It’s the cycle of life: as you grow older, so do your parents, which would mean they may not be able to do things like they used to. Taking care of your ageing parent(s) at home is an option you can consider but is quite challenging. Juggling your family and personal life in addition to taking care of your parents may lead to giving attention to one aspect over the other, causing more stress. Despite the abundance of reputable residential care homes such as Oakland Care, experienced in caring for the elderly, it is understandable that you wish to care for them on your own. However, this could be exactly what they need. Here are a few reasons why you should consider putting your ageing parents in a residential care home.
Medical Care Services
From picking up prescriptions to going for appointments, there are several medical care needs you would need to assist your ageing parents with. Unfortunately, there may be days when you’d be a bit too occupied to meet these commitments. There is also the likelihood of emergencies that can be stressful for you to deal with. In a care home, residents are assured round-the-clock medical attention. You are assured that your parents receive the right medication and be taken on time. Additionally, you are assured that professionals handle all medical attention and emergency cases, so good quality is assured. With trained staff, you are also assured that your parent would receive the right care and medical attention for complex diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Companionship
Older people need a social life. Although spending time with the family may make them happy, it is also healthy to spend time with people of the same age who share similar challenges and experiences. When at home, it is most likely that these opportunities to socialise may be difficult to come by. At a nursing home, your parent can build a social network. Also, these residential care homes encourage social activities such as game nights, giving the residents opportunities to socialise and mingle amongst themselves.
Safety
Another advantage of sending your ageing parents to a care home is safety. Mobility is a common issue many older people face. This causes them to need support when walking or standing. It also means they are subjected to slips and falls if the right measures are not implemented. This is usually the challenge you may face when your parents stay at home with you. Fortunately, since care homes are dedicated to the elderly, various measures to avoid injuries are implemented. The grounds are also secure from theft, and other intruders as only reliable and transparent individuals are employed to work in such facilities.
Ease The Stress
You do mean well by wanting to take care of your ageing parents on your own, but it can be very time-consuming and difficult— especially if you aren’t a professional in caregiving. This stress can also affect your parents. This is because you may become irritable or overwhelmed from the stress making you unreliable. By putting them in a care home, you ensure they get the care they need and ease your stress.