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How Home Nursing Can Avoid Sending a Aging Parent to a Nursing Home

For many of us with aging parents, making decisions about health care cane be a challenge. We want to respect the wishes of our loved ones but often, it can feel as though we’re between a rock and hard place when it comes to making the real tough decisions. Many of us are uncomfortable leaving an aging parent alone, yet, we cannot bear the thought of considering assisted living facilities. Besides, we want mom or dad to stay in their home, where they’re most comfortable. Luckily, there are options. Home nursing care provides the perfect solution, making it possible to avoid sending an aging parent to a nursing home. 

Checking on and Administering Medications – Nothing is more frustrating or confusing than multiple medications that must be administered to be effective. When you don’t live with your parent, it’s difficult to know how he or she is handling any medications or if they are taking them properly. Luckily, a home nurse has the skills and expertise to offer assistance, provide guidance and overseeing medications. A nurse is familiar with the various types of pills and prescriptions and is more comfortable administering drugs or recognizing behaviors associated with certain drugs. He or she provides security and peace of mind in knowing that a loved one is being looked after on a daily basis – even if for only a few hours.

Ensuring Nutritional Needs are Met – Part of the responsibilities of a skilled home nurse is ensuring your loved one is getting the nutritional benefits of a well-balanced diet. It’s tough to convince mom or dad to eat fruits and vegetables, and often it’s even more difficult to shop for and prepare meals. A home nurse with nutritional expertise can make certain these needs are met and consistently. Keeping aging parents eating properly is a first step towards optimal health and sure way to stay out of a nursing home.

Providing Assistance, Companionship and General Care – Whether we like to admit it or not, many of us have the tendency to be a little overprotective of our aging loved ones. We want them to be safe, and often we underestimate their abilities or control their activities a bit too tightly. A professional home nurse, understands physical limitations and can more effectively allow aging parents to exercise the important independence they need to feel alive.

In addition, having the support of a highly qualified home  nurse means that mom or dad are getting the companionship they need without feeling constrained or “nagged” by a child. This assistance is critical for managing stress, maintaining healthy and staying in your own home.

Making tough decisions regarding an aging parent can be difficult and stressful. When avoiding a nursing home is the goal, a home nurse may be the solution you’ve been looking for. From overseeing medications to helping with meals and providing companionship, a home nurse is a welcome addition. Aging parents are a priority- from safety concerns to nutritional needs- we want the best for our loved ones and we want them to be happy. Home nursing can satisfy both.

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer’s Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com