How to Know it’s the Right Time to Leave Home

It is hard to determine when it is time to move your loved one out of their home. More times than not it is harder to convince them that they need to go.  There is no black and white answer for when but rather more about their safety and peace of mind.

Many times our loved ones are great at covering up their inability to properly care for themselves at home. As the patriarch/matriarch of the family we believe them and do not want to go against what they say and so we go along with it out of respect. Sometimes having an outsider involved in the decision helps whether it is a doctor, visiting nurse, elder care coordinator etc. Change is not always the best option for the elder but is better than the alternative of an injury or catastrophic event. There are many programs available to help an elder age in place at home but when these resources are not enough to keep them safe at home we need to look at other options.

Multiple falls, frequent hospital visits, unexplained bruises, multiple phone calls, increase weight loss and memory problems are all indicators of a possible intervention and need for placement. Remember that whatever decision is made is not written in stone and can always be changed.

5 Warning signs:

1. The Primary caregiver is suffering from burnout, ill health, frustration, guilt or confusion.
2. Family members are confused about care options, what to do next, where to get help and how to pay for long term care.
3. The elder is ill or disabled which is causing mobility issues and the children live out of town.
4. The elder was recently diagnosed with an illness such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or other chronic condition, has suffered a serious medical event, or has been hospitalized and returning home is no longer an option.
5. Normal effects of aging including depression, forgetfulness and less energy.

Now that you know it is the right time you may ask yourself what is the next step? Click here to read our article, “Choose the Right Facility for a Loved One.”

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