EDITOR’S NOTE: Rodney Harrison is president of Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries.
The Baptist Homes staff regularly receive calls regarding placement for loved ones whose declining health make living alone imprudent. Often, holiday gatherings reinforce concerns regarding the ability of a family member or loved one to safely live alone. In one case, a favorite uncle did not recognize his nephew. That was just one of several concerns raised during this family gathering.
When considering such concerns about a family member, the starting place should be prayer. It is often hard to discern between a bad day and a declining condition. Talk to your loved one’s other family members and neighbors. If the person you are concerned about is a member of a local church, consider contacting the church. This conversation may provide a fresh perspective, along with an opportunity to explore whether the church could provide additional support through member visits.
If a loved one is no longer able to safely manage their daily activities at home, there are usually signs one can monitor. Some of the indicators that one should explore licensed care options – such as Assisted Living, Residential Care or Nursing Home placement – include:
- Difficulty walking, frequent falls, inability to get up from a chair, toilet or tub without assistance
- Memory problems, confusion, trouble managing medication, missing appointments or meals
- Significant weight loss or poor appetite
- Regularly neglecting bathing or grooming
- Unsafe living conditions, unkempt home, hazards in the environment, unsafe food storage
- Spiritual and Social isolation, including withdrawal from church, community activities and social interactions
- Increased need for medical care or medical conditions requiring frequent monitoring
Admission to a licensed facility is not a burden or decision you and your loved one will carry alone. Most communities have social service directors who can help you understand the various care options. A physician will need to complete an assessment and referral before one can move into a licensed home.
At Baptist Homes, our team of healthcare professionals are committed to ministering to the body, soul and spirit of those we serve. For more information about our various care options that include Independent Living (unlicensed homes), Residential Care, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Care and Memory Care, go to https://bhhm.org/become-a-resident/ or call 866-454-2709.