Elderly care and quality of life
When it comes to our elderly loved ones, there may come a time when they are unable to care for themselves. How do you know when to help them yourself, or enlist the help of a professional?
It’s never easy when a loved ones health begins to fail. But more difficulty may be in finding the balance of what they need, what they want, and how to get that for them.
“We’re taking care of people’s lives here, and we want to make sure that they know we are taking that stewardship seriously,” said Mike Borup, Executive Director of Quinn Meadows Rehabilitation and Care Center.
After a stroke, fall or extended illness, your loved one may not be ready to go back home and resume their daily lives.
Combination rehab and assisted living facilities offer a variety of ways to gain strength and make the return home easier.
“Generally they’ll be in here anywhere from a week to three weeks,” Borup said.
Facility staff are trusted to take care of some of the most important people in our lives.
However, when serious strokes, falls or dementia cause your loved one to no longer be able to live alone, it’s an important step to take to reach to outside sources for help.
“A lot of times they come and it’s really hard because their loved one is not the person they remember,” Borup explained.
Along with family presence and support, Borup says that sometimes the best way to go is a stay in a rehabilitation facility.
“We really feel that it’s a vital piece to the puzzle, that they come in and are able to learn thing so they can go home and have a good quality experience at home,” said Borup. “We’re all about quality of life here.”
Borup also said that before any steps are taken for medical treatment, you should always speak with a doctor.
It’s also important to have someone who is aware of medications, eating and personal habits before consulting a doctor about rehabilitation or long-term care.
There may come a time when a loved one needs to be placed in expert care to make sure that our elderly family and friends have their dignity while still showing them respect.
But before any of those decisions can be made, it’s important to speak with your loved ones about their wishes… What they would like for themselves – even if they’re no longer able to provide it.
