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Quality of Life – Why a Care Home isn’t Always the Best Option for Elderly Parents?
Last Updated on: September 21st, 2024
We all imagine that retirement will go smoothly with a gradual drift towards our final days. Even if we think of moving into a care home at some point we imagine friendly faces, basket weaving classes, and making new friends.
The reality for some elderly people is quite different. Moving into a care home can be a daunting and confusing prospect. Days may be spent looking at the same four walls as staff try to balance the needs of all the residents and, rather than being an opportunity for socialization, many older people find it isolating and depressing.
Research by the Live-in Care Hub shows that your loved one?s health can be in danger too ? falls and hip fractures are significantly higher in institutional environments compared to at home. Good health, independence, familiar surroundings, and family all come together to promote a high quality of life ? one which a live-in carer can readily support.
More independence
Moving into a care home can result in what little independence your loved one had being stripped away. Even small things like choosing what channel to watch on the television, being able to have a bath when desired, or expressing a preference for what to eat for dinner may be taken away from them making them feel hopeless and worthless. A live-in carer will work to ensure that what your relative can do they will be able to do through supporting them when needed.
Fewer falls
Unfamiliar environments and loss of independence are two major factors in the risk that an older person might fall. Remaining in their own home, with a carer on hand when needed, drastically reduces the risk of falls. In the UK the most common reason for an elderly person to be seen in A&E is a fall, and not all those who are admitted to the hospital return home. A third fewer falls, and a quarter fewer hip fractures, occur in the home compared to institutional settings.
This is one major reason that most families and elderly individuals opt for in-home care facilities. If you read this aged care sydney blog post by Care For Family you will realize how familiarity in one?s own environment is best for staying safe and being conscious about elements like stairs, surface undulations, and more. Staying in one?s home is great not only for mental health but also to stay safe from physical injuries.
Pets
Did you know that a huge 2 million people in the UK say they know someone who was forced to have their pet put to sleep because there was no alternative? Live-in home care is a viable alternative to moving into a residential home that doesn?t allow pets. Home care agencies will be able to find carers who are prepared to provide companion care as well as people care allowing your relatives to remain surrounded by their faithful companions.
?Til death do us part
Many marriages and partnerships have to split when one of the pair needs more care than the other can provide. If there is only one space in a care home, or no cohabiting spaces are vacant, then it can be a heartbreaking situation. A live-in carer will prevent this situation, allowing your relatives to remain together for as long as they draw breath ? just like they promised each other in their vows.
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