All too often we remember our mom and dad with rose tinted spectacles. While they may be struggling with ailments, finding simple tasks tricky, and finding it hard to maintain their independence today, we can’t help but see our parents as young, energetic and fun like they were when we were kids. When you feel like your parents need full time residential care, you may encounter resistance. This is normal. Put yourself in their shoes. They may have to give up their home, their friends, and their independence. You need to make decisions with your parents, not for them. Take a look at this guide to help you and your parents when residential care is the only option.
Visit
When broaching the topic of residential care with your parents, you may find that they shut down the conversation before it has even begun. It can be challenging to make headway. Take the time to express your genuine concerns about their safety and health if they remain in their home. They will recognize their struggles but it can take time for them to be willing to even entertain residential care.
Collect some brochures and take them for some visits. Don’t put any pressure on these and make it clear that you are just venturing out to take a look around rather than selecting a nursing home to move into. The staff at these residential care homes are lovely and will discuss any concerns that your mom or dad may have. Visiting these places can put your parents’ minds at ease and remove any stress as they realize that life doesn’t end when they move into residential care.
Worries
We all hear the horror stories of poorly managed care homes, uncaring nurses and shoddy food. Make it clear to your parents that you will address any worries they have at any point during their transition into residential care. You will be the first on the phone to tenacious nursing home abuse lawyers if the need arises. However, you will try and negate this through research, visits and remaining in constant contact with your mom and dad. Your parents moving into residential care doesn’t mean that you will never see them again. If anything, you may visit them more. You need to tell them this and organize a regular rota of visits so that everyone has moments of joy to look forward to.
Alternatives
If you are willing to explore alternatives to a nursing home, round-the-clock care within their own home may be worth considering. You need to think about how you can fund this sort of intervention. However, if this will help boost your parents morale and maintain some of their independence, you could look into home nursing teams. These nurses and staff will cook and clean and pick up medicines for your mom and dad. They can help with washing and dressing as needed. However, if there are more pressing medical issues, residential care may be necessary.
Follow this guide and you can help your parents make a successful transition into residential care.
