Why Should I Send My Parents to A Retirement Home?

Making the decision to find a retirement home for your parents is never easy and is one that requires a considerable amount of careful thought, as well as the evaluation of several factors. No two situations are the same, and your parents’ situation will always differ from that of your friends’ parents or from anyone else that you ask for advice. To know when it’s the right time to consider a retirement home for your aging parents, look out for these key signs.

1 – They’re no longer able to take care of themselves

Probably the biggest sign that it’s time to move your parents out of their home is that they’re unable to handle basic tasks like preparing their own meals, tidying up after themselves, remembering to take their medication, and showering or bathing. This can get particularly dangerous when considering that they might forget to turn off the oven or could skip taking medication that’s crucial to maintaining their health.

2 – Their cognitive or physical limitations are too difficult for your family to manage

As much effort as you may have put into your parents’ care, sometimes they have conditions that you just aren’t equipped to manage. Whether it’s a lack of knowledge when it comes to your mother’s dementia, or that the only child living within driving distance to your parents frequently works overtime and is unable to be present, you’ll know it’s time for them to enter a retirement home when you can’t provide them with the assistance required to maintain their quality of life. Often children who make the decision to find a retirement home for their parents see the benefit it has on their lives and wish they had made the decision sooner. Your parent may be fully capable of remembering to shower and take their medication, but sometimes they simply need more professional help than that. They could have physical disabilities or illnesses that require 24/7 medical care, including the presence of somebody being around overnight to make sure that they’re supported. As much as you may want to be there for them, you likely don’t have the skills or resources necessary to give them the medical attention they need – luckily, they can give that in a retirement home.

3 – Retirement homes can reduce isolation and loneliness

Aging at home can be isolating and lonely. Despite children’s and family members greatest efforts to visit and be there for their loved ones, prolonged periods alone can lead to depression and other mental health challenges. Should you see signs of depression in your parent it might be time to consider retirement living to improve their mental health. The community that is created within the retirement facility can become an important support for you and your loved one.

At Carefor, we know how momentous of a decision it can be to place your parents in a retirement home and recognize that you likely have many questions to ask to help guide your choice. We have worked with countless families to support them through this transition and educated them on retirement options near them – please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today at https://carefor.ca/contact-us. We are always happy to hear from you.