When is the right time to consider moving to a care home?

For some individuals and their families, such decisions are often triggered by a crisis. Elderly parents may have fallen or have diseases that lead to a period in the hospital. During this time, it is clear that they will not be able to return to their own homes. This can be a very emotional time but at least there is likely to be the support of the hospital so that the road ahead seems clearer.

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However, it does not always happen this way. If parents live independently in their own homes, you may see a gradual decline in their ability to do this. In this situation, it can be very difficult to decide when to consider a move to a care home or sheltered accommodation. For Dementia Care Homes Solihull, visit a site like Sanders Senior Living, providers of Dementia Care Homes Solihull.

There are some indicators to be aware of. Be aware of things like their pattern of eating – if you find food that is not touched or has passed its sell by date.

Elderly parents often have chronic conditions and depend on medication. Keep track of how they deal with taking their medicines, write a reminder for them to pick it up and aim to find ways to help them to remember to take it. Do be aware that if medication is routinely missed or wrongly taken, this is a strong indication that additional support is required.

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Each episode of confusion, anger and disorientation should be recorded and monitored because of the increased risk to personal safety. Typical problems can include leaving the house at unexpected times, probably in the late evening, irregular behaviour or getting lost, for example.