Baby Boomers and Elderly Parents
Baby boomers, typically born in the mid-60’s, are finding themselves becoming the parent of their own parents, which can definitely be a challenge and create restless nights for just about anyone. Unfortunately, this is becoming a frequent case as the parents of baby boomers are getting older, basically at the age in which many are now suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other illnesses and ailments. In such cases, the baby boomers have been left with the responsibility of caring for their parents.
How to Transition a Parent into a Nursing Home Let’s face it. Transitioning a parent into a nursing home is not going to be an easy task but it could be the best thing for them, which is something you need to remind yourself as well as your parents. Taking care of a parent, or two, can become a full time job and if you already have a job of your own, you simply will not have all of the time in the world to care for your parents that need the assistance. The nursing home will be able to do the things that you are unable to do for your parent(s) due to your own schedule. However, nursing homes can be quite comfortable and cozy; it is just a matter of finding the right one. You can also continue to remind your parent(s) that they will be able to receive 24-hour assistance and care while also socializing with other people on a daily basis, instead of living alone and being lonely.
Doing Your Research on Nursing Homes Of course, you want the best for your parent(s). Who doesn’t? And, because of this, it is crucial that you put plenty of time and effort into researching the different nursing homes in your area. Find a nursing home that has plenty to offer your parent(s), including assistance and activities. One thing that is important is that your parent(s) feel comfortable in his or her new home. Your parent(s) may not understand, at first, why they are being moved into a nursing home, especially if they are already suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. However, there are certain nursing homes that specialize in memory loss, working with residents to help them with their memory. With the right research, you can find a suitable nursing home for your parents.