It's a difficult moment: The time when the need
for care for an aging parent or family member exceeds the capabilities and
expertise of a supporting family member. We all value our independence. As
family members we value their independence as well. We wish to honor them.
Somehow you know it's the right choice but it's a difficult decision
nonetheless.
Statistics
show that about 75% of elderly patients needing care don't think that they need
any help when it's plain to everyone else they do. To put a family member in a
care facility can feel like a betrayal. More often than not, it is anything but
that. In fact, if the elderly parent being care for is compliant, studies show
that not only is the family member getting relief, but the elderly parent is
relieved because they now can ask for what they need without feeling guilty for
asking for help. Win-win.
Items you should be aware of:
Elder Abuse – It's being called the silent crime of the century. Whether
physical, emotional, or temporal it all falls under the same category. This is
not to say that you should be overly paranoid of this tragic thing that exists
in our society. But you should familiarize yourself with signs and symptoms
when something's not right with your family member. The family member may not
even know they're being abused. Identity theft is prevalent in many care
facilities. A person with financial power of attorney is best suited to monitor
accounts and identify any unusual activities that may occur. Look for signs of
physical abuse. Bruising, emotional withdrawal, the person is excessively
quiet, affecting appetite, overall attitude, etc. these can all be signs of
physical abuse is going on. As for temporal, take an account of all the
valuables your loved one has with them and check occasionally to ensure all the
valuables are still there. Though identity theft is more prevalent, stealing
that family heirloom can be just as tempting for a thief.
Cost versus Level of
Care – Were the costs of care your family member
would receive relative to the value they get for the money? Check out more than
one facility, and compare pricing and services. Talk to a professional. If
appropriate, get their input and include your loved one. No elderly person
wishes to be a burden on anyone, especially family. Whether it's financial or
requiring help, family members who enter care facilities are worried about
those providing for their care.
Environment – Do the staff around the facility
seem like pleasant people? What about the people around? Do they look happy and
cared for? Trust your gut. If something doesn't look or feel right move on to
another facility.
Manage Expectations- Nothing is perfect, especially
when it comes to satisfying all of our concerns and desires. Compromise is key.
For example, they may have the best nursing staff available but they may not
have a pool table. Be patient with yourself and with your loved one. This can
be an emotional time for both of you and it’s important that you don't lose
your head. Never make a decision in the heat of emotion and always reassure
your loved one that you are doing the very best you can with their best
interests at heart.
If you are
looking for medical supplies and equipment
to help your aging loved one, look no
further than HRS Direct. Visit us online
or call us at 800.457.0477. We’re here to help.
HRS Direct – Making Health Care Products Affordable and
Accessible!
Did you know that HRS
direct offers Home Medical Supplies as well as those approved for home
use? With the ever increasing aging population and
medical expenses climbing it is imperative that you choose a company you can
trust to get you the medical supplies you need when you need them.
