Much of the aging population now lives in long term care facilities. Advocating for aging loved ones and finding the help you need is challenging. If you do not live nearby, it can be even more difficult. Yet there are ways to ensure your loved one is receiving the care they want and deserve. It is a big part of what we do at Arizona Elder Care.
There are countless issues that occur when moving in to a long term care facility. Whether it is a nursing home, assisted living, or rehabilitation center, there is similarities in what can be done to help. This Next Avenue article describes common issues that arise with long term care, and how to effectively advocate.
Chances are, your parent or loved one lived in their own home for many years. Therefore, it is not uncommon for them to want to move out and go back home. Moving to an unfamiliar place with strangers would be hard for anybody. Encouraging them to stay for a few months and see how they feel can help. In addition, reach out to staff. They want you and their residents to be happy. They can help ease the transition and encourage them to participate in social activities.
Another problem that can arise is being unsure if your loved one is receiving the care they need. Researching and finding an agency that provides care management such a Arizona Elder Care can help you advocate. If you live far away or are overwhelmed with other responsibilities, care management specialists are a wonderful resource.
If you are afraid that your loved one is being mean to staff, this is not uncommon. Those with dementia and other illnesses often act this way unintentionally. Any good long term care facility has dealt with difficult patients before. And again, care management services can help to address these behavioral issues.
Although there are challenges to having a loved one in a long term care facility, there are ways to help advocate without overwhelming yourself. Asking staff at the facility for help and encouraging them to engage with others and finding trusted agencies that can help advocate is important too. The burden doesn’t have to be all placed on you.