There comes a point when your parent or loved one needs more care than you can safely provide at home. While admitting that can be hard, deciding what comes next can be even harder.
The good news? You have options like in-home caregivers, moving in with family, rotating family support, assisted living or long-term care, and specialized memory care for dementia. As every situation is unique, talk with your loved one’s primary care provider about the level of support that best protects their health, safety and independence.
At the same time, acknowledge the emotions involved. Routines, friendships and decision-making habits don’t change overnight. If your loved one has been getting lost on familiar routes, having trouble with dressing or standing from a bed or chair, it may be time to plan a respectful, supportive transition.
How Much Help Does My Loved One Need?
Aging affects everyone differently. For some people, a gentle reminder or light mobility aid may be enough but for others, cognitive or physical changes can progress to the point of needing round-the-clock care to prevent falls, wandering or medical emergencies. If you’ve noticed changes in your loved one’s habits or home environment, it may be time to explore additional support.
- Neglected personal hygiene, such as infrequent bathing, laundry or persistent body odor.
- Clutter, hoarding behavior or a noticeable decline in home maintenance.
- Kitchen safety concerns, such as leaving the oven on or keeping expired food.
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks, like buttoning clothes or handling utensils.
- Unsafe driving, such as missing traffic signs, getting lost or driving erratically.
- Changes in appetite, mood or social engagement.
- Financial problems, like unpaid bills or falling victim to scams.
- Medication mistakes, such as skipped doses or incorrect timing.
- Progressive dementia symptoms, including confusion, aggression or wandering.
- Decline in overall health or mobility due to chronic or mental health conditions.
- Environmental hazards, like dark hallways, loose rugs and cluttered pathways.
If you recognize any combination of these signs, schedule an evaluation with their primary care provider or a neurologist. Through cognitive, physical and activities of daily living (ADL) assessments, doctors can determine your loved one’s needs and recommend an appropriate level of care.
What’s the Best Place for My Loved One?
Many older adults prefer to continue living at home, surrounded by familiar spaces and routines. For some, this can be supported through independent or family-assisted living. For others, round-the-clock medical care in a professional setting ensures the highest level of safety and well-being.
Common care options based on your loved one’s health, mobility and cognitive needs include:
- Independent Living: Your loved one stays at home with family support. Loved ones can rotate visits for errands, appointments, cleaning or meal preparation. This option suits active seniors with few chronic conditions who only need occasional help with ADLs.
- Living with Family: For those facing moderate health or mobility challenges, moving in with a family member allows for closer oversight and a safer daily environment.
- Long-Term Care: For individuals with advanced medical or memory care needs, assisted living or dementia care communities provide round-the-clock care, medication management and a structured, supervised setting.
If staying at home seems best, review our home safety checklist for seniors to minimize fall hazards and other concerns.
Helping Your Loved One Transition Smoothly
Moving an aging parent or relative is both an emotional and practical process. These steps can make the transition easier for everyone:
- Highlight the Positives: Start conversations early and focus on the benefits, such as less housework, more social opportunities and ongoing medical support.
- Involve Them In Decisions: Let them choose cherished items to bring – photos, keepsakes and furniture to make the new space feel like home.
- Introduce the Care Team: If they’re moving into long-term care, arrange a meet-and-greet with nurses and doctors. This can help build trust and reduce anxiety. At the same time, transfer their prescriptions and update insurance providers.
- Organize Finances: Long-term care requires financial planning. Assigning power of attorney ensures someone can manage healthcare and financial matters. Be sure to update their banks, insurance providers and the Social Security Administration.
- Ease the Transition: Help your loved one make the new room feel like home. Walk them through the facility to find the bathroom, dining room and other common areas. Review the activities calendar together so they can start forming connections.
Exploring long-term or memory care for your loved one? West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center provides a welcoming, compassionate and attentive focused on comfort, safety and dignity. To speak with our admissions team, contact us today.