When is the right time for nursing home care?
Many families agonize over moving a loved one into nursing home care. For some families the decision is out of their hands. A sudden stroke or fracture of the hip can make caring for an elderly loved one at home impossible to manage.
Others may take on more caring responsibilities over time. As a loved one's health deteriorates they may require more care than you can realistically provide.
Everyone's situation will be unique. Some people have the support of family and friends others have unlimited finances.
If you are unsure if a family member is ready for nursing home care talk to a doctor or book an aged care assessment with your local Aged Care Assessment team (ACAT).
This assessment is required before you can access care in a government funded aged care home.
10 warning signs indicating nursing home care
The decision to move a loved one into a nursing home is usually based on a number of reasons including the following:
- Caregiving is impacting on a carer's own health (stress, sleep deprivation)
- Carers cannot manage caregiving responsibilities with their own family, work and social life
- A family member needs 24 hour care and supervision at home
- Home environment is no longer safe for a family member
- Family member requires major assistance with toileting, mobility and personal hygiene
- Symptoms of dementia are difficult to manage including aggression, wandering and incontinence
- Problems managing medications
- Family member is not safe at home alone due to loss of capacity, judgment and memory loss
- Family member is malnourished, depressed and socially isolated
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