The Life Cycle – Taking Care of Your Parents

 Author: Lori Hollenback

There comes a time when every child has to take care of their parents as they age. Some of us will take them in, but when they need more care than you can provide you turn to assisted living or a nursing home. Here are two things to consider when looking for assisted living facilities or nursing homes for your loved ones.

There comes a time when every child has to take care of their parents as they age. Some of us will take them in, but when they need more care than you can provide you turn to assisted living or a nursing home. Here are two things to consider when looking for assisted living facilities or nursing homes for your loved ones.

1)    Analyze your parents personalities and health needs – The first thing you need to think about when deciding if your parents should live in assisted living or a nursing home is their health needs. People who live in assisted living facilities require minimal if any adult care. Assisted living facilities are designed to be apartments with few responsibilities for those that cannot run a full household. The apartments are private and include full bathrooms and a kitchen equipped to cook. If your parents still have the drive to be independent and the health to run a light household then this may be a great option. And, if your parents are independent but need a little assistance then assisted living could still work as the facilities offer meals, a little light housekeeping and some nursing needs. They also provide security and a support staff on duty to help if needed. 

If your parents are a little fragile or have health needs that require more attention then maybe you should look into a nursing home. A nursing home is designed for around the clock adult care. If your parent has Alzheimer’s or Dementia this may be the type of facility that you need. Sometimes the words, “nursing home” is hard to talk about to aging parents but unfortunately it’s a conversation that you sometimes have to have. There is state guidelines put into place that are grounds for eviction from assisted living if your parent’s health care is more than what the facility can manage, thus forcing you into a nursing home facility.

2)     Thoroughly research the facilities and staff- It’s important to do your homework so you feel good about the care provided to your loved ones. Below are a few questions and things to think about when finding the right nursing home for your parents:

• Is the nursing home Medicare certified?

• Does the nursing home have the level of care needed for your parents?

• Do they have a specialty of care that they’re known for?

• What type of medical equipment and facilities do they have on hand in case of an emergency?

• Is the location of the nursing home close to friends and family so it’s easy to visit?

• How do the tenants of the nursing home look? Are they clean and dressed for the appropriate time of day and season?

• How does the facility itself look? Is it clean? Does it smell good?

• How does the staff interact with the tenants? Does there appear to be a warm relationship?

• How is the staff? Do they appear to be professional? Do they all have their name tags on? Do they knock before entering a patient’s room? Do they address the patients with respect?

• Most importantly is there a continuous education program put into place for the nurses?

About the author: Lori Hollenback is a freelance writer for Innuity. For more information about assisted living or nursing home services visit Great Places.

Additional Information and webpage by Paul Susic MA Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate                                      

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