5 Signs Your Aging Parent Needs a Residential Care Home

Of course, there is no denying that caring for an aging parent can be tricky and overwhelming, especially if you are juggling work and other family responsibilities. On the other hand, making the decision to take your aging parent to a care home is not easy, considering that they spent their decades caring for you. So, there might be some feelings of guilt. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Residential care homes Birmingham offer aging parents incredible benefits, including 24/7 care from qualified professionals.

It can also relieve you of caregiving duties, which can be detrimental to your mental health. But when is it really the right time to take your parent to a residential care home? Let’s find out as this article examines the signs that it is time to do so.

1. Your loved one needs assistance with activities of daily living

For elders, dressing, bathing, and using the restroom are examples of activities of daily living (ADLs) that frequently cause concern. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2022, 14.2% of persons aged 75 and over require personal care support.

Medication management is among the issues that seniors and caregivers worry about the most. For elders, drug management mistakes can be pretty dangerous. In addition to helping elders and their caregivers with medication management, care homes can also assist with other everyday duties, like taking a shower.

2. Falls and injuries

As people age, their eyesight frequently deteriorates, and their mobility declines, which can result in falls. Watch out for any bruises on their body because minor falls might worsen.

Your loved one’s health and safety are at stake if they begin to have falls that result in sprains and broken bones. Living alone may eventually make them unsafe at home, necessitating placement in a residential care homes where they can receive round-the-clock care.

3. Personal hygiene is a problem.

If you observe that your loved one’s hygiene habits have begun to deteriorate, it might be time for a challenging but crucial talk.

Find out how frequently they shower or bathe and whether they have been experiencing difficulties. Do they have trouble getting in and out of the shower? Is it possible for them to dress and undress by themselves? Are they dozing off in a chair in front of the television or their bed?

It may require some gentle coaxing on your behalf because it is not unusual for elderly folks to be too arrogant or stubborn to acknowledge these difficulties. However, if you can get them to open up, you may make them realize that a respite care Solihull is a safer and healthier environment.

4. Medication is piling up.

You cannot overlook the serious warning sign that your loved one’s prescription is unopened and beginning to accumulate. There might be severe repercussions if medication is forgotten or refused.

Once your loved one moves into a residential care home, they will have a qualified expert to ensure they take their medication as needed. Knowing that their health is being closely watched provides you both with peace of mind.

5. Isolation

Over 11 million seniors live alone in the U.S., affecting their health and wellness. Isolation reduces social interactions, contributes to depression and unhealthy habits, and increases mortality rates. The lack of community can lead to diseases like dementia and heart disease. So, if you notice that your loved one tends to isolate themselves more often, you should consider taking them to a residential care home where they can interact and socialize with their peers.