Taking care of your parents is the most important thing. Everything else is secondary. And as they grow old, you help them all the ways that you can.
But sometimes, there comes a time when you want to help them, but you just can’t. it can be your work commitments that separate you from your parents or your career dreams. Further, you can’t stay with them 24/7, and all these dilemmas are a reason why assisted living centres are sprouting up.
They are great care facilities for people who need some assistance, but also want to live independently. But shifting your parents to an assisted living facility is quite a decision to make, and you will probably consider all the odds before making one. But at the same time, you do not want to rush in making the choice.
Below, we have rounded up a list of seven things to consider before shifting your parents to an assisted living.
1. Do your parents need help with daily activities?
Often aged people need assistance for daily living activities like brushing, bathing, dressing, etc. You must double-check whether your parents also need this kind of assistance. What also is a part of daily activities is having your medicines on time, that is, medication management.
Some stats suggest that nearly 9% of adults 75 to 84 need personal care assistance, according to a 2017 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This figure further amps up to 21% for seniors 85 and older.
While all of these tasks individually might not appear huge, activities like bathing someone, brushing their teeth, dressing them, taking care of their medicines, and helping them exercise can be quite exhaustive.
2. Do your parents need more opportunities for socialization?
As your parents age, they want you to surround them more often but neither of you will enjoy each other’s company for long hours. To fill the gap, they must connect with individuals of the same age group. You don’t want them to be isolated, and if they are, assisted living can prove to be really beneficial.
3. Does your loved one need regular medical attention?
Medication management is one thing, but if regular medical attention is another. Regular doctor visits can be taxing for you, both emotionally and physically, and of course the additional financial stress that comes with medical bills. But how much does assisted living cost? The monthly rates can vary widely depending on the location, amenities offered, level of care required and other factors. so, it’s better to do research before making any decision.
But in an assisted living care, all of this is already provided within the boundaries of the facility. This reduces the liability and makes tasks a lot easier. If you are based in Melbourne, you can check out HeritageCare. It is one of the most reputed aged care facilities there. But before taking the final decision, learn more about it!
4. Is maintenance being stressful to you?
If you have your aging parent at home, staying with you, you will have to look after activities like vacuuming, bed making, dusting, laundry, and all of this above your regular apartment maintenance.
You will have to either do it by yourself or outsource it, either of which can be stressful. Assisted care providers look after all this, allowing a stress-free life for you.
5. Is providing optimum nutrition a problem?
Whatever the disease, nutrition is the most important factor governing your parent’s recovery. You want your parents to be served, warm food, stuffed with healthy nutrients, on a regular basis.
In most cases, the food you eat is completely different from that of your parents, so preparing food, especially for them regularly can be difficult. Further, it will also be difficult for you to match all the boxes. But assisted living has all the dining options ticked.
6. Can you do all that we said above, in the long term?
I am not doubting your ability or intention to take care of your parents, but can you do all the above-mentioned things for the years ahead? Because that is how it is going to be from here on. Ask yourself, do you have the resources to do so?
7. Is their doctor recommending assisted care?
Well, every decision that concerns your parent’s health boils down to your doctor’s call. He knows best for them and will advise you accordingly. Ask him, and take his opinion into consideration.
Over to you…
It is important to take care of your parents, and that is why you are here. However, it’s equally important to take care of yourself, because if you don’t, there will be no one to look after your parents. Consider exploring options like assisted living near me to find a supportive environment where your parents can receive the care they need, while you also have the opportunity to prioritize your own well-being and peace of mind.
In a survey of 1,000 caregivers, it was found that nearly two out of three primary caregivers have arrived at this breaking point: 65% reported sacrificing their own physical and mental health in order to care for a loved one. You definitely don’t want to be one among them!
