3 Signs It’s Time to Move Your Aging Parent Out of Their Home

Moving your elderly parent or loved one into a nursing home isn’t something to take lightly. In fact, I would recommend it only as a last resort when other options have been explored and exhausted. I even posted another article recently, listing the reasons it might be better to keep mom or dad at home where they are more comfortable.

Unfortunately, there is a time when the last resort becomes your best (or only) reasonable choice. When that happens, you won’t do yourself or your aging parent any favors by keeping them in a dangerous situation. They might not like it – and neither will you – but sometimes a nursing home or other assisted living arrangement is the only option that makes sense.

I learned this the hard way when I had to find new living options for my own parent. To help you realize when the time for such a painful decision has come, let’s look at three signs that it’s time to move your aging parent out of their home.

Your Parent Has Had a Major Accident

If your loved one has an accident, that might be a signal that they need more help than they are currently getting. Although your mom or dad might prefer to remain in their own home, and feel more comfortable aging in place, sometimes the risks are just too great.

Naturally, you’ll want to make a hard decision before something bad happens. Still, it’s often the case that you don’t recognize how dangerous a situation has become until there is a fall, accident, or other calamity. Then you have to face up to reality and look at new living arrangements.

Your Loved One’s Illness or Incapacitation Has Progressed

There are many different types of ailments, both physical and mental, that can make it difficult for an older person to live in a family home. For example, dementia or mobility issues can put a senior at serious risk for all kinds of accidents and injuries while also decreasing their quality of life.

If your loved one is facing these kinds of challenges, consider whether they are being well-served by staying home. They may actually be more comfortable in a facility where they can be in the right surroundings, get ready access to medications, and have round-the-clock assistance when they need it.

Your Parent Is Very Isolated at Home

Loneliness and isolation aren’t always thought of as being major risks for seniors, but they can have a huge effect on their physical health and emotional well-being. We all have an innate need to be connected, and it’s easy to lose those social bonds when you don’t feel comfortable walking, driving, or taking public transportation.

There may be ways to introduce more social opportunities into your aging parent’s life without relocating them. I was pleasantly surprised, though, at how quickly my mom made new friends once she was in a home setting with other people her age who shared similar backgrounds and interests.

Looking at Elder Care Options for Your Aging Parent?

Organizing elder care and making decisions about living arrangements is never easy. I wrote my book to be the guide that I wished I would’ve had when I started this process. For more advice, ORDER the book today!

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