When Is It Time For A Nursing Home?

As we age, we may experience changes and new challenges that we didn’t expect. From increased difficulty in regular daily tasks like bathing or going shopping, to more specific healthcare needs like taking medication, these tasks may eventually become a bit too much.

When that happens, it may be time to consider living in a nursing care home.

At Caring Homes, we understand that all you want is the best for your loved one. Knowing when it is time for nursing home care and initiating that change can be difficult. It’s an important decision that requires thought and discussion with both your healthcare providers and other loved ones.

But how do you know when it is time for a nursing care home? It can be difficult to know, as everyone’s experience is different. However, to help with this, we’ve put together a list of signs to look out for that may mean extra care or help is needed.

It’s important to feel safe in your home as this can have a knock-on effect to confidence and mental wellbeing. If this is becoming a concern, it may be time to consider moving into a care home.

1. Unable to manage health conditions

In relation to specific health conditions – is your loved one able to manage taking medication at the right times? Does your loved one have to visit a GP surgery for qualified nurses to administer their medication? Are they attending doctors or hospital appointments, or keeping health professionals up to date? If these tasks are becoming a struggle, it may be a sign of being time for a nursing home.

2. Eating habits have changed

If your loved one is struggling to eat enough throughout the day, their eating habits have changed drastically, or they aren’t eating enough full, cooked meals, this could indicate that they need extra help with this.

If your loved one needs assistance with eating, has dietary restrictions or is experiencing difficulty in managing meals due to health conditions, then it may be time to consider moving into a nursing home.

At our nursing care homes, we offer specialised food preparation and dietary services, including tailored menus and support for those with swallowing difficulties. Additionally, we provide a structured environment for mealtimes, potentially enhancing social interaction and overall wellbeing.

3. They are increasingly asking for help

As we all know, asking for help can be difficult for anyone, at any age. If you are finding your loved one is calling more frequently or, even if they’re not asking, need more help with things they didn’t before, this can be a sign that they are struggling to manage.

This may start slowly and only every so often, so it’s important to keep an eye on things when it comes to elderly relatives or friends.

When your loved one’s care needs increase and they are asking for more help, the decision to move into a nursing home is made to ensure that their wellbeing and safety is being addressed, especially if family members or friends are unable to provide the necessary care.

Nursing homes offer 24/7 skilled care, specialised medical attention and a supportive environment that can be more suitable for individuals with complex needs or those who are struggling to live independently.

4. Personal hygiene is a struggle

When it is time for a loved one to move into a nursing home, you might have noticed that their personal hygiene habits start to slip. You might notice a change in their smell, or notice things physically that are different. If this happens, although it may be difficult, try to open up a conversation with them. Ask them if they are having trouble with bathing, or with tasks like cleaning their teeth, getting dressed, or going to the toilet.

This is something that nursing care can help with, as trained professionals can help with hygiene tasks and also addressing potential underlying causes like memory loss or cognitive decline.

5. Health needs have changed

Nursing care differs from regular residential care because it includes specific care for health conditions. This can include things like Parkinson’s or Huntington’s Disease, stroke care, diabetes, arthritis, among many others.

If your loved one has recently been in hospital for a health condition and are worried about returning home, it may be time to consider nursing care.

In our nursing care homes, there are dedicated Registered General Nurses on hand 24/7 to assist with complex and ongoing health conditions. They are trained to manage many types of health issues compassionately and professionally and have health records for all residents on hand to get to know each resident’s needs personally.

Nursing care specifically is to support those who require specific health care and usually does require a referral from a healthcare professional to start the process of obtaining nursing care. If you notice a loved one who has, or may have, an ongoing health condition is struggling at home or to take care of themselves, it might well be time to consider nursing home care.

For more information on nursing care, explore our website. If you’re looking for a nursing care home for your loved one, find one of our care homes or get in touch to discuss any questions you may have.