A nursing home is an institution that provides medical, nursing and social treatment to elders who are limited in their ability to contend with everyday challenges. A nursing home allows the elderly to enjoy a higher quality of life, receiving a professional and regular treatment and be part of a warm and supportive community.
But when should one consider moving to a nursing home? Are there signs or metrics that can help us to reach a correct and learned decision? Are there advantages and disadvantages to moving to a nursing home? In this article we will try to answer such questions and address three main factors that can affect the decision: functional decline, a need for a close medical treatment and social loneliness.
Functional decline
Functional decline is a loss in the elder’s abilities to perform basic everyday actions, such as dressing, washing, eating, getting off bed or using the toilet. A functional decline can be a result of chronic diseases, injuries, falls, dementia or fitness loss. Functional decline can increase the risk to accidents, getting ill, adding weight. Functional loss can also decrease the independence and personal security of the elder and badly effect their mental welfare.
If the elder has felt a significant decline of functions, that makes it difficult for him to contend with his basic needs and he doesn’t have sufficient support from his family or surroundings, it may be a reason to move to a nursing home. in a nursing home, the elder will receive professional and personal treatment that will help him to keep his physical and mental health and prevent further decline. In a nursing home, the elder will also be able to use the equipment and facilities that are suited for his needs, such as elevators, toilet seats, shower units, wheelchairs and more.
A need for a personal medical treatment
A need for a close medical treatment is the need of regular or urgent medical intervention, for a serious, complicated or changing medical condition. A need for a close medical treatment can be a result of chronic diswases, such as diabetes, blood pressure, blood vessles, breathing or incubating diseases, such as cancer, inflammation, stroke or infarct. A need for a close medical treatment can increase the risk for organic disorders, pain and suffering. A need for a personal medical treatment can also decrease the ability of the elder to participate in the activities he enjoys and to badly effect his longevity and life quality.
If the elder needs close medical treatment, which he has no option to receive in his home or community, that may be a sign to consider moving to a nursing home. In a nursing home, the elder will receive a professional and well suited medical treatment that will improve his medical state and will allow for the needed treatment at any time. In a nursing home, the elder will also be able to use medicine, equipment and the medical services in the facility, such as a lab, radiology, physiotherapy, diet and more.
Social loneliness
Social loneliness is a feeling of lack of belonging or connection to others. Social loneliness can be a result of Isolation, disconnection, loss, lack of understanding or conflict. Social loneliness can increase the risk for depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, addictions or heart diseases. Social loneliness can also diminish the enjoyment and meaning of life, and to influence badly on the physical and mental health of the elder.
If the elder has experienced social loneliness that prevents him from making or keeping quality social connections with others, it may be a sign to consider moving to a nursing home. In a nursing home, the elder will get chances to be a part of a warm and supportive community, that will provide him with friendships, communication and activity. In a nursing home, the elder will be able to participate in programs and events that encourage volunteering, learning, creating, entertainment and enjoyment. In a nursing home, the elder will find the friends, staff and family that will make him happy and give him the feeling of belonging.
Are you considering a movement to a nursing home? Our staff will be glad to assist and give you all the information before the transition and with no obligation.
