The choice to place a loved one in a facility is unique for every family. As with any caregiving decision, the decision should not be taken lightly and all family members or people affected by the decision, including the care receiver, should be included. Research has shown that experiencing one or more of the factors listed below often prompts families to place a loved one in a care facility:
- The care receiver exhibits unpredictable, or perhaps violent, behavior.
- The care receiver has incontinence of the bowel or bladder.
- The caregiver is unable to safely lift or transfer the care receiver.
- The caregiver is experiencing chronic sleep deprivation.
- The caregiver develops health problems that prevent them from providing quality care.
- The caregiver is experiencing resentment towards family members, home-care providers, or the care receiver.
- The caregiver is experiencing significant life stressors.
As a family, the best thing you can do is to choose the type of care that will help you preserve your own and your loved one’s health and relationships. Placing a loved one in a care facility will not make you any less of a caregiver, it will simply change the responsibilities you have in providing care.