decisions for their health, and this is especially true for older individuals. Sometimes, they adopt the mindset of “what does it matter at this point?” Maybe they are making poor diet choices that are accelerating the decline of their physical condition, or they are leading a sedentary lifestyle. Moving into a long-term care facility can encourage healthier choices. Meals that are provided to residents are becoming healthier in Missouri and across the nation, and the presence of exercising areas and routines can help the individual focus on their physical well-being.
Be Open and Honest
This type of conversation can often be uncomfortable for families. Seniors may be reluctant or even strongly against the prospect of living in a long-term care facility, but it could be the best decision for them. When you approach this conversation, remember to be open and honest with them throughout the discussion. Let them know that you just want to talk about the best way to care for them in their old age, and be sure to not decide for them. Allow them to communicate how they feel and what they would want for themselves. Together, you can arrive at a decision that will benefit their long-term wellness.
