Bethesda Adult Communities | Help & Advice | Advice

When

If your loved one is no longer safe in his home, and/or needs 24-hour nursing care, you should be considering moving him into a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Be aware of recurring actions that present safety threats such as leaving stove burners on, falling asleep while smoking in bed, leaving doors and windows open or unlocked, inability to maneuver treacherous stairwells, etc..
Is your loved one seemingly aware of her surroundings? Does she have extended conversations with complete (questionable) strangers. Does she get lost on the way home, or find herself not knowing how she got where she is? If these situations are occurring, it should be discussed with your physician, as it may be a sign of memory-related impairment (dementia or Alzheimer's disease), and she may need 24-hour care.
Can your loved one care for his own hygienic needs, i.e, can he help himself in and out of bed and take baths/showers on his own?
Is she able to dress by herself?
Does he remember to take his medication as prescribed?
Is she able to take responsibility for routine household tasks like cooking three meals a day, cleaning the house and doing the laundry?
Is he satisfied with his abilities and situation?
Is she lonely and isolated?
Is he inactive, but has the ability to be active?

If one or more of these circumstances prevail, it may indeed be the right time.
How

Take a walk together, have a nice one-on-one dinner together or do something that you enjoy doing together. Then ask probing questions about how they're doing.
In a caring and sensitive tone, explain your observations and concerns.
Involve your personal physician in the discussion, with your loved one present.
Be willing to listen to their wants and needs.
Provide them with good alternatives, and, if possible, let them be actively involved in making the decision.
Once a decision is made, be sensitive, but courageous.