When Parents Go to Nursing Home

It's painful to see your parents come to that age where doing the simplest tasks is challenging. That's when many begin to consider the possibility of moving their parents to a nursing home. But what exactly happens when parents go to a nursing home?

In a nursing home, your parents will be provided with the needed care and treatment, all while having the option to interact with other residents. However, nursing homes are not for everyone. There are alternatives, like adult day centers, which might be more effective for your parents.

In this article, I will discuss the pros and cons of living in a nursing home and what to expect when moving into one. I will also mention some alternatives to living in a nursing home and ways to decide if they're the right option for your parents.

Life in a Nursing Home: What Is It Like?

Seeing your parents getting older is tough for anyone, and it is natural to want to provide them with the best comfort they can get in their golden age.

Many don't even consider putting their parents in a nursing home, as the living cost can be a little pricey, and also because they think their parents' comfort in their own house is unmatchable.

There Are Medical Professionals Available at All Times

Knowing that your parent is in good hands while you're not physically with them is priceless. The best part about nursing homes is that there are trained medical professionals ready to attend to your loved one at all times.

Nurses are always there and work shifts; their job is to monitor the residents during their daily activities. Medical doctors and physical therapists have their scheduled time spent at the nursing home.

If residents have any concerns about their health, they usually talk to the family doctor first. A specialist is called if there is a need for further examination and treatment.

Check out my article discussing how often nursing homes take the vitals of residents.

Your Parent Won't Be Lonely

Your older parent will probably feel lonely sometimes. Old age comes with loneliness and seeing everyone going on with their lives while your abilities decline is hard to deal with.

There is a way to help your parents feel less alone—being surrounded by people of the same age. Not only will they understand and relate to them better, but you'll also feel less pressure.

However, this is not an excuse to stop visiting your parent. Check out my article about the best times to visit people in a nursing home.

Lots of Spare Time

Living in a nursing home will devoid your parents of all their responsibilities. When you're older, everything becomes more challenging, and more rest is needed after doing even the smallest tasks.

Sense of Belonging

In a nursing home, your parents will be surrounded by people the same age as them. Nursing homes have many planned activities for residents, such as dancing classes, chess nights, and even courses for learning new languages.

Sense of Purpose

Workers in the nursing home will take time to know each one of their residents well enough and recommend some activities that may be to their liking. Trying out baking or painting will encourage your parents' creative skills.

Is a Nursing Home the Best Option for Your Parents?

Deciding if a nursing home is the best choice for your parent is a tough decision. There is no correct answer to that question, and what may work for one person might not be ideal for another.

Nursing Homes Are Expensive

According to Senior Living, a private room in a nursing home can cost up to $9,034 per month. Shared rooms cost a bit less, but your parent might not feel comfortable sharing with strangers.

Your Parent Might Feel Abandoned

Even though it mostly isn't rational, many think of nursing homes as places where you're forgotten. It is essential to talk with your parents and create a safe space for them to discuss their concerns.

Some Seniors Like To Do Things on Their Own Terms

Nursing homes tend to make people feel as if their freedom is taken away, as most activities are planned beforehand.

Nursing Homes Can Be Overcrowded

Nursing homes usually have many residents, most of whom live in shared spaces. All that leaves little to no space for someone to be left alone with their thoughts. A study shows a higher Covid-19 prevalence in overcrowded nursing homes.

Your Parent Might Not Feel at Home

Moving from a place you used to call home to a shared space with complete strangers is a process that is difficult for anyone. Even though most nursing homes try their best to bring that "homey" feeling, the word home represents something different for everyone.

Are There Other Options Besides Moving to a Nursing Home?

Hiring Caregivers for Home Care

Instead of moving to a nursing home immediately, you should hire a professional caregiver to come to your parent's house and assist them with everything they might need.

Investing in Home Safety Products

By buying a product like the Lunderg Non-Slip Bed Railings (available on Amazon.com), you'll be preventing one of the most common accidents in the elderly.

Recommending Adult Day Care Centers

Adult daycare centers provide their users with programs that get them the needed help, all while they go home at the end of the day.

Final Thoughts

Deciding whether a nursing home is the best option for your parents isn't a decision only you should make. Their feelings about moving to such a facility are fundamental, as they're the ones who'll be living there. If they decide to move there, it is crucial that you still pay them regular visits.

However, if they are not very fond of permanently moving to a nursing home, you should introduce them to other alternatives, such as adult daycare centers.

About Chip Mitchell

Chip Mitchell is the founder of Growing Gray USA. With over a decade of experience owning a home care company, he has helped hundreds of families navigate the complexities of caring for aging parents.