How Does 24-Hour Nursing Care Offer Peace Of Mind?

If you or an elderly loved one require assistance with daily living activities, you may have worries about their safety and wellbeing while aging in place. Despite your best intentions, it may be impossible for you to be around all the time, and the cost of home care may not be affordable for everyone. When that’s the case, consider moving to a senior assisted living community where 24-hour nursing care is provided.

Your loved one will be able to live a happy and healthy life where all their needs are met, but you will also be able to enjoy peace of mind that they are in safe hands. On top of that, an all-inclusive payment makes budgeting easier and lifts the responsibilities of homeownership off your loved one’s shoulders. In this article, we share more about how 24-hour nursing care can offer peace of mind.

Does Your Loved One Require 24-Hour Nursing Care?

Sometimes, it can be hard to read the warning signs when your loved one requires assistance with daily living, especially if they live alone. Although some family members may wish to become the primary caregiver for their loved ones, this can be impossible due to work commitments or simply because untrained individuals may not know how to provide the best quality of care. Seniors living with memory-related conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s will also require additional stimulation.

Below are some signs that your loved one will benefit from 24-hour nursing care:

• Increased incidence of accidents such as trips and falls happening, whether it is due to mobility limitations or vision impairments
• Higher reliance on assistive devices to get around the house and outside of it
• Problems with managing incontinence 
• Inability to eat and drink independently
• Increased confusion and wandering due to memory-related conditions
• Social isolation and a low sense of self-confidence due to being unable to accomplish daily tasks
• You or another family member are sacrificing sleep or work commitments to care for your loved one.
• … and more!

What is 24-Hour Nursing Care?

Before taking this step, you will first understand what 24-hour nursing care entails. As implied by its name, someone will always be around to attend to your loved one’s needs. However, this will involve a rotation of two or more caregivers throughout the day and night. These rotations ensure that caregivers are well-rested and ready to handle the care and supervision of their loved ones during their shifts. In particular, seniors who tend to wander at night can benefit from having someone around who will stay alert to their movements.

It is important to understand that 24-hour nursing care is a partnership between your family and the care provider you choose. As these caregivers will be living in close quarters with your loved ones and spending a lot of time with them, you must trust them to provide the best quality of care and maintain regular communication with you on how your loved one is doing.

What is a Continence Assessment?

A continence assessment can help identify the cause of a person’s control issues so they can get the care and support they need to manage their incontinence. These assessments are carried out by specialised health professionals, such as a continence nurse or physiotherapist, usually during a home visit. Depending on your condition, We can provide you with a nursing assessment for urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence, or both.

24-Hour Nursing Care at Home and in a Senior Living Community 

If you have decided that 24-hour nursing care is the best way ahead for your loved one, it’s time to start exploring your options. Both home care providers and senior living communities can provide 24-hour nursing care, and it is largely dependent on your needs, preferences, and budget, which to go for.

Below are some great reasons to choose 24-hour nursing care at home:

• Allow your loved one to stay at home in a familiar setting if that is their wish.
• Ensure that your loved one can continue with the way of life they are used to for as long as possible.

However, keep in mind that on top of the cost of 24-hour nursing care at home, you are still paying out of pocket for utilities, groceries, transportation, and more. Some seniors and their family members may prefer making a move to a senior living community to make budgeting easier and for numerous other reasons. Below are some great reasons to choose 24-hour nursing care in a senior living community:

• One all-inclusive monthly payment covers everything your loved one will need, from meals to insurance and accommodation. In addition, the responsibilities of homeownership such as housekeeping and meal preparation will be lifted off your shoulders. 
• Allow your loved one to stay in a safe and secure environment where everything is customized towards their needs, from the senior-focused living spaces to the comprehensive range of services available.
• Ensure that your loved one is always surrounded by friendly faces – including those of fellow residents – keeping social isolation at bay. 

Whether you opt for 24-hour nursing care at home or in a senior living community, you will benefit from the latest best practices in the senior care industry based on scientifically-backed principles, improving your loved one’s quality of life. Trained and compassionate caregivers who are always ready to lend a helping hand will give you peace of mind that your loved one is in safe hands, freeing up valuable mental space to attend to your other commitments. If your loved one would benefit from 24-hour nursing care, consider taking the step today.