According to Enabling Research in Care Homes, in the UK, approximately 416,000 people live in care homes, which represent 4% of the population aged 65 years and over, rising to 16% of those aged 85 or more.
Moving a loved one to a care home isn’t an easy decision. But there are times when health needs become too much to handle at home. Family members need to recognise that there are times when assisted living is the right choice for their loved one.
Experts at Ashton House Residential, one of the best nursing homes in Crawley, say that sending your parent or loved one to an assisted living facility is not a selfish act. It might just be the best decision for their well-being, given their health situation.
Here are a few signs that caregivers should look for to know if it is the right time to choose assisted living.
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The Elderly Living Alone
Not just in the UK but across the world, children move to different towns and even a different country in search of better career opportunities. This leaves senior citizens living by themselves. However, with age, people slowly lose the ability to take care of their daily needs. Loneliness and depression also tend to creep in because their physical condition no longer allows them to go out too often. This is a good time then to consider residential care homes, such as those in West Sussex and Crawley.
Need for Better Social Care
Even if children aren’t staying far away from their parents, most of them are away from home for a large part of the day due to work. Parents can feel isolated and depressed living within the four walls all by themselves. Residential care facilities offer an opportunity for elders to live among people of the same age, participating in various activities together.
Parents Want Independence
One thing that is common among most senior citizens is that they do not want to give up their independence and dignity. They hesitate to ask anyone for help, even their children. It is worse when they have health issues that prevent them from being able to take care of their everyday functions like dressing and washing. Care homes in prime locations like West Sussex have well-trained, professional staff, who know how to help the elderly without them feeling any loss of dignity.
Escalating Care Needs
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are on rise in the UK. These ailments have become the leading cause of death in the country in recent times. When an aging parent or relative is suffering from any degenerative condition, their care needs can go beyond the physical abilities of the caregivers at home. In fact, taking care of person with dementia can pose health risks to the caregiver as well. People with dementia often exhibit agitated behaviour, wandering out of the home, and other difficulties that make it difficult for the family to care for them. They need specialised medical care, which can be provided best in a residential care facility.
Not being able to care for your loved ones can make you feel very guilty. However, remember that your aim is to help enhance their quality of life. This is best done at residential care homes, such as those in West Sussex and Crawley.
