When Is The Right Time To Move Into A Care Home?

29.4.24

Moving someone into a private care home in Fife can be both emotional and difficult and the idea of being away from loved ones or having the fear of loosing independence is usually the main cause for upset and anxiety. However, there are many options available these days, ranging from sheltered housing offering independent living or traditional care homes, which have a strong focus on socialisation.

Care homes in Fife are there to help improve the quality of life for those who struggle with daily tasks, alongside providing a safe environment focusing on keeping residents healthy and happy, alongside improving their physical and mental health. Within this blog post, we will give you all the information you might need for when it’s time to consider a care home, along with multiple options.

How Do You Know if an Older Person Needs a Care Home?

There are multiple signs which suggests when someone benefits from moving into a care home and the most important aspect to consider is the individual’s wellbeing or if they’re safe within their home. Some other signs to look out for would be…

Struggling to complete day to day tasks, such as washing, dressing, cooking, getting in and out of bed, going to the toilet and other household management tasks.
Safety risks, such as falls, forgetting to turn off appliances or leaving the house at night.
Mobility issues, such as being unable to move around the house or carry out simple tasks.
Complex medical needs, such as requiring specialist medical care, or needing help to administer medication.
Isolation, loneliness can severely impact someone’s quality of life, therefore leading to mental capacity and health problems.

It is extremely important for older people to be able to receive the level of care that the deserve and require to help maintain their mental health and physical health. It’s often the case where relatives want to provide help for family members, yet it can become increasingly difficult to manage this and then often becomes overwhelming. If someone you know could be a risk to their own safety by still living at home, it might be a good idea to consider a care home, ensuring that their needs and requirements can be met.

Regardless of guilty emotions that can arise, it is essential that you always put their best interests first, managing their home can be difficult, especially as we get older, this is why care homes are there to help alleviate stress.

When Should a Person With Dementia go into a Care Home in Fife?

If someone has dementia and they’re struggling living at home, it can cause some difficulties which can then lead to safety concerns. Dementia is a progressive condition, which means their care needs will increase over time and for this reason, it’s essential to prepare for the future, making sure they will always be able to receive the best levels of care.

Within the early stages of dementia, the individual may only need help with day to day tasks, where as those in the middle to later stages could be in need of more constant supervision and medical assistance from a qualified nurse.

It’s ideal to consider a care home for someone living with dementia if…

They are displaying dangerous behaviour. Those with dementia can experience shifts in personality, memory loss, hallucinations and delusions, aggressive tendencies and loss of inhibitions.
They are experiencing additional health problems. As dementia progresses, health issues can begin to occur, such as infections, falls and a weak immune system.
They are unable to maintain personal hygiene and care. Therefore, their condition can make it difficult for the individual to keep themselves and their surroundings clean.

The Benefit of Moving into a Care Home

We’re aware that the idea of moving someone into a care home can be overwhelming, so it’s important to focus on the long term benefits of someone’s health and wellbeing.

It’s important to remember care homes not only focus on physical requirements, they work to ensure that everyone feels relaxed, safe, respected and happy. Once the stress of household chores goes away, residents are left with more time and energy to socialise with others of similar age, meaning they can get involved in a selection of activities. All homes encourage residents to bring belongings in from home, helping with the transitions alongside helping residents feel more comfortable within the care home.

Within care homes, the staff are able to work with you and your family members, ensuring the transition is as smooth as possible. Some benefits of moving into a residential home in Fife include:

24-hour care & support
A secure & safe environment
No stress of cleaning & maintaining a house
Daily & nutritious meals
Ability for friends & family to visit

Opportunity to socialise & make new friends

Mentally stimulating activities
A familiar & regular routine
A private & personalised room

Alternatives to a Care Home

Everyone is different and sometimes a care home might not always be the best option for everyone. If someone you know is struggling to live at home, yet a care home is not the right answer, it’s worth considering other options which can still provide them with the correct level of care in which they require.

Some alternatives less expensive, which help those who are struggling to afford the costs of a traditional care home. Additionally, there are alternative options of care which can help act as a stepping stone for those who don’t feel comfortable with moving into a care home.

Live-In Care in Your Own Home

Over the recent years, live-in care has increased in popularity. Receiving care within someones own home helps bring comfort and familiarity, allowing for support which is tailored to the individual and providing them to maintain their daily routines and rituals, all alongside receiving high quality care. This option means that there are no changes to the environment which means there is no time needed to adjust; keeping anxiety to a minumum. Furthermore, live-in care allows for couples or families to live together all without the need to be separated. However, if someone is living alone, the daily visit by a carer can provide a form of companionship.

Sheltered Housing

Sheltered housing could be a perfect option for someone if they want to continue living independently, but requires more support within a more manageable home. Sheltered housing is in the form of a group or self-contained bungalows or flats, which can either be bought or rented. This allows individuals to still live in their homes, with neighbours around to provide company. These residential areas are usually for those aged 55 and over, all which include the following facilities:

24-hour emergency help
Security wardens on-site
Support services
Communal areas
Cafes & restaurants
Group & individual activities

Moving in with a Family Member

Moving an elderly family member into a family home can be a good idea to help reduce loneliness and to minimise costs. Additionally, caring for someone within your own home can help make sure that there is always someone to to keep an eye, providing assistance when necessary. If you’re concerned for the personal safety of a relative whilst you’re not around, moving them into your home could help alleviate this. However, it’s important to be realistic about the quality of care you can provide, especially if it needs to be balanced around work and/or childcare, so it’s important to speak with a GP first to make sure that you can plan for the type of care they require.

Moving in to Dalgety Bay Care Home

Dalgety Bay Care Home is a luxury care home in Fife, offering accommodation for 68 residents regarding Residential Care, Nursing Care, Dementia Care and Respite Care. Our premium care home has a range of first class facilities for residents to use, from libraries, a lifestyle programme, a champagne bar, hair salon and in-house cinema. Our warm and welcoming home provides a community feel for all residents with access to each wing and a free-flowing communal area. We have a dedicated team of professionals who provide comprehensive care which ensures that all personal care and medical care needs are met, ensuring they continue to live their fulfilled lives. We are committed to providing our residents with an exceptional way of life, offering facilities which uphold this, from trips to the local community to partaking in a selection of arts and craft sessions, baking and exercise classes - our residents are able to enjoy a meaningful life everyday.

For more information on our luxurious care home, the care we provide or any other questions you may have, please don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly staff today.