When to Suggest Care Homes for Parents? | Ashiana Housing

A film on the stories of Resident of Utsav Care homes, Bhiwadi

The decision to move out of a home is not a simple one – practically or emotionally – especially if it relates to a loved one, such as an aging parentliving away from you. You want them to be safe, well and happy. So how can you know when’s the right time to gently suggest that they should no longer be living alone?

While no two situations are the same, the following 7 signs provide valuable information to help you make the decision.

General signs it might be time to move into a care home

• Recent accidents, mishaps or close calls
• Slow recovery time
• A chronic health condition that keeps getting worse
• More difficulty in managing activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)

Physical signs it might be time to move into acare home

• Sudden or significant weight loss
• Looking frailer or weaker
• Poor personal hygiene

Social signs it might be time to move into a care home

• Lack of companionship
• Reduced activities and interests
• Feelings of loneliness and depression

Health signs it might be time to move into a care home

• Medical insights and reports
• Failure to take medication

Other signs it might be time to move into a care home

• Depressed or indifferent emotional state
• Such type of bizarre behaviourcan often point to dementia:
• Asking the same questions repeatedly
• Being disoriented or feeling lost in familiar places
• Being disoriented with regard to date, time, place or event
• Failure to recognize familiar people
• traveling out of their neighborhood

If your loved one is living in a happy, secure and comfortable home setting with close community connections – then it may be worth exploring in-home care options,such as by hiring additional help and support, including a trained caregiver.

But if they are showing some of the signs mentioned above when living alone, it may be time for a talk. Before deciding on what you think ought to be done, find out exactly what they fear most about moving out as well as about staying in their current home. If you approach the topic gently, you may find that they may be experiencing the same fears and anxieties for their safety and security that you do.

Do you have any interesting stories to share about a loved one who is happily settled in a care home in India? Do let us know – we’d love to hear from you!