Where to begin
There is no ‘right’ time to make a decision about residential care
It may be something you’ve been thinking about and planning for a while or it may be a decision that has to be made quickly.
Either way, this is likely to be a very difficult process. There are sure to be all sorts of emotions for you all – the person moving into residential care, the people who care for that person, and whānau – so finding someone to support and assist you at this time can be helpful.
Sometimes choosing to make the move into residential care can cause division in whānau, for example when whānau members have different ideas of who should provide the care and where. In these situations it is very important to get help, your local organisation can arrange this for you.
A person with dementia has the right to be cared for in a safe, protective environment. But even with help from friends and whānau and other support services, there may come a time when care within a family or private home is not the best for either the person or whoever is caring for them.
Residential care may then be the most appropriate alternative. This certainly doesn’t mean you and other people who have been caring for the person must step back from your role. Rather, it means you now have the support of dementia mate wareware care professionals and can work in partnership with them to continue caring and supporting the person with dementia mate wareware.
Getting help
You do not need to do this alone. Transitioning into residential care can be an overwhelming process so it’s helpful to have expert support and advice. Contact your local organisation to see how they can support you.
More information on residential care can be found on the Eldernet website.