Nursing Homes Become Beneficial When Little Problems Create Big Concerns About Care
Posted on: 5 January 2020
Nursing homes provide more than a place for older relatives to live. Far too often, people confuse nursing homes with over-55 independent living complexes. A significant difference exists between the two. At a nursing home, an older relative receives both supervision and care. Someone who becomes forgetful or begins to suffer coordination issues may benefit significantly from oversight. Even when the relative can take care of him/herself in most ways, "small" things aren't minor when they create risks. If you notice cognitive, balance, or other issues, then it might be best to look into nursing home care.
A Small Oversight Leads to Severe Consequences
Caring relatives worry about a loved one suffering from a stroke or being diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. What happens when a parent suffers a sprained wrist? A younger person might be fine fumbling with his/her left hand for two weeks until the right one heels. An older person, however, might suffer risky disadvantages. The inability to hold a boiling pot of water could lead to third-degree burns. Again, relatives don't always think of all the things that can go wrong. They can't imagine all of them because there are so many. Other possible incidents include the following.
Tripping While Getting Dressed: Coordination issues often make putting arms through shirt sleeves or legs through pants legs difficult. Slipping two feet into the same pants leg, while standing, may lead to a fall. The "short tumble" could break the hip of an 80-year-old.
Starting a Fire with Appliances: Forgetfulness has its consequences. A "tiny oversight" such as not emptying a dirty filter on a dryer could cause a fire. Once out of control, a fire might burn down the house.
Keep an eye on a relative for growing problems. Does he/she stumble a bit trying to get up from the couch? Are bills going unpaid? Stay ever on the alert for these things. Note if things start becoming worse. And, honestly, there's a high chance they will get worse. Anything that raises concerns should prompt a discussion about nursing care. Perhaps the next time your relative sees his/her primary care physician, bring the doctor into the discussion. Nursing care does support healthier living, after all.
Minimal-But-Significant Nursing Care
Even though the relative might not require much supervision, a little care means a lot. Nursing home residents receive varying degrees of care. Some residents retain a significant amount of independence. Speaking to a nursing home representative helps determine the right living arrangement for your loved one. Visit websites like http://www.vvrconline.org for more information.
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