This is a collaborative post.
When an older loved one begins to struggle in their home, it can be tough to know what to do, especially if all of the adaptations have been made to make the home as suitable as possible.
It can also be very hard to broach the subject of relocating to residential care or supported living without the conversation becoming emotional. So, rather than rely on hunches, it can be worth knowing the signs of when your loved one may need to relocate to a residential home to start planning the move properly.
They Are Having More Accidents
Falls are common among those who are older and may be due to arthritis, as well as homes that are not properly equipped to help them move around.
However, if you have made your loved one’s home as safe as you can but they are still having falls regularly, it may be time to consider moving them into a residential care setting. Homes like Signature at Reigate Grange will have everything that your loved one needs to get around independently, and if needed, there are staff on hand 24 hours a day to assist them.
There Are Money Issues
No one is saying that if your relative has some debt, they are bad with money. However, if they frequently engage in strange purchases or forget to pay their bills, this can be a sign that they are struggling to manage their money as well as they used to. This could be a symptom of cognitive decline, which will need to be managed carefully by a qualified team.
Their Personal Hygiene is Getting Worse
One thing that all residential homes can offer to their residents is help with personal hygiene, such as toileting and bathing. If your loved one is looking unkempt or is having issues with cleaning due to their mobility, or even simply forgetting daily hygiene, this can be a sign that they could benefit from the trained staff who will be on hand in a residential home.
Memory Loss
It is hard to see a loved one struggle with memory loss, and if it is linked to an issue such as Alzheimer’s, it is time to think about how much more help they will get in a caring setting. The teams in residential homes will have the expertise to handle and manage those who have memory and cognition issues and will also be able to report signs that the issue is worsening. There will also be activities in these settings that are aimed at slowing the progression, as well as access to specialist medical professionals who may not be as readily available in the community.
Incontinence
There are different causes of incontinence, all of which should be explored with the help of a doctor. One of the most common causes of urinary incontinence in older people is an undiagnosed urinary tract infection.
However, if your loved one is frequently having incontinence issues, this can be a sign that they need professional nursing care, which they will be sure to get in a residential care home. The highly-trained teams in these homes will be able to observe and assess your loved one to see if there may be a cause that can be better managed. Match that with immediate access to medical help, and you have some very good reasons why a residential home may be the best setting for your loved one who is struggling at home.