Watching a parent get older isn’t always easy, especially when they begin experiencing health or mobility challenges. You may start to worry about your senior parent living independently, and it is natural to wonder if it is time for long-term senior care. If you believe that your senior parent might need long-term care, the best thing you can do is to have a conversation with them about it.
This can be a difficult conversation, but it is important to have an open dialogue so your parent can stay in control of their care. Buckner Retirement Services is always available to answer questions about long-term care for senior parents. To learn more, call us at 214.227.7182.
What Is Long-Term Care?
Long-term care is designed for seniors who need permanent care on a day-to-day basis. It helps people live as independently as possible, even if they can’t perform some daily activities on their own. Long-term care involves many types of care and may be provided by various caregivers. Caregivers provide personal care, which can include assistance with activities such as:
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Grooming
- Using the bathroom
- Moving around
Long-term care also includes assistance with other activities, such as preparing meals, housekeeping, and transportation services. Seniors who need long-term care may need care suddenly, such as after an accident like a fall. Others may seek long-term care as they become less able to live independently in a safe way over time.
Signs Senior Parents Need Long-Term Care
For children, it can be challenging to know when to seek long-term care for senior parents. Every situation is different, and there is not a specific time that is right for every senior. However, a few signs indicate seniors may need long-term care.
Lack of Hygiene
Seniors who need long-term care may exhibit signs of poor hygiene. When seniors stop bathing or neglect their hygiene, that signals that they may need additional care. One reason seniors may stop caring for themselves is their fear of falling. Long-term care can provide seniors the compassionate support to safely carry out daily tasks.
Cluttered Home
Another sign that a senior may need long-term care is an increase in the amount of clutter in their home. Increasing amounts of clutter can indicate that they have difficulty disposing of trash. It can also suggest that they are beginning to experience difficulty making decisions. Housekeeping services and other support in long-term care ensure that seniors are living in a clean and safe environment.
Mental Decline
Living independently can become dangerous when parents experience signs of mental decline. They may forget to turn off hot surfaces, forget to lock doors, or forget what time of day it is. If your parent seems more forgetful than usual, it may be time to consider long-term care.
What Families Can Expect for Seniors Who Need Long-Term Care
Families often have reservations about placing senior parents in long-term care. However, long-term care is often the best and safest place for seniors as they age. Relatives will have total peace of mind that their loved one is taken care of and is receiving the support they need to live a high quality of life. Seniors in long-term care experience less stress and anxiety because they know they are in a safe environment. They also can make new friends and participate in daily social activities. Family members can also visit their loved ones and be active in their care plan.
Learn More About Long-Term Care at Buckner Retirement Services
At Buckner Retirement Services, we know that transitioning to long-term care at Buckner Retirement Services can be difficult. We do everything we can to make long-term care residents feel as comfortable as possible. Buckner offers many services to help your senior parent adjust to long-term care. Long-term care for senior parents doesn’t mean your parent has to give up their independence. Buckner provides services that help your parent stay involved in the community and maintain independence.
Buckner offers many services to help long-term care residents adjust to their new living situation. We provide social and recreational activities, transportation, and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). We also offer therapeutic recreation programs, which help residents maintain their physical and mental health. Buckner is committed to providing the best possible care for our long-term care residents. To learn more about Buckner Retirement Services, call us today at 214.227.7182.