Placing mum or dad in care

 In Aged Care

No one likes it when they have to make the difficult decision to put a parent in care.

Sometimes deteriorating health or advancing degenerative diseases make it impossible for the parent to continue to remain living at home.

Here are some tips to help you during one of the most difficult times of your life.

1. Starting conversations

Start the conversation about specialised care with your parent earlier rather than later. Children can play a key role to instigate change because parents sometimes unrealistically believe they can take care of themselves for the rest of their lives.

The reaction you receive will vary from parent to parent. Some parents readily go into care because they do not want to be a burden to their children. Others resist vehemently, blaming their children for neglect and abandonment. Convincing a recalcitrant parent to move will require patience, love, and reason.

2. Choosing the right care

Take time to find the right facility for your elderly parent. Enlisting the help of an aged care placement professional can simplify things by giving you access to clear information to make informed decisions about the best care facility for your parent.

3. Visiting the facility

One of the best ways to handle parental objection about placing them in care is to include them in your visits to care facilities. Sometimes seeing first hand how the residents live and meeting the caregivers in the facility can help convince your parent that going into care may not be such a bad thing.

4. Preparing the rest of the family

Make sure that all adult family members are on the same page. Forming a caregiving team to share the responsibilities of looking after your parent is important.

Legal matters like power of attorney for their finances or properties must also be settled prior to putting a parent into care.

5. Preparing yourself

Dealing with the guilt of putting a parent in care is important for your mental health. Allow yourself the belief that the decision is the best one you can make for your mum and dad, regardless of whether you made an initial promise to look after them for the rest of their lives or not.

For more information and advice about placing your parent into care, contact us today.

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