What is a nursing home?
A nursing home is a care facility that cares for mainly elderly patients, but also for any adult who has serious health issues that prevent them from performing daily self-care activities independently. Those with mental illnesses and neurological disorders may also be found in a nursing home.
The term “nursing home” has been used interchangeably with the term “assisted living facility”, and rightfully so because the two are becoming harder to distinguish. Traditionally, assisted living facilities were for elderly individuals who required some help with daily activities, while nursing homes were strictly for those with physical and cognitive issues. Today, you can find the same individuals in assisted living facilities but typically, the facility has two separate sides for the different levels of care.
Signs it May be Time for a Nursing Home
Taking care of an elderly loved one is very rewarding and one of the most selfless acts you can perform for someone, but it can also be very taxing emotionally. Whether you’re debating on if you should place a loved one in a nursing home, or if you’re thinking about choosing a nursing home for yourself, here are some of the most common signs that a nursing home/assisted living facility is the best choice.
A Decline in Physical Health
Poor physical health may not always require a nursing home, but there are ways to tell if a nursing home is necessary. Certain daily activities may be harder to do because of a decline in physical (and even mental) health. There are six main activities of daily living (ADLs): eating, continence, bathing, toileting, dressing, and the ability to get in and out of a bed. If you or your loved one has trouble with any of these, it may be time to consider a nursing home or assisted living facility.
A decline in Mental Health
The likelihood of developing a chronic illness increases with age, and several adults over the age of 50 suffer from some kind of illness that requires daily medication. This is where some concerns may come in. If it’s hard to remember to take medications daily, it may be time for a nursing home.
Most seniors live alone, and this isolation can be detrimental to mental health. Isolation can lead to depression, unhealthy habits, and even death, due to these unhealthy habits or an accident (such as a fall).
Experiencing Falls
Another thing that happens as we age is that our bones and joints become weaker. When this happens, falls among the elderly are more prevalent. About one out of every three senior citizens will experience a fall, which could lead to further health complications or even death.
A Messy Home
A messy home can be an indication of the inability to perform certain chores, such as vacuuming, washing dishes, or doing laundry. It can also be an indication of forgetfulness (early signs of dementia). In addition to a messy home, your loved one could also be keeping poor hygiene habits.
Trouble Managing Finances
This could also be due to forgetfulness. Unpaid bills could be a sign of forgetting to pay them, or difficulty paying them. This could potentially be a sign of dementia, which is actually caused by one of many neurological disorders.
Pros and Cons of Nursing Homes
There have been several horror stories of abuse occurring in nursing homes, and unfortunately, this is true, which is why it’s even more important to have legal aid in the event you suspect abuse in a facility. It’s important to research nursing homes and assisted care facilities before deciding on one. Another con of placing your loved one in a nursing home is the cost. Nursing homes are known to be expensive, so it’s especially important to make sure that this is the absolute best option, and that the facility does not neglect or abuse its patients. Fortunately, there are more pros to nursing homes than cons:
- Advanced Care: the best nursing homes and assisted living facilities will have the best medical and personal care for your loved one.
- More Social Opportunities: As mentioned before, many seniors tend to live alone so they are isolated from others. A nursing home/assisted living facility allows them to be around more people.
- Structure: A good nursing home will follow a schedule, ensuring that meals and medications are taken at the proper times.
Every family’s situation is different, and people choose to put their loved ones in nursing homes for different reasons. Choose to do what works for your family, and what is best for your loved one.
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