How To Choose A Retirement Home For An Elderly Parent

It’s pretty crazy to think that older millennials are on the brink of starting to have to think about elder care for their parents. Yet with the OG millennials coming up on the 40 mark, the idea of eldercare is something to start easing into now. While many of us prefer to keep our family as close to us as possible, given a family’s bandwidth, sometimes a retirement care facility may the right choice.

This is often a tough decision that the whole family makes together, based on the needs and requirements of those involved. Retirement homes can provide round-the-clock care to individuals who need help with basic activities such as walking, bathing, eating or taking medications. They can also provide community and socialization that an elderly individual may not have as much easy access to otherwise.

When it comes to actually choosing a place for your beloved family member to live, this can be a very time consuming task. Here are a few factors to consider if you are looking to choose a retirement home for an elderly parent.

Start with your Budget

Retirement homes can be very expensive to live in, and for this reason, it is important to start with your budget before you even begin to look. Although things may change, try to imagine the trajectory of their stay and figure out maximum annual costs. This will also depend on the financial situation of the entire family, and who is in a position to help contribute.

If you are looking with a specific budget in mind, this will narrow down the facilities you will need to explore in your area. Of course finding the most safe, comfortable and accommodating place as possible, is a priority, so going through all options within your budget before making a decision is a good idea.

Considering your parent’s medical requirements

The most important aspect when picking a retirement home is the medical requirements of your parents. If they have mobility issues, such as being a wheelchair user or walking with a frame; or perhaps cognitive issues, such as dementia; or illness such as cancer or arthritis - whatever their medical requirements may be - you will need to make sure the retirement home is equipped to provide them with the right kind of care.

This means having staff that is trained to administer pain relief and other forms of care. A good retirement home will also have integrated technology, like home care software solutions, to aid in the care of residents. It's worth enquiring a little about what systems they use to stay on top of scheduling and how they monitor patient notes and conditions since this is the sort of thing you don't want them to get wrong. In the case of dementia or a similar cognitive disease, staff who are also trained to help residents who are confused or frightened is essential. Along with your budget, these are definitely the most crucial things to consider.

When touring a prospective retirement home, make sure you ask as many questions as you want about your parent’s potential caregivers and qualifications. In addition, ensure the facility has the necessary equipment, such as an ADA ramp for wheelchairs, and safety procedures to protect residents from harm.

Considering their happiness

So you found something within your budget and that also provides the medical assistance your parents will need. But will your parents be happy there? Social climate, food quality, and access to activities are only a few key factors to consider when choosing a retirement home. Having your parents revisit facilities you may be considering a few times as well as engaging in social activities while they’re there is a great way to both ease them into the concept of moving in while offering them the chance to get to know the other residents. Make sure to listen and be respectful of their feedback.

The move

Now you have chosen the right place, it’s time to facilitate the actual move. This can be both emotional and physically difficult for all involved, so it’s important to be patient and brace yourself for a tricky few days. Make sure you are there every step of the way to ensure your parents are calm and emotionally prepared for settling into their new home. Making yourself more available within the following few weeks as is another great way to help them acclimate. Understanding that a retirement home doesn’t mean they they will be cut off from the rest of the world can make all the difference, emotionally. And don’t forget to take care of your emotional needs too - as a move like this can often bring up surprising emotions.