(ThyBlackMan.com) Many older adults end up in a nursing home at some point, as they no longer have the ability to care for themselves safely. While this may be the only option for people without family, those who do have another choice. A family member can keep their aging loved one at home and take on the role as the primary caregiver. There are many reasons why it’s best to keep an aging family member at home.
Trust
Most people do not automatically trust a person. It takes time and getting to know someone before trust is earned. The nursing home staff may be lovely, but they won’t be trusted right away by new residents moving in. Seniors in need of care should stay home with their families as long as possible because those are the people they can trust and rely on.
If a family member wants to take their loved one in but does not have the equipment to make them safe and comfortable, there are ways to add the right equipment. An EasyClimber stairlift, for example, allows people to get transported from one level of the home to the next. With one of these installed, people never have to worry about their bi-level home being a problem for a senior family member.
Familiarity
As people age, their memory tends to be one of the first things to go. If someone is already starting to forget things, it is best to keep them in a familiar place so they can at least have something they recall. Moving them to a new location could make them agitated and disoriented when they’ve forgotten where they are.
Having items available that make tasks easier is a great way to help things be more comfortable for an elderly relative. Grab bars can get placed in the bathrooms, along with non-slip mats. You never know if they’ll forget how to use things, plus balance and strength become unstable at this age as well, making the grab bars necessary in most cases.
Independence
Some family members do not have their loved one move in with them. Instead, they keep them in their own home and simply come over to visit throughout the day to assist with certain tasks. Those who are still mobile and can handle things mainly on their own tend to want to keep their independence. They would prefer not to live in a small room in a facility where staff members do everything for them and they cannot leave without consent. At home, they can still feel in charge of their lives and do the things they like without question. It’s just one of the benefits of home care.
Setting up some security measures is ideal for seniors living at home. A Life Alert pendant, for example, can be worn and pressed for help if a person falls. A Jitterbug brand smartphone provides an easy-to-use phone to seniors who need bigger buttons and a simpler interface. Having things like these in the home help ensure aging adults can reach out for help quickly while still maintaining their independence.
Aging family members should not be placed into the care of a stranger at a nursing facility. If this is the only option, however, there are ways to get them acclimated easier. Choosing the right nursing home means considering the location, amenities, level of care, staff, and overall comfort of the person who will be residing there. Keeping them home as long as possible should be the goal, but keep other options in mind in case needs change down the line.
Staff Writer; Craig Day