I have talked about this at various times over the course of this blog, but stable senior care is a much more beneficial thing for the elderly than the alternative. When care is unstable or changing without much (or any) notice for the person receiving it, there is often a negative impact on health and cognitive functioning. Unfortunately, these transitions happen a lot more often than we’d like to see because of a lack of planning ahead.
Another way that this can manifest itself is when a care resource closes. If a nursing home or assisted living facility were to go under and have to close its doors for business, undoubtedly, many seniors would be in trouble. The service and caregivers that they relied upon are taken away, creating uncertainty and confusion. No one wins when something like this takes place. But in a competitive or unstable economy, this can easily happen.
Not only this, but the employees of that business would also face hardship. For many, providing care for others is a long term career. It might not be glamorous, but helping others has a tremendous appeal to it. The hours can be long and there might be little thanks along the way, but this is a noble profession. When someone loses a job that they love, there is a deep feeling of hurt left in the wake. It can be very tough on the people that you love.
Providing stable care for a loved one can help to avoid this hurt and uncertainty. When you know that the care that your mom or dad is receiving today will be the same care in a couple years, there’s a feeling of peace that comes along with that. Obviously, things can change or a situation can require a different kind of care to come in, but if this isn’t necessary, it’s not something that is generally wanted. Transitions in care can be tough on seniors, especially when there are memory issues or advanced dementia. In these cases, studies show that a transition in care can actually be incredibly harmful to the elderly. It can accelerate physical and mental deterioration. Stable care helps to avoid this.
What this looks like will depend on your specific situation. For some, a nursing home is the best way to achieve this. For others, the least restrictive type of care possible is the best way. It all depends on what needs are present and what the best way to meet those needs might be. The long term prognosis of the person in need of care also plays a role. If there is a quick decline in health is expected, a different type of care will be needed than if the individual is expected to stay healthy for a longer period of time.
We’re here to help. Give us a call and one of our trained caregivers can help answer your questions. We might not be the right care service for your family, but we can certainly point you toward the places that will be.
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