If you're recognizing that the challenge of balancing your role as a caregiver, consider that it might be time for assistance. Finding the best long-term care facility for a loved one can bring about many emotions and the need to understand how to provide the best quality of life for them. A long-term care facility offers skilled care and focused treatment.

As a caregiver you're not alone as 21.3 percent of Americans provide care for someone else. If you care for a loved one, you know it can be difficult from time to time. Maybe you're not yet a caregiver but have noticed your elderly parent or relative declining and not properly being able to care for themselves and manage their daily activities.

Here are some of the signs that could suggest your loved one may need long-term care, along with how Church Home can support you.

SIGNS SUGGESTING A LOVED ONE NEEDS LONG-TERM CARE

Outside of the sudden changes as a caretaker, it's important you recognize the signs that could suggest your loved one may need long-term care. These include:

Managing daily activities is a challenge

As people age, often it can be more difficult for them to handle their daily activities of daily living. These activities include dressing, grooming, housekeeping, laundry, managing medications, driving and or shopping. Occasionally, there are sudden situations when it's clear that the time has come to move to an assisted living or a long-term care facility. These may include:  

• Severe illness
• Life event
• Injury
• Hospitalization/death of the caregiver
• Hospitalization of the person who needs care
• Cognitive decline

These unexpected changes often impose placement in a long-term care facility. On occasion, individuals may end up in facilities almost overnight, with very little time to research their options.

An ongoing medical condition or disability

Another key factor to consider is if your loved one has an ongoing medical condition or disability. This may be as result of an acute event, such as a stroke or cognitive impairment.

A loved one's home setting is no longer adequate

In some cases, caregivers turn to long-term care as a best care option their loved ones as they recognize the challenges involved with daily living and physical limitations in one’s home setting.

Caregiver burnout 

You may be finding that you can no longer take care of your loved. You are not alone. Caregiver burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by the prolonged and overwhelming stress of caregiving.

Increasing care requirements

As a caregiver, maybe you've reached the point in which you're unable to continue providing the needed medical attention that you loved one needs. Some of the signs a loved one requires long-term care may include slow recovery from an injury or illness and or ongoing decline in health.

If one or more of these signs persist, it may be time to plan and seek long-term care facility. Consult with your loved one primary care provider and talk with others around you who are familiar with facilities in your community and can help make a recommendation.

Researching your options is key to choosing a quality care facility for your loved one.

Schedule a facility tour which is a great opportunity to see first-hand if the place is a good match for your loved one.

CHURCH HOMES’ LONG-TERM SERVICES

At Church Home, we provide long-term care with the mission of maximizing “abundant living.” (John 10:10). We are a Five Star Facility – the highest rating by the Center of Medicare and Medical Services (CMS). Our caring services includes: 

• Highly trained and experienced professional staff for supporting the needs of residents as well as the needs of their families
• 24/7 supervision for meeting the medical and non-medical needs of our residents
• Medication management and health monitoring
• Therapy, including speech, physical and occupation therapies
• Nutrition management and monitoring
• Assistance with ADLs for activities of daily living, such as feeding, dressing and bathing
• Engaging social activities and life enrichment programs

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? 

Once you've determined that your loved one needs long-term care, have a conversation with them and express your concerns and observations. Be empathetic and let them know how much you love them and let them express their feelings.

Next step is to assess their needs and consult their primary care provider.

Research and review agencies such as the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services to see facility ratings.  Click here to see how Church Home compares.

CONTACT US

Church Home provides compassionate care, our knowledgeable team of healthcare professionals will support you in making a decision so that your loved one receives the services that provide the best support possible.

We deliver the highest quality nursing care possible for residents requiring long-term. Contact us to learn how we can support this transition to long term care.