Placing your parents in a nursing home can be a gut-wrenching experience. Even if you know that it’s the best decision for their health, it’s a very difficult decision. Feelings of guilt may be mingled with your sense of relief.

Knowing that your parents need full-time care is a heavy burden. You can make it lighter by placing them in a safe, reputable nursing home. Your parents’ comfort is the number one priority.

It’s important that you recognize the signs when it’s time to make the transition. If you prepare yourself in advance, the process will be easier.

When Is It Time?

Sometimes, you and your parents will realize together that it’s time to start searching for an assisted living facility or nursing home. Many seniors are thrust into their new environment after an unexpected, serious accident. Recovery can be a long, expensive process that the average family home isn’t equipped to deal with.

A lot of families drag the experience out for too long. If your parents’ physical or mental decline is gradual, it can be hard to spot the moment when the crisis begins.

If you wait too long to start the conversation, you can find yourself scurrying to find a facility at the last minute. That’s why it’s crucial to pay attention to signs that your parents need help going about their day-to-day lives. Speak with their current caregiver if you’re concerned.

Signs that it’s time to consider a nursing home:

• The emergency room visits are increasing
• Mom or dad has had a serious fall
• Mom or dad is becoming withdrawn and irritable
• Your parents have wandered away from home
• Your parents have demanding medical needs
• You have can’t afford to devote more of your time to caregiving

Tips For Convincing Your Parents

Once you know that it’s time to start talking about a nursing home, don’t avoid the conversation. Be proactive. Any resistance that your parents might offer will be strengthened if you’re not in control of your facts. You should be ready to answer any questions that they might have.

Visit Several Facilities 

Long-term care will seem less scary when your parents witness other seniors in the same situation. Tour several facilities before you make a choice. Make sure the outings are upbeat, pleasant experiences.

Get Outside Input

Your parents might be more willing to listen to advice that comes from their doctor than their child. Bolstering your opinion with qualified, objective thoughts can help persuade reluctant parents.

Talk About The Benefits 

Even if you’re plagued with doubts, only present the positives of long-term residential care. You want to take the fear out of the idea of moving into an assisted living or nursing home facility.

Expect To Be Emotional

It’s an emotional moment in life. Instead of being blindsided by a slew of heavy emotions, prepare yourself. Understand that just because something feels emotionally difficult, it doesn’t mean that it’s the wrong thing to do.

Moving your parents into a long-term care facility can be tough. However, it won’t get any easier by delaying it. If it’s time for your parents to make the move, don’t give in to the temptation to put it off.