What’s best for your older parents?

According to the US Census Bureau, the baby boomer generation will be over 65 years old by 2030. As a result, the increasing aging of the population would place a greater burden on health care and also increase the need for nursing homes.

As seniors get older, they usually need outside help. Your family and loved ones will have to choose between nursing home and home care. It is not an easy decision because many seniors do not want to leave their homes.

Contrary to popular belief, nursing homes can be good for the elderly. Home care workers are also a good option. However, they must be carefully assessed before placing seniors under their care. If you have older parents, this guide will help you make a good decision.

Nursing Home vs. Home Nursing: Pros and Cons

Care at home

Home care allows your elderly parents to stay at home. They hire a caregiver who makes their lives easier. If your parents refused to leave home, this is probably the best option for them.

Advantages:

Home care workers tailor their services to the needs of seniors. They can help if older parents have Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Seniors can stay in their familiar surroundings and enjoy their freedom. You can visit friends and attend social gatherings by invitation.

Home nursing is quite affordable. You don’t have to break the bank before hiring a private caregiver.

Disadvantage:

Bad caregivers can neglect seniors and leave them unsupervised.

You may need to hire a qualified nurse if your elderly parents have special medical needs.

Some elderly parents need supervision. Home care workers are not available 24/7.

Nursing home

Nursing homes are an all-in-one solution for seniors. They serve as a permanent home that the elderly can move into.

Advantages:

Nursing homes have numerous medical professionals who are available around the clock. They can take on nursing and medical functions.

Older people with dementia or Alzheimer’s have a tendency to walk around. Nursing homes are well secured and there are always people nearby.

Disadvantage:

Nursing homes that provide high quality care can be very expensive. This is because they offer both housing and medical treatment.

They also take away a person’s independence. It’s only best if your elderly parents can hardly use their physical abilities.

It takes a while for seniors to get used to nursing homes. There are some limiting rules that your older parents may not like.

What to consider when making your decision

Before you move your elderly parents to a nursing home or decide on a caregiver, there are a few factors you need to consider. Below are 7 questions to help you understand which one best suits your needs.

How capable is the person?

Some seniors can do basic tasks on their own, while others need help with most things. You need to determine if your elderly parents are strong enough to maintain their independence.

Do they have certain conditions that require constant care?

There are certain diseases that old people can have. It could be dementia, emphysema, or even cancer. You have to decide whether your seniors need private care or are better off in a nursing home.

Cost of a nursing home versus a home carer.

Nursing homes are more expensive than nursing homes. They relieve you of all the burdens of maintaining a private home. Have nursing homes Health care administrative staff who ensure that the course runs smoothly.

Do you have health insurance that covers a nursing home or home care?

If you are planning to hire a nurse or pay for a nursing home, understand that these can put a huge strain on your finances. If your parents have health insurance, it can help cover some of the costs.

Ask your parents what they would prefer

Many elderly people prefer to stay in their own four walls. While others may be ready to move into a nursing home. You must respect their choices in determining the best fit for them.

Are you or other family members available to look after the parent part-time and hire a nurse for the rest of the time?

Unless you hire a home carer, most caregivers are only available for a few hours. Someone else has to step in and help out for the rest of the day. This could be you, your sibling, or another family member.

Do you need a caregiver or just for a few days a week.

Nursing homes ensure that seniors are always looked after. However, if you prefer home nursing, you will have to choose between a live caregiver or someone who is there a few days a week.

How to choose a home caregiver

A good caregiver must be compassionate, trustworthy, and able to meet your elderly parents’ needs. You need to properly verify the person before hiring them. Here are some tips to help you choose the right family doctor.

• Consider your parents’ needs

Is it necessary to hire a nurse? What things can they help your elderly parents with? Most home carers help out with physical chores such as housekeeping, shopping, personal hygiene, using the toilet, and more. You can also hire someone with additional skills like nursing.

Chances are your neighbors or co-workers have hired a carer for their parents. You can recommend some caregivers or agencies. Their recommendations and advice can help you select a competent nursing staff.

• Interview with some private supervisors

Once you’ve found a few caregivers, it’s time to schedule an interview with them. You have to ask specific questions find out if they fit well. Some home carers have formal training, while others simply have a lot of experience.

• After hiring, monitor their progress

It is not enough to hire a caregiver. You need to be careful how they relate to your older parents. Does the person have a personable personality and attitude? Make sure they are doing their job well.

How to choose a nursing home

Moving your older parents to a care facility is a big decision. That’s why you have to find a place where older people feel comfortable. There are many things to consider when choosing a nursing home. Here are a few things to look out for.

• Is the nursing home well run?

The appearance of a nursing home plays a big role. It must be neat, fresh and habitable. A representative should offer to walk you through the setup. You should also speak to some nursing home residents and ask if they like it there. This will help you know what to think of the place.

• Does the nursing home have qualified staff?

The staff in a nursing home must have appropriate training. During your visit, try to observe how they relate to the elderly in the home. You also need to know how often health professionals visit the place.

• What activities are there within the facility?

Most nursing homes offer a range of activities that help keep their residents entertained. There should be exercise and play routines so seniors don’t get bored. You can have hair salons, a mini movie theater, religious services, and restaurants on-site.

This will help your parents adjust to their new routine

Getting used to a nursing home or home carer can be a challenge for your older parents. If you’ve reluctantly agreed to the new developments, make sure you stay supportive and helpful. Here’s how to help them adjust to their new routine.

You should have an honest conversation with your elderly parents. You need to understand that you are doing this for your own benefit. Let them know that it is not good for them to be alone without proper care and attention.

• Help them feel comfortable

If they are Moving into a nursing home, you can pack some of your belongings. Nice decorations and thoughtful gifts from family can help them feel better. On the flip side, a home carer should be kind and patient with your older parent.

• Talk to the staff / caregiver

It is good to let the nursing home staff or home carer know in advance. You need to know what inhibitions your elderly parents might be. You can make special requests and tell them what drives your elderly parents.

Most older parents argue that their children seek outside help because they intend to leave them. You need to visit and spend time with them regularly. Bring your favorite snacks too.

What should I do if the nursing home or home carer does not properly perform their duties or acts negligently?

Unfortunately, some home carers and nursing homes can become negligent. You can refuse to care for seniors or mistreat them. Let’s discuss caregiver negligence and what you can do about it.

Negligence can take several forms. It can be physical abuse, emotional abuse, abandonment, and financial exploitation. The most common occur when older adults lack essentials and are exposed to poor living conditions.

• Which legal recourse do you have?

There are three types of recourse claims in the event of negligence. You can contact an adult protection service, contact the home management or take legal action.

• Find another nursing home or another caregiver if there is no improvement.

You shouldn’t hesitate to find another home carer or nursing home if they refuse to improve their services. Older adults must be treated appropriately.