5 signs it may be time to move your loved one into a care home

A key indicator that you or your loved one need the additional support of a care home is forgetfulness. This is something which can potentially put your loved one at risk of danger. If you or your loved one begin to forget things there could be a chance of fire, or other danger including break ins and safety issues. Forgetfulness may be a symptom of old age but can also be a sign of something worse including dementia. Due to the nature of the sign this can also be the most difficult to bring up, or accept yourself. It is important to be patient with everyone involved, take time to understand and explain in a way which can be interpreted correctly by all parties.

Falls can also be an indicator it is time for you or a loved one to move into a home, it can also be one of the biggest risks of danger and injury. From minor damage to severe head injuries. If you or your loved one live alone and have noticed falls becoming more common this can be a sign that additional support is needed. When living in a care home you have 24/7 care and monitoring. There are also consistent checks on trip hazards and are constantly being assessed. 

In general as we all get older, our health begins to decline and we are at much greater risk of illness and disease. This can more often than not mean that more doctor and nurse visits are required, and medication becomes a part of daily life. If you or your loved one begin to feel like this is too much this can be a sign that additional support is needed and it may be time to move into a care home where nurses can be at hand.

Naturally, the more time goes on we begin to slowly lose people around us, this can lead to loneliness. According to Age UK more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, this makes it very easy for older people to become isolated and can lead to depression. Moving into a care home can eliminate this as you are constantly around people yet also have your own space.  Our activities team have various physical and mental stimulation goals, however another goal is also socialisation. 

Personal hygiene decreasing is also a sign that your loved one may need additional support. This again can be another uncomfortable conversation, but it is not a case of simply looking good, it can be a lot more serious which can result in dental issues and cleanliness. It is so important that when this discussion is had it is in an empathetic caring manor, that has to be done in their best interests with solutions on hand.