8 Signs Your Parent Needs a Nursing Home

Skilled nursing care can make a dramatic difference in your parent’s quality of life. It can not only provide compassionate monitoring of any health care issues, but it can also help ensure that they are in a safe environment.

The result? 

You’re able to step back into your role as a son, daughter or spouse while we care for your parent. 

But what qualifies a patient for skilled nursing care? How do you put a parent in a nursing home and how do you know when it’s time? 

We outlined 8 signs you should be aware of because they indicate that your parent needs a nursing home. 

8 Signs Your Parent Needs a Nursing Home

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Put Your Parent in a Nursing Home?

We realize that each scenario is different, and all situations have to be decided on a case-by-case basis. But in general, here are some answers to how do you know when it’s time to put your parent in a nursing home:

  1. They Are Unable to Take Care of Themselves
    Does your parent have difficulty bathing or getting dressed? Perhaps you’ve noticed that their personal hygiene has suffered because your parent isn’t able to do the things they once did. If day-to-day activities require extensive assistance, your parent needs a nursing home.
  2. They Have Had Several Falls or Are In Danger of Falling
    Falls can have devastating effects, frequently resulting in broken hips and other injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 3 million older adults visit the emergency department each year due to falls. In addition, one out of five falls causes a serious injury—either a fracture or concussion. In a skilled nursing community like East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness, we are able to monitor your parent to help ensure their safety, reducing the risk of falls. 
  3. They Are Not Safe to Be By Themselves
    Falls aren’t the only thing that can make it dangerous for your parent to live by themselves—they may leave the stove on or leave doors unlocked. All of these can create a potentially alarming situation. Skilled nursing communities have front desks that are staffed 24/7, so your parent will never be alone. That is another sign that your parent needs a nursing home.

  4. They Have a Chronic Health Condition That Requires Constant Monitoring
    Serious health problems are more common in older adults. For example, they may need extensive wound care treatment due to diabetes. Some of the most common diseases affecting seniors include:

    • Diabetes
    • Arthritis
    • Heart disease
    • Respiratory disorders
    • Stroke
    • Alzheimer’s disease
    • Cancer

    If your parent has one of these conditions, they may benefit from skilled nursing.

  5. They Can’t Remember to Take Their Medication
    Because older adults frequently have more than one serious health condition, they are also taking multiple medications. When juggling many prescriptions, it’s easy to forget to take them or take the wrong dosage or amount. Medication management is a service offered at East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness. You can learn more about these services by reading our earlier blog on the topic.

  6. They Neglect Daily Chores
    Granted, it’s difficult for anyone to keep track of the mountain of tasks that are required by daily household maintenance. It’s not unusual to get behind on the laundry or occasionally leave a few dishes in the sink.But when this becomes extreme enough that it endangers the health of your parent, then it is time to step in and provide assistance. At East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness, all chores of daily living are taken care of for them.
  7. They Have Had Several Trips to the Emergency Room
    Often, because chronic health conditions are managed closely at a skilled nursing or assisted living facility, problems can be discovered at their earliest point. This means it is much less likely that it will lead to an emergency later.
  8. You Are Showing Classic Signs of Caregiver Burnout
    We’ll be frank: You can’t care for others unless you care for yourself. Failure to take care of yourself leads to stress, burnout and even your own health problems. Caregiver burnout causes frustration, depression and often calls role confusion because you are trying to “do it all.”By letting our caring, compassionate staff at East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness step in, you’re able to step back into your role as son, daughter or spouse.

What Qualifies a Patient for Skilled Nursing Care?

Your parent qualifies for skilled nursing care if they have a medical condition that requires constant monitoring by a medical or nursing staff. Often, this means a chronic disease that has caused complications or another serious condition such as heart disease, COPD or issues with diabetes.

If your parent is having trouble managing these chronic diseases, then your parent needs a nursing home. 

If your parent is only having issues bathing, dressing or help with tasks of daily living, then assisted living may be a better option.

How Do You Put a Parent in a Nursing Home?

The amount of paperwork that can be involved is often confusing. But don’t worry. We have helped hundreds of Greenville, NC area residents navigate the process.

All you have to do is contact us and we will work with you to get the process started.

East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness: Your Source for Compassionate Skilled Nursing Care in Greenville, NC

At East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness, we treat your parent like family, because, in so many ways, they are. We’re also locally owned and operated, so don’t be surprised if you see us around the Greenville area.

In addition, we also offer assisted living. By having both assisted living and skilled nursing under the same roof, we can ensure a smooth transition if your parent needs a higher level of care.

But hurry, our spaces fill quickly. Take a virtual tour and see for yourself why our residents love living at East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness.