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Five Questions To Help You Determine
Whether To Place Your Loved One in a Care Facility
WESTPORT, CT, June 25, 2007 – The decision
to put a loved one in a care facility can be extremely
complex and emotional. But it's one that must be made
objectively. If you're caring for an older loved one
and debating your options, the questions below will
help you clarify the situation and determine the best
outcome. Answering “yes”
to one or more of these questions is a sign that it's
time to strongly consider finding an alternative living
arrangement.
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Are you exhausted and afraid
or unable to sleep because your loved one is wandering,
hallucinating, sleepless, requiring significant
additional attention, etc.?
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Are you worried about your
loved one's physical condition?
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Is she/he partially or completely
bedridden and dependent on you for eating, bathing,
walking, using the restroom, etc.?
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Are you concerned about
your loved one's safety and well-being because he
or she is no longer predictable?
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Are you extending the hours
of care provided by a professional caregiver to
cover most or all of the day and/or night? (The
cost of home care can quickly add up and is usually
not covered by insurance.) |
Putting a loved one in a new home may
seem disheartening or unsympathetic but it might be
the best solution for both of you. Not only will your
loved one receive professional care and supervision
but she/he might enjoy greater opportunities to socialize
with others in the facility. In addition, you'll still
be able to visit her/him while also attending more easily
to your other responsibilities (e.g., your job, other
family members, your own health issues, etc.).
Given the many housing options available
to elders today, chances are you'll find a nearby facility
that meets your needs—but don't delay. Many facilities
have waiting lists, so investigate your options as soon
as possible.
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LifeCare's Successful
Aging & Caregiving series was created for
reporters who write about aging, adult caregiving and
other challenges of mid-life. Reporters may reprint
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or wish to speak to one of LifeCare's Successful AgingSM experts,
please contact Michael Civiello, manager—marketing and media relations,
at 203-291-4170 or pr1@lifecare.com.
About LifeCare®,
Inc.
For 22 years, LifeCare has provided people with specialty
care services and customized care plans for all aspects
of their personal and professional lives, including
elder care and healthy aging, child care and parenting,
financial and legal matters, and more. LifeCare's Successful
AgingSM Services help individuals resolve
the full spectrum of mid-life and aging issues, including
adult caregiving, cognitive health issues, legal and
financial matters, and pre- and post retirement planning.
LifeCare serves 1,500 client companies with 4.5 million
individuals within corporations, health plans, government
agencies and unions. For more information, visit www.lifecare.com.
Media contact: Michael Civiello
LifeCare, Inc.
pr1@lifecare.com
203-291-4170
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