It is a tough decision to move elderly parents to a nursing home, but taking care of the elderly can prove challenging. The challenges can stem from having limited time due to raising a family, work, or attending school. However, receiving full attention is essential for the elderly and if it is not possible to tend to them as needed, you may need to look at nursing home care for your parent. The following are 5 ways your parent will benefit from such a move.
1. Proper nutrition
It is a difficult situation when a senior is living alone. They may feel fatigued and cook less. Fast food has no nutritional value and plenty of fat and sugar that is bad for their overall health. At your home, it can be difficult to follow a nutrition regime that your parent needs to stay healthy. A family caretaker may not have proper knowledge of the foods that would be most beneficial. Not providing adequate nutrition to the elderly can cause malnutrition and this can lead to a serious decline in health and overall well-being.
While in a nursing home, a resident will be provided with three meals a day. People with training and experience in nutrition prepare the meals and they understand each resident’s medical condition. Therefore, the meals are tailored to each person’s nutrition and medical needs. In addition to receiving meals, healthy snacks are also available throughout the day, ensuring your parent never goes hungry.
2. Social environment
Poor health and stress can be the outcome of loneliness and social isolation. This is often the result of having no friends or family that are able to visit on a regular basis. To go out in public, seniors rely on other people taking them and this often does not occur as often as it should.
In nursing homes, there are many residents that your parent will have common interests with and they will be able to spend plenty of time with them. They can socialize during the day and share memories. There is also plenty of opportunity to play cards, watch movies, and enjoy entertainment nights. As a result, your parent will rarely have the time to be bored and lonely.
3. Frequent physical therapy & daily fitness
Staying active if possible is an essential aspect of life for the elderly. Participating in exercise activities allow them to work their muscles and helps cardiovascular processes. Failure to stay active often leads to deteriorating health and issues with bones and muscles.
In retirement homes, the elderly can participate in physical therapy. Guided by experienced trainers and instructors, your parent will be able to take part in classes such as Tai Chi, yoga, dancing, and meditation. As a result, your parent can have fun and at the same time receive the daily fitness they need to be healthy.
4. Safety
When an elderly person resides alone, there is an ever-present danger of him/her falling out of bed or down the stairs, burning themselves, or falling victim to burglaries or people wanting to take advantage of them.
When your parent resides in a nursing home, you know that they will be well taken care of. Consulting physicians, nurses, and personal support workers are available to ensure your parents receives the assistance they need and that there are eyes on them at all times. Most nursing homes have locks on them as well, preventing your parent from becoming confused and attempting to leave which is quite common with people who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
