A Difficult Decision: Long-Term Care

Tammy Adams and Susan Fisher, Special to The Standard

When a loved one needs long-term care, it can be a difficult and emotional decision for family members to make.

Long-term care is a specialized form of health and personal care, for people who are unable to care for themselves, due to physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. This type of care involves providing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, eating, and dressing, as well as having 24-hour nursing care provided by a registered nurse.

Making the decision to put a loved one in long-term care is not one which should be taken lightly. It is important to consider all aspects of the situation before making a decision. This includes taking into account the person’s health and safety, as well as the financial and emotional burden providing care can have on the family.

For families considering long-term care, it is important to understand the different types of care which are available. In-home care, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes are all options which can provide varying levels of care for a person in need. Families should also consider the cost of each type of care, as well as the availability of resources, such as funded support through your Local Health Integration Network.

It is also important to consider everyone’s emotional needs when making this decision. Moving a loved one into long-term care can cause feelings of sadness and guilt for family members, and it is important to be aware of these feelings and talk to the loved one about them. It is also important to look for a facility which will provide the best possible care and environment for the person in need. The best way to do this is to visit the facilities, talk to the staff, and take a checklist with you, with a list of things to look for. Reach out to us for a copy of this document.

Finally, it is important to remember putting a loved one in long-term care does not mean family members no longer play a role in their care or that you, as a caregiver, have failed. Families should stay involved in the care of their loved ones and continue to visit, make decisions, and provide emotional support. Making the decision to put a loved one in long-term care is never easy, but it can be the right decision for some families, and sometimes it’s necessary. By taking the time to consider all aspects of the situation, families can be sure they are making the best decision for their loved one and providing them with the care they need.

Tammy and Susan run Silver Lights Senior Services, a family-owned and operated seniors’ homecare company, serving the City of Kawartha Lakes, Port Perry and Uxbridge. The Adult Day Program for Dementia is located in Lindsay, ON.

Find them on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website, at www.silverlightsseniorservices.com. To book services, call Tammy, at 705 308 1940 or email hello@silverlightsseniorservices.com.

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