When’s the right time?
Eventually an aging individual may have to move to a seniors’ residence or long-term care facility. For the senior, this is a complex decision as it involves accepting some loss of autonomy and leaving the place that has provided their greatest sense of security: their home. There is much to grieve, and the family caregiver must also grieve the loss of their once autonomous parent.
The role of support during this transition is crucial to alleviating stress and anxiety, and to ensuring the process goes as smoothly as possible. This is especially true for the caregiver, who may wonder:
- Should I respect what my mother wants or should I decide for her?
- How long will I be able to take care of my father?
- Will she be able to adapt to all these changes?
- She’s lived in the same house for 50 years; do I really need to move her out of her home?
Some stats on Canadians aged 85 and over
2046
The year in which the population aged 85 and older is expected to triple, reaching almost 2.5 million.
12 %
People aged 85 and older are among the fastest-growing segments of the population, up 12% from 2016.
3,4 %
In Quebec, the city of Trois-Rivières has the highest percentage of people in this age bracket, representing 3.4% of the population.
Source : Statistics Canada
When?
Although the line is thin and there is no magic formula, the decision to move a person with neurocognitive disorder (NCD) must be made when the safety concerns outweigh the benefits of remaining at home.
Examples of safety issues:
- Forgetting dishes on the stove or turning off the faucet, being confused about how appliances work, etc.
- Wandering around the house and often hurting themselves, going out into the street and getting lost, etc.
- No longer eating properly or being indifferent to certain situations requiring a response (injury, etc.).