27/01/2025
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You may notice slight changes in your parent’s mobility, this could be generally moving less, struggling to move around their home or needing more help with lifting, moving and walking than they have before. Nursing homes not only have trained staff which are on hand to help with this 24-hours a day, but they also have specialist equipment to make this whole process much easier, and ensure your loved one is treated with dignity.
If you are concerned that your loved one is no longer eating healthy and nutritious meals regularly, are losing/gaining weight, or avoiding mealtimes altogether – this could be time to look for some extra support. They may be struggling to cook for themselves, have no appetite or forget that they need to eat a balanced meal regularly. In this instance, a nursing home would be able to help monitor and provide the nutrition they need daily.
If you have noticed that your parent is having issues with their personal hygiene, then it could be time to consider a nursing home. This might be because they are finding things like baths and showers or changing challenging and are worried about slipping and falling. If this is the case, then they might need the extra help that the nursing home can provide.
You might also be interested in reading: The difference Between a Care Home and a Nursing Home
When elderly people experience feelings of loneliness, anxiety and confusion they can often start making a lot of phone calls to loved ones – at all times of the day.
If you are receiving more phone calls than usual, with seemingly no obvious need – it may be an early sign that your loved one is feeling isolated or struggling to cope with living alone.
Care home living provides daily social interaction and mental stimulation to reduce this feelings, and encouraging your parent to create close friendships and connections.
You might also be interested in reading: What is Assisted Living?
A clear sign that an elderly parent may no longer able to live alone is if they start to suffer falls or other kinds of injuries. Simple tasks around the house can become more difficult to complete and everyday features like uneven floors, rugs, and stairs can become potentially hazards. Care home’s have rigorous health and safety procedures to reduce these risks, and highly-skilled staff to support your loved one immediately if an accident was to occur.
Chronic health conditions can be extremely difficult to care for. Your parent may need constant monitoring of their condition and their medication, which means the full-time care of a nursing home and their skilled nurses might be in a better position to look after your loved one.
Caring for a loved one can feel like an overwhelming responsibility, that in time can impact both you and your family. Juggling work and family obligations may lead to feelings of burnout and can alter your relationship with your parent. If you experience heightened pressure, stress, or anxiety while caring for your parent—or if conflicts within your relationship begin to surface—it might be time to seek professional support to reduce the strain.
Recognising when an elderly person is in need of professional care can be difficult, but looking out for these 7 signs is a good way to monitor your parents developing needs and when to explore the different care options available to you.
If you would like further advice and guidance on the next steps, our team at Mariposa Care is happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with information on our Nursing care experience. Visit our care page for further details or get in touch with our team today.
Alternatively, search our homes and learn about the facilities and specialty care options that we have available.
HEAD OFFICE
Mariposa Care Group Ltd
Scholes Mill,
Old Coach Road,
Matlock, Derbyshire,
DE4 5FY
