Choosing the Right Care Facility for an Elderly Family Member

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.

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