Caregivers facing burnout due to an increased need from their senior loved ones, as well as family members of seniors with declining health, may wonder if it is time to transition to Lakewood assisted living or nursing care. Therefore, a common question is, “What age do most people go into a nursing home?” By understanding factors that influence the move to a nursing home, residents and their loved ones can decide whether the time for the transition is right.
Common Ages for Transitioning to a Nursing Home
The median age of placement into a nursing home is 83.3 years old, with over half entering nursing homes at the age of 85 or older. As people at this age generally tend to have increased challenges with physical and mental health, they may move to the nursing home setting to receive increased support. These increased care provisions, such as those for managing chronic health issues, are commonly not available in at-home care settings.
Key Issues That Influence the Transition to a Nursing Home
In addition to age, there are multiple factors that influence the decision of a resident or a loved one to move to a nursing home. Such a decision is deeply personal, as it depends on the particular details of an individual situation. Key factors include:
- Need for rehabilitation. If a senior has had a surgery or significant accident that needs rehabilitation, they can move to a nursing home to receive the care they need. Individuals who have experienced a significant medical event, such as a stroke, can also receive the resources needed to recover in nursing care.
- Mobility challenges. Seniors who have problems carrying out daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and moving around, can benefit from enhanced support in a nursing care facility. Furthermore, due to the safe layout of a nursing home, seniors with mobility issues can decrease the risk of falls and accidents.
- Chronic health conditions. Elders who have experienced an increased onset of chronic health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, and certain heart diseases, can receive the intensive medical care they need in a nursing home.
- Cognitive challenges. Individuals with advanced dementia and Alzheimer’s are commonly admitted into nursing homes due to the complexities of the care associated with the disease. 24/7 supervision and increased skilled care can be provided in nursing homes.
- Wandering. Individuals with dementia can commonly be found wandering, often having an increased risk of falling or getting lost. The additional attention in nursing homes can ensure the safety of seniors with advanced dementia.
- Lack of services at home. In certain cases, there may not be enough services available at home to meet the increasing needs of the senior, necessitating the move to a nursing home. This lack of resources can also lead to burnout in family members, causing them to feel overwhelmed and no longer be able to provide care like they could before.
- Lack of social stimulation. Seniors who are living alone may experience a lack of community, which can be associated with cognitive decline and other mental health challenges. A nursing home can provide a supportive network of both staff and residents, allowing the individual to feel connected again.
It may be difficult to understand whether the time is right to move your loved one into a nursing home, but considering the advantages and disadvantages of the idea can aid the decision-making process. In cases where the physical and emotional needs of a senior outweigh the resources available at home, a transition to nursing care can be ideal for all parties involved.
FAQs
Q: At What Age Do Most People Move Into Assisted Living?
A: The age at which individuals move into assisted living varies dramatically. It is influenced by factors such as health status, mobility, existing connection to their community, and the needs of the caregiver.
Individuals who are feeling isolated can take advantage of the close-knit community and social activities that typically come with assisted living. They can also receive increased support with managing health conditions and navigating daily activities.
Q: Who Is Most Likely to Be in a Nursing Home?
A: Individuals who are most likely to be in a nursing home are those with serious health challenges that require enhanced medical support. Examples include:
- People with chronic conditions that require 24/7 supervision and management of the disease
- Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s
- Elders with health problems that require enhanced support
Individuals recovering from major surgeries may also be found in nursing homes.
Q: At What Stage Should Someone Go Into a Care Home?
A: Understanding when someone should move into a care home is a deeply personal decision that varies on a case-by-case basis. It is generally recommended to make the transition if the individual has a decrease in physical and mental health. These conditions are associated with intensive needs for managing medical conditions and daily activities. Furthermore, if the individual is experiencing frequent falls or is at a high risk of accidents, it may be beneficial for them to move to a care facility.
Q: Do Dementia Patients Do Better at Home or in a Nursing Home?
A: Whether an at-home or nursing home setting is more beneficial for dementia patients is dependent on factors such as the resources available at home and the health conditions and needs of the resident. Assisted living facilities offer skilled memory care units that can optimally suit those struggling with dementia, with healthcare professionals, daily routines, and social networks to support cognitive functionality.
Transition Your Loved One Into a Safe and Supportive Community
While it can be difficult to understand when the time is right to move your loved one into an assisted living facility, it is typically beneficial for both the caregiver and the resident. By offering enhanced comfort with an empathetic style that can meet your loved one’s diverse needs, we can help enhance their comfort and quality of life. Contact us today to understand the various assisted living solutions that Rocky Mountain Assisted Living offers.