Estate Planning For Peace Of Mind

How do you know if it’s time for your parents to enter a nursing home?

On Behalf of | Jan 22, 2025 | Elder Law |

As you grow older, you may find yourself keeping a close eye on your own parents. You know they may eventually need to transition to a nursing home, and you want to identify the right time to take that step.

But what should you look for? Your parents may not believe they need to live in a nursing home or may be reluctant to discuss it. As a close loved one, what indicators should you watch for to know when it’s time to make this move?

They’ve suffered injuries

One significant sign is if your parent has experienced a serious event that led to injuries, such as a fall at home. If your parent lives alone, you may become increasingly concerned about their safety. Moving to a nursing home ensures that trained staff are always available to care for them or respond in case of an emergency.

They can’t care for themselves

Another indicator is if your parent is struggling to care for themselves in day-to-day life. They may need assistance with basic activities such as getting dressed, taking showers or preparing meals. While family members can often step in to help, there may come a point where they need more support than family members can provide.

Medical conditions

Finally, watch for medical conditions that may be worsening over time. For example, a parent with Parkinson’s disease or dementia may experience increasing symptoms that make independent living more challenging.

Additionally, if they’re taking medication, you might notice that they struggle to manage it properly. This could mean forgetting to take a dose, taking the wrong medication or accidentally taking a double dose.

Making the move

Once you decide it’s time to transition your parent to a nursing home, it’s important to understand the legal steps involved and what is required to make the process go as smoothly as possible.