One of the most important decisions you need to make as a senior citizen is whether or not to move to a nursing home. While it can be difficult to leave one's own private house to live in a care home with other people, in many cases it's the best solution to ensure you get the best care possible around the clock. You'll find a host of other benefits, too, including a whole new social life.
Also known as nursing or residential homes, care homes are places where you can live and be looked after by trained staff in comfortable surroundings. No care home can really replace your own home but quality care homes can offer all you need for a comfortable life, together with the care you need. Here are some reasons why a nursing home could be the best option for you.
The first reason to find a nursing home is that you can receive the care and attention you need around the clock from qualified staff. Nursing homes come in a variety of types and the right one for you will depend on your particular circumstances, especially regarding your health and mobility.
Types of caring homes available include residential, nursing, respite, dual registered, post-operative, dementia and terminal care homes. You can also find dual registered homes which offer both residential and nursing care. This type of home is a good candidate if you think you may need more caring options in the future. Choosing a dual registered home means you won't have to move to find a higher level of care. It's also a great choice for couples wishing to stay together in a nursing home but having different requirements.
Finding the right nursing home for your needs is not always easy but the important thing is that you are clear from the outset about any special requirements you have.
Other than receiving professional care around the clock, nursing homes are equipped with all the facilities that the elderly need. These include special bathrooms and bathroom fittings and wheelchair accessible doors and areas.
Equipping your home with such facilities would be prohibitively expensive but in a care home you can find all you need to make your life safe and convenient installed by experts.
You and your family can also relax knowing that in the case of any emergencies, qualified staff and the necessary equipment is right there on hand. There's no need to wait for qualified help to arrive as you would in your own home.
Living in a care home also gives you the free time you need to really relax and enjoy life. With all your needs taken care of, including meals, you can devote your time to doing the things that really matter to you. Perhaps you can now find the time to start that hobby you've been thinking about for years. If you've always wanted to paint, for example, now's your chance. And the great thing is you've got plenty of friends to do things with.
A great feature of care homes is that you'll be able to meet new people in your age group and in similar circumstances. You can benefit from their advice and experience and you'll also get a whole new social life. Most care homes organize regular activities such as games and concerts and also arrange trips to interesting places . It all makes for an active and stimulating life.
Finally, you'll no longer have the feeling that you're a burden on family members. Caring is a stressful and draining activity and demands a level of professional skill that ordinary people lack. It's really best left to those who have made a vocation of caring for others and have been trained to do the job professionally. What's more, your loved ones can rest easy knowing you're in good hands and a happy environment.
Moving to a nursing home is a major life change but it's one for the better. Free from the worry of having to take care of yourself, you'll find yourself getting a new lease on life and may well be starting on your best years.
