Two reasons why your elderly parent might be better off in an aged care facility instead of living by themselves
If your elderly parent is currently living alone, it may be worth asking them if they would like to move into an aged care facility (otherwise known as a nursing home). Read on to find out why.
It could make their day-to-day life safer and easier
Living alone as an elderly person can be challenging and stressful. The physical frailty and cognitive issues that often develop when a person enters their twilight years can make everyday tasks considerably harder than they once were.
For example, if your parent has mobility problems as a result of an age-related condition such as arthritis or osteoporosis, then it is probably very tiring and difficult for them to do their own laundry, wash the dishes or even prepare a meal for themselves, as all these tasks may require more strength and flexibility than your parent probably has.
This could easily lead to them straining themselves to the point where they either exacerbate the symptoms of their current conditions or injure themselves. For example, if your parent is currently recovering from an osteoporosis-induced hip fracture and they try to kneel down to put some clothing into the washing machine, they could slip, fall and sustain an additional fracture.
Likewise, if your parent is in the early stages of dementia, it may be challenging for them to remember to take any medication they are currently on. If they routinely forget to take their prescription medicines, this could put them at risk of other health problems.
However, if your parent were to move into an aged care facility, they would not have to put their safety at risk or overstrain themselves on a day-to-day basis, as facilities of this kind usually offer laundry services, meal preparation services and nursing staff who can help residents to manage their health conditions and remind them to take their medications.
It can improve their social life
Many elderly people become socially isolated as they age. This is often due to the fact that it is harder for them to visit friends and family (because, for example, they are less physically mobile or because they can no longer drive).
Social isolation can have a serious impact on a person's mental wellbeing; if your parent rarely socialises, they may eventually develop mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
If your parent decides to live in an aged care home, there will be no risk of them becoming socially isolated, as they will be surrounded by other elderly people, as well as the facility's staff members, on a daily basis. Additionally, most aged care homes have a range of social activities that their residents can participate in, including, for example, senior exercise classes, arts and crafts activities and board game evenings.