An Emotional Decision

Placing a loved one in a long-term care facility can become an emotional decision, one which is confronted by hundreds of people every day. There are many types of long-term care services available in facilities of all sizes, as well as a variety of support services. Selecting the right one for your situation can be a trying, heart-rending experience.

The emotions involved take many forms, but most stem from the feelings of inadequacy and guilt accompanying the decision to place a parent or relative with a long-term care facility. Apprehension -- what will happen to mom? How will dad be treated? What about all those stories I've heard? -- is a common feeling. The fear that your relative will not understand your decision, will not like the facility, or will be angry with you for your action adds to your stress. These emotions, accompanied by the over-riding feeling that there is more you should, or could, have done makes the decision to use long-term care services a sensitive one.

To deal with these feelings, make the most rational decision possible. Determine if a nursing or other long-term care facility is needed or if you could better meet the individual's needs in another way. After making your decision, choose a facility to meet the resident's needs, and involve that person in the decision-making process.

By following these simple steps, you should reduce the anxiety and frustration that are felt by most people. This guide is designed to assist you in making that emotional decision and to aid you in determining which facility is right for your loved one.

There are many types of services for persons needing long-term care. It helps to remember that the emphasis of long-term care is on living. The aim is to help a person care for him or herself to the best of their ability, and to return to one's own home and community whenever possible.