10 Signs Your Loved One is Ready for Long-Term Care
1. A Recent Hospitalization
After being discharged from the hospital, certain medical conditions - such as a recent stroke or broken bones from a fall - may lead to chronic health conditions that require readmission to the hospital, or 24-hour care.
2. A Greater Sense of Seclusion
If an elderly relative was once outgoing, but no longer wishes to be social or go out in public, this could be a sign of depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression affects 15-20% of older adults. Older adults are at risk of misdiagnosis and lack of treatment because symptoms can also be mistakenly attributed to other illnesses, medications, or life changes.
3. A Behavioral Personality Change
The changes that many older adults experience in the aging process can lead to a loss of self-esteem and they may lose a clear image of who they are at this time in their lives. An elderly relative who exhibits major changes in personality - such as a former extrovert who has become socially isolated, or an easygoing person who exhibits swearing, aggressive behavior, hitting, crying, or frustration - could need ongoing monitoring and treatment provided by elder care professionals.
4. A Struggle with Medications
For some older adults, medications can be the key to good or improved health. But if they skip a dose or mistakenly take too much, the results can be deadly. Medication problems are widespread. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 55% of older adults are "non-compliant" with their prescription drug orders, meaning they don't take the medication according to the doctor's orders.
An elderly person who cannot remember the dosages and times to take medications, or confuses different prescriptions, may need the assistance of elder care professionals who can manage their prescriptions and dosages.
5. A Recent Fall
Perhaps more than other symptoms, a recent fall may indicate that an elderly person's functional ability is becoming compromised, and much more dependent rather than independent. More than one-third of older adults with minor head trauma caused by a fall will need to return to the emergency room within 90 days after discharge, claims a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society. According to date from the CDC, roughly 2.5 million older adults are sent to emergency departments nationwide due to injuries sustained from falls.
6. An Eating Issue or a Change in Weight
Elder care professionals can determine whether an elderly person's weight loss or lack of interest in food results from depression or emotional problems - or simpler problems such as tooth or digestive pain. Meanwhile, weight gain can be a risk factor for disability in older adults.
7. Isolation
Living alone, health problems and disability, sensory impairment such as hearing loss, and major life events such as loss of a spouse have all been identified as risk factors for social isolation and loneliness. I an elderly person suddenly shows little interest in social activities, it could be a sign of underlying medical condition.
8. Constant Pain
Chronic pain becomes increasingly prevalent as we age. In many cases, the lack of ability to manage pain properly by themselves signals the need for more all-inclusive care.
9. Poor Hygiene
An elderly person who suddenly exhibits poor hygiene and a lack of hygiene habits can be suffering from depression, dementia, or impaired mental status - and need diagnosis and monitoring by health professionals.
10. You are Stressed
If you are stressed out as a caregiver and find yourself snapping at people, or feeling frustrated, overwhelmed and anxious, then you may need to ask assistance from elder care professionals who have the time and training to deal with inherent challenges in elder health care.
Do any of these factors feel familiar to you?
Help is available!
It can be difficult to come to terms with the fact that a loved one may need long-term care. But take heart! There are programs that can help ease your burden, and that can help your loved one continue to live a healthier and fulfilled life in the comfort of their home and familiarity of their community.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with a medical provider regarding their or their loved one's care.
This blog post was originally published in 2018 (H3329_2018_WEB_BLOG_M Approved 09252018), and has been updated with the latest statistical data in 2024. For educational purposes only.
Last updated November 8, 2024